Prologue
Annabelle sighs, wiping her forehead off, as she cleans off her last table for closing time at the bar before glancing up at the clock on the wall. She shook her head in disbelief as she noticed it was already half past three. ‘I cannot keep doing this.’ She thinks to herself as she recollects the multiple times she got stiffed that night. Glancing at the half-empty jar on the bar that was supposed to be split between her and the bartender, Sarah, who has been her best friend since grade school and inherited the bar from her parents. “So how bad do you think we did tonight?” Annabelle asks, her voice full of exhaustion as her amber-brown eyes gaze lazily at her best friend, who flips the jar upside down and starts counting.
“From the looks of it, probably worse than last night...” Sarah mutters dejectedly, shaking her head and causing her short blonde hair to fan around her face slightly before glancing up at the brunette.
Groaning Annabelle hits the table with her palm firmly before dropping her cleaning cloth and looking at Sarah. “I hope you can forgive me for this, but...“ She starts out slightly hesitant, and before finishing, she removes her apron from around her waist, setting it down. “I saw a job opportunity out of town and applied; I did not think I would get it. But they called me today and offered me the position. With the pay offered, I just am not able to pass up the opportunity, especially after tonight. I told them I would think about it and get back with them tomorrow. I am sorry.” She blurts out, looking up at her best friend from under her bangs, hoping for understanding.
Sarah stares for a moment in disbelief before sighing and nodding in understanding. “I get it; this isn’t your family business.” She chuckles for a moment before forcing a smile on her face. “Besides, it’s not like I will never see you again; you will come and visit me, or I will hunt your ass down and kidnap you.” She jokes before tossing a cleaning cloth at her chest.
“Of course, we will visit each other!” She exclaims before running over to her best friend and embracing her in a tight hug.
