Henry’s
Dust whipped up behind my red Honda Civic as I cruised down the pavement. The drive was basically a straight shot, once you got to the main road. Before that though the roads leading home are a little more free flowing. Hills, bends, and yes plenty of pot holes and ditches. My breaks squealed a little as a I came to a stop. I knew I should have replaced them already but working at Henry’s “paid the bills” and that’s about as far as my paycheck takes me. As I pulled on to the main road; Creek County St., I considered getting another job. I had considered it before but it would mean giving up weekends at Waymonts Animal Rescue and Game Preserve. Volunteering there is the only thing I acutually enjoy doing and giving it up for money felt...wrong. Giving up the tavern would be better but bartending at Tully’s earns me cash on the spot. Sighing at my indecisiveness I realized I was pulling into Henry’s.
I pulled around the side and put the old girl in park in my supervisor spot. Staying in the car for a few moments, I clip on my name tag, spread on some lip balm, and take in my appearance for a moment. Blonde hair, pulled in to a high pony. Unique grey eyes revealing nothing, like cold steel. Full lips, freshly moisturized but waiting for no one.
“Tarren!”
Almost jumping out of my skin I turned towards the offender at my window. Hand on my heart I release a shaky breath and roll down my window.
“Hello Mrs. Polluck! What can I do for you?”
“Sorry for jumping ya, Tare!” She gave a throaty laugh.
I smiled, nothing got past Mrs.Polluck.
“Anyway wasn’t sure if you heard but few folks been coming down with something. Heard it on the news today, Bick said it started over there in Europe and it’s finally made its way here.”
I had caught snippets of information from customers but hadn’t taken the time to see the news coverage herself. Some sort of respiratory disease making its way across the globe. Making a mental note to look it up, I thanked Mrs.Polluck for the update and for being concerned about me, and I was headed inside.
