CHAPTER 7

JASON

I heaved a sigh of relief as I parked behind my place of work. I looked at my watch, 7 pm. Owning a bar, especially one that was close to the beach, was extremely stressful but I enjoyed it. I opened it 2 years ago, with the help of my friends so it was still up-and-coming but it was booming at least.

If someone told me 2 years ago, that I would leave my job as a software engineer in CodeMasters and open a bar, I would have laughed hard but look at me now. I still did software development on the side, especially when I had the time to but owning a bar was amazing. Regardless of how tasking it was, I enjoyed it.

I had just returned from receiving the inventories I ordered for the bar a few weeks back. It was supposed to be delivered to me but a minor issue came up so I had to take them myself. Thankfully, I didn’t order a lot this time.

I turned to look at my back seat – boxes of new alcoholic drinks, glass wares, and mixers were arranged there. I heaved a tired sigh and got out of the car, making a mental note to take them later or tomorrow.

“Good evening Boss,” Patrick, the bartender greeted me as I walked into the bar with the back door. I nodded and sat on one of the stools. “How did it go?” He continued as he handed me a glass of water.

“Stressful as usual but I got them all,” I downed the entire glass at a go. “Thanks.” I added. He nodded in acknowledgment.

I looked around the bar. “We need more people to work here, what do you think?”

“Slow and steady boss. You are already doing your best.” He said and I smiled

Thankfully, I got customers every day. So that was a win.

I watched as one of the cleaners wiped the tables with a towel. I turned to Patrick.

“Any news for me?” I asked and he nodded like he had just remembered something.

“A lady came by, looking for you. She said she was going to wait but with her demeanor, I think she left.”

“Demeanor?” I asked.

“Yeah, she looked sad, or perhaps angry. She ordered a mocktail, went close to the beach, returned, ordered a full bottle of Tequila, and left about 10 minutes before you walked in.”

No. It can’t be.

“Could you describe her for me? I asked. Patrick looked at me, amused.

“Okay, if you say so.” He started. “She is of average height, slightly dark in complexion, and might I add, really pretty.” He concluded.

“Did she tell you anything before leaving?” I asked.

“Just her name, Jennifer.” He replied.

Damn, she drank Tequila again. Oh well, I tried. I thought to myself.

I looked at the wall clock, it was 7:30 pm. I told Patrick to go home because it was getting late and he didn’t have a place close by. The beach was private so I could stay open for the whole day because anyone could come to the beach at any time.

Patrick left, the customers that were there also left, other workers left too, and I was alone. I listened to the waves coming from the beach; for some odd reason, it resonated with me calmly. I looked outside the window and saw someone, I could tell from the outfit that it was a lady. I couldn’t tell who she was because it was already dark and it was quite far. She was sitting close to shore, drinking. I couldn’t tell what she was drinking but it looked like alcohol. I suddenly became intrigued.

Why is she drinking alone by the beach at this time? I wondered within myself and kept watching. I knew she finished the bottle when she dropped it beside her and laid down. I shook my head. The waves were getting stronger and they were coming closer to shore.

Hm, I hope she is okay though.

I watched her bring something out of what looked like her bag and stare at it. I wondered what she was staring at. I didn’t know how long I watched her stare at the object because it didn’t take long for me to realize that she had dozed off.

I scoffed.

“You shouldn’t be sleeping there.” I thought out loud. I wanted to go out to wake her up but I didn’t know she was going to react. The last time I extended my help to someone, I was beaten till I woke up. I mean, what if this one was a mad woman?

So, I got up, ensured that things were in order around the bar, walked upstairs to my room, and dumped myself on the bed. I was so exhausted. I closed my eyes, hoping that sleep would engulf me. I was very sure I closed my eyes for close to 15 minutes because when I opened my eyes to check the time, it was 8:15 pm.

I groaned and kicked the air, frustrated. I needed sleep but it wasn’t coming.

Perhaps I should bring out the things from the car now. I thought before dragged myself out of the bed and downstairs. Before opening the back door, I felt the urge to check if she was still there so I did. She was there, still asleep.

I shook my head with a laugh before walking to my car to begin off-loading. I carried the glass wares and mixers first because they were less heavy. I purchased 20 sets of mixers, 20 sets of glass wares, and 10 cartons of alcoholic drinks. I carefully carried the glass wares inside and arranged them first then did the same for the mixers. When I was done with arranging, I carried a carton of drinks and decided that after arranging the bottles, I was not going to continue, till tomorrow. I was so exhausted.

I sat on the bar stool to rest, then looked out the window again. She was finally awake but it looked like she was searching for something. I began to wonder what it was. I watched as she used what seemed to be her phone’s torchlight to check around where she laid. I watched her walk around the beach. It was honestly entertaining because at some point, she looked like she was going crazy. She suddenly sat down and started scratching her braids in frustration. I had no choice but to laugh.

“Is what you’re searching for worth it though?” I asked while watching her. The beach was private and safe so I didn’t think someone robbed her. I kept watching, wondering what she was going to do next.

I just hope it is nothing crazy.

Lo and behold, it was.

She walked towards the beach. At first, I thought she was going to stop there but she kept going further till I could see only her head.

Is this woman insane? What is she doing?

My instincts kicked in, I ran out of my bar and towards the beach. This was no longer entertaining. I thought I was watching a live suicide.

“Hello, ma’am?! You need to get out, the waves are getting stronger!” I shouted as I ran to her direction.

She ignored me. It seemed like she was still searching for something.

“Hello??!!” I called out again. Still no answer.

I can’t take this anymore. I said to myself as I removed my slippers and walked into the water towards her.

“You need to leave the water right now, this is unsafe,” I said, moving closer to her. Still no answer.

I touched her shoulder, “Ma-“ I couldn’t finish my sentence because her left hand met my right cheek, hard. I couldn’t believe it.

“Leave me alone!” She shrieked as she turned to me. I looked at her and froze.

“You’ve got to be kidding me. You?!!!” It was Jennifer. I looked at her in disbelief because what were the odds????

“Leave me alone! I have to find it. I can’t live with myself if I don’t!” She sounded like she was crying. The waves were getting stronger and slapped our faces.

“We have to leave, now!” I shouted back.

“Mind your freaking business while I mind mine, Mister!” She spat out.

I couldn’t believe it.

She was insane and I wasn’t having it. I had 2 options, leave her or drag her out. The former was looking rather enticing because clearly, she didn’t need my help. I watched as she frantically kept searching for God knows what, the waves interrupting her and me as well.

That’s it.

I didn’t care anymore. I carried her in my arms.

“How dare you?! Put me down!” She shouted hitting my shoulder. It hurt but I endured. I could tell that she was slightly drunk because her eyes were all over the place.

“Leave me alone!” She shrieked. I looked at her with contempt as I walked towards my bar, dropping her close to my car.

“Wait here.” I commanded and went close to the beach to get her bag and shoe. I picked up what I presumed to be her phone and walked toward her. She was already leaning on the car, dozing off.

“Hey!” I snapped my fingers and she opened her eyes. “Is this yours?” I rose the phone close to her face and she nodded.

“Alright then. Let’s go in.” I said.

“What for?” She asked rudely.

I looked at her, “To sober you up ma’am.” I replied in the same manner.

“I’m perfectly okay.” She said as she struggled to get up. She yanked her things from my hands and staggered in the opposite direction. I didn’t know why I was helping her, but I wanted to. I held her hand, stopping her from moving.

“Leave me alone.” She commanded.

“Let’s get you sober.” I dragged her into the bar and sat her on one of the chairs.

“I said I’m okay. Are you deaf??!!” She asked.

Damn, she is rude.

I ignored her and started preparing coffee. I handed it to her with a bottle of water and sat on the chair opposite.

“What’s this?” She asked, giving me a hard look.

“You claim to be perfectly fine. Which means you should know what this is.” I replied. She looked at me and in that instant, I knew I had won.

She picked up the cup and sipped a little.

“Sip more.” I said, and she did. She kept sipping until it was done.

“Drink some water too.” I said. She rolled her eyes as she opened the bottle of water and took a huge gulp letting out a silent burp.

“How do you feel now?” I asked. She looked at me, she looked better now. The alcohol was leaving her system.

“Much better, thanks.” She said and put her head down. She looked up at me again, “Why did you help me?” She asked.

“Excuse me??” I couldn’t believe those words came out of her mouth.

“Did I ask for your help? Why did you help me?” She asked again.

I stared at her in disbelief before leaning towards the table that divided us, “You would have died, and all you care about right now is why I helped you?”

“Yes, you shouldn’t have done that.” She said.

What is wrong with this woman?

Is she insane? She probably is.

“Are you insane?” I had to ask.

She looked at me, puzzled, “What do you mean?” She asked. “I had to search for it in the water!”

“Sorry to burst your bubble but you weren’t going to find whatever you were looking for in that water, not with those waves.” I said calmly, arms crossed.

She sighed and looked down again. The room became silent but it wasn’t the awkward kind.

I got up, picked up the empty cup, and took it to the sink to wash it. When I was done, she was still sitting. I assumed that she fully sober now, so I walked up to her, ready to tell her to leave but she spoke.

“I lost my engagement ring in the water.” She said as she looked at me with tears in her eyes.

I sat down to listen.

“I just wanted to get it back. I knew going into the water was dumb but I still wanted to try.”

“ You would have died.” I said.

“That seems like the best option now.” She said with a laugh. After hearing those words, I knew she had a lot to say so I didn’t want to interrupt her, I was ready to listen.

“Today was Brian’s 29th and he is dead.”

I looked at her with so much pity.

“I know you might find what I am about to say, hard to believe but it is the truth, I hadn’t taken any alcohol for a week till today. Google Photos showed me a video from 2 years back and I relapsed.” She paused then continued, “I was staring at the ring and dozed off, I guess the water took it away so I foolishly went in, hoping that I would recover it.”

This felt so sad but pathetic, extremely pathetic in a very pitiful way.

“I’m sorry for the way I acted. I shouldn’t have slapped you. I shouldn’t have said the things I said here too. I’m also thankful, for saving me. I don’t know what would have happened if you didn’t.”

“It is fine.” I started. “You’re going to be fine Jennifer but you’re only going to be fine if you work towards it.” I concluded.

She nodded in agreement then opened up her bag and brought out a handkerchief.

“This is yours.” She said, handing it to me. I took it from her.

“I came here to talk to you about something business-wise. We can’t discuss it right now due to the time. So, when is fine for you?” She asked.

“Tomorrow evening is fine.” I replied and she nodded in agreement.

“I’ll pass by tomorrow for us to talk about it then.” She said.

“Sure thing.” I replied.

She got up, “I have to take my leave now but I’ll see you tomorrow. Thank you so much for everything, Jason.”

I knew this was a stupid thing to ask, but I still did, I couldn’t shut my mouth.

“Would you like to sleep here? I would sleep in one of the other rooms, don’t you worry.” I suggested. She gave me a puzzled look.

“I asked because it is late, and you look a mess, I won’t lie. So why don’t you leave tomorrow morning instead?” I said.

She nodded instantly. “That’s a good idea. Thank you so much.” She said with a smile.

“Don’t mention.” I said. “We could even talk about the idea before you leave.” I added and she snapped her fingers, agreeing with me.

“Quick question Jason,” She started, “Why are you this nice to me?” She asked.

I shrugged, “I am nicer than you, I guess.” She laughed, she laughed so hard and nodded because she knew it was true. I admired her laugh, I had heard it once when we sat close to her car after the incident with her ex-mother-in-law. Her laugh was genuine and beautiful.

We walked upstairs together. I escorted her to the room, showed her the extra towel, and toothbrush she might have needed the next day or even tonight because she was covered in sand.

After that, I walked out and gave out a satisfied smile because making someone feel better, made me feel better.