The Unexpected Best Friends

Chapter 3 – Their friendship

Jamie showed up the following Friday. Early, just like last week and they chatted.

Dave asked about her job-hunting and she was happy to share she did finally get a job, though she’ll continue to watch out for a better one.

“I didn’t realize being an adult is this hard. My parents assured me they’re no longer going to support me after graduation and though I tried hinting it to them that I’m having a hard time getting a job, they didn’t offer to send me money. I mean, sure… they’re done with their responsibility.”

“How about your siblings? They’re working, aren’t they?” Dave gave him a feminine drink, not beer. It was a favorite among the ladies.

“I’m not close to them. They’re much older than I am. We didn’t grow up together. My brother was already in college when I was born, and my sister was already in high school. As I always say, I was the accidental child. They’re not supposed to have a third child.”

“Have you always felt that way? Have you told them?” Dave stared at her face. She is pretty but just not his type. She’s fun to talk to, though.

“More like they told me. They couldn’t wait for me to graduate. They sent me away for college and I haven’t actually returned home in five or six years.” It was a sad reality for her, but… well, others have it worse. Others don’t even have parents. Others get no support from someone. Most of the time, she simply tries to focus on what she has and the things she should be thankful of.

“I’m sorry…” Dave couldn’t exactly relate but he could understand that it hurt her. He realized he should be more grateful to his parents. They even gifted him with this club when he finished his culinary courses.

“Well, to each his own. I’m trying to do well and I sure will give it my best. You know what I realized this last week? I should stop thinking that life is easy. It’s freaking hard.”

Dave chuckled, noting the way she’s still able to smile. “True. We just experience them differently, and at varying levels. You’ve had it worse than me, though.”

“But you’re doing more, aren’t you? You have all these workers depending on you for their living. How does that make you feel? Too much responsibility? Was there ever a time you almost couldn’t pay them on time?”

Speaking of which, Dave sighed at her question. It was too close to home. Dave looked at the bartender and then around his still empty club. It would officially open in about an hour.

“I actually talked to them earlier this week, about how we’re going to have to cut down some costs. We’ve started the dinner menu and it’s going well at the moment. People find it more convenient to eat and drink here, instead of eating somewhere else and then coming here for drinks and company.”

“That’s good, then. Can I have dinner? What’s on the menu? I haven’t eaten yet.”

The bartender seems to be listening to their conversation and conveniently passed a copy of the menu to her.

“Barbecue sounds nice. I’ll have that set, please.”

“They were very understanding, you know. They’re also willing to take a cut so we can focus more resources on making the rooms upstairs usable. They’re still not ready.”

“Those can generate a lot of revenue, won’t it?”

“It should.”

“So, what have you decided? Will you be cutting your workers’ pay?”

“I’m actually working on a sort of agreement. Something like a share of club ownership, you know? Since the funds for their wages would be diverted to the business, they’re actually funding the business. Should we start recording profits, they should receive a share of the profits just like I do.”

“I think I’ve heard of that concept.” Jamie looked around.

“You know, I feel like your workers have the same temperament as you. They look so chill and approachable at the same time.”

“That’s one of my criteria when hiring people. Everyone gets along and understand each other.”

“No one opposed the cut in costs?”

“Well, some expressed concerns, but it’s understandable. They have families to support.”

“I guess you’re still doing financially okay. You’re not rattled yet, are you?”

“No, but I’m starting to get nervous. If things don’t work out… actually, my parents might help me out, so I’m not panicking. I have those backups. It would be embarrassing to do so, but something I’ll be willing to do so I don’t bother my workers.”

“That’s nice.” Jamie commented. If only she has that kind of support… she’ll probably focus all her time and effort on making art pieces. She’s at a point where she can’t pursue what her heart desires the most. She can only daydream. But even that, she can’t spend too much time daydreaming about it. She needs to work her ass off and earn money. She has rent and utilities to pay. Her old beat-up car needs maintenance. There’s so much to account for. Hopefully, her new job would be able to cover those expenses. Her savings has gotten less, she needs to build it up again.

Dave’s not sure how to commiserate with her. They’re in different situations. As much as he wants to help her, he currently doesn’t have the means. He’s not so irresponsible as to promise to help her or anything of the sort. Also, they’ve only met last week. He could say they’re friends at this point, but they’re still close to strangers.

Her meal was served and he let her eat in peace.

“You’ve had dinner already?”

“Yeah, I did. Enjoy your meal. Tell me if it’s to your liking.”

She grimaced. “I don’t think I’m the right person to give an opinion on food. I practically like anything. I eat anything, as long as they don’t taste so bad. And this barbecue tastes great. The sides are my favorite.”

Dave found himself chuckling. She ate with gusto.

Soon, people started coming in and the club was filled. It’s Friday night after all.

Jamie sat in a corner while Dave went to check on customers. She was chilling with the music.

Over an hour later, her damn ex showed up. She saw him first and his presence made her feel complicated. No, she doesn’t love him anymore. But she’s angry at him. He’s a cheating bastard. Thankfully, Dave came to sit next to her again and she told him about Daniel.

He looked around to watch out for him. He could see how much it affected his new friend.

“Have you seen your ex since you broke up? What did you feel seeing her again?”

He grunted at hearing the question. “Saw her. Ignored her for all she’s worth.”

“But does she still make you angry?” She asked because that’s what she’s feeling in that moment.

Dave took a few seconds to consider, “Yes.”

“Good to know it’s normal reaction.”

She didn’t notice that said ex crept closer to her and Dave. He squinted at her new friend and sized him up. She almost laughed. He probably doesn’t know that Dave owns the club. It looks like he’s going to spout some nonsense or insults towards them.

He didn’t disappoint. He actually did and she’s getting secondhand embarrassment from the way he acted. Not to mention, he clearly said she’s his ex. Damn.

Dave, for his part, remain cool and collected. When Daniel was done ranting and spewing so much unpleasant nonsense, Dave replied.

“Alright. You’re no longer welcome here. You’re banned from my club. Get the f**k out.” He sounded very authoritative and domineering in that moment.

Daniel got a shock. There is a security personnel by the entrance and he collected the trash from the inside. He took a good look at him before throwing him out.

“That felt good to see.”

“You could do better than him next time.”

“Sure will.” She lopsidedly agreed. What did she see in him again? He was such a bastard. With how nasty he acted, she could no longer connect him with the sweet guy who wooed her years ago.

“Well, people change.”

“That’s true.”

“I think I should go back now. Sorry for… I’ll come and chat with you again soon.”

“How about tomorrow? Do you have something going on?”

“Why? Do you have a part-time job for me?”

He chuckled. “Well, I’m thinking of working on the rooms ourselves. You can probably design the walls or something.”

“Ohhh, that sounds promising. What do you have in mind?” She’s a sucker for art. She’d be willing to work on them for free, to be honest. Just to have another chance to do something with her hands. To dirty her hands with paint again.