Although the shop was intriguing, she reasoned that it would still be there later. Being a small village everyone knew everyone and everything that was happening so she'd know if it was closing some time soon. As it was she hadn't heard anything, and being a barmaid, would have done from someone or other, the shop wasn't going anywhere. However, her job may be fast disappearing if she didn't get a move on to open up.
After the dreary walk to the Rum's Run in the unlifting fog she finally ended up in her usual routine, doling out drink after drink after drink.
The day was long and her mind kept drifting back to the little, hidden shop. The longer the day dragged, the more appealing the shop seemed to get but by the end of the long shift all thoughts of the shop were gone and the only comforting thought was going home and sleeping the stress away, ready for another day tomorrow.
Tomorrow morning came and again the shop was forgotten, as was the enthusiasm of a brand new day.
Yet another day at the pub was commencing and the usual regulars were predictably pouring in as soon as the doors were opened.
"Jess, m'love, that'll be a whisky over here," came the thick Scottish request across the bar.
"Bit early, don't you think, Charlie? Has your missus kicked you out again, eh?"
"Aye, bad-tempered old boot," he chuckled. Everyone knew that the Anderson marriage was as unpredictable as the sea. Everyone knew that they'd be back together by the end of the day. And everyone knew that it was never anything serious.
"Oh, Charlie. Why do you put up with it, you know she'll take you back but the question is, why do you let her."
"She's not that bad and she needs me. I canny leave her on her own and Lucy dusny need something like that right now. And anyhows why'd you care, fancy some of the old Charlesy." He had always been the charmer, too big-headed for his own good but Jessica loved him. The stories he had to tell were priceless and were well known throughout the town. She regarded him highly, almost like a second father to her and it was plain to see, he had a soft spot for her.
"Cheeky, but I know, you and Maggie, you're made for each other, you are and if anything happens to that, the whole village will go under."
"And flattery will get you everywhere."
"You know I'm right, even if it just gives nothing to the gossip society of the village, and that being the size it is does include the whole village going under!"
"Miss Green, I pay you to sell and serve drinks not to catch up with your social life."
"Catch you later Charlie, the Demon Mistress is calling."
"I'm off anyway, those fish won't catch themselves!"
The time turned to 12:00 and the lunch orders came flooding in.
"Afternoon, Connor, Liam, what can I get you? Usual?"
"Yes, ta. And two pints."
"No problem! Coming right over."
"Cheers."
Connor and Liam were the Irish minority of the village, being an old seaport there were a lot of different cultures, mainly British but there were some French, and a few Spaniards came through every now and again. Most of them left and it was back to being majority English but there were still a few characters to be found.
"Where's that good-for-nothing lay-about of a husband of mine," Margaret Anderson framed the doorway and the tavern fell silent. Whenever she walked into a room all eyes turned towards her. She had lived in this village longer than anyone and was very well respected by all.
"He was in here earlier, Mrs. A, gone out to sea just now. He'll be in soon."
"That's Mrs Anderson to you, young lady and he'd better hope he's home in 5 minutes or he's done for," and with that, she stormed out and the pub was back to its lively self as though she was never there.
The pub gradually quietened until there was only the latenighters who were soon turfed out for closing.
Jessica grabbed her keys and coat and bid farewell for another night.
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