My first shift was going surprisingly well.
At first, I was worried I'd spill a drink on a VIP or forget who ordered what, but after the first few rounds, I got into the rhythm. The music was loud, the neon lights cast everything in a soft glow, and people were either dancing, drinking, or chatting in booths. It was chaotic, but in an oddly exciting way.
"Not bad for a first-timer," the bartender, a tall guy named Rick, said as he slid a cocktail toward me.
"Thanks," I grinned, grabbing the tray. "I think I'm actually enjoying this."
Rick chuckled. "Give it a few more nights. Let's see if you're still smiling after dealing with a drunk fight or someone throwing up in a VIP booth."
I grimaced. "Right. Can't wait for that experience."
He laughed, and I took the drinks to their tables.
Hours passed, and I barely noticed the time. But eventually, nature called, and I figured it was the perfect time to take a short break.
I weaved through the crowd toward the bathroom hallway, but as I turned the corner, a strange feeling crept up my spine.
Someone was behind me.
At first, I thought it was just another customer heading in the same direction, but the presence felt… off. I didn't dare turn around, but my body tensed.
I picked up my pace.
So did they.
My heart pounded. I wasn't imagining it.
Screw this.
I broke into a run, practically diving into the female bathroom and slamming the door shut. I pressed my back against it, breathing hard.
I could feel it. Someone was just outside. Waiting.
What the hell do I do?
I stayed quiet, listening. The club music was muffled through the walls, but the silence in the bathroom was deafening.
Then—
BANG!
Something—or someone—slammed against the door, making me jump.
Then I heard a familiar voice.
"Relax, it's just me," Stella's voice came from the other side. "Come out, Rose."
I hesitated. "Stella?"
"Yes. And next time, don't run into a bathroom and lock yourself in. Some people are crazy enough to break the stall door if they're desperate enough."
I swallowed and slowly unlocked the door.
The moment I stepped out, my eyes widened.
A man was sprawled on the floor, completely knocked out. His breath reeked of alcohol, and there was a visible lump on his forehead.
"You—" I stared at Stella. "You did this?"
She crossed her arms. "I didn't even have to do much. He was too drunk to react properly when I tripped him."
I exhaled. "I—Thank you. I don't even know what he wanted—"
"Nothing good," Stella cut in. "That's why you have to be careful. Especially in a place like this."
I nodded, still shaken. "How did you even find me?"
"Find you?" She scoffed. "I wasn't even looking for you. This is a club, Rose. Anybody can be here. I just happened to see you serving drinks and was shocked you worked here. Then I saw you heading to the bathroom and noticed this creep following you."
I rubbed my arms, still processing everything.
"Come on," Stella said, jerking her head toward the bar. "Let's get you back to work. And from now on, if you ever feel like someone's following you, don't run into an empty space. Find a crowd."
I nodded, following her.