Love Bites

William Appears

"Hmm, maybe you've got a point." Beau says chewing his lip. "I don't know if I could be adequately devastated, as long as I know you're out there somewhere, I'd have hope that I'd be able to see you again."

"Beau, sweetie." I sigh, a small group of customers stepping up to the bar. I look around, but Dave is busy clearing tables. "Let me help sweetheart." I say, rounding the bar and pecking a quick kiss on his cheek. I don't like the way the women in this group are ogling my man. "So, what can we get you folks?"

"Thank you baby." Beau says softly grinning. I mix a bahama mama for one of the ladies, finishing it with an orange slice and a cherry. "Hmm, sexy and skilled. Aren't I lucky?" He winks at me, as I slide the drink to its owner. "Then I'll get the drafts for these gentlemen and leave the martini to you baby."

"Uhm, actually..." The woman begins, fidgeting nervously. "Could you make it a gibson, since you know your drinks?" She blushes and I smile at her, not having heard anyone order that drink in ages.

"Of course." I say, beginning to mix and shake the drink. "You do have the onions, right?" I ask Beau and he points to the fridge beneath the bar.

"Rarely get to use them these days, center drawer baby." Beau says, passing the men their draft beers. "I'm surprised you know what a gibson is." He laughs, bumping my hip with his own.

   The two couples take their drinks, starting a running tab and I stay behind the bar helping out. There's a lull in the orders and I feel Beau's arms slip around my stomach, his chin resting on my shoulder. He makes a little humming noise and kisses my neck.

"Let me guess, you've worked as a bartender before?" Beau asks, his hands moving to glide over my ass.

"Yeah, for a few years." I turn to whisper in his ear. "During the roaring twenties and prohibition, fun times." I chuckle, as he shakes his head and his eyes widen in disbelief.

"I don't know if I'll ever get used to that." Beau grins and pulls away to cash out a customer's tab.

"Uhm, may I ask you a question?" The young man says, nervously looking from Beau to me and pulling a familiar gaudy cross from inside his shirt.

"God's Light hasn't been around here for awhile." I say, pulling Beau closer and angling my body in front of his.

"Oh no Sir! I'm not here to cause no trouble!" The young man says, tossing his hands into the air. "Besides, there's a truce now." He swallows hard looking at me and he begins to fidget. "Uhm, there's a rumor about this place now. You don't discriminate between classes or... species." He whispers, looking around. "You have God's Light, vampire, and familiar customers mingling with humans." He clears his throat, watching the way I shield Beau. "Some say, it's because the human owner fell in love with a vampire and, since they don't want to be discriminated against, they welcome everyone who keeps the peace." He tilts his head, Beau peeking from behind me and wrapping his arms around me.

"Wow baby, our love is already sparking rumors." Beau kisses my cheek and smiles at the young man. "It's true. I love him and he loves me too."

"How could I not?" I say, placing my arms atop his that are wrapped tightly around me. "It's also true that, as long as no one starts trouble, everyone is welcome here." I sigh, and mumble. "Everyone but William."

"Uhm, Sir?" The young man asks, looking at me and taking a deep breath. "I just want to say, thank you for not killing my brother. They had no right to come in here and start trouble with other humans. That's forbidden and... he's been reflecting lots. He said he's never seen a vampire in thrall have that much self control. We ain't been in the Light long, but he told me, he'd never seen a vampire show mercy before. It made him realize that maybe, we're not as different as we're told we are. Anyway, thanks. He's all the family I got left now." The young man bows and quietly leaves. I'm just standing here like a statue. Did that kid just thank me?