Her Coworker - Asher

“I’m heading to work babe!” Emma called out, slipping on her shoes at the front of our apartment.

“Have a good time.” I smiled, walking over to her.

She turned towards me with a smile, lightly pecking my cheek.

“I’ll be getting off work early, so I think I’ll be able to stop by.” I tell her.

“Really?” She looks at me with a smile. “Alright, then I’ll be expecting you.”

With a skip in her step she exits the apartment, leaving me alone.

Emma just started working at her new job two weeks ago, a nice aesthetic bar by the name of “The Wooden Tavern”. It’s a really nice place that serves both food and ****. She was able to get a job there as a waitress thanks to one of her connections from college. It’s a temporary job until she’s able to get a job from her major.

As for me, I’m currently a networker. Filled with long and boring hours, but it’s slowly getting better and better. After getting ready for work I head out to my job.

It’s about eight hours later that I finally get off. Checking the time as I walk to The Wooden Tavern, I see that it’s already eight. Emma’s shift ends at nine so I’ll walk her back once her shift is done.

I finally arrive to the bar, opening the doors to an aesthetically pleasing wooden-styled tavern. What a surprise, huh?

I already see Emma serving food to two customers at a table. She’s wearing a simple white buttoned shirt with a black skirt. In my opinion, it’s the simplicity that makes it look so great.

I find myself a seat at an empty booth in the corner of the restaurant. As Emma gives the men their food she glances over to me, smiling as our eyes connect.

“Babe!” She hurries over with a smile. “You finally made it!”

“Sorry for the wait.” I nod. “What would you recommend?”

“Oh! I’ll ask Asher to make you a cocktail!” She grins. “Asher’s the bartender, and his cocktails are the best I’ve had.”

“Really?” I reply. “Alright then, please do.”

Emma hurries off and I see her talk to the guy behind the bar. He’s in a sleek suit, with slicked back black hair and dark eyes. Gotta say, he looks like what I imagine a bartender would.

It doesn’t take much longer for Emma to deliver the cocktail and she wasn’t lying, it tastes great. I sit there on my phone, aimlessly keeping myself busy until it’s time for Emma’s shift to end.

It’s 9:10 when she finally arrives back at the table with a clearing of her throat. I look up, seeing her beaming down at me. Though, on her neck…

There’s a small red mark, circular in shape on the right side of her neck. Looks like she got bitten by a bug. It’s currently that season, and not even bars are safe from them it seems.

I stand up, following Emma out when the man who should be behind the bar approaches us with a smile.

“You must be John.” He greets, holding his hand out. I grab his hand, suddenly finding myself in a hard handshake. “I’ve heard much about you.”

“Asher!” Emma blushes.

“Nice to meet you too.” I reply. “Emma was right, your cocktail was great.”

“Thanks.” He nods, eyes turning to Emma. “I’ll see you tomorrow then, Emma.”

“See you tomorrow.” Emma whispers, suddenly becoming shy.

Seems like she hasn’t fully shaken that quality from college.

We leave the bar, walking back home. Little did I know at the time, I would be seeing Asher a lot more going forwards.