Luna’s Shift

Luna Flores had been warned about taking the job at Rackers. Bad business, her cousin Teresa had said, gangsters and shit. You’ll end up in trouble working there.

Her cousin wasn’t wrong. The things Luna had seen waiting tables, **** deals, threats, ****, all could put her in hot water with both the cops and the customers. And now it looked like she was about to see a ****.

“Shoulda taken the job at the hotel,” she muttered quietly, making her way behind the bar for protection. Cleaning rooms didn’t pay much, but at least she’d be able to sleep better.

“What the fuck is going on?” She whispered to Chaz, the bartender as she ducked down, hiding from the action.

“It’s that dipshit Rick,” Chaz whispered back, “he’s pulled a gun on that new guy, the one in the red dress.”

“Fucking Rick,” she spat quietly. Luna hated Rick. Everyone hated Rick. He was so unlikeable. He tried so hard to be a tough guy, marching around like he was in charge, but everyone knew it was T-Bar that ran things around here. Rick was no leader; he was pathetic.

“Put the fucking gun down, asshole,” T-Bar shouted at his idiot sidekick. Luna has no idea why the big man allowed Rick to even show his face at Rackers. He brought the respectability of the joint in question.

“But T-Bar, he’s…” Rick whined.

“He’s my guest,” T-Bar said with authority, “and you need to show him the respect he deserves. So if you don’t put the gun away, I’m gonna have to fuck you up.”

There was silence for a moment, then Chaz whispered down to her, “It’s okay now. He’s put it away.”

Luna got to her feet and surveyed the scene. Rick was sitting down, shoulders slumped, staring at the table. What a loser.

T-Bar was extending his hand and smiling, hoping that the new guy would accept his warm greeting. She usually didn’t see the big man welcome people so kindly. He had more than a bit of a temper, and usually didn’t give people he didn’t know the time of the day.

But this new guy, well Luna could see why T-Bar was treating him differently. Not only had the man walked in with an impressive woman on his arm, one that could either be his date or his bodyguard, but there was this aire is dignity about him, it made her want to treat him well, better than she treated the usual patrons.

“Here,” Chaz said, sliding a couple drinks her way, “the new guy ordered these when they came in.”

Luna smiled. She was going to get the chance to serve the new guy! It was what he deserved, really. She had never met him, but already she held in in such high esteem.

The drinks on a tray, Luna walked to the table around which sat the big man, the pathetic loser, the new guy, and his lady friend. T-Bar and the new guy were in the middle of a conversation when she bent down to place the glasses on the table.

“Thanks,” the new guy said, smiling.

Luna hadn’t gotten a good look at him when he had walked in, but just at the sight of him she felt her loins heat up. He should be in the movies! Yes, his body was incredible (thin waist, big tits, sexy legs), but his face was to die for. His cute button nose, his round, soft jawline, his amazing cheekbones, he was the picture of masculinity, like if George Clooney and Ryan Reynolds had a baby.

What a contrast to that worm Rick, right across the table. His oversized Roman nose, big, chiseled jawline, rugged bone structure, all emphasized what a pitiful excuse of a man he was.

“Tim,” T-Bar began, and then corrected himself, “Mr. Thompson, I see your point about Martina. She is a sweet woman, and innocent, but I can’t have that kind of heat on my organization.”

“I’m not looking to bring you down,” the new guy, Mr. Thompson said, “I’m looking to get her out. All you need is a substitute, someone to take her place. My friend,” he indicated the woman he was with, “is very connected in the justice system and can make sure that all the right people know all the right things.”

“But I can’t just **** one of my guys to take the fall for everything.” T-Bar said.

“Yes you can,” Mr. Thompson said, “And I know just the guy.”

“Who?”

“How about Rick?”

Oh thank god! Mr. Thompson’s idea was brilliant! Luna imagined how much better every shift would be without having to look in the face of that dweeb. She turned from the table and headed back to the bar to tell Chaz the good news, but not before she overheard T-Bar behind her.

“Luna,” he called, “get me a drink, and one for my pal Rick over here. He needs a going away present.”

“Yes sir!” She called over he shoulder, a spring in her step. What had looked like it would be a horrible shift was turning around so quickly! Maybe this job wouldn’t be that bad after all!