Cute boys take precedence over closing, right?

“Darling darling Ollie, I would owe you a million favors if you could shut down alone tonight- I’m not sure if you’ve clocked that delicious boy at the end of the bar but he has a curfew, and I simply must ensure he makes it back to his bedroom in time.” Oliver raised an eyebrow at Simon and looked down the bar to see a very cute young black man making sultry eyes at Simon. Turning his back on Kiera, he stared into Simon’s eyes and mouthed “YOU-OWE-ME” before saying aloud “Who am I to deprive a young man of his chaperone. Go on, get out of here” Simon whooped and planted a kiss on Oliver’s cheek before grabbing his phone from the speaker system and whisking his prize away.

Oliver chuckled to himself, joined by a musical chortle from Kiera. “Is he always that… that way?” Kiera asked, taking another small sip of her beer. Oliver sighed, “no not always- sometimes he’s worse.”

Kiera stuck around chatting with Oliver as he did a barebones closing of the bar, he’d happily throw Simon under the bus to Carlos in the morning. It’s not like Carlos had a leg to stand on, dipping out of the closing shift this evening. Kiera proved an excellent companion, making the chores fly by. As Oliver stacked the final tray of clean glasses under the bar, Kiera made her way to the back to join him, her light sunflower printed dress swishing as she walked.

“You know” Kiera started, moving closer to Oliver, “you’re very sweet Oliver.” Oliver turned, standing nearly a head taller than the petite woman. “Thanks Kiera, I really appreciate you keeping me company after Simon ditched us.” Kiera took a tiny step closer “maybe we should thank him? It did give us more time to chat” her voice was low in the stillness of the bar. Oliver was keenly aware of how alone they were, illuminated only by the single row of lights directly above them, the rest of the bar wreathed in darkness. Oliver took his own step forward, pressing into Kiera as he leaned in hesitantly for a kiss.

Kiera raised her head, gently initiating the final inches until their lips met. She pulled back, redfaced, a guilty look coming over her. Oliver tilted his head in confusion “Is everything alright? I’m sorry I thought…” trailing off, unsure of what to say. Kiera looked up at him with tears in her eyes “I’m sorry, I have to tell you that well I wasn’t always Kiera. I used to be- I don’t want you to think that” she choked on her words and made to run away. The realization of her intent washed over Oliver as he knew he had a split second to act.