Tending to Needs

“Sir, here is your martini, as James Bond would order it with two olives.”

Rita surveyed the empty bar for the night. It would have been more crowded if it weren’t for the damn game played. None of the regulars wanted to be in the traffic the game would generate. Plus, the fans went to closer establishments to party it up. That considered only three people were in.

One was the owner. He was waiting for the end of her shift to pay her. He was probably ripping her off to some extent. However, most nights, the tips customers gave would more than supplement the still large pay. However, this week, the paycheck would be most of the money coming in.

The other two were regulars that she knew lived close by. Both were quite lovely gentlemen, and the only complaint she had to levy at them was nursing on their drinks for a long time. They still tip her quite a bit, so she could not complain.

The two customers finished their drinks and pulled on their coats. As they left, the soft pattering of rain briefly entered the bar.

“Well, another day and week done and dusted. No one is going to show up besides those two. I close shop early, and you can get some sleep. You want your payment in the usual account.” Grinned the owner.

Rita just nodded her head as she gathered the glasses of the customers. She put them in the washing container. She picked up her umbrella and coat, nodded at the owner nursing his drink, and left for home.

The rain pattered as she trudged her way home. She checked her phone as she passed the still streets. She had enough money for rent and groceries, plus a little extra. Where will that extra go? It could go towards a vacation or an extra game. However, she might consider getting a different job.

Bartending was much more enjoyable than the struggle of her previous work. Who wanted to stare at hundreds of reports and files to ensure the holy AIs were doing the work? There was also the sifting through of the datasets to be as ‘clean’ as possible.

Still, there were other options. The extra money could go to trade school to work on the trains. Or to a government internship to be a federal employee and get government healthcare. She wished that Dr. Haywood, a regular at the bar she worked at, was in today. At least she could discuss some of her thoughts with him. He was a great listener and gave good advice. However, she knew that the professor was at some conference on the East Coast.

She stopped in front of her building, her hand searching her pocket for her keys. She frowned as she pulled up her keys. She only had the mail key for her mailbox and the keys to the bar. She sighed. She had yet again left her apartment keys in the bar. Before dragging herself through the two blocks to the bar, she might as well look at her mail.

Inserting the key into her box and opening it, she peered inside. Two things were in the mailbox. One looked like a letter from her parents. The other was a small booklet of some kind. She pocketed the letter and opened the pamphlet to see what it was. After skimming it, she looked for the nearest trash can. What a waste of good paper. The inking was vivid and clean, and the booklet was expertly bound. It was a shame that a talented person wasted their talents on such a pointless joke.

She spotted the trash can and started towards it. A moment after she disposed of the booklet, the rain intensified. The rain was coming down harder all the time as she moved towards the bar. It got to the point where she could not see a foot in front of her. She stopped, hoping that this rain would ease up so she could move on. When the water stopped, she could not believe her eyes.

A sheet of rain washed over the stage. Thomas looked with intrigue as the water did not escape the edge of the stage. When the rain subsided, on stage stood a shivering woman.

Wet butternut hair hangs limply around her shoulders. An equally colored coat dripped with excess moisture. Her hand swipes away the bangs to reveal dark chocolate eyes.

As she gaped at her surroundings, her hands dropped down. The clattering of the umbrella to the floor snapped her out of her daze. She stooped to pick up the umbrella. She stood back to her full 5’6”, staring at the mansion.

Thomas stared at the sopping-wet woman. It should not surprise him that they had brought the bartender from his favorite bar here. Poor Rita looked miserable in her current state. However, as he turned to Justine, he was surprised at the grimace on her face.

Justine shook her head sorrowfully, “Dear me, it seems our little effect was slightly wet for you. Allow me to dry you off.”

Justine clapped her hands, and Rita felt a sensation. It was warm and comforting as a gentle heat spread through her body. Her clothes went from a clawing clamminess to being embraced by a blanket.

As the sensation faded away, Rita felt a little flush. She unbuttoned the jacket and let it open up. To her surprise, a bit of steam popped out from the opening. She scanned her clothes to see if they were damaged.

Nothing seemed wrong with her black slacks or white blouse. The blue vest that covers the blouse was in perfect order as well. That was good, in Rita’s opinion. This work outfit was the favorite of the ones she owned.

“Now that you are more situated, would you please give an introduction? Name, age, occupation, relation to Dr. Haywood …”

Rita’s eyes widened, and she noticed who the people she faced were.

“Dr. Haywood? Dr. Quirke? Mrs. Popov? Julie? What’s going on?”

Julie, hunched over, muttered, “There’s something mystical happening around here. Don’t antagonize the woman in red.”

Agatha stared at Justine, “Well, dear, we are under the control of some extraordinary beings. I would answer the questions that ‘lady’ asked you.”

“Don’t worry too much about it. Dr. Haywood will ask a more personal question than normal. Please just answer it to the best of your ability.” Tatiana stated.

Thomas adjusted his tie, “I’m sorry, Rita. I don’t know how any of this works. I just ask, what is the dirtiest drink you have ever served?”

Rita gulped down some air to clear a fluttering sensation, “I’m Rita Alesio. I’m twenty-seven. I work as a bartender at the Blue Muses. Dr. Haywood is a regular. The most dirty drink I served? Name-wise, it had to be a bunch of Buttery Nipples to a bunch of drunks college students. There is also a way of serving drinks dirty, but you can mean that. Hygiene-wise, it had to be that stupid wet t-shirt contest on the street for one year. I’m sure that germs and random detritus could have gotten in. I can’t think of anything else.”

“That is quite enough, pet. If you would please quietly sit yourself down. We are a bit behind schedule.” Justine looked at her wrist as if a watch was on it.

Rita wanted to sit by the people she knew. Unfortunately, there were not any open seats on that side. Not wanting to give Justine any reason to do anything, she moved to the chair next to Alexa.

Rita glanced at Clara and Alexa, “I guess you heard my introduction. Can I have yours?”

Clara just stared at Rita with distrust written all over her. Alexa was daydreaming and did not respond.

Justine gave a broad smile, “Don’t turn that dial. Our next contestant is giving an explosive finish to our introductions. With a nod and a smile, here’s …”

AN: We are almost to the end of the introductions.