Yes, surprise her at the tavern

I walk over to The Wooden Tavern from my work, making it about two hours before Emma’s shift closes. As I enter the bar I see it’s quite a busy and noisy day with a lot of people around.

I do a quick scan, looking for Emma, but I can’t seem to find her anywhere. Asher is behind the bar, so I might as well go and ask him.

He’s leaning forwards at the bar, head down, and seems to be breathing heavily. Oh no, is he getting sick? He should be at his apartment if so, not here!

“Asher!” I call out, approaching the bar.

As I get closer I start to hear some strange sound. It almost sounds like someone slurping noodles, but as far as I remember noodles isn’t one of the food items sold here. But I’m probably hearing it wrong, it is super busy today.

His head jerks up, a grin crossing his face as he sets his eyes on me. “Hey…John.” He breathes out.

The sound suddenly stopped. Eh, who cares about it. I gotta make sure Asher is alright.

“You doing okay?” I ask. “You’re looking kind of sick.”

“Oh, I’m doing phenomenal.” He smiles. “Just a bit…tired.”

The sucking sound started once again as I saw Asher wince from his sickness he so desperately is trying to hide.

“You sure you’re alright?” I questioned.

“Fuck…” He breathed out. It didn’t really seem like he was looking at me right now. “…just like that. Keep going.”

Oh no, he’s started saying random things!

“Hey dude, you good?” I questioned. “I think you have a fever.”

The slurping continued as he lightly shook, hands gripping onto the bar. He let out another heavy breath, looking back up at me.

“Sorry, sorry, I’m fine.” He chuckled. “It’s just…the throat.”

“Your throat is sore too?” I blinked. “Asher, you’re definitely sick. You should take the rest of today off.”

“Just a…little longer.” He grunted. “I’m close…”

“Close? You have two hours left.” I argued.

He leaned over as the sucking sounds grew more intense. Seriously, what is that noise? I shake the thought away, I need to focus on helping this stubborn fool.

Anyways, he was leaned over, breathing heavily. And honestly, I think he’s going to puke.

“Come on, let’s go to the bathroom.” I tell him, stepping away from the bar. “You’re going to puke.”

“I’m coming!” He gasped, his body shaking once more.

With those words I turned away, only to hear a sudden gagging sound. Oh no, is he about to hurl?!

I turned back towards him as the gagging sound continued, Asher’s head facing towards the bar, before finally I heard the clear sound of a gulp.

“Heh, I’m good.” Asher smiled, pushing himself upright. He stretched his arms above his head, suddenly looking really refreshed.

“You sure…?” I questioned. “I think you just swallowed your puke.”

“Don’t worry, I’m feeling great.” He grinned. “That’s just how sickness works with me. Sudden, but goes by quickly.”

“Huh. Strange.” I shrugged. “Well, I’m glad you’re alright.”

Now that I think about it, that slurping sound is gone. I wonder what that was?

Wait a second, I completely forgot to ask Asher where Emma is because of that whole sick debacle!

“Hey, Asher.” I said. “Do you know where Emma is?”

The grin on his face seemed to grow wider.

“She’s on break.” He replied. “Go ahead and grab a seat, she’ll be with you shortly.”

“Alright, thanks.” I wave.