"Me neither. This is crazy. Wow." A small laugh bubbled out of her. "Here I am, talking to you about what you did and…and wow. I'm going to shut up now." Dawn took a long sip of her drink. She also didn't want to revel how holding his hand made her feel. They were slightly big and warm with some calluses, yet his skin were almost soft too.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1TLH4K31W 維尼
Sage couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him, garnering looks of surprise from his co-worker nearby.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJJK9reXac 維尼
"Were you hurt?"8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3j98bZpg8U 維尼
"Not badly, just a small scratch. Nothing a disinfectant and antibiotic can't heal."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4AX1evEFl 維尼
Sage nodded. "I'm glad."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6U3Ihk1tT7 維尼
She shook her head as if the straighten her thoughts. "I'm sorry but I still can't believe it. I've been beating myself up that I should have done something more to thank you, and I never thought I could. And here you are."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡACovM7UqFJ 維尼
Sage's mouth quirked a little; he was touched yet amused. "You don't have to, Dawn." Funny how he didn't have qualms about saying her name. "I did what everyone else should have done."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLlF9hhpby 維尼
"Maybe so, but most wouldn't. Will you let me do something? Can I at least buy you a drink?"8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkfi4wo6wi 維尼
Sage paused in thought. He didn't know what to say; on one hand, it wasn't like he was being asked out like Louise did earlier, and on the other, if he did say yes, what would happen? He was a stickler for rules. At least, he tried to be. The conversation he had with Carl a long while back came to mind.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8blGOBCLF 維尼
"By the way, kid, try not to date the patrons. Fancy people or not. Better yet, just don't." Carl's rough voice spoke, an unlit cigar in his mouth as he gave his precious bottle of liquors a thorough cleaning.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvm9wTe886 維尼
The place seemed scarce of patrons despite the supposedly busy hours. Sage knew sometimes they'd have days like this, and sometimes either a half or full house. There were a few people working that day, and Sage was washing the glasses by the sink while listening to Carl for advice. He had only started working there for a few weeks and this was the first time Carl mentioned it.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMKNlWD2Zx 維尼
"Why?" It wasn't that he was against it because rules are there for a reason, but he was curious as to what the reason could be. It was an odd thing, and he had never heard of other bars who applied the same principal. Then again, this was the first bar he worked.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡkc5wbxDWnt 維尼
"Good question. Why? Well, kid, take it as a liability to the business. Jealousy, stalking, and threats aren't uncommon 'round here. We've had to put a restraining order before. Too much risk for the employees and business. Take Chen for instance," Carl nodded at an Asian-American man in his late-twenties wiping a lacquered table. "He's been there. Chen, tell him how you got that scar."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JSTizHlw1 維尼
The young man paused wiping, grinning at his boss and fellow co-worker. The grin made his already handsome face held a note of dangerous charm to it, despite the subtle but jagged white scar marring his left eyebrow.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6HJ2lqFx6 維尼
"I dated this pretty girl for a while, 'bout two months. She went nuts one night at this bar and threw a flute at me when she saw me talking to other women. Had a good aim too," He said impressively but sobered up a second later. "But I knew that was it. That was really scary."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡabVy5ziFIG 維尼
"You sure you were just chatting the ladies up, boy?" Carl asked with a smirk. He loved to joke with his employees – they were also family to him.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wXOaQczCw 維尼
Chen laughed. "I may look like a rogue but I don't live like one." Then, he continued where he left off and wiped the remaining tables.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMWbPEBab7 維尼
Carl turned towards Sage, who had been absorbing the information like a newfound revelation. "See, kid. Now that's just one of the stories you'll hear here. It ain't all bad though, there are some who has it better. We just try not to make it a habit for the most part, that's all." Setting the newly polished bottles aside, Carl took one from the shelves and poured himself a glass. "But suppose there'll be a time where you fancy a lass, I wonder what are ye' going to do 'bout it then?"8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7TO2Lw1qy 維尼
He let loose a hearty laugh, the remaining employees who heard his remark chuckling with him, before he gulped down his drink.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOh4u5Img9 維尼
Indeed, what would he do now? Sage wondered and then cast that thought away. It wasn't as though he liked her.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCutJasQQU 維尼
Dawn. It was a very pretty name, and he had the brief thought that it suited her like a glove.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡxA6TI4MK2t 維尼
As practical as he was, thinking too much over a kind gesture shouldn't give him a headache. He did what any other person should have done, and while he did know that not everyone would do what he did, Sage didn't quite understood the insistence she placed on him for that, like he should have received a gold medal.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8J8ZgTxSMw 維尼
But he laid it out; she wasn't asking him out on a date or for something else. She was just trying to pay him back for he did.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgWTokIQPU 維尼
The fact that it took him a while to analyse this was ridiculous. But then he remembered something.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNiFs7TbQp 維尼
With an appreciative smile, he said, "Thanks, Dawn. But I'm not supposed to drink on the job, even if a little."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrWHMqIEKr 維尼
That bit was true – Carl would have a fit if saw his employees drinking while working, even if they weren't completely drunk.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwOF1rpeRt 維尼
Dawn's expression was a little crestfallen. She had no idea some bars had the dos and don'ts for their employees. She only assumed that all bars were the same. Then again, this doesn't seemed like the usual bars her friends took her to for a casual night out.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsRtmDtSBW 維尼
Her mouth parted slightly. "I'm sorry. Oh! How about just gift cards?" She then began to rummage the contents in her bag.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3QJQt9aKM 維尼
Despite her red face, she was determined to at least give him something. Even though she knew now that he worked just around the area where she lived with a friend, and his name too, it was unlikely that they would meet again.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡYigNTdRmvL 維尼
Sage quirked his brow, amused at that. Apart from his mum who would hand him gift cards whenever he went back, he had never had them offered by a stranger. She was lovely yet odd, but in a way that doesn't make him uneasy. Perhaps it was because he had never met anyone like her before.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAD5cXE9TV 維尼
By the disappointed and sheepish look on her face, he figured she thought he was declining her offer.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFNzmRFIsQ 維尼
Before she misunderstood him any further, he said, "Can I take a rain check?"8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSRU6ayEE6 維尼
Dawn stopped her rummaging and looked at him in disbelief. "Really?"8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw6yrFiWhW 維尼
He nodded.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfTrDfCGga 維尼
"Thank you." Her smile was wide and infectious, and soon, Sage felt his cheeks stretched too.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3bMnhK1gF 維尼
"You're welcome."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡm81yjKmYTd 維尼
When she was about to say something, a sudden ringtone cut her off. She cast an apologetic look and muttered a quick 'excuse me' to him, cupping her mouth to the side and murmuring words into it.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2nRrTNSp9 維尼
At the same time, a co-worker of his needed help to carry some supply boxes and with one glance over his shoulder at Dawn, he followed, though hesitantly, towards the back of the room.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1Mg1xeq2T 維尼
Dawn was irritated at the call she received. Having a relative who worked at the university she enrolled into could be problematic to her. Especially if said relative are close to her parents. She used to wonder how her results reached them so quickly, and now she knew.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡIt42X44X5Y 維尼
Dawn sighed to herself. It seemed as though she would really need to take another class next semester.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlQCdXH4zo 維尼
Pocketing her phone, she was surprised to see Sage not manning the counter. She tried to ignore the disappointing wave washing over her at that. He must have had a lot of things to do and there she was, keeping him from it with their talks. But she reminded herself that it had been a good conversation.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EIEgQOqeC 維尼
And he had agreed to have drinks with her. She tried not to feel too happy, even though she felt foolishly so. It was the least she could do for helping her when no one else did.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡGd1278CZNR 維尼
Dawn hated it, but she had to leave now if she wanted to go to work the next day – and that really wasn't a choice for her. Rent and college fees, oh how you frustrate me.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvabW9ttR9 維尼
Searching for a pen and paper in her bag, she scribbled her name and number on it, not forgetting to leave the money to pay for the drinks he made for her and some. Even though he told her one of it was on the house.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡTthd3FGkbr 維尼
She didn't want to be indebted to him anymore than she did, but she appreciated his gesture nonetheless. Just when she decided whether or not to leave it on the counter or have someone else deliver it to him, she saw him coming out from a corner at the end of the bar counter.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6GYq4N8jo 維尼
Their eyes met and when he was close, she handed him the cash with the paper.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡysz18KP9Fl 維尼
He didn't notice the paper, but a few extra bills and his eyes widened a fraction. "This is a lot. You don't have to, it's on the house."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZb2yYhf5S 維尼
She shook her head. "I'm sorry, I just can't let you do that. We're going to play a game of tug-of-war if you don't take it. And the rest is a tip." Then, she leaned in slightly and said in a whisper, "If others caught on to this, they'll all want it free, and your boss is going to want to blame it on me." She smiled a toothy grin at him.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡM683BL5f1J 維尼
Sage couldn't help it, he laughed. A surprised, taken aback laugh which drew a few stares to him. Most of them were from his co-workers, who still couldn't believe they were witnessing their least conversational co-worker actually doing just that.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9Fl2FA1e9 維尼
If this was any other day, Sage would be a flaming hot potato, all the while trying to be professional and keep to himself.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83Tf7U7ScN 維尼
This day was anything but, yet in that very moment, he seemed at ease. As though this was a normal occurrence, as though he was a carefree person. Like his friend, Cameron.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡywudLKanxs 維尼
"Alright, how about just half of this." Sage took the exact amount of money for the drinks and gave her the rest. "Just how you won't take it on the house, I won't take the rest of it either."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5ozaPZISf 維尼
"Okay, but at least take this tip." She handed him a twenty dollar bill. "I really enjoyed the service and our conversation."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWmKvP8Ofb 維尼
Sage was hesitant. He didn't think he did an excellent job, and the drinks weren't the most costly ones on the bar either. It was more than he thought he deserved.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡw35bunN1qH 維尼
When she saw that he was still on the fence, she said fervently, "Please, Sage. I insist."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCW6KjaeM0 維尼
When he couldn't hold her determined gaze, he relented and a bright smile lit up her face. After cashing the amount in and handing her the receipt, she murmured a thank you. As she made to leave, he finally noticed the name and number scrawled beautifully on the counter – it slipped unnoticed when he counted the bills.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eozZXezhX 維尼
"Thanks for this, Dawn."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUugsEay2i 維尼
Her face were tinted with a pink hue but she chuckled and tucked a stray lock of hair back behind her ear. "See you next time, Sage."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡarKo5P4bii 維尼
The bar was almost vacant of patrons now, except for a few of them; mostly single men whose only companion were their branded liquors. Sage was rinsing the stained glasses with care, his usual routine that he was accustomed in doing the late hour before they closed. The encounter with Dawn left him feeling outlandish and surreal, but it also left him feeling great about himself, as though he had achieved something big.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡgl8n7SYfnQ 維尼
For a man who was a stickler at rules and an avid fan of all things familiar and peace, this sort of thing surprised him when it happened; it jolted him out of place but strangely, he didn't feel as though he was coming undone.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaZDTDTdsD 維尼
Sage James was surprised at how much it didn't bother him – his acting out of the ordinary. He was the still the same man who liked to work quietly, but he also thought he may not mind talking to people more.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YETSeFq37 維尼
That will surprise Cameron. Maybe I should go out more.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjz6NmKgpI 維尼
His co-workers who had witnessed the strange phenomenon shared the same notion too. They were puzzled and curious, and had been holding off their questions since it happened a few hours ago.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡix7M0z95Pi 維尼
Someone whistled beside him, and he turned to see Michael, a young Irish man who was just a few years older than him grinning. Michael tugged his black tie loose, the suspenders intact but the tail of his white buttoned shirt untucked. It made for a silly sight but one he didn't care.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIFwsPBfGz 維尼
"Ah, always looking forward to the time I could get out of this uniform." Despite staying in Chicago for over a decade, Michael still had that noticeable lilt whenever he speak. He claimed to hate it but Sage could tell Michael was proud of his root, even more so because he could get away with almost anything, and it would put most of them in a better mood8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡCM0ulzO4oE 維尼
Sometimes, Sage was an exception. Like at that moment when he appraised the clothing state Michael was in. "Your shift's not even over yet, Mike."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1Z7IvjuBQ 維尼
Michael rolled his eyes. "Oh there he goes again. And I'm about as done as you are if you actually clock out the same time Anika and I do."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡaU8cBr7UZo 維尼
"He's got a point, Sage." Anika, a beautiful Indian woman about Sage's age shrugged. She pulled at her black bowtie loosely, heaving a sigh of relief after a long day. Rolling her sleeves, she rested her elbows on the counter as she sat. Her bright brown eyes gleamed in mirth at her companions' exchange.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZp5nsVKop 維尼
"Of course I do, my dear."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBjRNGMvK3 維尼
"I'm not your dear, Mike." She quipped indifferently. Michael always jest with her and while it was amusing, it could get quite old and irritating at times.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡlK3LW5COEK 維尼
"And I respect that." He replied smoothly with a grin before saying to Sage, who was watching them with amusement. "You should live a little, my man." He clapped Sage's back and raised his brow at his attire. "You're about the only guy I know who still dressed like he's going to some movie award show even at this hour."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEGfMd3NhH 維尼
Sage glanced at his attire; crisp white dressed shirt, non-creased black vest, and a tie that never knew what crooked means.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSeCYiu372 維尼
"I don't see anything wrong with my clothes."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5Z8MJirRF 維尼
"Of course you don't." Michael shared an eye roll with Anika, the latter who was chuckling.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡxB9MiWGJXe 維尼
"Leave him alone, Mike. He's fine the way he is." She then turned to Sage, her perfectly trimmed brow arched, eyes twinkling with mischief and a smirk making its way to her face. "We're actually curious about one thing."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsyLRvYHvm 維尼
"And what's that?" Sage asked, actually feeling a little apprehensive with her mischievous look. Anika was usually even-tempered and rarely agreed to Michael's plans despite being close friends, but, he wouldn't put it past her for anything. Especially if it involved Michael. He was done with the last dishes, but with the couple lingering patrons still in bar, he figured there'll be some more to do.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsNd4NX6oX 維尼
"Yes!" Michael had slid out from behind the counter and he was now sitting beside Anika.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSgXYjkhQX 維尼
Both of their elbows on the polished counter and hands cupping their faces, they shared a look before asking, "Who was the girl?"8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡfq6ERdHQup 維尼
"What girl?"8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1CayEPX7o 維尼
"And now he pretends not to know what we're talking about." Michael made a clucking sound before adding, "The one who made you opened up like the light bulb you are? The one who actually got you to smile more than we could. That girl."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpBeNzToA3 維尼
"Don't forget laugh, Mike. She made him laugh. I thought I was hallucinating." Anika shook her head, chuckling.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CYQc4s0VJ 維尼
"Yes, laugh. What happened to Sage the introvert? And don't get me wrong, mate, I love you just the way you are, but this is making me ecstatic! She's gotta be someone special, eh?"8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oiWlxvc4I 維尼
Sage processed them. He knew what they were getting at but he couldn't get over one thing.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvoBX1LXhY 維尼
"I'm sorry, light bulb?" He smothered a laugh at their annoyed expressions. He shook his head. "If you're wondering if she's my girlfriend, then no. We just met today. Well, not really. I helped her out and we met again."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡENpebI8lOB 維尼
Anika brow furrowed. "You're saying that you're both strangers? Strangers who met on the street and happened to meet again?"8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJBNRoOKRW 維尼
Sage nodded. "Sounds about right."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8bnNzIhlS 維尼
Anika whistled lowly. "Wow. That's kinda romantic."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡFV0BPKQ64U 維尼
"You mean, interesting?" Michael nudged Anika's shoulder with an impish grin.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡlev8VVggsA 維尼
Sage raised a brow. "Trust me, there's nothing romantic about it."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUuniVpn4s 維尼
"So, she's not your lady friend or mistress?" Michael tried to coax more information out of him, using different terms.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡYphDmv1En5 維尼
Sage chuckled, the corners of his eyes crinkled. "No, and no. She's just a nice girl," He shrugged, "and I don't know, she made me feel at ease. Like the both of you are. That's it and nothing more."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQL9PNSnFp 維尼
When the last patrons called for their tabs to be closed, Sage took care of it before clearing the remaining glasses away. Because of that, he missed the knowing glances Michael and Anika sent each other.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hi0IA0r9S 維尼
"And here I am hoping for something delicious. Like I don't know, you've got a girlfriend that you didn't bother telling us." Michael mumbled before he blew out a sigh.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73JAgUp2NB 維尼
"Sorry to disappoint." Sage chuckled, wiping the counters clean. There a stubborn stain and he rubbed at the spot harder.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡATE9PEIuf0 維尼
"Well, we're just watching your back, mate. Don't want our best employee to get in trouble with the boss now, do we?" Michael jest before pointing a finger at him with a devious smile, "But I might just pay to see that happen."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2d0ntbsWna 維尼
Anika laughed and patted Michael's back. "Alright, come on. We're dipping out now."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡwn0R5AMaUb 維尼
"Right. See ya later, Sage."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIAV4gKxUQ 維尼
"Good night, guys." Sage replied before adding, "Be safe, Anika."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnDsjag8W0 維尼
"You too, Sage."8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzvO60s1es 維尼
With no more patrons and the last of his co-workers clocking out for the night, Sage made sure everything was switched off before closing down the bar.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡajfSLpLed4 維尼
As he walked home in another cold night, Sage couldn't help but thought of the way Dawn smiled at him before she left; the soft look on her face and the way she tucked her hair back.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRbxutsH83 維尼
Michael did have a point, but Sage didn't think he'd need to worry about dating their patrons. He hadn't broken his principal, and in this sense, he doubted he would.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XuOjRQZEJ 維尼
She's just a nice girl who wants to repay me back, he thought silently, all the while subconsciously fingering the paper in his winter coat. There's all there is to it.8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4whCRQprmq 維尼
Yet why did he feel eager at the prospect of meeting her again?8964 copyright protection173ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKRtswhYhd 維尼
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