[Write the Story] A Bartender’s Best Night Ever

Prompt: A Bartender’s Best Night Ever

Words: airport, appreciate, curve, grumpy, ruthless, record, nerve, acoustics, alarm, expert

Story

“You could make a whole lot more money elsewhere, you know that, right, Nikki?” The patron slurred his words.

“I appreciate your concern, but I do just fine right here.” Nikki smiled tightly as she wiped the curve of a glass. “Besides, the acoustics in this place are a lot more soothing than a downtown club.”

“If I hit a nerve, I apologize.”

Nikki continued smiling. She never thought she’d end up as an airport bartender, but here she was, an expert in calming grumpy travelers with the liberal dosing of alcohol. But she hadn’t lied. She did prefer the overhead Musak and even CNN headlines to bass-heavy techno beats, and belligerent drunks tended to be flight attendants’ problem.

“Help! Stop! Security!” The alarm raised, and everyone leapt to their feet. “Help!”

Nikki saw the blur of movement, and without realizing it began to move. She shouted for everyone to stay where they were as she leapt into action. As the fleeing perpetrator approached checking behind him, she crouched, planted, and lashed out with the heavy vodka bottle. She took the person out at the ankles, ruthlessly sacrificing the bottle. Security and airport police descended in seconds followed by the victim.

“OMG! It’s…” The name was lost in delighted squeals and screams. Nikki melted back into the bar.

Later, when the furor died down and her bar empty, she heard her name. She pulled up the photo. Recording artist, movie star, and celebrity draped across her in the selfie. A wad of cash as a thank you.

Not bad for a typical day at the office.

Word Count: 266

Written: 7/28/17

Tags: bartender, exercise, fiction, flash fiction, Piccadilly, Write the Story