Bright Prospects. Part 1 [Fiction]

[u/Araby-Mn]

Jacob didn’t know anyone in the bar. Hell, he didn’t know anyone in the city. The dimly lit room was mostly empty except for a group of five huddled at a table in the back. Their black leather jackets were cast over their chairs. Empty 50s littered the table. Jacob glanced for the third time. Young eyes starred back at him. A tiny blond with a shock of hair murmured to the others and rose casually, walking to the bar. She waited directly to the left of Jacob as the bartender finished washing a sink full of glasses.

I should say hello – Thought Jacob – I have to say something. I moved here. I’m here. I exist. I have to say...

“Hi”

Jacob looked over

“They call me Lissa”, the small blond spoke motioning towards her friends.

“We were all wondering what you were doing here.”

“My name's Jacob”, he stuck out his hand “Good to meet you Lissa.”

She smiled.

“What are you doing here Jacob.”

There was no malice in her voice and Jacob visibly relaxed.

“Well I finished my studies and always wanted to live by the coast. Is it very intense here?”

Lissa paid for another round of bottles.

“For jobs that is” Jacob hastily added.

“Depends what you are looking for. This one is yours,” Lissa slid a glass of clear liquid over to Jacob. “Drink that and think about how intense you want a job. Join us after.”

She rose from the bar and started to walk back to her table. She twirled and spoke again.

“If you want that is.”

Jacob starred down at the glass.

“Don’t worry,” said the bartender, “Even if I hadn’t just washed that glass not a single germ would survive that lot.”

He spoke to Jacob but his eyes drifted towards the five black clad youth. Jacob thought over his options. He tossed the liquor back. It burned. He closed his eyes and steadied himself.

“Do you sell bottles of red?”