Top Dog

“A fireball shot sounds nice,” he said.

“I’ll take whatever my brother’s having,” Tanner said.

“Two fireball shots coming right up.”

The brothers were silent as I handed them their shots. They tossed their heads back and swallowed the alcohol down like professionals, then set the glasses back on the bar. I watched their faces for any reaction to the drink, trying to figure out if I should recommend something else to them. It was one of those shots people either loved or hated, but instead of giving me a reaction, their faces stayed blank.

They were a hard pair to read, unlike their other brothers.

“Would you two care for anything else?” I asked.

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“Another one of those shots would be nice,” Tyler said.

“And I’ll have what he’s having,” Tanner said again.

I made them both up another fireball shot before things started getting rowdy. I saw one of the bouncers come in and pry a guy in a red leather jacket off a guy in a black leather jacket. The brothers turned around to see the commotion that was going on, and I saw their eyes turn to stone. The little bit of expression they did carry in their faces melted off in a heartbeat, and I wondered what was wrong.

The twins watched as the bouncer dragged the guy in the red leather jacket out the door. People were calling out all sorts of drinks for me to make, and I was thankful for the distraction. I was turning them out as fast as I could go as sweat beads gathered at the base of my neck.

The bartender that was supposed to work alongside me that night didn't show, so I was drenched in sweat by the time one in the morning rolled around. I tried to get my manager to call in Lindy so I could have some help, but part of me was glad he didn't. Being the only bartender meant I got one hundred percent of the tips.

And with being so close to having my own place to move into, I was going to need all the money I could get to furnish it.

“The two of you are much quieter than your brothers,” I said.

“Hard to get a word in edgewise with those three,” Tanner said.

“Well, would the two of you like another drink?” I asked.

“What do you recommend?” Tyler asked.

“I make a kick-ass LIT but, I’ll warn you, it’s fucking strong.”

I saw Tanner grin as he shot a glance over at his brother.

“Two LITs then,” Tyler said. “And do your worst.”

I concocted their third drink of the night and I made sure to make it strong. I handed them their small glasses, and they looked at me with this mischievous glimmer in their eyes. It was a very misleading drink, a Long Island Iced Tea. It came in a small glass and people didn’t think it to be a stiff drink.

Until they took their first sip and realized it was made solely of liquor. Five different kinds to be exact.

The way that I made it, there isn't even any soda to top it off.

“So?” I asked. “What do you think?”

“I think you should know that we’re a little jealous,” Tyler said.

“What? Can’t make a drink that good?” I asked with a wink.

“Come on Emma. You know exactly what I’m talking about,” Tanner said.

I was frozen as my eyes darted between the two brothers. Their gazes were hooked onto me, their eyes dancing around my face. I tried not to show my shock, but I knew I wasn't doing a good job of it.

At least the air had been cleared.

“Why are you jealous?” I asked.