Jessa had always been called a pushover by both her friends and family. Of course, she's aware of it, having been scammed over and over again throughout her twenty-five years of existence. Not to mention how many times she had been heartbroken due to the fact that all her past boyfriends only dated her for her money.
But she just couldn't help it!
She was too trusting! Not to mention she was a sucker for pretty faces and to guys who treat her nicely! It always started with that.
And so, for the nth time in her life, Jessa had her heart broken, and she's nursing her wounded heart with a few shots of whisky.
Well 'a few shots' was probably an understatement. But she had a good alcohol tolerance. According to her; 'who cares?'.
The bar was noisy with electric music being played by the DJ. The lights danced harmoniously with it. And the guests were having the fun of their lives on the dance floor.
"Err... Miss? I think that's enough." said a masculine voice, obviously filled with worry. Jessa's head perked up at the voice and looked at the direction where it came from.
She was already more than just tipsy and the sounds blaring throughout the bar was not good for her forming headache. Jessa searched for the source of the voice and came upon something she had always dreaded and regretted ever since she came to know about boys.
The man who was trying to stop her from getting drunk was tall and had a nice tan. And...
'Oh my gosh! He is so much like my type!' such thoughts were running in her mind.
"Miss? Are you okay?" he asked once again.
'And he sounds really sexy.'
Jessa could clearly see the features of the man despite the dim and changing lights in the bar. He had a pointed nose, a small face and almond shaped eyes. His shiny black hair framed his face just right and she couldn't help but be amazed at it. Just looking at the man was making the surroundings slow down for Jessa. It seemed very romantic.
"Should I escort you outside and call you a taxi?" he said again. "My shift's already over and the fact that I was the one who kept serving you your drinks until you're drunk is making me guilty."
'Ah~ so it's like that again.' she concluded which definitely made her sober.
"Uhm..."
At this point, Jessa was already cupping the man's face with her hands to get a closer look and then she made a face.
"You're probably like them." she muttered. "All of you are always so nice at the start. And when I finally fall in love, to the point I'd do anything for you, you'll show your true colors. You'll probably make me a living ATM machine, brag to your friends about it and then break my heart. Just like everyone else."
"Err... miss I don't think-"
"Leave me alone. I'll get a taxi myself."
With that Jessa left the bar and went home.
Jessa was inside a convenience store. It was late at night, and she suddenly had the urge to buy chocolate and chips. The convenience store was silent, probably because of the time but Jessa was thankful for convenience stores. They were very... convenient.
Once she finished picking her food, she immediately headed to the cashier. With her head down, she placed her basket in the counter and began rummaging her pockets for her money.
"That will be six-fifty."
Jessa couldn't help but pause. The voice was really familiar somehow. She looked up and came face to face with the same man who tried to help her in the bar a week ago.
"Oh, it's you." said the man, unimpressed.
She eyed his nametag; 'Dave'.
"Do you want your items to be placed in plastic or paper bag?" he said after a few seconds of silence. She could tell he was trying to be nice since it was his job. But somehow the atmosphere became awkward as the two of them had their eyes locked on each other. But their abrupt staring contest was cut off when the store's doors chimed again, signaling that someone was either coming on or out.
"Paper bag. So... was being a bartender part-time too?" she asked as she handed him the money.
"Yes. I'm on duty on Mondays to Wednesdays. I have Thursdays to Saturdays here"
"Okay? TMI?" she whispered to herself.
"Here you go." he said while handing her the bag. "Thank you for your purchase and please come again."
Jessa couldn't help but twitch at the strained tone and smile from... Dave.
"Uh... sure."
Jessa sat on the grass; her gaze fixed at the ocean. She could smell the salty scent and the calm waves was soothing her chaotic mind. She had decided to go travelling for the holidays rather than go home. She did not want to face her family and be reminded of how much of a pushover she was.
"You know, we should probably stop meeting like this." said the voice she knew belonged to that guy; Dave.
"Are you stalking me?" she asked, her expression in disbelief.
"Err... no."
"Another part-time?"
"Yes. Well, I guess? My boss at the bar owns the resort where you're staying at the moment. He asked me to be the bartender at the resort's bar since the other one is on leave." he explained.
"Oh."
"I'm not going to do anything you know?" he questioned.
"Apparently." she replied, focusing back on the sea. "So far you're the only guy I met who didn't try and approach me deliberately."
"Ah... Bad experience with a man then."
"More like experiences... with men. Plural."
Jessa's eyes widened when she felt him sit next to her. "I'm free until seven in the evening, want to chat? I'm Dave by the way."
"I know. I saw your nametag back at the convenience store. I'm Jessa."
Jessa was not sure whether to trust Dave or not, but she wouldn't know if she never tried, right?
~The End~
