Later as I lay on the beach after my swim, I marveled at how much had changed in the space of a few short weeks. I thought about Nicole and I wondered how and why she had gotten into her line of work. She was shrewd and I suspected that her every move was carefully thought out, calculated. My reverie was rudely interrupted by droplets of water falling on my forearm which covered my eyes. Peeking from under my arm I saw that a man was busily toweling himself off much too close for comfort. I sighed, with at least a mile of beach stretching away in both directions – he had no reason to be this close to me! I decided I was going to pretend I was asleep and maybe he’ll go away.
I lay there quietly and listened to the sounds he made as he vigorously shook out his towel, and rummaged around in a shopping bag. “Hello, did you enjoy your swim? I saw you go in earlier” I couldn’t believe it! He was speaking to me as though he didn’t notice I was pretending to sleep! I had the insane urge to giggle! Reluctantly I took my arm down and looked at him. He was big and tall, at least 6’-4” dark and solidly built. He didn’t sound local so I assumed he was a tourist. “Hello, yes I did thank you” I said politely as I stood up and began to put my skirt on. “Yes it’s a lovely day for a swim isn’t it? I like to come down here earlier in the morning but I’m glad I came late today or I won’t have met you! I’m Mark by the way” he said extending a large hand. I shook the hand “Hey I’m Sherry I said dryly”.
Mark was a talker, he told me he owned a trucking company on the island but lived in New York. He went on and on about his business, his life in New York, how often he traveled back and forth etc. I said a lot of “Oh, I sees” and “oh oks” as I gathered my things to leave. It was almost 4 o’clock and I decided I’d better head back home and try to nap for an hour at least. “Oh you’re leaving already? he asked. “Yes, it was nice talking to you but I have to go now” I said as I started walking off towards the street.
“Whereabouts are you going? can I drive you?” I hesitated but only for a moment, if he drove me home I would get there much faster. Who knows how long I’d have to wait for a maxi taxi? We took off and he chattered all the way to Bank Hall; except for the occasional aha and Ok, I didn’t have to say much. I did not want him to know exactly where I lived so I asked him to pull over before the traffic light. I was about to get out of the car when he asked for my number, I rattled it off quickly and said goodbye.
That evening I cashed while Maco served most of the drinks, he was fast! AND he knew what everyone drank! I was trying to memorize faces and names but I knew it was going to be a while before I got it right, Around 8 o’clock the clients I had called earlier began to trickle in. I couldn’t remember the faces from the night before but everyone seemed to remember me by name, Brandy.
I became rather busy, keeping bar tabs and making change, then dashing around to the back to let someone in…. it all became a blur. The good thing is, it felt good to be a busy bartender, I liked it! and Brandy, she became my alias from that night. I welcomed the courage she gave me, the bravery, the boldness and the courage to voice my opinion.
