Chapter Text
Tracy and Si said good morning to each other, shared a peck, and then went. It has been 28 hours since their recent alternation. Tracy got a missed call and several text messages from Rojas earlier, which she still needs to answer. However, she decided to go in early into the bar. To her surprise, the actual owner was in.
"Hey! So glad you're here. He's been throwing complaints, especially about the plumbing situation." said Tracy's go-to teammate
"What plumbing situation?" She replied while setting her bag to the side.
"The drain is getting clogged again and causing leaks on the floor."
"Why didn't anyone tell me?"
She, teammate, squinted and then softly said, "maybe we have, and you forgot or wasn't listening at the time."
"Guh!" Tracy screeched and adjusted her shirt and hair. The owner was a tall, pale man that operated the establishment for over 20+ years. Tracy understood why he would be upset that it wasn't in the best state. He and his wife had hired her after sensing a great spirit coming for her person. He entrusted her to watch over and maintain their bar so they could travel. Last she heard of him, they were in Dubai, drinking and smoking their cigars on a boat. He was sweet but could stand his ground. In contempt of the man's role, he became a shallow person in Tracy's story as the pen kept writing, adding page after page. For him to suddenly pop up again, especially at this time, seemed ill-fated. An adjective that would be best to describe Tracy's lifespan.
"Tracy!" he waved at her like a long-lost friend. She trailed over to him and prayed for the best. "Long time no see. How've you been?"
"Kinda okay, sir. I'm really sorry about how it looks right now. It has been a rough month."
He puffed out his nose and held a disappointed father pose. "Yeah, Tracy, you got me. I never knew you'd get it this bad." Tracy shrunk from his level and nodded her head. "I'm happy you came in, though. If it's alright, I've called a plumber, which will come off your check, as it would with any manager." He looked around at the desperate employees trying to look proper and wanting a raise. "Would you like to talk in the office with me? I have so much to catch you up on. I would love to hear what you and Simon have been up to." He gestured for her to lead the way. She unlocked the door to the small room with her key. He set a chair for her to sit on and sat behind the office table.
"Am I in trouble?" Tracy asked.
"No, no, dear. I really would like to catch up with you. How's your mother doing?"
"Good, just wring and stuff."
"My wife read her second to the latest book when we were in Ankara, Turkey. Perfect scenery for that one."
She grinned, unsure what to get from that information.
"Simon?"
"Good." Tracy instantly answered.
"Good, good... listen I'll say what I also came here for. Me and Yiven plans to close the bar."
Her heart began to pound, and her eyes went big. This and the inn job was the only sort of income she had.
"We found something exciting for the both of us: Investing. It's best to restart this old thing and use the money towards that. However, the memories will be missed."
"Mr. Davies, thank you for telling me. I am happy you found another fine hobby," she said plainly. His words began to turn into a mumble and fade.
She thought to herself that this was all a test. To see how hard she could break. The ultrasound scan photo in hand, she whispered: "this is my opportunity, to make up for what my mum did to me. You may not have a dad, or we may not have the money for what we want, but I won't leave you." She wiped a tear, "even if you make an emotional rack." she giggled. "I won't send you to some dump and make you wish you weren't born. I won't even hint that you were unplanned. You'll be your own person, but for now, you're in my care."
*ring* Tracy, alert and ready, stands up to see the customer.
"Hi, I'm here for Ro- Tracy?"
"Justine?" Tracy hasn't seen Justine Littlewood in the flesh for a few years. Only a couple of MySpace and Facebook updates. She wore a black dress with circle sunglasses and red heels. Her lips were glossed, and her hooped earrings shined under the inn's light.
"You work here?"
"Obviously," Tracy giggled. "How are things going for you? I heard you got a house for your dad."
"Yeah, the snagger loves it. I've been doing quite well." Justine looks at Tracy and slightly shows her teeth with her smirk. "How you've been?"
"uh- good," she shook her head, thinking of the correct word, "great, actually." They both paused, pondering what to talk about next.
"I'm here to see the owner, not to get a room.." She took her sunglasses off and slid them on the top of her head, "Trying to see for a partnership of some sort. Want a new estate to add to my list."
"You're still in the real estate business; that makes sense."
"I graduated with a Business degree three years ago."
Mr. Rojas came from the back door with his arms held out, "Miss. Littlewood, it's great to see you."
"Rojas! You can call me Justine if it fits your tongue."
Mr. Rojas laughed, "I'm sure you'd fit right in."
Justine laughed and slapped her hand, "We have no time for dirty jokes. I want to make sure we get everything done today." They both walked into the back with their conversation.
Tracy sat down and slouched with her arm on the front desk. She got a glance at herself from the computer screen and began to gussy herself up. Moving strands of her hair and wiping her under-eye mascara with her finger. When Justine returned, she slid a card on the desk, making Tracy sit up.
"Call me if you need a new home or want to chat." She said and left out the glass doors. That night, Tracy checked her phone for any missed notifications. The phone was idle. Specifically, there was no sign that Si was even alive anymore—that is, if they weren't one room away from each other.