hunterjamess

[hunterjamess]

She watched the stranger with newfound interest. It wasn’t often that a newcomer came into town and stayed for the entertainment. In fact, she could probably count the number of times on her hand, other than those that came and went for business. Mainly sellers or buyers of product. Always with the livestock. 

Reaching over, she pulled a bottle of Casamigos free from the shelf, much to the chagrin of her coworker. “I work here,” she explained, turning over a shot glass for herself. “I’m a public nuisance, but it’s a good party trick. And it’s my treat.” 

Filling up their glasses, she surveyed the bar. The night crowd was in full effect now. At the pool table a couple of regulars were gearing up for a fight. A reoccurring event. 

“So..” Turning her attention back to the woman. “I’ve never seen you before. Are you new to town or just passing through?” 

She wouldn't consider herself a connoisseur of libations. Rarely did she indulge, perhaps only after an exceptionally trying day with a glass of wine. Beer and spirits were never her forte. One of her assistants had bluntly told her that people didn't trust those who abstained from scotch, gin, or whiskey, let alone beer. Truth be told, she doubted anyone trusted her since she took up her new gig. It wasn't as if she was being invited out for drinks by the boys anytime soon, if ever.

Resigned to this reality, she knew she wasn't the ideal choice for Livestock Commissioner – hell, she wasn't even the right gender if you asked the old guard still entrenched in the system. And today only served as another reminder of her outsider status.

And she was fine with that. Or at least she would be by her second or third shot. With a sigh, she took the salt, licked it, and then downed her shot .

"Tequila. Never much of a fan of beer or whiskey," she huffed, grabbing another shot and tossing it back, followed by another lemon wedge. Inhaling deeply as the alcohol seared its way down her throat, she continued, "Not much of a tequila girl either, but I need something stronger than red wine." She dropped the wedge onto her plate. "You want one? A shot, I mean... my treat."

[hunterjamess]

Location: Last Call

Open

It felt odd to be on the other side of the bar. In a rare turn of events, she had the night off and decided to make the most of it. Finding a worn out stool, she wedged herself into the corner and leaned over the counter to pour a beer. “Sorry,” she said unapologetically to her colleague, bringing the glass to her lips.

The last time she’d been drinking at a bar was nearly a year ago on a quiet Tuesday night. It didn’t quite fill the void of fun she had been looking for. Although, the appeal of drinking lost itself on all the nights she watched people make mistakes.

As she drank, she watched familiar faces fill the space. Every so often waving at regulars or those that she was friendly with. The longer she sat, the more she realized that she hadn’t really been living these last few years. She knew these people through their complaints or stories or moments in passing. Somehow she was just existing, riding on the tailcoats of everyone else’s stories as she went through the motions of working, breathing, eating, sleeping, working repeating.

Tonight she wanted to have fun and feel what it felt to be without responsibilities. So she did, starting with the person seated beside her. “What are you drinking? The beer is flat tonight and I need a better alternative.”

[hunterjamess]

SHAMELESS 3x02 | “THE AMERICAN DREAM”

[hunterjamess]

"How can I go being mad at you with a face like that?" Setting a coffee down in front of her, she slid over the cream and sugar. "Where have you been hiding? I feel like I haven't seen you in awhile." It always felt like she was watching people live their lives behind a window. Always the one waiting, never the one doing. She was happy, but sometimes she felt like her life kept her from being more involved. "How's the restaurant going?"

there was one place where she could count on having the strongest coffee before she would find the rest of her day tucked away, creating, in her restaurant. the dine and dash was a staple to the town and one that could never be beat.

gabriela slid into one of the stools, hands coming to rest on the top, when she glanced over at hunter. "that means for the last forty-five minutes of your shift you get to see my beautiful face." she teases. "you know i come for the coffee and stay for the company." trying to butter the other up a tad.

[hunterjamess]

"Well, I'll have to repay the favor. When do you get off tonight? I'll be there ten minutes before." She teased, handing her a menu. "I know." Clearing away some dishes on the counter, she collected the tip in her apron. "I keep telling them to trim it down. It's a lot to remember."

Punching her order in, she shrugged. "I was just going to catch up on some tv, but that sounds more fun. Is it for that event? I think I'm getting roped into going too. Maybe I'll see if I can find something."

"What can I say, I live on the edge," Olivia said with a smile. She had someone else take care of opening the bar today and did not need to go until closing time. Even then, she wasn't really needed but she liked to do it. Plus, living upstair from her bar meant she didn't often sleep until everyone downstair was gone anyway. Time to kill meant time to annoy Hunter. And maybe try to coerce her into going shopping with her or something. The Business Association had sort of force her into buying a ticket to their Valentines' Day thing and now she needed a dress.

"Gosh, there's just so many options," she said while pretending to look at the menu. She had noticed the couple taking too much time trying to decide and it seemed to be a great way to tease her friend. "I'll go with burger and fries. So, any plans after the excruciating forty-five minutes remaining? I need a dress and someone to laugh at me while going through that hell."

[hunterjamess]

"Bethany Walker."

Her lips pulled into a smile. "Fame looks good on you." The girl was a recognizable face. Not just for the fame, but her family. It was inconceivable that she'd be back here, but of course Hunter knew as everyone else did. "Easy."

Setting a cup in front of her, she tapped her fingers on the counter. "What do you make of this Valentine's event? Seems to be the only thing anyone can talk about." She hoped dancing around the conversation would be easier.

bethany ducked into the dine and dash, escaping the small crowd that started to follow her. the last thing she wanted was to have bodyguards with her, especially being home, but lately she was starting to consider it. something she could talk to cooper about. he might suggest a couple cowboys that might help her out.

she slides into an empty seat at the front bar, the squeak causing her to wrinkle her nose. a sheepish grin spreads on her lips. "i am a walker, seems to be our thing." a bad joke to tell considering all, but the words spilled from her mouth before she could stop them.

"can i get a coffee, black, please?" it was a simple order, her appetite still non-existent.

[hunterjamess]

"There are definitely worse ones," she agreed, meeting his gaze for a moment. Her body ached. The older she got, the harder it was to be on her feet all day. Leaning up against the side of the building, she was grateful for the rest. "Taking a quick fifteen before the second rush." There was a sudden commotion in the bar. A new group of people settling in, no doubt. "There's always one or two. That cant be helped." Not quite sure how to answer his second comment, she paused. Maybe she was too used to the work. It didn't feel as daunting to her anymore, because she truly did like what she did. She had bad days like everyone though. "You know, it's not too bad. I like people and alcohol makes people talk...a lot. So I get to know a lot of good stories. I think I'm just used to it all now. What about you? Do you find your work gets repetitive?"

"This will prob be my first and last of the year. I usually only have one." Liam responded back, slightly nodding. "Yeah - definitely bad habit but I am sure there are worse ones." The smell was comforting but perhaps he just sought solace in unusual smells. That and oil were right up the man's alley but most likely that was stemmed given his career. Or more so passion as he liked to look at it. A job was supposed to be boring, one most complained about. Not Liam. "Not exactly, but I don't know a little fresh air definitely doesn't hurt." Even as such a neutral place - there were still whispers. Still sides that could be picked. The night was still young though, he didn't have plans to stay long past his limit. Bar fights he tried to stay away from now that he was getting older. "What's your excuse?" His own turn to take a sip from the pint he held. Then after swallowing he added a comment. "Hopefully no one has gotten too rowdy for you all. Or won't. Sure it all gets kind of repetitive after awhile."

[hunterjamess]

FIONA GALLAGHER in Shameless | S08E02

[hunterjamess]

Location: Dinne and Dash

Open

She stood behind the counter, waiting on the couple to order. They kept going back and forth with what they wanted. She shifted, waiting for them to decide. Scanning the clock, she was thankful that she only had an hour left. The ache in her feet was a painful reminder that she had been standing for seven hours.

When they finally decided, she punched in the order and moved down the counter attending to the folks that had been left in limbo from the indecisive couple.

She loved the hustle of the morning. The smell of a fresh cup of coffee, the sound of people chattering. But mostly, she loved her regulars and the stories of their lives. If she couldn't leave, then she could at least hear about someone's travels or the first time they fell in love. or anything really.

Pouring a cup of coffee, she heard the squeak of the stool from behind her. "You have a death wish coming in-" she checked her watch, "forty five before I get off for the day," she said turning to face the newcomer.

[hunterjamess]

The town was still reeling from the death of David Walker and it was felt from every corner of the town. She thought that picking up a shift at Last Call would bring some high spirited locals that would lighten her mood. The bar didn't disappoint. They had two other bartenders on that night, trying to keep up with the demand. There was a very divided energy between those grieving and those celebrating. When she got a chance to get away, she opened a beer and propped open the side door, leaning against the frame.

"I gave up a year ago," she called, stepping out onto the sidewalk, the smell of nicotine filling her senses. The craving called to her, but she had learned to suppress it, taking another sip from her drink. "I still miss the taste. Terrible habit though." Turning her head back to make sure the bar was clear, she turned her attention back to him. "Are you hiding?"

Location: outside of last call

Open: everyone

Nicotine creates an immediate sense of relaxation, so people smoke in the belief it reduces stress and anxiety. Liam hardly smoked, but maybe once or twice a year - he felt the urge to do so. He was alone leaned up against the wall of the bar, his beer in his free hand and the other hand with a lit cigarette. The smoke serving like a shadow around him on this particular night. Thoughts roamed his brain regarding David Walker. Another death. This town was really poisoned. He wouldn't mourn him directly, but it was more so of Liam preparing himself what was to come. Perhaps that was why he was grasping on to the silence - the eerily calm before the storm. Until he heard footsteps. "Afraid I only have one of these if you were hoping to bum one." Not surely confident that was what they were wanting or not. Maybe silence was what they craved considering the bar was obviously packed. People had their own ways to escape reality after all.

[hunterjamess]

If this is a prison, I'm willing to burn my own chain

RPG. BIO. MUSE