Age Is Just A Number
Chapter 1
The Barman

Beth
I love my friends Amy, Megan and Jess. They have been so good to me this past month, I've had a really bad time and they've been there for me every step of the way. My mom died in a horrific car accident and we had her funeral, it was a beautiful funeral but it was the worst thing I have ever been to. This past week things have been really bad at home. Maggie had to go back to college, Shawn doesn't speak to anyone and my daddy has shut himself off from everyone completely. He doesn't speak to anyone and he doesn't acknowledge her. He's packed up all of my momma's things and he doesn't want her mentioned. I've been fighting with him all week about it, I want to speak about her and remember her. Just because she's not here doesn't mean that we just sweep it under the carpet and pretend that she never existed. I know it's such a horrible feeling to have lost his wife but I lost my momma. I need him and he's pretty much abandoned me because it's easier for himself. I've tried everything. I've screamed, I've shouted, I've slammed doors, I've tried having a calm conversation… nothing seems to work.

As I needed a break from the house and my life in general, my amazing friends have invited me out tonight. As I needed a break from the house and general life, my friends have invited me out tonight. They go to this sleazy bar and get served all the time. They want me to go with them but I've never had a drink in my life and I look like a child. There is no way they would serve me without ID and I don't have any. Maggie has a spare driving licence here (she thought she lost it and ordered a new one but then found the old one) I couldn't use hers because we don't look much a like. She has different coloured hair, skin tone and different eye colour. If the bar staff were blind then I could get away with it but if they're not blind then they'll kick me out. I wouldn't blame them if they did. I really wasn't sure about going but it doesn't seem like I have much of a choice in the matter.

I have no idea what to even wear to the bar! What do people wear? I want to look older because it would just be embarrassing if I do kicked out of the bar. Do I have to dress like a slut? Do I just try to keep it causal but look like I've made an effort? I've got to meet the girls there and I have to be there in under an hour. I need to decide on something and soon. I flicked through my wardrobe and decided on my black high waisted skinny jeans, my white crop top with lace trimmings and spaghetti straps. There was a two inch gap between the bottom the top of my jeans and the hem of my top. I put on some black heels that Maggie gave to me about a year ago. I decided on putting my hair in a lose side braid. My make up was simple but it looked like I had made en effort. I had red lips, mascara, eye liner and a little bit of bush.

After checking myself over a few times I decided that it was time to go. I grabbed my black clutch bag and made sure I had everything I needed. As if on cue there was a honk from outside, I looked out the window and saw it was the cab I had ordered. I rushed downstairs, as fast as I could in my shoes, before my dad saw me dressed how I was and left the house. I got into the cab and told the driver where it was I wanted to go.

I got to the bar and walked in. It was busy for a Friday night but I spotted my girls instantly. They were sitting at a table just a bit away from the bar. They had a table full of cocktails, I took a deep breath and walked over to them. I hugged each one of the girls and took a seat, from where I was sitting I got a good view of the bar and more importantly the barman. He looked rough but kinda handsome at the same time. He had dark hair that reached his chin and a black t-shirt with a leather vest. He must have felt me staring, he looked up from what he was doing and our eyes met. I got embarrassed at being caught out and looked down at the table.

"I didn't think you'd show up" Jess said as she handed me a glass with blue liquid in it.

"What's this?" I asked her.

"It's called Blue Lagoon and it is so good" She promised. I took a sip and I have to admit it was nice "Told you it's nice" Jess said feeling proud of herself.

The cocktails flowed more freely and the girls told me what the drinks were called but I wasn't taking much notice. They were so fruity and more-ish. Every time I finished one drink I grabbed another but now the table was starting to empty and more drinks were needed. It was my turn to go to the bar and order some more drinks. I wasn't sure what I was ordering but the girls were to drunk to even ask so I guess I was going to have to make a fool of myself and attempt to order the drinks myself. I got up from my seat and steadied myself before I walked over to the bar, I took a seat on the bar stool and waited for the barman to serve me.

"What can I get yer?" I looked up and saw the barman I was staring at earlier standing in front of me.

"I need some more cocktails" I told him with a silly grin on my face.

"What cocktails yer want?" He questioned.

"I don't know. I've never drunk cocktails until tonight, I don't know what they're called" I admitted sounding lame.

"Well there's the porn star martini or a liquid Viagra" He started and I couldn't help but blush slightly at the names of these drinks "The leg spreader, the slippery nipple, the royal fuck and my personal favourite the screaming orgasm" He finished with a dirty smile on his face.

"A screaming orgasm it is then" I said.

"Comin' up" He turned his back to me and grabbed all the different bottles he would need and started making cocktails "I've seen yer friends in 'ere before but never you. Are yer new 'round 'ere?" He questioned.

"No I've always lived here but I don't really drink. Things have just been a bit tough lately and I needed to let my hair down" I told him but I wasn't sure why. All I had to tell him is that I've always lived here, I didn't really need to go into details. There was just something about him that made me feel comfortable about talking to him.

"What sorta tough?" He asked sounding like he generally wanted to know.

"My momma died and my family hasn't been the same since" I answered.

"Sorry t' hear that. It's tough losin' a parent" He said.

"Sounds like you know from experience" I commented.

"My momma died too when I was young" He answered.

"Sorry, it's a sucky thing" I replied.

"Yeah" He sighed and went back to the cocktail making.

"I'm Beth by the way" I told him, if we were going to talk about such deep things like our mommas dying then maybe I should at least tell him my name.

"Daryl"

The cocktails were made and they were put onto a tray and then I started thinking about it. Would I be able to carry the tray of drinks to the table with these shoes on? Probably not. I looked up at Daryl with another silly grin "Can I ask a favour?" I questioned and he looked at me suspiciously "I can't carry the tray with these shoes on. Would you be able to bring them to the table?" I asked "Sorry to be difficult" I added.

Daryl gave me a smile and helped me with the tray and walked over to the table "Ladies" He greeted as he put the tray down in front of us. They all looked at him and smiled, he looked a little bit uncomfortable. I thanked him and touched his arm before he walked away. He gave me a small smile and then went back towards the bar.

"He's hot" Megan commented as she watched him walk away.

"He seems really shy" I told them.

"You've only had one conversation with him and you know what he's like?" Amy questioned.

"Just from what he said" I answered.

"I think Beth has a crush on the barman" Jess teased.

I looked up at the bar and saw Daryl again, he was looking over at me and we smiled at each other.

That is chapter 1... I hope you all enjoyed it!
This story is full of drama and romance.
There is a sex scene next chapter but there is a warning before it starts.
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