Snippet #2531885

"What can I get ya' this evening?"

The usual question spilled from her smiling lips as Jettie approached her area of the bar, greeting some new arrivals; a pair of young men and women dressed to the nines in sharp suits and sparkling dresses. Her eyes glanced over each one as they took their turn calling out the names of their liquid desires. Each patron got a nod and a grin before she moved onto the next, all the while mentally taking notes.

A rum and coke for Dreamy Brown Eyes.
A white Russian for Purple Bow Tie.
A Blue Hawaiian for Blue Eye Shadow Overdose... Appropriate.
And a glass of pinot grigio for Doe Eyes.

"Excellent choices. I'll have those right up for you."

Jettie beamed another quick smile before turning away to work. Deftly her hands moved to fetch the glasses that matched the drinks, lining them up before her. Then came the assembly of liquors. She gripped each shiny bottle tightly as she removed them from their place on the massive glass shelf lining the wall behind the counter. Simultaneously she mixed, poured, shook and repeated until she had flawlessly prepared four drinks and even returned the spirits back to the proper homes. Four drinks made to perfection that she was now offering over to the eager patrons.

"Here ya go. Enjoy! And good luck!" Jettie wished them as the men exchanged their beverages for a few crisp dollar bills with instruction to keep the change. She grinned as she slid the tip money into her small black apron. Another drink, another dollar.

Between customers, Jet about had about ten seconds to gaze around the large hall and upon people who were filtering in and out beneath the warm red glow from the giant overhead chandeliers. Sparkle and light bounced in every direction, dancing to the sounds of tinkling slot machines, giddy laughter, mantra chanting gamblers and the rich jazzy music that swept seductively throughout the space. The scene as a whole was hypnotizing, even for someone who had witnessed similar sights nearly every night of their adult life.

Jettie didn't have long to linger on the glitz however. As a bartender in a popular casino there were always thirsts to be quenched and thus drinks to be made. Which suited her just fine. Busy hands kept her out of trouble. Not to mention the drunker the gamblers became, the more generous they tended to grow with their tipping habits; especially if they were on a winning streak. Or if they were convinced she was a good luck charm. Awkward as it sounded, it has happened to just about all the tenders and waitresses.

Speaking of which...

"Good evening Mr. Mancini. The usual tonight?"

Mr. Mancini was a high roller in his late sixties who frequented the Devil's Web. Jettie reminded him of his late daughter and swore he always has a good night at the poker tables when she is the one who makes his Manhattans. Jettie will never complain. He's a sweet old man who's tips single-handedly pay her utility bills each month. He nods and smiles as they exchange the usual nightly banter with an included approval of the casino's new wing before he takes his drink and makes his way through the room.

Jettie watched as the man disappeared into the crowd before glancing at the digital clock on the register. Her shirt was nearly over with about an hour to go. Grinning from this discovery, she covertly adjusted her uniform, a crisp black oxford button down covered by a snug fitting bright red vest and paired with black pants and thankfully sensible black flats. Some of the waitresses had to wear heels. Thank God her feet were hidden behind the bar allowing for nice comfy ballet flats. One of the many perks of being a bartender. Unseen feet.

Grinning at her own silent and lame jest, she hurried back to work giving out charming smiles and beverages and racking up an apron full of green backs.