Snippet #2737127

The heels of Vivian's black shoes clicked against the steps as she walked downstairs, mentally preparing herself for another long, grueling day of work. She had many responsibilities to tend to within the saloon - waiting on customers, bussing tables, and, when it got later in the day, dancing for entertainment. It had taken her a long time to learn how to dance well, but she'd eventually managed. After almost ten years working in the saloon, she liked to consider herself quite good at her job.

As she rounded the corner into the main area of the saloon, she was relieved to see that it wasn't too terribly busy. There was a pair of men who'd just come down the stairs ahead of her, a small group in a corner with drinks already served, and a man engaged in conversation with the local schoolteacher. Vivian didn't know the woman's name - they were around the same age, so she'd obviously never taught Vivian as a child. Had they gone to school together? Vivian couldn't be sure. Generally, the only people whose names she took care to learn were the male regulars who tipped well. Anyone else, even people who came in all the time, was just another face to her.

Vivian strolled over to the counter, glancing around again. There didn't seem to be anybody who needed their flagon topped up just yet, so she had some time to stand around and look pretty until someone called her over for service.