gainful employment

who: eris and olivia
where: babylon
when: morning

Olivia had woken early, which to her, seemed to be becoming the norm lately. She was finding it more difficult to sleep, and she wasn't entirely sure it had to do with the thousands of thoughts running through her head every day. So rather than toss and turn in the motel bed, Olivia got dressed and decided to try for normalcy. After pulling her hair back into a ponytail, she left the motel, ignoring Mathias's door. She wasn't about to knock...or ring. Not yet. She needed to clear her mind and re-prioritize and remember her reasons for being in Marquette in the first place. She headed down Washington Street, already becoming familiar with the shops and houses sprinkled along. Being Sunday, many of them were still closed.

Except for one. Olivia stood outside of Babylon, her brows furrowed in confusion. She couldn't remember ever seeing the place before, but then again, she had never really paid much attention. Her mind was always working overtime, yet she found it strange that a bar was open so early...and on a Sunday. Curious, and ignoring the tiny voice inside her head that said drinking before noon was completely wrong, Olivia entered the building, surprised to see there were actually people inside. It had a strange atmosphere about it, and rather than taking a seat, Olivia began to wander about, her curious nature overtaking her.

Eris happened to be behind the bar. Every so often she bartended. It was fun for her. Highly entertaining, bartending, or it could be. She noticed Olivia wandering around looking at things, and she half leaned on the bar to watch her. "Good morning." she said to the girl, giving her a smile. "Looking for something in particular, or just curious?"

Olivia turned toward the woman at the bar, her cheeks flushing though she wasn't sure how well they were visible in the lamplight. She maintained her indifferent demeanor and shrugged before giving the woman a small smile. "No, nothing in particular. Sorry. I just don't remember seeing this place before, so I was curious." Olivia slipped her hands into the pockets of her jeans. "It's a nice place."

"It's easy to overlook." Eris said with a smile. "But thank you, I've put a lot of work into it. It's always nice to know it's appreciated. Is there anything I can get you, dear?" she asked.

What was with all the women in this town calling her dear? Did she look like she was seventeen? Olivia hesitated and chewed on her bottom lip before shrugging. She sat at the bar, remembering that she wasn't normal, and that she could have a drink in the morning if she wanted. It wasn't as if she had someplace to be later. Still... Olivia grinned. "I feel strange ordering a drink before I've eaten lunch."

"We don't only have drinks here." Eris said. "You could order a soda, or something to eat too." she pointed out. "Now if you want a drink, you certainly can have one. You wouldn't be the first to start drinking before noon." she added.

Olivia gave a small laugh. "I'll take a soda then. As tempting as a drink may sound, I don't want to end up like those people." She glanced behind her. "You get a lot of business?" It was strange how she'd never noticed this place before, considering her motel was right down the street.

"I'm not sure yet, I'm just getting started." Eris said. "What's your name?" she asked curiously, getting Olivia her soda. She added a cherry to it for good measure, and a little umbrella.

"Thanks." Olivia stared at the cherry and umbrella for a moment before lifting her gaze to the woman. "Olivia. And yes, I'm new to town." As that seemed to always be the next question after she met someone new here. She shifted in her seat, still seemingly unsettled, though she wasn't sure why. "And yours?"

"Eris. Pleased to meet you, Olivia." Eris answered. She busied herself behind the bar, cleaning glasses and putting them away though she didn't move far from Olivia since they were still talking. "New here, hmm? How new? Do you have employment yet or are perhaps looking for some? Since I'm just getting up and started, I'm still looking for help."

Olivia set her glass back down after taking a sip and studied Eris. She thought of the diner. It was a stable environment, one that would attract teenagers and older people. This place felt as though it would attract a much larger crowd, one that probably tipped well once a few drinks were had. "I just started working at Mya's Diner a few blocks away," she admitted. "Although I'm not adverse to working here on my days off, if you're willing to hire me part time. I have a little bit of waiting experience..." She trailed off, hoping she wouldn't have to give references again.

"Sounds fine to me. Just let me know when you're available, and we can work something out." Eris replied. "You'll find I'm very very flexible." she added with a smile.

Olivia lifted an eyebrow curiously. "No interview? No questions?" Odd, but Olivia was thankful for it. "You don't even want to know how old I am?"

"I'm the kind of woman who gives people a shot if I have a good vibe about them. You seem to have one. Mess up and you're gone, until then, everything's fine. Just don't expect to be on the books. I don't really have books here, so whatever you make will be tax free." she said. "Only condition for working here is anything you see going on here stays here." she added, smiling. "I have an...interesting clientel."

"Fair enough," Olivia replied with a small smile. "I'm not going to argue with that at all." She had a feeling this place wasn't as normal as regular bars. "I can handle pretty much anything. Do you have a dress code?"

"Nope." Eris said. "I believe in freedom of expression. So dress however you like. We don't have uniforms, you won't have to wear a name tag, and this is a pretty laid back sort of place. So...have fun." she finished, giving her a wink. "Also, don't worry about anyone giving you trouble for being a cute waitress. No one will mess with you and if they do, there'll be trouble."

It was almost too good to be true. There had to be a downside to this place. There was always a downside. Olivia remained silent for a moment before mentally shrugging and then accepting. She needed the money, and she could work here when she wasn't able to work at the diner. God knew she needed the money and wherever she could get it - she would. "I guess it sounds simple enough," she stated. "I can start tomorrow night if you wanted me too."

"Sounds like a plan to me." Eris said. "Just come in whenever you're good, and I'll talk with you then about everything else and you can meet the bouncer." she replied. "I'm sure you'll have a good experience here." she added.

"Oh, I have no doubts about that," Olivia replied with a small smile. She reached into her pocket to pull out a few bills to pay for her drink. Something told her that the experience would at least be interesting. "Thanks for giving me the opportunity, Eris."

"No problem." Eris answered with her full, nice smile. "I look forward to seeing you around." she added. Olivia had a sort of girl-next-door look to her that she knew a lot of people preferred. And she also had the air of someone who needed the work, which also put her in the running. Hopefully she'd work out. Eris was generally a good judge of character. She figured it would work out fine.

Olivia slid the bills across the table, despite the fact she'd barely touched her drink. "I'll see you tomorrow," she said, sliding off of the bar stool. Olivia wasn't sure what she had gotten herself into, but then again, she had been saying that to herself since she got to Marquette. Sweeping her gaze along the bar once more, Olivia lifted her hand in a small wave to Eris before walking out into the daylight. She turned and observed the building before shaking her head and walking away. She was almost positive she hadn't seen the place before. It didn't matter now...she had been unemployed when she hitched into town and now she had two jobs. She certainly wasn't going to complain anymore.