1.2 - Toilets and Tantrums

Amiee stood in the women’s bathroom mop in hand and a bucket at her side. Not exactly the picture perfect first day of work for her –or anyone.

There wasn’t anything glamorous about a woman with her hair pulled back into a pony tail sporting a rubber apron with rubber gloves, clenching a bacteria infested mop in her hand, and Amiee wasn’t playing the part either. What was the point of trying to look good while cleaning shit off of a toilet? There wasn’t one.

After her shift at the gallery, Amiee cleaned up and removed her work clothes and headed up to the grocery store to spend what money she had on groceries for the week.

She returned home –which was still a mess and filled with boxes. She unloaded her groceries as she heard the door to her apartment slam.

“You should really lock your doors in the city, I could have been some criminal here to rob you blind and take your sense of security.” Shelby said as she came barreling through the kitchen.

“And you should really learn how to knock.” Amiee replied with a half-hearted smile.

“Oh no honey, please tell me that you aren’t going out looking like that!” Shelby shrieked as she took a good look at Amiee.

“What’s wrong with the way I look?” Amiee said putting her hands on her hips.

“Nothing…if you are going to the library…” Shelby said in disapproval.

“Well sorry Shelby that I am not some brooding model who can afford the latest fashions from the Bridgeport Strip.” Amiee hissed.

“Lucky for you I brought some spares…” Shelby replied as she lied some clothes across Amiee’s bed.

“Now go get dressed and I will do your make-up and hair!” Shelby ordered Amiee. Amiee was too exhausted to argue with her.

“Um…Shelby?” Amiee called from the bedroom as she stood in front of the mirror.

“What, is something wrong?” Shelby replied.

“Yeeeaaah…uhhh kind of…um where are the rest of these dresses…” Amiee said as she did a double take in the mirror.

“Amiee, Bridgeport isn’t the city of modesty; don’t be afraid to show a little skin…” Shelby replied. Amiee could almost see Shelby’s eyes rolling from where she stood.

“A little I don’t have a problem with…but this…this is just ridiculous!” Amiee said as she squeezed out of the first dressed and tried on the next.

“Come on Amiee, I ain’t getting any younger here!” Shelby shouted from the other room as Amiee tried on dress after dress. She let out a long sigh.

“I guess this will have to do…” Amiee said as she scrunched her nose at her reflection in the mirror.

“Oh…let me see what you picked!” Shelby said excitedly as she entered the bedroom.

Shelby examined Amiee having her twist and turn and twirl around as if she were some mannequin.

“I could totally slap you right now…you look better in that dress than I ever have…what’s your secret?” Shelby said.

“It’s called getting sleep and not partying till the wee hours of the morning…you should try it sometime.” Amiee replied bitterly.

“Now let’s do something with that hair and face…we are going to be late as it is…” Shelby said as she yanked the ponytail holder out of Amiee’s head and began to work her magic.

“B-e-a-utiful!” Shelby said as she turned Amiee around to face the mirror. And for the first time all night, for once, she agreed with her friend.

“I almost look as good as you.” Amiee said as she gave herself a ‘once-over’ in the mirror.

“Key word ‘almost’” Shelby said with a smile.

“Now let’s go!” She said dragging Amiee off by her arm.

“I decided that maybe you weren’t exactly ready for all the bells and whistles, so we will start you off at a smaller less populated bar, the place is a total dive but they got great drinks  and I know bartender…well.” Shelby said as they walked into Eugi’s.

Amiee didn’t respond. She walked slowly behind Shelby, wondering what she let herself get into.

They entered the bar and Amiee immediately took a seat at the bar. She had noticed they hadn’t even been in there for a minute and Shelby was already drooling over the men at the bar.

“Aren’t you just a cute one…” Shelby said as she fished for the name of a rather young guy who was sitting at the bar up and down.

“Caleb…but please call me Cal…can I buy you a drink?” He replied.

“Are you sure you’re old enough to be in here?” Shelby replied with a giggle. Amiee sat at the other end of the bar completely embarrassed by her friends such crass behavior.

“Where is Sheldon, he was supposed to be working here tonight.” Shelby said with a frown.

“Sorry chicko Sheldon had an urgent matter to take care of... how ever urgent a brunette can be, better wait in line…” The bartender snickered from behind the bar.

“Awesome…I would like to buy a round of drinks, one for my friend at the end of the bar there and two for these handsome gentlemen.” Shelby said as she slung her hair behind her and pulled out her iPhone.

“Put it on my tab…” Shelby added with a weak smile.

“So…you’re new here aren’t you?” The handsome gentlemen beside Amiee spoke up.

“Do you use that line on all the ladies?” Amiee replied with a smile.

“Not all the ladies…just the new ones.” The gentlemen replied with a smile of his own.

“Please, back off Everett…” Shelby said as she locked arms with Amiee and pulled her off the stool.

“You couldn’t even fathom getting such a classy lady as Amiee beneath you…” She added as she rolled her eyes and began to drag Amiee off.

“You wouldn’t know about class now would you Shelby…” He spat back at her. Shelby rolled her eyes.

“Who was that?” Amiee asked Shelby as she peered at him over Shelby’s shoulder.

“Why does it matter?” Shelby said bitterly.

“So I can properly thank him for not taking your crap! You have to chill a little Shelby, get off that high horse sometimes, you know?” Amiee said to Shelby.

“Look who’s calling the kettle black, miss goodey-two-shoes…besides Everett is bad news…I would stay away…far away…” Shelby replied with a scowl.

“I heard my name and thought I would see what all the hub was about.” Everett said as he crossed his arms.

“Beat it Everett…” Shelby hissed. Everett didn’t move he stood there with a cocky smile on his face; just knowing he was getting under Shelby’s skin was satisfaction enough.

“May I buy you ladies the next round?” Caleb then cut in with his charming and innocent voice.

“Get me a beer while you’re at it champ, my treat.” Everett said. Caleb stood there with a dumbfounded look on his face. Everett then waved to the bartender and circled his fingers around the group. The bartender nodded and began mixing the drinks.

“Excuse us…I need to talk to my friend here.” Shelby stomped and the men had a seat at the table behind them.

“What is your problem Amiee, are you just trying to get walked all over!” She hissed.

“What are you talking about, the guy offered to buy me a drink, I am a broke janitor working in an art gallery with no money, I’m not stupid I won’t refuse a free drink…” Amiee said.

“Well when you find trouble…I don’t want to be the one waiting to say I told you so!” Shelby screeched.

“What is your problem Shelby, relax, you are too uptight!” Amiee shouted back.

“Sorry Amiee, I just don’t want to see you get treated like trash, most women in the big city do.” Shelby replied.

“Shelbs I am a grown woman, I can take care of myself, I appreciate you looking out for me, but I can handle it, if I need your help I will ask you…ok?” Amiee pleaded with Shelby.

“Fine, just steer clear of Everett after we leave tonight okay…please?” Shelby said with wide eyes.

“Okay…okay!” Amiee shouted.

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Thank you to Horsesrox76 for making Caleb for the story! Thanks Horsey luv ya!