Dawn of Eve - MJ Howson (read full novel .txt) 📗

know. One of them, a Harbor View regular, had spent the last two hours practically stalking Jacob.

“Can I get you another?” Jacob asked. His forced smile displayed a perfect set of blindingly white teeth. “Or are you calling it a night?”

The woman at the bar went by Rose Garden. A laughably fake Hollywood name, the fallen star once made a name for herself in a string of romantic comedies in the seventies. Drug addiction eventually sidelined her career. Her big comeback a decade later bombed, much like her latest plastic surgery.

“That depends,” Rose said. She chugged back her bottom-shelf whiskey and leaned forward. “What time do you get off?”

Jacob pretended to be embarrassed. He looked at the brass starburst wall clock in the lounge and said, “Actually, my night’s almost over.”

“Really?” Rose smiled, revealing a set of oversized veneers. “I thought this place closed at midnight?”

“It does, but my shift ends at eight tonight.” Jacob pointed to Lisa standing at the other end of the bar. “She can take care of you.”

“I somehow doubt that.”

Jacob smiled and turned away, grabbing his phone tucked behind the counter. He gave it a quick glance and sighed upon seeing over a dozen notifications. He’d have to review them on the walk to the train.

“What could be more important than me?” Rose asked.

“What?” Jacob spun around and put his phone away. “I was just checking my messages.”

“Anyone special?”

“My other job. I’m a trainer.”

“I bet you are.”

A figure in white entered the far side of the lounge, catching Jacob’s eye. He looked past Rose to see Dawn. The glow of the overhead lights caused her full-length dress to positively shimmer. She waved at Jacob and proceeded to make her way to the bar. Dawn’s trim waist and tight-fitting gown drew several glances of approval from others as she crossed the room. Jacob smiled, relieved to have an excuse to end this awkward discussion.

“Excuse me, my girlfriend’s here.” Jacob took Rose’s empty glass and slid it toward Lisa. He caught Lisa’s gaze and rolled his eyes toward Rose, so she got the message. Dawn took a seat at a corner of the bar far away from Rose. Jacob walked over, took her hand in his, and kissed her fingers. “This is a surprise.”

“I’m sorry.” Dawn placed her white purse on the bar and gave Rose a cursory glance. “I texted but didn’t hear back from you.”

“It’s been a busy night,” Jacob said. He winked at Dawn and cast a glance toward Rose, now talking to Lisa. “Gotta keep the customers happy.”

Rose tossed Lisa a fifty-dollar bill, grabbed her bag–an Evelyn Easton design, ironically enough–and left the bar.

“Always the smooth talker,” Dawn said as she watched Rose walk away. She looked around the bar and out the windows overlooking the Hudson River. As she did, Jacob poured Dawn a glass of chardonnay. “Funny. That’s how we met. I was that woman once. A lonely woman sitting at this bar, watching you serve me as you laughed and told stories. I couldn’t take my eyes off of you.”

“Trust me, Dawn, you were never that woman.” Jacob poured himself a shot of tequila and placed both drinks in front of Dawn. “She’s got to be pushing eighty if not more. You’re not even half her age.”

“I turn forty in September. That’s what? Less . . . less than three months from now. Has it been that long since . . . .”

Dawn looked away as she tried to compose herself.

Jacob knew Dawn still struggled to discuss her miscarriage. He glanced over at Lisa and then nodded at the clock, indicating he was officially off duty. Lisa smiled and winked back. Jacob unbuttoned his sleeves and the top two buttons of his pressed white shirt. He grabbed his phone, walked around the bar, and took a seat beside Dawn.

“It’s been a month since the miscarriage.” Jacob slid his finger beneath Dawn’s chin and tilted her head until their eyes met. “I know you’re still hurting.”

“That’s why I came over. I . . . I was hoping you’d come home with me. Maybe spend the night?”

“I wish I could, but I’ve got clients back in Jersey starting at five tomorrow morning.”

“Oh.” Dawn sighed and lowered her head, allowing her shoulders to droop. She took a few small sips from her glass. “Maybe next time.”

“Hey.” Jacob brushed his fingers against Dawn’s cheek. “Look at me.” Jacob waited until Dawn looked up. Her crystal blue eyes popped more than usual against her pale complexion. Even with the warm lighting surrounding them, she looked gaunt. “Have you eaten today?”

“A bit.” Dawn presented an unconvincing smile. “I’m fine. You worry too much.”

“It’s my job to worry.” Jacob gently kissed Dawn’s cheek. “Who else is going to look after you?”

“You’re so good to me.” Dawn leaned over and rested her head against Jacob’s shoulder. “I had some yogurt for lunch.”

“And?”

“That was enough.”

Jacob sighed and ran his fingers through Dawn’s hair. He was surprised to see her black roots now half an inch long. Dawn didn’t look at him. She stared across the bar at her reflection in the mirrored wall behind the bottles of alcohol.

“You’ve been so depressed since the miscarriage,” Jacob said. “Even your hair isn’t too happy these days.”

“What about my hair?”

“Since when have you ever let your natural color shine?”

“Oh. That. It’s . . . it’s not a priority.”

Jacob stared at Dawn as she continued to gaze upon her reflection. His mind raced to come up with some words of encouragement. But what could he say to cheer her up? During the past month, he felt as though he’d exhausted every option. He knew there was nothing he could say or do to help. Her happiness could only come from within.

“Are you painting yet?” Jacob asked.

“Painting? Um, no.”

“That was always your outlet. Such beautiful paintings. You used to spend weeks obsessed with your latest inspiration.”

“I . . . I know. I’m just not feeling it. Not yet.” Dawn took a long drink from