Even as his song drew to a close and another one began Jack was already feeling better. Of course two or three shots of the good stuff also may have helped a little, but he credited the music more then anything else. Hell the music was what drew him to the place a few years ago; back when he was living on the streets and just looking to try and get whatever crap job he could so he could buy some food.
Big Steve had been a mountain of a man, beard and biker garb included. Yet as tough as the old owner was, he had a soft spot for the underdogs and gave Jack a shot at a real job. It was an opportunity that Jackie never took for granted. The young man worked his ass off; starting out as a grunt who bussed and washed the dishes. But with some time he worked his way the ranks until Steve made him head bartender, and even rented out the loft above the bar to Jack.
It sucked losing the big guy, but finding out that Steve had trusted the bar to Jackie...well it was enough to rekindle the desire to not let the old man down. Oh it sucked trying to handle paperwork and to manage everything, but Jack found a way. Even in between working the bar and going to night school to finish off his GED. As stretched as his schedule was at times though, he still knew when to just relax. So as another favorite song of his kicked on Jackie lit up a cigarette and motioned for the waitress near the bar to crank up the music.
Halfway through AC/DC's Thunderstruck his gaze drifted over to the young woman who looked out of place. Sure they always had a good sized group of people whenever they had specials going, but this one didn't really seem like the type to frequent a dive bar...much less look like one old enough to drink. Jack had no doubt that the bouncers probably stamped her with the 'No Drinkage' hand mark, but he trusted his bartenders too. So since it was clear that she probably wasn't here to drink he actually found himself wondering just what it was that the young woman wanted.
Wonder or not Jack never bothered getting out of his seat. Instead he simply watched from the back table, as he enjoyed the music and took another draw from his cigarette. After all if anyone needed to speak with the owner, well one of his staff would point him out.