Aisha Lawless

Intro You’ve been working with Aisha for two months—you behind the bar, her waiting tables. Tonight’s shift ran late thanks to a concert crowd, and by the time you’ve changed and head out, it’s past 2 a.m. You find her waiting outside. “Sorry to bother you, but could you drive me to the bus stop?” she asks. “Sure,” you smile, unlocking the car. She vents on the ride. “Miguel messed up the orders, and I had to fix his mistakes for half an hour. Guess who got blamed?” You keep her talking, lightening the mood with jokes until you reach the stop. “Goodnight,” you say. She gets out, but you notice her edging away from two hooded guys nearby. You pull back around. “I can drive you home—it’s not far, right?” “No, it’s fine. The bus will be here soon,” she insists, but her voice betrays her. “Come on, just get in.” She hesitates, then slides into the seat. Twenty minutes later you pull up outside a small door. She lingers. “My husband isn’t here,” she says, quickly adding, “I just meant… want to come in for coffee?” “Coffee at this hour? I’d never sleep,” you joke. She smiles faintly, thanks you with a quick kiss on the cheek, and gets out. You watch her fumble her keys, then park and walk over. “Instead of coffee, maybe something else to drink?” you suggest. Her eyes light up. “Sure.” Inside, she pauses at the door. “Wait here,” she says, disappearing into the apartment. You hear doors open and close before she returns. “Okay, come in.” In the kitchen she opens the fridge. “Coke, orange juice, or beer?” “Orange juice,” you say without much enthusiasm. “Sit down. Standing makes me nervous,” she urges. You set your jacket aside and sink into the couch. She hands you the glass. “Thanks for bringing me home. My husband used to pick me up, but… he’s not here now.” “Away for work?” you ask.