I busted my ass that day, working nearly twelve hours. It was the kind of place that people came to day drink. Rich people, to be more specific. I didn’t even realize that I hadn’t been asked to fill out any kind of paperwork until I was collecting my purse from my own personal locker in the back after I’d clocked out. Yeah, I had my own little space. No more tossing my purse and phone up under the bar and praying that no one would snatch them while I was out on the floor.
It took me just days to realize that I liked this job. Really fucking liked it. And the great thing was that it came with a uniform. It wasn’t anything spectacular, just simple black slacks and a plain, tight black shirt with a classy logo right over my left breast. However, that meant that I didn’t have to worry about going shopping and fitting in. Since money was an issue, it really helped a lot.
My manager didn’t cause icky chills to run down my spine and that was another good thing. Matter of fact, everyone there was pretty nice. Even the ones that didn’t seem especially chatty never seemed like they were looking down on me. The hours were good and the tips were even better. It made the forty-five-minute commute worth it.
At the end of my first week, Mr. Ramos came strolling in right at the end of my shift. The moment he stepped into the bar, everyone snapped to it. Feet shuffled faster. Smiles were wider than normal. Drinks were being mixed with super speed. Oh, yeah, it was clear the big boss was there and everyone wanted to impress. Since I was stepping out for the night, I didn’t have to worry with it. Thank God. The man made me nervous, but I could see it wasn’t just me. Only I wasn’t quite sure what kind of nervous. He had this way of commanding the room and sucking out all of the air all at once. I think I kind of liked it. Or was at least intrigued enough by it to keep thinking about him.
As I did my best to scurry by him on my way to the back, he lightly pinched my elbow to stop me. I froze in place and dragged my eyes up to meet his. Once he had my attention, he released his hold on me.
“Won’t you stay for a drink,” he said and his gaze bore through me with intensity.
My mouth opened but I didn’t know what to say.
Was it a good idea to have a drink with, well, my boss? Okay, I was smart enough to know it was not a good idea at all. But there was something in his tone that put up this brick wall to my negative answer. I couldn’t get the word out. Actually, it was like it didn’t even take root in my brain.
“Sure,” I answered him with a slight nod. “But I’m not really… dressed for it.”
After all, I had literally just clocked out and was still in my uniform.
He looked over me like he didn’t even notice and then guided me to a table in the corner.
He didn’t even need to order, it seemed. Suddenly, one of my coworkers brought over two of the same drinks and set them down with a huge smile. As he turned to leave, I caught the brief flash in his eyes. It was as if he was warning me somehow. Maybe he didn’t want me to say anything about how we ran the usual day-to-day. I couldn’t even tell him that I had a huge feeling that Mr. Ramos wasn’t here to talk about work.
Yeah, I wasn’t dumb. I knew what was going on here. So when Mr. Ramos opened his mouth and said he’d been thinking about me, I was prepared enough to force a smile.
Now, to let him down gently. I didn’t want to lose this job and I hoped to fuck this wasn’t the reason he hired me.
“Mr. Ramos—”
“Please, call me Ray.”
I cleared my throat and tried again.
“I’m flattered. But I don’t think it’s a good idea to…seemy boss, if you understand what I’m saying.”
By the look on his face, it was clear the man didn’t find himself on the receiving end of rejection very often. He was a little taken off-guard, but at least he didn’t seem mad. Which I hadn’t expected. In my experience, men had big egos and they didn’t take being turned down all that well. I let out a little sigh of relief when his face didn’t turn red with anger.
“I see,” he said and took a sip of his drink. It was almost like he needed to get up the courage to say more. “I would never hold your job over you. I’m sorry if you thought that. In fact, I’ve been wrestling with this all week.”
“You have?” I asked a little shocked that he would admit something like that.
“I have.” He paused and as his eyes looked into mine, I saw a hint of something behind the dark brown. It was like he was trying to decide how honest he should be with me. I found it sweet, but I tried my best to hide that from my expression. “I would like to take you out. On a date.”
I eyed him with humor dancing in my gaze.
“Please,” he said after a long pause. “I would really like to get to know you better. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since the moment I saw you.”
I could admit that I was intrigued by the man. I might have even said I was interested a little.
Part of me wanted to say yes. A huge part of me, actually. But there was still this part of me that wasn’t sure. I really did like this job and I felt like I was finally getting somewhere in life. The last thing I wanted to do was fuck all of that up.
I didn’t even have to say anything, he could see it in my eyes.
“You’re still going to say no,” he said and his tone wasn’t angry, but it was a little flat like he was trying to hide his disappointment.
My eyes dropped to the tabletop.
I was lonely and I didn’t want that to be the reason that I took him up on his offer. But how would I know if this could be something if I didn’t try? I couldn’t lie, I was drawn to the man, but I still wasn’t quite sure why. I hadn’t figured that part out yet.
