Nicole has been hanging out a lot, which is fine by me. At first, she stayed in the office, but after a couple of days, I guess she got bored and ventured out. Now she spends most of her time sitting on the last stool next to the bar—the seat that allows her to have her back to the wall and her side next to the counter. All she does is people watch. Granted, there is all kinds of action when you have some of the most testosterone-filled, competitive men in the world hanging out in your bar. She might actually be onto something. I bet she sees some interesting things none of their agents would like getting out.
On the flip side, I’ve been dealing with one hell of a shit show putting together ads and fielding calls from prospective employees. I don’t know how many of these people have actually worked in a bar before, but they don’t seem to understand you don’t call after ten at night and try to get the boss on the line. Drinks are flowing and people are drunk by then. Unless you’re an Uber trying to find your customer, I don’t have time to stop and chat.
Disgruntled from sorting through applications again and coming up absolutely empty, I push away from my desk and make my way to the front. I could use some caffeine and a change of scenery.
I’m greeted by hoots and hollers, but they aren’t for me.
“What’s going on over there?” I ask Nicole as I pass by. The more time she spends here, the more comfortable she’s become with me. She’s a nice girl. Quiet, understandably. But friendly enough. And she doesn’t mince words on her opinions about what goes on in here sometimes. Kind of like Tammy, except gentler. I like that.
“From what I’ve gathered, some new guy is getting his rear handed to him at pool.”
“Is Dwayne involved?” I purse my lips. I’d bet money I already know the answer to this question.
“Of course.”
I shake my head indignantly. “That man has got to stop scamming all my customers.”
“It wasn’t his fault this time. I think the new guy is a rookie so his teammates are hazing him or something.”
I grunt. “I guess I’ll let it go. But that man and I are gonna have a chat one of these days.”
“Leave him be, boss.” Tammy joins our conversation as she approaches. “That rookie deserves to have his ass handed to him. He’s been talking smack all night. I think the rest of his team finally got tired of it. They’re enjoying watching Dwayne take him for his signing bonus.”
A shot of adrenaline runs through me and my eyes widen. “Please tell me there’s not that much money on the line.”
Tammy waves me off like I’m being ridiculous. “I’m sure it’s not that much.”
That does not make me feel any better.
“Let’s just say Dwayne is gonna be able to make rent this month with no problem.”
I hang my head, shaking it back and forth. “We’re gonna get shut down. I just know it. The gaming commission is gonna show up and accuse me of illegal gambling.”
Kiersten joins the conversation, placing freshly made drinks on Tammy’s tray. I love seeing things run like a well-oiled machine.
“Stop being a Debbie Downer,” she chides as she grabs beer mugs and begins filling them. “They’re just having a good time. That’s what we want, right?”
I sigh in resignation. She’s right. They’re all right. This is what we’ve been working for and now I’m focusing on the wrong things. I guess I have more work to do on my insecurities than I realized.
“Fine. Let them have their fun. I’ll back off.”
“Can I get you something, Paul?” Kiersten asks as she tops off the glasses. “You look like you could use a shot of caffeine.”
“We don’t have any coffee, do we? The fresh stuff. Not yesterday’s batch warmed up.”
“I actually brewed some a little bit ago. Customer request.”
“Perfect.” I climb under the counter to grab it myself.
“How’s the bartender search going anyway?”
I puff out an exasperated breath. Maybe this coffee will take the edge off. “It shouldn’t be this hard to find a waitress. Hey, Nicole,” I call over my shoulder. “You wanna be a waitress? I hear the boss is amazing to work for.”
She shakes her head vigorously, eyes wide with fright. I can understand that. She sits with her back against the wall every night. I guess she’s not ready to walk around amongst everyone yet.
“I’ve seen the responses online. Lots of people seem interested. Are you sure you’re not being too picky?”
“Yes. No. I don’t have any idea. Ideally, I’d like someone with experience, but that’s not what’s making me gun shy.”
I turn to lean against the counter and sip my drink. It hits the spot.
“What’s the problem?”
“See those guys out there?” We both watch the scene at the pool table as it unfolds. There are smiles and laughter. People are clapping each other on the back and even Dwayne fits right in. “They’re comfortable letting their hair down and just having a good time. I don’t want to ruin that. Anyone who works here needs to be discreet. You were an easy hire because you already know these guys. This is your circle so you get it. Not everyone will. I don’t want the wrong person working here who blows the lid off everything.”
“I see. It’s less about finding someone who can do the job and more about finding someone you can trust.”
“Exactly. How in the world am I supposed to find that from a few online applications?”
Kiersten wipes her hands on a towel and flings it over her shoulder. “That’s a tough one. I might have an idea though.”
“I’m open to anything at this point.”
“Jaxon’s brother is going to school here now and I’m pretty sure he mentioned that he’s looking for a job.”
I furrow my brow. That doesn’t sound right for some reason. “Isn’t his brother in high school or something?”
“His other brother.”
Again, what am I missing? “Wait, Jaxon has another brother?”
“I think Kade is his birth dad’s son or something? I don’t remember how all that works. I just know he’s a freshman at Southeast and he’s paying all his own expenses. I accidentally overheard the conversation so that’s all I know. But with it being Jaxon’s brother…”
“He’s got some experience with the world of professional football,” I finish for her, my brain already thinking through what kind of a fit he could be.
“That would be my guess. At the very least, Jaxon might be able to help you explain why discretion is important while working here.”
“That’s a really good idea, Kiersten. Thank you.” I take another drink, not ready to go back to the office, which feels more like a cave right now. Instead, I take a few minutes to watch Kiersten work. She’s mesmerizing to me. The graceful way she moves. The beautiful way she smiles at people. The way that smile never quite leaves her plump lips, even when she’s not speaking with anyone.
“I miss you.”
I don’t mean to say the words out loud, but they’ve left my lips before I can stop them. I don’t regret it, but I’m not sure from the look Kiersten gives me if they’re welcome.