I hadn’t wanted to fuck up and ruin my shot by getting angry, so I’d stayed silent. But Ron had noticed my unimpressed look and clenched jaw, and when we were standing side by side at the back bar fixing drinks, he’d quietly told me not to take any shit and that he’d kick out anyone who touched me or made me uncomfortable.
I’d felt a little better after that, and when I’d overheard Mani casually telling someone to fuck off and get out when they made a lewd comment toward her, I’d relaxed considerably. At least I wouldn’t be expected to put up with anything gross or inappropriate if I did get the job.
By the time seven started approaching, I was actually enjoying myself. It was fast-paced and manic at times, when a new crop of customers poured inside after getting off work and flooded the bar, but it was fun. At ten to seven, wanting to be as helpful as possible, I offered to unload the dishwasher with Gavin before I finished.
That was when I dropped the three wine glasses I’d been carrying over to the shelf. The bar, heaving with people, went quiet for a second before people guffawed as my entire face flamed with heat. Ron was already there sweeping up the shards, and Gavin gave me a quick pat on the shoulder as he passed, telling me with a chuckle that it was a rite of passage.
I still cringed when I realised Mani was over by the register, watching with her arms crossed. I knew my face was still bright red as my eyes met hers, and she gave me a tiny smile before jerking her head toward the back office.
Shit. I’d fucked it up then. This was when she told me that sorry, she just didn’t think I’d be a good fit. Or, even worse, that she’d looked into Orderly Winemakers and realised it was linked to a cult that worshipped her kind as sex gods and could I please get the fuck out and never come back?
The door swung shut behind me as I followed her into the office, muffling the loud voices and low music in the bar. I tried not to fidget as I stood there sweating while Mani walked over to the cluttered desk and perched on the edge.
“So.” She gave me a look that revealed nothing. “How did you find it?”
“I’m sorry about the glasses,” I blurted. “I can—I’ll pay for them—”
She laughed. “Babe, we smash about five glasses a night. Or they shatter in the dishwasher. It happens. At least they weren’t full, huh? That’s always a bitch, spending the rest of your shift sticky and wet. But how did you find it? Not too stressful?” She gestured at the door. “This is probably a medium in terms of how busy it gets at this time. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are obviously the worst. We’re always rammed until last orders.”
“I really enjoyed it,” I told her eagerly. “It was fun, once I got the hang of it. And Ron and Gavin are really nice.”
She grinned. “Good. Yeah, they are. That’s why I thought tonight would be a good night for you to try it out. Ron’s great at keeping people calm. He’s actually my boyfriend.”
I perked up. “Is he? He seems like a great guy. He did keep me calm.”
Her big, sharp-toothed grin was affectionate. “I’ll let him know. He’ll be pleased.”
Glancing back at the desk, she picked up a white envelope and held it out. “Your pay for tonight.”
When she didn’t mention me getting the job, I couldn’t stop my shoulders from sagging in despair. Stepping forward, I pasted on a smile and took the envelope. “Thank you so much.”
Blinking fast as my eyes started to burn, I hurriedly grabbed my coat and slipped it on. Mani laughed, straightening up from the desk.
“Hold up, Beryl. You need to tell me if you want the job or not.”
I froze, staring at her. “Huh?”
She gestured at the door. “You did great. I think you’ll fit in well here. You’re efficient, fast but not sloppy. You’re polite and friendly to the customers, but I can already tell you won’t put up with the drunk assholes who get too mouthy, which you absolutely don’t have to. If you want the job, it’s yours.”
Oh my god. Gulping down a breath, I nodded quickly. “Yes. I’d love to take the job. Thank you.”
“Awesome.” Mani grinned at me, then gestured at the computer monitor on the desk. “I’m going to do next week’s shift schedule tomorrow, so if you can start next week, I’ll get you in there.”
“I can start as soon as you need me to,” I said quickly.
“Great. Well, this week’s schedule is already done, so it’ll most likely be Monday that you’ll start properly. That okay?”
“Yes, sure. Of course.” I swallowed. “Thank you so much, Mani.”
“No problem. I’m looking forward to having you on the team. I’ll text over your shifts sometime later in the week, and I might be in touch for a last-minute shift if anyone calls in sick. You don’t have to say yes, but—”
“I can do that,” I said eagerly. “If anyone calls in sick, I’ll be happy to come in. I only live around the corner, so I can get here quickly.”
Mani chuckled, patting me on the shoulder as she headed for the door. “Trust me, babe, you won’t be so eager in a few months. But I appreciate it. Now go home and relax. Or if you want a drink on the house—”
“No, it’s okay, thank you.” I smiled at her. “My… friend is waiting for me outside.”
“No worries. Another time.” She opened the door. “Oh, text me your email address so I can send over your contract. See you later, Beryl.”
Must remember to ask Greid to help me set up an email address.
“Okay, will do. Bye.” I grinned at her and waved at Gavin and Ron as I slipped through the crowd to the doors.
The cold air outside prickled my cheeks after the humidity in the bar, but I was instantly distracted when I saw Greid leaning against the wall of the closed bakery next door, his dark face illuminated as he stared down at his phone.
He glanced over, and when he saw it was me, his face lit up as he straightened from the wall and pocketed his phone. He was wearing a long woollen coat over jeans and a sweater that looked soft and worn. He looked so handsome. And familiar. And safe. All I wanted to do was bury myself against him and breathe him in.
But when we met on the sidewalk, and I tipped my head back to grin up at him, I realised—no. That wasn’t all I wanted to do.
I wanted to kiss him. So bad.
“How did it go?” he asked, and my eyes locked onto his mouth before I forced myself to look away.
“I got the job,” I told him, beaming so wide my cheeks hurt.
Greid’s yellow eyes flared in the streetlights before he wrapped his arms around me and yanked me into his chest, squeezing me tight.
A second later, I felt him stiffen against me. “Uh, sorry, is this oka—”
“Yes,” I interrupted, squishing my cheek against his warm sweater.
“I’m so happy for you, Beryl,” he said hoarsely, then stepped back but kept his hands on my shoulders. “I hope you’re proud of yourself.”
“I am.” I realised my fingers were curled into his sweater, so I reluctantly let go. “I start officially on Monday.”
Shoving my hand into my coat pocket, I pulled out the envelope. “And look! I got paid. I can buy us dinner tonight.”
He grinned and shook his head as we started heading down the street. “No way. I’m getting it to congratulate you. Do you want to try the champagne tonight? To celebrate?”
“Yes.” What I really wanted to do was hold his hand, but they were stuffed in the pockets of his coat as we walked side by side. “Does that mean you’re not gonna smoke tonight? If you’re drinking?”