Promises, Promises
Page 3
Melanie took a deep breath and began to tell me that after I left, she flitted from job to job before finally finding her current job at the art gallery. She had moved in with Allen, her boyfriend from college, but they constantly argued. She met Flynn when he came in with his Dad to look at art work to help a client out. They hit it off immediately, slight flirtation, but nothing ever really came of it. I got the feeling she wished there were more, but I didn’t ask. I’m sure I’ll find out more as time goes by. Clark was already his roommate, but offered one of the other bedrooms for her to move in after she and Allen finally broke up. She noted how Clark always tried to sleep with her too, but knew he was just trouble.
I asked about her parents. They had always been so good to me and I loved going to their house for school breaks, especially Christmas. She lowered her head. “They….” she paused and then continued with tears in her eyes, “they, um, they were killed in a car accident.”
“Oh my God!” I was shocked. “When? How? Why didn’t you….” I trailed off, both of us knowing I was going to ask her why she didn’t contact me, but that was obvious. Tears filled my eyes as I had loved them so much. “I’m so, so very sorry Melanie. I’m so sorry.” Whether I was apologizing for them being taken from her or for me not being there…it was both really. How could I have not been there for her for such a horrendous, dark time in her life?
“Umm, it…it was about six months after you left. I received a phone call from my uncle. He told me it happened instantly during a snow storm. They slid off the road and down an embankment. The car was totaled. I…” she stuttered, her eyes brimmed with tears. “I contacted HIM and asked to speak with you. HE said HE would tell you, but I never got a call back. Now I know, seeing how shocked you are, it wasn’t because you didn’t want to talk to me.”
“NO!” I practically shouted. “I would have come to you immediately. I had no idea! I can’t believe HE kept that from me.” HE was even worse than I thought. “I’m so very, very sorry. Please know I would have come to you immediately,” I repeated. And HE knew that. That’s why HE didn’t tell me. Because HE knew I would have left to rush to her side. We were now both orphans, although she has fond memories of her parents, while mine are full of bad ones. I jumped up from my seat to give her a huge, much needed hug.
“I know, I know you would have.” She stated sadly, as she hugged me back and wiped her tears. “I, at least had my aunts and uncles. Something I know you didn’t have when your Mom died.” I sat back down in my seat across from her.
Shaking her head, clearing her throat and wiping her eyes at the same time, she decided to change the subject. “I, um, now I know and realize how controlling HE really was. Do you think HE will come back after you? And… if so, will you go back to him?” She took a deep breath and stated, “I can’t lose you again. You are as close to a sister as I’ll ever have.”
“No.” I affirmed insistently and with determination. “No, you will never lose me again. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you and now that I know HE kept something so important from me, I’ll never go back to HIM. Ever.” I was pretty sure I wasn’t going back to HIM to begin with, but this seemed to seal it. “I’m not sure if HE will even try to come after me.”
“What made you leave?” Melanie asked still wiping her tears.
How do I say this without telling her too much about the life I lead? I looked away and closed my eyes remembering the look on HIS face just a couple days ago. HE seemed almost delighted about what happened. I ran to my room on the other side of the penthouse and locked my door. Disgusted, as well as horrified, I had gotten sick immediately after. I had heard words exchanged and the front door shut. HE had knocked on my door and asked to come in. But I didn’t let HIM in and I said nothing. Wondering what the punishment would be for that, I resolved that nothing could be worse than what HE had done. HE knocked again, this time demanded I open the door, but again, I refrained. HE then told me through the closed door HE would speak to me at dinner the next night. Then, nothing. I had cried the entire night and heard HIM when HE left for work the next morning. That’s when I left. I felt there was nothing more to say. What do I say to Melanie? I want to be honest, but I felt so ashamed.
Melanie broke the silence and must have sensed how hard it was for me to explain. “It’s okay, I get it…you’ll tell me in your own time.” How could she be so forgiving and so patient? I wanted to at least give her some sort of information about why I just emailed her out of the blue after so long.
Starting slowly, “I actually had thought about leaving for a while now. That last night…I…HE…” I stuttered as I searched for the right words. “Umm…HE basically forced my hand that last night.” I started to try to explain more, but Melanie spoke up.
“When you are ready, we can talk more. I understand how hard it must be. I don’t understand how your life has been for the past two years, but when you’re ready to tell me – I’m always here for you.” Melanie then decided to change the subject. “So, shall we go see if we can get you that bartending job?”
I nodded and let out a deep breath. I paid the bill after a small struggle with Melanie, finally convincing her that I haven’t paid for anything in two years. That seemed to quiet her!
We ran home so I could change into my new clothes. I didn’t want to meet a possible new boss in jeans, although Melanie insisted this guy, Z, wouldn’t have a problem with it. I decided on a simple black dress. It probably wasn’t the best choice for a job interview; however, I thought that maybe I’d at least feel good about myself and maybe that would show through.
After a short walk from the townhouse, we stopped in front of a gorgeous flagstone entrance with red painted stucco on each side to complete the building front. There were tons of shops, restaurants and other bars around it, making this part of a really fun night scene. On top, in huge steel letters, was the name “Allure.” Melanie told me that we need to go around to the side entrance where the employees go in.
We pulled on the side door and walked in.
Chapter 2
Z
After a packed Friday night, the bar was finally restocked properly. I was still short a bartender and a waitress so last night was tough, but the crew handled it well. I made sure they were properly compensated for having to work harder. It’s all about keeping the staff happy that makes Allure such a success. That and sex appeal.
I walked into the back office to start working on the books. I could never keep up with them and after my accountant abruptly left, thanks to Clark, I needed to make sure I checked where she left off. That fucker needs to keep his dick in his pants. I swear he makes turnover of employees a bitch for me.
I heard the side entrance open and hoped it was Mary (accountant) coming back when I stopped short. Holy shit. Who the hell is Mel with? There was Mel standing next to a gorgeous, tall, sandy blonde hair knockout. Long wavy hair falling past her shoulders with a slight curl to it. Her body was amazing wearing a black dress that emphasized her full breasts. Are those C’s or, shit, maybe even D’s. Fuck. She is hot. I get a lot of hot women in this bar nightly, but there was something about her incredible blue eyes and full ruby lips. Her complexion was almost olive, but not quite. She didn’t wear much makeup, which was good. Most women coming in here wear a ton trying to look high class, but only wind up looking more like hookers. Mel is a knockout to begin with, but something about this friend of hers just made my dick hard. I swallowed and tried to look nonchalant. God and her legs…slim and seemed to go on forever.
“Hey Mel! What brings you in here?” I tried to sound light, but probably sounded more like a fumbling school boy. My heart was beating out of my chest. What the fuck is wrong with me? I tried to tell myself this was just another chick. But she wasn’t. There was something just…incredible about her.
“Well, do you remember me talking about my best friend from college? This is her! Z, this is Izzy; Izzy this is Z, owner of Allure.” Mel said, practically bouncing up and do
wn.
I didn’t have trouble remembering stories of her and Izzy. She practically told them every time we were sitting around drinking. I felt like I already knew her. There were some wild stories she told and Izzy seemed like a wild, fun type of girl. Something told me this Izzy standing in front of me didn’t have the same spirit as the Izzy in Mel’s stories. Not sure what made me think that. It could be that slight lost look in her eyes.
I practically gulped loudly. “Uhh, yeah, yeah, sure I remember all those stories. So this is the infamous Izzy. Very nice to meet you.” We were staring at each other now, unable to break this amazing connection we had. At least, I think we had. She darted her eyes down quickly and seemed to swallow also, placing a strand of her long bangs behind her ear. Gorgeous ear…I’d love to nibble on that, then down that long neck of hers….Sheila…think of Sheila…
“Nice to meet you too.” Izzy said sweetly, with a demure smile. She held out her hand and as soon as I shook it, my heart skipped a beat and I couldn’t stop staring. My jeans became too tight just touching her.
Mel broke the connection we were having. “Flynn said you need a new a bartender and well, Izzy was the best bartender in college. Not to mention all the guys she’ll attract.”
Screw you Mel…like hell if I’ll let any guy near this one.
I took a breath, “Well, yeah, umm of course. When was your last bartending job?” Please say just last week, so I know I’m not hiring someone who hasn’t bartended…
“About two years ago.” She interrupted my thought and quickly added, “but I’ve bartended for parties over that time frame.” Crap. Well, I’m always up for giving a girl a chance. Besides, I wanted to be around this girl as much as possible, even though I knew it might piss Sheila off. Not that she’d notice since she’s been ignoring me lately and never really home.
“Alright.” I found myself agreeing to give her a shot. “Do you think you could start tonight and just watch from behind the bar? Maybe pour a beer or two to help out and then we can start your training on Tuesday. The bar is closed Sunday and Monday.”
Her eyes lit up, her mouth turned up giving the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen and her chest lifted just enough to make me want to grab her and hug her. Wow, I’ll have to make sure she gets that excited more often, just not in front of Sheila.
“Great. Well, come back to my office and I’ll get some paperwork started and get you a uniform.” The uniform would look amazing on her. Nice red halter top that showed just enough cleavage to tease, but not look overly done. Fuck. Every guy is going to be thinking the same as me. Not to mention the short black skirt with her amazing legs.
I thought they were right behind me, but they had stopped and looked like they were arguing. What the fuck would they have to be arguing about? Isn’t that what they came here for? To get her the job? “Everything okay ladies?” I asked out of curiosity. Mel and Izzy walked toward me. Izzy looked extremely uncomfortable. Was it the uniform? Had Mel described it to her and she was offended? It was tasteful, I had made sure of it when I picked them out.
“Umm, Izzy has an ex that might be searching for her. I was wondering if there was any way we could do this under the table, maybe?”
Crap, now this shit? I can’t get involved in stuff like this again. I was looking pissed, probably because I was. “I can’t do that type of shit, Mel, you know the problems I had before. I can’t have the law coming around here again.”
Mel stepped up, smiling her sweet smile and cocking her head to the side. I hate that. If it weren’t for my best friend being practically in love with this girl, I’d have stopped her. But it was Mel and she was pretty much the sister I never had…not to mention Flynn would kill me if I ever pissed her off.
Before Mel could start her cute little pleading thing she does, I decided to ask, “How would he know you worked here? Does he live in this town?”
Izzy spoke up looking a bit worried. “I’m so sorry, I don’t want to cause any trouble. I should have thought this out before jumping at the opportunity. HE would know because I’m sure HE’s tracking my ID, credit and bank account.” What kind of douche bag was she involved with? She looked a bit scared when she talked about HIM whoever the fuck HE was. Damn, I hate to use my underground connections, but I felt this instant urge to protect her. Shit, I’d have to give Mick a call and I hated owing him for anything.
“Yeah, okay.” I reluctantly agreed. “I’ll try to get some IDs made up. Any particular name you want or can I go with something slutty for fun,” I joked. I swear I saw something spark in her eyes as if a joke came to mind, but it seemed to go just as quickly. A vacant look took its place.
“Um, whatever you feel like picking, I’m fine with, since it’s more for paperwork.” Izzy said with a meek smile. I glanced at Mel who was looking at her oddly.
“I’ll get your uniform so you can try it on.” I grabbed some different sizes of tops and skirts and handed them to her. “Bathroom is down the hall to the left.” After she left, I looked back at Mel. “What’s up with all that?”
Mel seemed a little uneasy. “I don’t really know.” She huffed, “I’m still trying to figure it all out. Izzy dated this guy right after graduation. She started this great job and he kept coming around and calling. Tons of flowers, expensive clothes, trips here and there to Europe, out of the blue. We started fighting more and more because he seemed to be controlling everything she did.” She stopped and thought some more and then said, “I think he was into some crazy controlling type of shit, but I haven’t figured it all out just yet. She had trouble just ordering lunch today. She’s definitely not the same Izzy I knew. My old Izzy would have had a great come back for the slutty name comment.”
“Look, I want to help out and all, but I don’t want her flaking out or something behind the bar. I really need to keep my bar and staff running well.” I said halfheartedly. I didn’t want Izzy out of the picture, but I still had a business to run.
“No, I don’t think she’ll flake out. I think she’s anxious to return to some sort of normalcy,” Mel stated emphatically. “She’s living with us, so I’ll try to find out more and keep an eye on her.”
Wow…well at least if things don’t work out here, I still get to see more of her since we all hang out all the time. Sheila would hate that, but we haven’t been getting along at all lately anyway. Hmm, Flynn had this chick staying with them. Shit, the thought came to me way too quickly – this meant Clark was just a door down from her room, if she was in Lucy’s old room.
“What’s wrong?” Mel asked. She must have seen the thought dawn on me.
“Umm, has Clark met her yet?” I asked, hoping he hadn’t already tapped her.
Laughing, Mel said, “Yes, he has and yes, he’s already trying. Both Flynn and I have already warned him to keep his dick to himself.”
Just then Izzy came back in wearing her same knockout dress. “How’d they fit?” I asked.
“Great actually. I really love the uniform.” She said smiling brightly and handing back to me the ones that didn’t fit.
“Good, then I guess I’ll see you tonight. Come by a little early around six so I can introduce you to the other bartenders and waitresses,” I said and gave her a quick wink. Why did I wink at her? Crap I was acting stupid already. What was tonight going to be like in front of my staff? Or in front of Sheila? She’d start up her jealousy crap again. She was doing that more and more lately, well, when I saw her.
Mel hugged me and gave me a quick kiss on my cheek and said she and Flynn would stop by later for some drinks since Clark was working the door tonight.
Clark. Shit. She was living there with him. Bet he’ll walk her here and back home tonight. Unless he scores some tonight. Maybe I’ll have to make sure that happens so he doesn’t try anything with Izzy. Shit, how am I going to make that happen all the time? Wait. Why the fuck am I thinking about this? It shouldn’t matter since I’m with Sheila. Damn women. Hate it when one gets under my skin.
Figuring out what to do next, I made a call to Mick for Izzy’s fake ID’s. I just need to make sure it’s not a slutty name since she didn’t seem keen on that. I also need to try not to sound too urgent so I wouldn’t owe him too much.
With that done, books were next. At least Mary was good at bookkeeping because obviously that wasn’t the case in her choice of who she fucked.
Chapter 3
Izzy
As we walked back to the townhouse, my mind wandered to my new boss, Z. I knew I shouldn’t have romantic thoughts about him, nor any man right now for that matter, but I couldn’t help it. The connection we seemed to have from just looking at each other was incredibly intense. Just thinking about him made my heart beat faster. Gorgeous was the word that came to mind. Wait, maybe it was handsome, hot, amazing. It was hard to pick one word to describe him. Tall with broad shoulders and muscular arms made me believe he definitely worked out a lot to keep in shape. His t-shirt was tight enough not to be obnoxious, but definitely hinted to his well-defined abs. His hair color seemed to be the same sandy blonde color as mine, maybe a bit darker, but I’m sure his wasn’t highlighted by a hairdresser every three weeks to be the perfect shade. His strong jaw line and masculine cheek bones seemed to be carved by the best sculptor. And then his eyes, piercing grey blue that seemed to look into my soul, but at the same time were so caring and warm.
I sighed and tried to remind myself that I don’t need to be consumed by another man right now. HE still consumed my thoughts, but there was something about Z that was so different, almost completely opposite of HIM. The caring attraction that he seemed to exude from our quick introduction seemed so sincere. Or was that my imagination? I just felt an electric current between us, especially when we shook hands. But then again, it could be my mind running wild; too much has happened in the past 24 hours and I’m sure I’m just not thinking straight.