“Okay, always remember that she sets the pace,” I counseled.
“She sets the pace, right,” Kenner repeated.
“But you gotta make it known what you want. Be assertive, but not aggressive.”
“Assertive but not aggressive. Got it.”
Travis and Claire were winding down. I hit Kenner on the shoulder and gestured for him to back away with me.
“Is he going to have sex with her now?” he muttered.
“I don’t think so,” I said. “She’s setting the pace. Tonight it’s about her. Just be cool, okay? Now let’s have a drink.”
We went back to the bar where Brax continued to serve. He was now attempting to make all the mixed drinks he could make off the bar’s tablet of recipes.
“This is a lot easier than I thought,” he slurred. “If I had some fresh mint, I could make mojitos!”
Travis and Claire came back, and we continued to drink and dance. At some point, the music slowed down. I was sitting at the bar with Travis and toasted him.
“To you, Trav,” I said. “Cheers.”
“Cheers,” he said, clinking our glasses. “No hard feelings.”
“No, none. Of course not,” I said.
In the corner of the bar, Kenner and Claire were sitting in a booth making out. He grabbed her breasts. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched in the mirror of the bar. Brax continue to mix drinks, completely shitfaced by this point. He almost lost his balance.
“Dude, are you okay?” asked Travis.
“It’s fine,” he mumbled. “I’ve switched to coffee liquor to sober up.”
Kenner had reached his hand under Claire’s skirt. She tensed up and pushed his face down into her cleavage. Kenner must’ve had fast hands, because I could see her legs shake under the table. Just above the music, I could hear her moan in pleasure. She kissed Kenner, as she kissed me and Travis. It was tender and loving, but also sensual.
I wasn’t sure Brax was even aware of what was happening in the bar around him. He was so drunk, he finally just sat down on the floor behind the bar and passed out.
“I’m just gonna take a nap here, I---“
A fast song came on. Claire and Kenner were up dancing and Travis and I were drunk enough to join them. It was a fun time. After a couple of songs, we decided to get some club sodas.
“Man, I’m wasted,” said Travis. “I need some soda just to dilute all the alcohol in my body.”
Claire was behind the bar. She stood there serving drinks with a strange expression on her face. I guess she was just as drunk.
“Yeah, you have to be Irish to take it,” she gasped. “The creature. That’s what they call booze in Ireland. Mmmm.”
“Are you okay, Claire?” I asked. “You look like you’re going to pass out.”
“No-no,” she laughed. “I’m definitely--- Definitely not going to--- Ahhhh--- Pass out, no.”
Kenner and I kept hearing a noise, but we weren’t sure what to make of it. Then, suddenly, we both realized it was coming from under the bar. We looked over the bar top, and we saw Brax awake and eating out Claire’s pussy.
“Holy shit,” said Kenner.
“Wish I had thought of that,” I said, shaking my head.
“Oh, God! Ooh!” moaned Claire. “It’s so good! Lick me; I’m Irish, baby!”
Travis lifted a drink in the spirit of the night. Kenner and I did the same and drank. Claire came all over Brax’s face and down the front of his suit. I had to have sex with this woman. God damn she was wild.
“Okay, guys,” said Claire, looking at the time. “I hate to be a buzzkill, but I’m expecting a big day tomorrow and a huge hangover. I gotta get to bed. It’s late, and the bar’s a mess.”
We had kinda wrecked things. I wanted to stay, but she needed to tend to the bar.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said.
It was now routine. We were part of her life. She gave us all a kiss as we left, including Brax, who we had to carry to the limo. Once inside, Brax dug around the limo bar, found a Red Bull, opened it and chugged it down. He threw the can aside.
“Okay, listen, fellas,” he slurred. “We need to talk.”
“I think the move is obvious,” I said. “We share her. Together. All four.”
“Yes, I agree,” slurred Brax. “If I’m a judge of any character and I am a judge of any character, her character wants us. Did that make any sense?”
“Mostly,” acknowledged Kenner who turned his head away from Brax’s breath. “But the question is, can she handle it?”
“I’m positive this chick can handle four dicks,” I said frankly.
“Whoa! Jax!” said Travis. “Scale back the frat boy talk!”
“Me?” I said.
“That’s not what I meant,” said Kenner. “I meant emotionally, you horn dog.”
“Well, I’m in,” cheered Brax. “I adore this woman. There’s something about her.”
“I haven’t felt this way about anyone since Sasha,” said Kenner. “This is really important to me. Jax, be serious now. Is this just another conquest for you? You can already have any girl you want. Don’t make this about your dick.”
“I got to admit,” said Travis. “I got feelings for this girl. It’s weird for me, but she and I really connected. I don’t know if it’s the bar or the way she acts, but I’m definitely down for the relationship.”
“Of course,” said Brax. “Who wouldn’t be? She’s smart and funny and oh, so sexy! And she taught me how to make a Manhattan. I had drunken many before, but I never mixed one before. Am I rambling? It feels like I’m rambling.”
“I’m not afraid to admit,” I said. “It got real for me. It really did. And you guys are my friends, so if I shared someone, I’m glad it’s with you guys. You guys are like my family, and it’s almost like Claire’s becoming family, too.”
“Holy shit,” said Kenner, smiling. “Did you just become a real person before our very eyes? I’ve never heard you talk that way. That’s the stuff you should’ve been talking about when you were a musician, man.”
“Brother,” said Brax seriously. “Are you being genuine with us? Are you in love with this girl like the rest of us?”
“I think I am,” I said sincerely. “It’s weird for me. It’s never happened like this before. One minute, I’m coming in here to score with a waitress, and the next minute, I have all these feelings for her.”
“We’re in this together then,” said Brax. “Assuming she’s amen--- amen--- amendable-able. I think she is.”
“Guys is this situation weird? Do people do this?” asked Kenner. “Jax is this something you’ve seen. You’re a worldly guy.”
“I’ve heard about it. Seen stuff online,” I said. “I’m no expert. I think they’re called poly-relationships or something like that.”
“What’s the etiquette?” asked Kenner.
“Yeah, bro. Do we take turns or write up a schedule?” asked Travis.
“That sounds weirder,” said Kenner.
“Yes, brother, what are the rules of etiquette?” asked Brax.
“Guys, I’m not an expert on this,” I admitted. “I read a few things on the Internet and that’s all. I think we just have to be open and honest, just like in any relationship. We need to have a talk with her like we had a talk now. Put all our cards on the table. If she’s into it, we go from there. If not, we go from there.”
“We should keep this confidential from our staff at the office,” suggested Brax. “For now, I’m saying. Once we’ve gotten an affirmative from her, then that’s a different story.”
“Yeah, we don’t want her to think this relationship is--- Well, that we’re ashamed or something,” said Travis.
“No-no-no, of course not,” said Brax. “We just--- The company has rivals. I don’t want this to turn into something public before we’re sure. That’s all I’m saying.”
“It’s strange, ya know?” I admitted. “I used to travel around the world having sex with differ
ent women. I was always searching for something and never found it. I had a good time, but it was empty. This feels right somehow.”
“That’s love, bro,” said Travis. “That’s love.”
“Yeah, I guess it kinda is,” I said. “Guess I just never really knew it.”
“And to be honest, I never thought I’d have it again,” admitted Kenner. “I used to miss Sasha all the time, but now--- I think I’m finally moving on. I finally have something to look forward to that isn’t just work-related.”
“Good for you, bro,” said Travis. “Good for you.”
“And I would just like to add one more important thing,” said Brax, looking very green around the gills.
Brax opened the door and vomited in the street. He heaved and barf poured out of his mouth. He took a breather and then did it again, this time with even more vomit. He wiped his face with his sleeve and moved back into the limo, shutting the door.
“I don’t want to alarm any of you,” said Brax. “But I may be coming into work tomorrow a tad---“
Brax fell over on the seat and passed out. He immediately started snoring loudly.
“Gentlemen, there’s only one thing to do,” I said removing a Sharpie from my pocket. “Memorialize this night on my brother’s face.”
Chapter 14 – Claire
It was the day before Saint Paddy’s Day, and the bar was already a mad house. Fernando was trying my patience.
“Look, Ms. Claire!” he said excitedly. “Today’s new creation! I call them Deep Fried Blarney Stones!”
“What are they actually?” I asked cautiously.
“Taste!” he insisted.
I bit into what actually look like a rock. “It’s sweet…”
“That’s because they’re Irish potatoes!”
“Oh, so you took something Irish and reimagined it as…something Irish?”
“Yes!” Fernando cheered excitedly. “Oh, it’s so great to work for a boss that gets me. I’m going into the back to make more!”
“Fernando, you don’t have to work that hard,” I told him. “You’re already a great cook and Saint Paddy’s Day is already going to be packed. You can make the standard food.”
“No. I make better than standard for you, Ms. Claire,” he insisted.
“Well, yes, I mean--- Your quality is way above standard, no doubt,” I conceded. “I’m just saying you don’t have to keep creating right now. I don’t want you to burn out before the big day.”
“Oh, no-no-no,” he assured me. “I won’t burn out. I love this! Creating like this is a dream to me! When I was in the joint, I cooked in the kitchen. I could hardly do anything. There were no spices, no creativity and no appreciation for cuisine. Did you hear the customer yesterday complimenting my Shamrock Shooters?”
“Yeah, he really liked them.”
“That never happened in the joint. Not ever. I mean it couldn’t. The guards would never let a prisoner come back into the kitchen to compliment the chef, even if he wanted to. And the food we had to work with, quite frankly, it was disgusting.”
“I can imagine. Nothing fresh?”
“Everything came out of a can. After a while, you can taste the can,” he said sadly. “Honestly, for me, that was one of the worst parts about being in the joint.”
“Sounds depressing,” I agreed. “Remind me to never go to jail.”
“Don’t worry, I will. Believe me, this job is like a dream come true for me,” he said almost tearing up. “Anything you need, just ask.”
“Just keep doing what you’re doing, Fernando.”
“I will! Wait until you see what I create next!” he said happily rushing back into the kitchen.
“Watch the food costs!” I called after him.
“I will! I will!” he replied.
My hangover was not responding well today. I wish I hadn’t gotten so drunk with the guys last night. I took some more pain meds and begged the pounding to stop. I was just getting a handle on the early lunch rush when the bank called. I knew this couldn’t be good.
“Tom, hey, I was just about to call you,” I lied. “How’s everything? You should come by for a drink, the place is packed.”
“Thanks Claire, maybe I’ll do that, but first I got some news,” he began. “They’re leaning on me to foreclose on your bar.”
“They? Who?” I asked.
“My boss’s boss invested in Rodash Real Estate. He’s got a stake in the new retail space they’re trying to build,” said Tom sadly.
“But I’m only a month behind! Saint Paddy’s is our cash cow! It’s tomorrow! I’ll be all caught up!” I panicked. “You got to give me some more time!”
“I can stall the paperwork until then, but you gotta hit the bank right after, okay?” insisted Tom. “I can absolutely not give you another extension, understand?”
“Yeah, yeah, sure. No problem. I’ll have the money,” I promised.
“Okay, no worries then,” said Tom a little softer. “Have a good holiday.”
“Yep. Erin go bragh,” I added. “Talk to you soon.”
I hung up and put my head in my hands. I did not need this. More pressure is not what I needed. But no, I was Irish, this is an Irish Pub and tomorrow’s the most Irish day of the year--- What could possibly go wrong, right? Jesus, I needed to hire more staff. Even the boys couldn’t handle Saint Paddy’s Day. I’ve seen that break more than one server, despite the tips. Oh, God, why couldn’t the Rodashes just leave me alone?
“Hey, babe, what’s wrong?” said a voice.
I looked up. It was Jax and the guys.
“Guys!” I greeted. “Thank God! I could really use some help.”
“Oh, boy,” said Kenner.
The guys all looked pretty bloodshot too. Brax was still wearing sunglasses and he was holding an ice pack on his head. Only Travis seemed to be unaffected by last night’s revelry.
“I’m afraid we have a dinner meeting in a few hours,” said Brax. “Quite frankly, we’re in no condition to be of service.”
“I could stack some dishes before I leave,” offered Kenner.
“No, it’s okay,” I smiled. “I’ll get through it. Thanks to you guys, I actually have a little money to hire some temporary help.”
“How are you holding up?” asked Jax.
“I’m fine,” I yawned. “Totally fine. I just need to square things with the bank after tomorrow. Tomorrow I’ll be all caught up on the bills and the mortgage.”
“Mortgage?” asked Brax. “But you said this pub has been in your family for three generations.”
“When I took it over I took out a mortgage to remodel it,” I confided. “It wasn’t a problem in the past, but since the Rodashes have been trying to drive everybody out…”
“I’m sorry about that,” said Kenner, looking away guilty.
“Oh, no, Sweetie, don’t blame yourself,” I said hugging him. “This is not on you, okay? You’re a sweet guy and I don’t blame you in any way whatsoever. No matter what happens.”
“Okay,” smiled Kenner. “I’m still sorry though. Next time I see him at Thanksgiving, I’m going to make sure he gets no stuffing.”
“Yeah, that’ll teach him,” joked Travis. “Jesus, bro. You should get pumped up with me and then kick his ass.”
“At Thanksgiving?” said Jax.
“Beat up my brother? At Thanksgiving…at my parents’ house,” repeated Kenner. “That’s something you would do if you had a brother?”
“I’m just saying, he has to respect you then,” said Travis.
“I can’t beat up my own brother on a family holiday! What is wrong with you?” Kenner threw his arms up in the air.
“Hey, I’m just trying to help,” said Travis, holding his palms up in defense. “You should still get jacked. At least you’d feel good and look good.”
“Despite my earlier proclamations about your work ethic,” began Brax. “I would hate to see you lose the bar. If you need—”
“I don’t need a h
andout,” I interrupted.
“A loan from a friend is what I was going to say,” explained Brax. “You could pay me back whenever.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I have to do this on my own like a big girl,” I said. “You are sweet to offer. You guys want some lunch?”
The boys ordered some food and Fernando delivered with his usual panache. Everyone had club soda to drink.
“No one wants a little hair of the dog?” I offered mischievously.
“Dear Lord no,” said Brax. “In fact, I think I may need to use your facilities. Excuse me.”
Brax ran off to the bathroom, holding his napkin over his mouth.
“Is he okay?” I asked, a little worried.
“He’s much better now,” said Jax.
“I have never seen Brax get so hammered in my life,” laughed Travis. “That was fucking epic, bro! Like college level!”
“You guys missed the part where I carried him in to bed,” said Jax. “He threw up all over that rug he talks about.”
“The rug he bought in Morocco?” said Kenner horrified. “That cost him a fortune! And he mentions every time we go over to his place!”
“I know, I know,” said Jax. “Don’t mention it. He had to call a special rug cleaner to take the thing. Like the most expensive rug cleaner in the U.S. or something. Scrubs it by hand with toothbrushes or whatever. He’s just sick about it.”
“It’s just a rug,” I said. “How much could a rug possibly cost?”
“Thirty-two thousand dollars,” said Jax flatly.
I nearly chocked on the water I was drinking. He really was a billionaire. “Did you say thirty-two thousand dollars?” I shouted. “What’s the damned rug made out of? Gold?!”
“Man, no wonder he got so mad when I almost spilled wine on it,” added Travis. “Your brother is nuts sometimes, bro.”
“He’s got the money for it,” defended Jax. “What’s the big deal? So he buys a few things?”
“He does get pretty extravagant sometimes,” added Kenner. “He has that suit of samurai armor in his foyer. It’s just sitting there.”
“It’s an antique,” corrected Jax.
“I’ve seen him hang jackets on it,” reminded Kenner. “That offended me, and I’m not even Japanese.”
Sold on the Beach_A Reverse Harem Romance Page 19
