Chapter 4
Days Later
“I’m really tired, but thank you,” I hear Taylor say—for the third time tonight—to the waiter who started working at the bar a few days ago.
What he’s got in looks, he lacks in boundaries.
After just two shifts with her, the idiot seems to think he owns her.
Tonight, for instance, he’s repeating an invitation to some damn party that she already politely turned down once before.
I wish I had her patience. If it were me, I would’ve told the jerk to go to hell.
Some men don’t understand the power of a no.
No doesn’t mean “maybe” or “we’ll see.” Women don’t say no when they mean yes. No is absolute.
“Life’s not all about work, Taylor,” he says, and I feel like throwing up.
He couldn’t sound more pathetic if he tried.
She looks like she’s about to slap him, so I decide to step in before they both get kicked out.
“Okay, Todd, that’s enough. If you ask Taylor out one more time, I’m no longer going to treat it like harmless flirting, I’ll report it to the manager as harassment.
She’s clearly uncomfortable, and just for future reference: a woman’s silence, just like the magic word no, should always be enough. Now go take care of your section.”
He gives me a look like he wants to kill me, but I give him a go ahead and try me stare, and he backs off, leaving us alone.
“You’ve gotta be more straight, girl,” I say once he’s gone.
“I thought I was. I said no three times just today, not to mention all the other invites I’ve turned down this week.”
I step behind the bar and stop next to her.
“So, what’s the problem—lack of attraction, or are you still hung up on that hot doctor you can’t stop thinking about?”
Taylor’s been sad and quiet lately, ever since she got a delivery here at the bar. She told me it was a gift from a doctor, he sent her a piece of jewelry, a flower, and a ticket to a concert at the New York Philharmonic.
She didn’t say it out loud, but I’m pretty sure the guy’s related to the wealthy woman she takes care of.
“Both,” she finally says.
“You shouldn’t have been so friendly.”
“I know. But I thought he was cute and charming. I made a mistake. He is both of those things, but also super annoying.”
“You actually considered going to that party with him?” I ask.
“Yeah. I mean, I don’t want to be that girl pining over a man who thinks the worst of me.
Besides, even if William thought I was the best person in the world, we’d still be incompatible.
Not to mention he’s filthy rich and way more experienced.
He made it very clear what he expects from a relationship—if sleeping with someone can even be called that. ”
“Next time a guy shows interest and you sense you’re not a good match, run before feelings get involved. It’s the best way to protect your heart.”
“I don’t know if it’s about the heart. I just…”
“Taylor, you fell for him—even if you haven’t realized it yet. And if your gut’s telling you it’s a trap, don’t ignore it.”
“It wasn’t my gut, it was him. William was honest about his intentions.
” She sighs and sets the shaker back on the shelf.
“What I need is to have some fun. I don’t want to go to Todd’s party, but I’ll take you up on your offer to hit the club,” she says, referring to when I invited her earlier to go out.
I could use a night out too. It’s rare for me.
“Are you serious?”
“I am. Today marks eight months since my dad passed, and I don’t want to be alone at home.”
“I’m so sorry, Taylor. I know it’s the kind of pain that never really goes away. I still miss my mom every day, and it’s been over five years. But if you’re serious about going out, let’s do it. You can sleep over at my place so we can head back together.”
She nods in agreement.
“How did you get tickets for that place?” she asks. “No offense, but I heard it’s one of the hardest clubs to get into in Manhattan.”
“It is. Thing is, I used to date one of the bouncers. He’s gotten me in more than once,” I lie—because it would be hard to explain that I suspect the reason I have free access to a place filled with millionaires is thanks to my secret protector.
Maybe it’s his way of keeping tabs on me, knowing where I go.
“And we won’t get turned away? I really don’t want to be embarrassed.”
“Nope. Don’t worry. I’ve been plenty of times—and with friends too. Now stop worrying so much. Let’s hit the Big Apple, go out and pretend we’re gorgeous and rich. I mean, we are gorgeous—the rich part will just have to stay in our dreams.”
“I didn’t bring anything. No shoes, no clothes, nothing. I’ll have to stop by my place.”
“What size do you wear?”
“Seven and a half.”
“Same as me. I’m sure I have something that’ll fit you.”
After our shift ended at eleven, we went straight to my place. I almost laughed at the look on her face when we walked in.
It’s a loft in a great neighborhood in Manhattan.
“I inherited it from my brother.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to be nosy, it’s just…”
“No need to feel awkward. You’re probably wondering why I work at a bar if I live in a place like this. The answer’s simple: he paid the building fees and all the property taxes for five years. Which means that in six months, I’ll have to sell it.”
What I don’t tell her is that my brother probably knew he could die at any moment because of the line of work he was in—and by leaving me this place, he wanted to make sure I’d be taken care of.
I’ve thought a lot about why the condo payments were covered only until I turned twenty-five and I came to the conclusion that Martin probably believed I’d be married by then.
Not even close.
“It’s gotta be crazy expensive to keep this place, right?”
“You have no idea. I’m going to sell it.
I’m already looking for something new—somewhere I can afford the fees and taxes.
It won’t be anything like this, of course, but still way closer to what you’re paying now.
What do you think about moving in with me?
You’d pay the same as your current rent and utilities. ”
“Are you serious?”
“I am. We’ll split groceries too.”
“I… I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to answer right now.”