Chapter 6 #2
“Because it’s the job I wanted. And now, I’m so glad that I didn’t let my preconceived notions get in the way of the best job I’ve ever had.” Eli is a straight shooter, so I know he’s not just telling me what I want to hear.
“What do you think of this place? Honestly. I won’t be offended.”
“There’s nothing to be offended by. If you want the God’s honest truth, I came in feeling pretty judgmental. But now that I’ve gotten to know everyone and see so many happy, healthy relationships, I feel sort of privileged.”
“Really?” I’m surprised by his answer.
“Yeah. I grew up in such a straitlaced family. My parents went to church, and they acted as if we were the perfect cookie-cutter family. In the end, my mom cheated with the pastor, and my dad became my only parent. I know that what can look like a happy relationship from the outside isn’t necessarily what’s going on behind closed doors.
I’ve seen much more functional relationships within these walls, that’s for sure. ”
“I am concerned about staffing it.”
“As long as you’re upfront with potential employees, I don’t see it being a problem. I signed the NDA, and that came with an extra wage bump.”
“And if they say no, what’s to stop them from outing this place? Outing me. It could ruin Dulip and everything I’ve worked for.”
“They sign the NDA before interviewing. That’s what Carter did with me.”
“Do you have people in mind from your existing staff?”
“I seem to have stumbled across a possible sous chef in one of my waitstaff. I want to give her a chance to work alongside me, at least for a trial period. If it works out the way I think it will, then she’d take over when I’m happy that the restaurant can operate without me.”
“That’s great. It sounds like you have a plan, so what’s the hesitation I’m sensing?” Eli is an intuitive guy. He can read people in a very honest way. He sees you.
“She’s… innocent. I don’t want to sully her.”
“Innocent? What? She’s a virgin or something? Very religious? Too young?”
“I don’t even know. There’s just something so sweet about her. I feel like I’d be corrupting her if I brought her here.”
“To work or to bed?”
“Work. Purely professional.” I’m going to be telling myself this every time I look at her. She deserves a chance.
“Then, don’t shoot yourself in the foot because you’re assuming someone else’s judgment of you before giving them the chance to prove you wrong.”
Shit. His words hit home. “I’d be the dick if I don’t give her a chance.”
“Exactly. I’ll forward you the NDA I signed before my interview. It will give you a framework.”
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it. Honestly, I was planning on opening a new location, but it never crossed my mind that it would be here.”
“Flex?” It’s a question and the answer rolled into one.
“Yep. He has a vision for this place that goes far beyond anything I’ve ever seen in a club.”
“This place is pretty special. Not going to lie… I expected whips, chains, and gimp masks everywhere.”
“Well, you can definitely find all of those things within these walls,” I say with a chuckle.
“But you’re right, it’s special. You’re thinking BDSM, but this place is a kink club.
Most people wouldn’t take the time to distinguish the difference, but it’s there, and it’s huge.
I didn’t come into the lifestyle through a club. ”
“How did it find you?” His question is telling. Insightful.
“One of my college professors. She wanted a young guy to mold into her perfect Dom. After her, I never really found a woman who could tick all the boxes for me. I started looking into the practices I enjoyed and found a local club to train. When the guys opened this place, I heard good things, and here I am.”
“So, it was a Mrs. Robinson-type situation. Hot.” That makes me laugh, but he’s not far off.
“I guess she saw something in me that I never realized was there.”
Eli busies himself behind the bar before leveling me with a steely gaze, his brow furrowed. “You were in your early twenties then. Do you really think someone could find this lifestyle later without any previous signs that it’s something they’re interested in?”
“Hypothetically?” There’s a hint of trepidation in his voice that has me wondering.
“Of course,” he says, running his hand through his raven black hair.
“I think most people find it later. Let’s face it, none of us know our ass from our elbow when we’re young.
You don’t bed the high school cheerleader with kink in mind.
It’s something that comes with time and experience.
I know for most of us, there was something…
lacking… in our dalliances. We all just piece it together at some point.
Why do you ask?” I already know the answer, but I doubt Eli is ready to unpack his intrigue.
“Just wondering. I’m a vanilla guy who thinks sex in the shower is adventurous enough.”
“Do you, though? Think that’s adventurous?”
“Not anymore. But it’s enough for me.”
I opt to redirect the conversation a little. “Are you dating anyone right now?”
“I’ve had some hookups, but nothing I wanted to pursue past that. I’m busy with this place, and I’m just sort of bored having the same first date over and over again, it seems.”
“I get that. The longest relationship I’ve had was my last, and we all know how that turned out.” I nod in her direction.
“She’s not worth your time. Once a cheater…”
“Yeah. Doesn’t make me feel like any less of an idiot for not seeing it.”
“She wasn’t parading around here with anyone when you weren’t here, if that makes you feel any better. If she had, you know one of your friends would have told you.”
“I guess.”
“Are you looking for a new submissive?”
I smile. “Check you out, learning the lingo. Did you get a taste for it after seeing the voyeur floor? Next, you’ll be cracking a whip.” I know with certainty that Eli wouldn’t be the one brandishing any implement of punishment.
“I hear a lot of stuff. Seeing it is something else. It’s… intriguing.” Oh, hell, he’s coming over to the dark side, sooner or later.
“If you ever have other questions, hit me up. I’ll be happy to answer anything you want to know. I appreciate your help tonight. I’m going to make this restaurant work.”
“I don’t doubt it for a second.”
“Thanks, man. If you can send me that NDA tomorrow, that would be great.”
He pulls his phone from his back pocket, and within seconds, I have a notification on mine. “Done.”
“You’re a legend, Eli.”
“I do my best. A guy has to work pretty hard around here to be noticed,” he says with a wry grin.
“Walk upstairs and take your clothes off, you’ll be noticed.”
“Fuck, even the thought of that scares the shit out of me. I don’t know how you do it.”
“I don’t. I watch other people do it.”
“Why don’t you? Flex could strut around this club with his dong swinging, and his swagger wouldn’t falter for a second.”
“His confidence is endless.”
“It got him the woman of his dreams. He must be doing something right.”
“You’re right.” A year ago, I would’ve considered Flex the eternal bachelor. I pitied him at times, thinking myself so superior to have found a long-term sub. How wrong I was. Now, I’m an onlooker to his happily ever after, with no submissive standing at my side.
I hear her laughing across the room, and it’s more than I can stomach, so I drain my glass, say goodbye to Eli, and head upstairs to find solace for the night on the voyeur floor.