4. Salem
FOUR
SALEM
Several minutes after leaving the bar, I’m still sitting in my car trying to get my shit together. The man inside is literally all my fantasies embodied in one person. Tall—like, really tall—ruggedly gorgeous, with a jawline like the edge of a cliff, and eyes so beautiful and blue you could swim in them. And he’s queer? Fuck me sideways, the gay gods are finally shining down on me.
I need a job more than I need another man in my life, but there’s no talking my dick out of it. I’ll take whatever Indy—geez, what a name—offers me. Job? Yes, please. Dick? Abso-fucking-lutely.
A construction truck pulls up to the curb behind me and a big mountain of a man steps out wearing a shirt at least one size too small with the words Studs and Caulk Construction in big black letters on the back. I snort a laugh and finally manage to start the car. Borrowing my mom’s fancy Mercedes isn’t the worst thing about being back home.
I really hope taking a chance on walking in there pays off. I don’t exactly love the idea of waiting tables again, but desperate times and all that. I’ve got to start digging my way out of the hole somehow, and I’d rather work in a bar close to home than schlep back to New Onyx to do it. I’d spend more in gas than I’d make.
I can’t lie to myself and say I don’t want to see the sexy co-owner again, and one thing about me is that when I set my sights on something, I’ll do just about anything to get it. Indy in my bed just rose to the top of my vision board, and based on the way he was looking at me I’m pretty sure he’s interested too. Fuck, please let that man be single. It wouldn’t be fair to dangle all that deliciousness in front of my face then drop a ‘not available’ bomb on me.
Shaking my head, I pull away from the curb and drive a few blocks down to the stores lining the streets. I’m going to prime the universe in my favor and buy a box of condoms. See, powers that be? I’m ready for some man action. After all, the best way to get over one man is to get under another, right? Honestly, I’m long over my ex, but I have yet to jump back on the proverbial horse in the sex department.
There’s a store that caught my eye as I drove past earlier looking for hiring signs. The sign above it, For the Love of Love, is intriguing, to say the least. After parking, I pop inside, inhaling the subtle floral scent in the air. Nice. There’s nothing but a counter and a thick deep pink velvet curtain blocking further view into the space. What is this?
The curtain parts and a very pretty woman steps out, a big smile on her face. Her hair is blond and she’s wearing a tight tank top with equally tight jeans. “Hi. Can I help you?”
“Uh, I’m not sure. What is this place? A store?”
She nods, tucking a lock of blond hair behind her ear. “An intimate store. Are you looking for something in particular?”
“No, more generally, but this is the right place.”
Her face lights up. “I’m Cameron. ”
“Salem.”
“Welcome. Can I check your ID? I just need to make sure you’re over twenty-one.”
“Bless you, Cameron.” I pull my wallet out of my shoulder bag and hand it over.
She looks at it then gives it back. “Come on in.”
As Cameron parts the curtain, I step through, gasping softly at what I see. “Wow.”
“Yeah.” She nods. “Our permit came with some conditions. The curtain and checking ID. The good people of Willow Bay didn’t want kids to be able to peek inside. Totally fair.”
“Sure.” I scan the room filled with every imaginable sex toy and some that have never crossed my mind. “This is amazing.”
“Thanks. I’ve wanted to have a place for so long. In my opinion, it’s so much nicer to be able to purchase things in person instead of online. Not everyone wants to go to the city for supplies.”
“Agreed. Queer friendly too?”
“Of course.” She points to the sign that says ‘Trans Lives Matter’ and smiles. “As a trans woman, it’s important to me to create safe and inclusive spaces.”
I nod, smiling at her. “I love that it’s in Willow Bay. The guys down the street are opening a queer bar. Did you know that?”
“No. I was super curious. A queer bar?”
“Yep. About time, huh?”
“Definitely needed. You can see how the landscape has changed when the university students are out and about.”
“That’s great to hear. I’ve been in the city for about a decade.”
Cameron smiles. “I was there for a couple of years. Obviously there are tons of queer friendly places, but it was just too big and too much for me, I guess. I’m a small-town girl at heart. ”
“I’m glad you’re here.” My throat tightens a little and I laugh it out. “Whew. Got a little emotional for a second.”
She nods in understanding. “Finally feeling seen?”
“Yeah. I left this town feeling like an outcast. I returned reluctantly only to find out that everything is different now.”
“Tell me about it. I hid for ages, trying to keep it a secret. I came out once I was in New Onyx and I refused to hide again, but I was still scared moving back here.”
“Have people been accepting?”
“Mostly. Some of the older folks look at me weird sometimes, but like I said, the demographics have changed. It’s not all families and retirees anymore. A lot of young professionals are choosing to live here and commute to the city.”
“That’s great. The bar should do well too then.”
“Oh hell yeah. We don’t even have bars here except the biker bar off the freeway exit, which isn’t welcoming at all.”
“No.” I chuckle. “All we need now are some good restaurants.”
“Oh my god, right? I have faith that Willow Bay is growing in popularity.”
Maybe moving home wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
“Did you need something or were you just peeking in?”
“I was just gonna grab some condoms. I’m putting out energy to get a hunk of a man in my bed.”
Cameron laughs. “I like it. Do you need lube?”
“Sure. I’m probably running low. Been going solo for a while now. Oh, is that TMI?”
“Honey, if you can’t tell me about your sex life then I’m doing something wrong.”
“True.”
“Come on. We have a whole section of items for people with penises.”
“Love it. ”
Thirty minutes later I walk out with a lot more than just condoms and lube. There was a massive dildo calling my name that I couldn’t pass up. I only bottom when I’m alone, and since I have no idea how long it’ll take me to score with Indy, this will have to do for now. Maybe I’ll name the dildo Indy. Too much? Hmm.
Back in the car, I pull out of my space and start the drive back to my temporary home. If I’m going to become Willow Bay’s newest dick slut I’m going to need my own space. My phone buzzing gets my attention and I grab it, answering blindly since my eyes are on the road.
“Hello?”
“Salem?”
I nearly fumble the phone and slam on the brakes from the sound of the deep, rumbly voice on the other end. It’s Indy. I know it is.
“Yes?”
“Uh, hi. It’s Indy. We just met at the bar.”
“I remember. How are you?”
Stupid. I just saw the guy. He’s fine. Fine as fuck.
“Good. Uh, so we talked and we had a couple of questions.”
“Great. Do you want me to come back?”
“Come back?”
“Yeah. I’m just down the street. Or would you rather just keep it on the phone?”
“Uh…” I hear some shuffling in the background and decide to pull over to the curb.
“Indy?”
“Yeah, um, the phone is fine. It’ll be quick if you’ve got a minute.”
“Of course. All the minutes you need, Indy.”
He blows out an audible breath. “Are you good with spreadsheets and inventory? ”
“Very good with spreadsheets. I did some project management at my last job which entailed a lot of detailed follow-up on the tasks needed to complete our goals.”
“That sounds good. We were thinking maybe you could help set up our inventory system and start sourcing the things we need, like glasses and shit like that.”
“Ooh. I’d love to. I’m very organized and used to talking to people. I can be assertive when necessary too, so I can negotiate prices and such.”
“Yeah, okay. Uh, what are your salary needs? We don’t have this position currently so we’re figuring it out as we go.”
My stomach flutters with excitement. They created a position for me?
“I’m happy to research what the market rate is for this type of role and get back to you,” I offer.
“That’s okay. Do you have a salary in mind?”
I wasn’t expecting more than waiting tables, and I’m sure I can’t get what I got in New Onyx for office work. I twist my lips, thinking about the going rate for a one bedroom apartment in Willow Bay, utilities and all that, and land on a number I hope isn’t insulting.
“I think two grand a month would meet my needs.”
“One sec.”
More muffled talking in the background, then he comes back on the line.
“We can offer you thirty-four a month.”
“Thirty-four hundred?”
“Yes, for full time work. Once we have revenue coming in we can discuss how the role looks in the future and revisit salary. We’re calling it an inventory specialist. Does that work for you?”
I can’t believe my luck right now. “Yes, definitely.”
“Great.” He sounds relieved and tense at the same time. “ We’d like to offer it to you then and have you start on Monday.”
I bite my bottom lip to keep from laughing with joy. “I accept. Thank you. I’m so excited.”
“We are too.”
“Do I report to you directly or all of you?”
“Technically all of us but I’ll be your point of contact.”
“Perfect. What should I wear?”
“Whatever you like. We’re working on uniform t-shirts, but that’s a ways off. It’ll be casual once the doors open.”
“Sounds great. Thanks, Indy. I’m really looking forward to getting to know you. All of you.”
He clears his throat. “Yeah. Me too. Us. Us too.”
Smiling, I lean back in my seat. “See you Monday then.”
“Bye.”
Once the call ends, I kick my legs and squeeze the steering wheel. Not only did I land a job that pays way more than enough for Willow Bay, I get to work with the finest man in existence. Things are finally looking up.
“Thanks, universe.”