Chapter 47 Asher
Asher
Don’t you think it’s a little too early for a beer?
Gage and I have been interviewing for my replacement for weeks, but no one fits.
With Bri and I going into business together, it’ll be difficult to work both jobs.
I plan to remain a silent partner, helping when absolutely necessary.
Gage will be taking over all my previous duties.
The bar has been closed since we’ve gotten back to back interviews, and we are nowhere near close to finding someone.
Case in point, the curvy blonde in front of us with the world's lowest cut shirt possible and a nauseating amount of perfume on. It’s clear she doesn’t want to actually work by how hard she’s eye fucking Gage right now.
“We have a few more candidates to interview before we make our decision. Thank you for taking time out of your day, we’ll be in touch.” I shake the woman’s hand, ignoring the lingering looks she’s giving me. She swings her hips with dramatic flair when she walks out the door.
“Thoughts?” I ask, turning to my business partner and future owner of Aces.
“No.” One simple word, but it’s very on brand for Gage.
“I need a break, let me know when the next candidate arrives. I’m headed to the back.” I need a moment. This endless interviewing has been exhausting. I’m shuffling papers around when I hear a high pitched voice interacting with Gage.
Curiosity gets the better of me, so I quietly open the door and watch for as long as I can before I’m spotted.
“What can I do ya for?” Gage is leaned over the counter, fully engaged in the conversation with a smile on his face.
“I would like one beer, please.” The voice has to belong to a girl no more than five or six years old.
“Beer, huh? It’s only eleven a.m. Don’t you think it’s a little too early for a beer?” This is a new side to Gage. He’s soft and playful with this little girl.
“Nope. My mama lets me drink beer all the time.” The girl wiggles in her seat, her grin showing she’s missing one of her bottom teeth.
Her blonde, curly hair is in two pigtails, and she’s wearing a long sleeve, white shirt under a maroon, velvet dress.
She has whiskey brown eyes and freckles scattered across her nose.
“Mama lets ya drink, huh?”
“Yup. And she gives me suckers and candy. My mama is the best.” Gage throws his head back and lets out a loud laugh.
Moments later, a woman with long, blond hair with the same whiskey brown eyes and dressed in a brown, cropped sweater and dark jeans with suede boots rushes into the bar.
She’s a subtle sort of pretty, and the little girl on the bar stool is her spitting image. That must make her the mother.
“Cora Rose, what did I tell you about running off?” She has her hands on her hips, but her eyes scream fear.
“I’m sorry, Mama. You were talking to that lady, and I was thirsty for beer.”
“Your daughter has been asking me for a beer for the last five minutes.” Gage’s expression completely changes.
His shoulders are tense. I watch him analyze the woman with weariness and another emotion I can’t pinpoint.
And just like that, a mask of indifference slips over Gage’s features as he busies himself with cleaning the already spotless bar top.
“Oh, yeah, the girl loves her root beer,” she addresses Gage before turning to Cora. “Sweet baby girl, you scared your mama. I know you wanted something to drink, but running off is scary. Something could have happened to you, and I need to keep you safe. Do you understand?”
“I’m sorry, Mama. I won’t do it again.” Goddamn, this kid is cute.
“What lady were you talking to?” Gage asks.
“Oh, um, I just moved to town and I was asking if anyone was hiring. I haven’t been lucky so far. Let's go, Cora bug.” She reaches for her daughter's hand, and Cora’s face falls with disappointment.
“She hasn’t had her beer yet,” Gage blurts at the woman. But the second he looks at Cora, his expression turns soft. “You thirsty, little one?”
“Mmmhmm. Mama, can I have a beer?” Cora turns to her mom with a puppy dog face.
“Are you looking for work?” I finally insert myself into conversation, and Gage shoots me a look.
“I am. Are you hiring?” she asks with a pleading expression.
“Do you have any serving or bartending experience?”
“Yes, I—Yes, I have experience.”
I look at Gage, sending him a wicked grin before turning to the woman and offering my hand to her.
“Hi, I’m Asher, and the grump over there serving your cute, sweet little girl is Gage.”
“Kennedy, it’s nice to meet you,” Kennedy says while shaking my hand.
“Where are you moving from?”
I notice Kennedy begins to tense up. She takes a breath and forces herself to relax before she answers. “Indiana. I wanted a fresh start for my daughter and I. I can give you references if you’d like. I’m bubbly, and fun, and a quick learner. I’m great with people and handling money.”
“No need. When can you start?”
“Oh, are you serious?”
“Sure am. I even have a place up for rent if you need a place to stay. It’s right above the bar. It’s not big, but it has two bedrooms. One for you and one for your daughter. It’s yours if you want it.”
“Oh, um…” Something akin to skepticism crawls across her features, and I watch as a storm brews beneath the surface.
Kennedy glances to her daughter, who remains blissfully unaware of the tension rolling off her mom.
The moment Cora grins up at her, I see the gears switch in her mind, and it’s made up before she turns to me. “I don’t want to take advantage.”
“You aren’t. It’ll make it easier for you to get to work if you live upstairs.”
“Well, if you really don’t mind, then thank you. I—we would appreciate that.”
Gratitude and relief replace her hesitation as tension evaporates from her body. Kennedy turns toward Gage, and I press my lips together when I see her reaction to him. There’s a warrior beneath the skittish exterior when she rolls her shoulders back and extends a hand out to my partner.
“Hi, I’m Kennedy.” A soft, shy smile tugs at her lips, but her expression shifts into something I can’t quite read.
Gage’s large hand engulfs her petite one.
I watch his jaw tic with what I assume is…
annoyance? One can’t be sure with Gage. His hand lingers for a moment before something snaps him out of whatever daze he was in.
Whatever spell he was under has been broken, and his face morphs into a disinterested look.
“Gage. I’ll see you next Monday, and we’ll start your training.
Don’t be late.” His curt tone, while unsurprising, seems to be a tad extra than his normal demeanor.
Gage turns toward Cora and his entire demeanor softens.
He’s always had a soft spot for kids, being surrounded by his nieces and nephews.
“Nice to meet you, Cora. Enjoy your beer.” He offers her a smile and a wink before turning around and walking off.
“Don’t worry about him. He’s a grump. It takes time for him to get used to someone. Congrats and welcome to the Aces family.”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you. Cora Rose, finish your drink and let's go.”
“You can move your stuff this weekend. I’ll be fully moved into my girlfriend's house by then. Swing by the bar Friday night, and I’ll give you a key. Where are you guys staying right now?”
“We have a room at a motel for the next few days, so the timing is perfect. Thank you, Asher. I’m so excited.” Cora slurps the rest of her drink before hopping off the stool and walking toward her mom.
“Bye, bye, Mr. Asher.” Cora waves at me the entire way out the door.
Gage comes out minutes later, grumpy as ever.
“So...Thoughts?” I ask.
“She’ll do,” Gage replies nonchalantly.
“I have a good feeling about Kennedy. I think there’s more to the story about her moving. So, do me a favor, and don’t be a total dick to her.”
“Me? A dick? Never.” Gage winks before turning his attention to preparing for work tonight, but he’s moving slower than normal.
“Wait, what do you mean there’s more to the story?” Gage is wearing his signature frown, but I can tell he cares. He just doesn’t want to admit it. Which, given his history with women—one in particular—I understand the reservation.
“I don’t know, but she tensed up when I asked where she was from. Just a feeling in my gut.” Gage’s response is a curt nod, and I can’t help but smile. I have a feeling Gage has met his match—in more ways than one.