CHAPTER Thirteen
Nellie
Two weeks pass with no contact from Christopher. No private messages or late-night visits to Sweet Cocktails. Maybe he’s finally seen us hooking up as a bad idea. Regret dampens my mood, but I try to shut down my feelings. It’s probably for the best. I already liked him more than I should have.
As many female singers have said, I’m an independent woman and don’t need no man. Not even to satisfy my lust for sex. My vibrator does the job fine.
Pushing open the door, I start stacking glasses onto the shelf from the dishwasher. Polly comes to join me, using one of the glasses to make a quick drink of water, which she guzzles down.
“It’s slow tonight,” I say. The last few Saturdays have been extra busy, making this one feel super quiet.
“That’s because you’re missing your eye candy.”
I let out a huff. “Probably. That’s the thing I don’t get about men. They say they want you and explain their rules but don’t bother to give you closure when they’re done. It’s not like I was clingy or anything. It’s just courtesy to say, I’m sorry, my dick’s moved on.”
“I feel you. My ex fell into his next lay before breaking up with me. It stings, but at least I found out. He was too cowardly to do the right thing.”
I give her a hug. “We deserve better.”
“Hell, yes we do.”
A customer approaches the bar and I serve them while Polly wipes down tables.
“I have a special event I want you to serve at,” Janette says after creeping up on me.
“Is it another eighteenth birthday party? You know how I hate drunk young boys thinking it’s funny to hit on the bartender.”
“No. Although, we have one of those coming up next month.”
I frown, not looking forward to that evening. “Fantastic. Okay, so what’s this mysterious event?”
“I’m hosting a Sweet Cocktails open evening at Aintree racecourse in two weeks. You’ll need to come with everything from the bar that makes the best drinks. I’ll expect you there at lunchtime.”
“What if Ainsley has gymnastics?” My sister’s usually the one that keeps track of the schedule, so I need to check with her.
“I’ll give you the money for a taxi.” I blink. Ainsley’s old enough to get herself to the competitions, but I want to go with her. “Now’s your time to step up. This bar is going to need a new manager, and you’re the obvious choice, but you have to show you’re willing.”
“So, Christopher… I mean Mr McNabb is going to buy Sweet Cocktails?”
“He’s avoiding this place after propping up the bar for over a year. I doubt he’s considering making it part of his property.”
I nod. That makes sense. You don’t avoid something you want. “I’ll talk to Ainsley and let you know about the event tomorrow.”
“Excellent. I’ll get you put on the McNabb guestlist for the event.”
“Wait. What?”
She either doesn’t hear me or chooses to ignore my confusion. That’s why his grandpa was in here a couple of weeks ago. Being promoted to manager will come with more money. That’s something I can’t pass up on. Whatever my feelings are for Christopher, I need to push them aside. This bar is my future.
***
“You might as well get off. We near enough done here,” Janette says to me and Polly.
“Thanks, boss,” Polly says, throwing down her apron.
“Do you want me to empty the dishwasher first?” I ask.
“No. See you both later.”
We grab our things before she changes her mind and practically skip out of the door. “Do you need a lift?” I ask.
“No, my friend is meeting me,” Polly says.
A guy comes into view. “A friend, eh.” I raise an eyebrow.
“Yes,” she squeals.
I’m pleased for her, and my own love life isn’t going to stop me from being happy for her. “Have fun. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Goodbye.” We part ways, and I make my way across the car park to my vehicle. I call for fries from the twenty-four-hour drive-thru on my way home. The streetlights illuminate the dark road as I approach my house. There’s a figure standing next to one of the cars as I pull into my usual spot.
I switch off the engine, taking my time to assess who the person might be. In my gut, I already know. It’s a man in his twenties with a lean body. Pretending not to see him, I climb out of the car and make my way to the house.
“Nellie,” he says.
“Oh, hey,” I say, keeping my back to him while turning the key in the front door.
His hand touches the small of my back, sending a shiver through me. His manly smell engulfs me, and already I feel myself wavering. This man does something to me that I can’t explain. That should be enough reason for me to shut this down. The problem is, I’m a sucker for a bad idea.
“Do you want some company tonight?”
“You can’t just pick me up whenever you’re horny. You should have called or text first.”
“I don’t have your number.” He nuzzles into my neck.
“Private message, then.” He licks up my neck, making me melt to the core.
“I’ll get your number before I leave in the morning.”
“Fine.” I open the door and pull him inside.