“Jesse sent you, didn’t he?”
His brows pull together in confusion, making my heart begin to race as I realise that I’ve read this wrong. “Jes—”
“No, he didn’t mention that we’d find a stunning new girl handing out the drinks tonight. Nice little surprise for us though,” the guy to his left interrupts, making me even more suspicious.
“Right, well… I’ve got work to do.”
“You sure do, sweetheart. Watch your back. There are some interesting characters in this place.”
“Yeah, I’m beginning to learn that.”
“You sure it’s really the place for you? We’d hate to see anyone getting hurt.”
The first guy cracks his knuckles as his friend says this, and I narrow my eyes as I look between the two of them.
A thought hits me, but Courtney calls my name before it has time to really flourish.
“Enjoy your night, gentlemen,” I say once more and take off.
* * *
By the timemy shift is coming to an end, the attention on my almost naked body hasn’t lessened and my feet ache more with every step I take to the point that I swear they’re bruised.
Just the thought of having to put them on again tomorrow night for my next shift makes me want to cry.
Tonight has been horrendous. Nothing like I always hoped it would be.
I feel dirty and gross, and all I want to do is go home and curl into my bed.
My chest aches with the realisation that my own bed isn’t where I’m heading tonight.
Maybe I made a mistake saying I’d stay with Sara for the weekend and I should have just put the shit with Mum behind me and agreed to go home. I can’t help but feel like I’m only torturing myself at this point.
“You’re walking like you’ve got a stick shoved up your arse,” Courtney comments when I get back to the bar with a tray full of empties.
“How long does it take to get used to the shoes?” I ask through clenched teeth.
“A couple weeks. You think you’re going to make it that long?” she asks deadly seriously.
“What?” I gasp, rearing back a little. “Have I been that bad?” I ask, weirdly offended.
“No, not at all. You’ve been great, and the punters seem to love you.”
“My arse. They love my arse.”
“Same thing. All I know is that your new girl appeal has been filling my till nicely tonight. But something tells me I need to enjoy it while it lasts.”
“What are you trying to say?”
She blows out a breath, resting her forearms on the bar between us, pushing her tits up, much to the delight of a few guys sitting a little farther down from us.
“You’re not cut out for this life, Jodie.”
“I am, and I need—” I start, although I’m not sure why I’m arguing. I don’t need this job. Not anymore. Not thanks to Toby. But do I want that monster’s money now that I know who he really is?
“You can argue all you like, but you know I’m right.”
“Let me just do the weekend. It might get better.”