“Do you think you could put in a word for me next time there’s an opening here? I could use a few tips like that.”
Gina hands Stan a ticket with her drink orders and flashes me a sympathetic look. She knows I'm in dire straits financially. A car accident this past year left me with a pile of medical bills, and for two months I couldn't work because I couldn’t stand. I've been scrambling to catch up ever since without much luck. I'm currently three full months behind on rent at both my apartment and at the salon.
“You already work your ass off at the salon,” Gina says. “You don't need a second job. What you need is a sugar daddy.”
The guy standing near me–the one who has been moving closer and acting like he's going to strike up a conversation but hasn't worked up the nerve yet–gives a little scoff. I ignore him and roll my eyes at Gina. “I don't think that exists.”
“Oh, it exists,” she says with total conviction. She tips her head toward the back room, the private area where the owners hang out. I know who she means. Swank is owned by the mafia.
“Those guys?” There's no way I'm getting involved with that crazy stuff. “No thanks.”
“You should just let me introduce you. There's one guy in particular who might be perfect for you.”
“The heavy tipper?” I don't know why I'm even asking. I am not interested in this idea of hers. Not at all.
“Yes–the heavy tipper. He's hot and plays sugar daddy.”
I sense the guy beside me wanting to insert himself in the conversation again, but I continue to ignore him.
“You better be careful, if Leo hears you say another guy is hot, he'll tear the guy’s head off.” Leo is her heavily-tattooed and muscled boyfriend who works as a bouncer at Swank.
He’s crazy about Gina but also possessive and jealous when it comes to her attention.
“Well, not this guy, but yeah. He’d want to.” Her gaze automatically goes across the club to where Leo’s standing by the door looking every inch the beefy badass bouncer. He catches her looking, and they share a smile. Her expression momentarily goes mooney. It's very cute. I have to admit sometimes I'm jealous of what they have.
The bartender finishes making all Gina's drinks, and she loads them onto her tray and leaves.
“Can I buy you a drink?” The guy next to me asks.
I was going to refuse when I felt his interest earlier because he’s not my type, but what the hell? I am literally sipping sparkling ice water because every dollar in my purse is earmarked for rent. I have an eviction notice posted on my apartment door that I need to take care of before the time runs out and I’m out on the street. After my conversation with Gina, it seems like maybe I should let a guy treat me for once.
“Yeah, okay. I’ll have a Moscow mule.”
He flags down the bartender, and I get served right away because the guy knows I’m Gina’s friend.
“What’s your name?” He has to shout over the music which has been turned up as the club transitions from lounge to nightclub with the later hour.
“Lexi,” I tell him.
“I’m Jayden.” He holds his hand out, and I shake it. It’s sweaty, and the handshake is awkward.
Ugh. I’m already regretting accepting the drink if it means I’m stuck making weird small talk with a stranger for the rest of my time here.
“What do you do?”
“I’m a hairstylist.” I look around to see where Gina might be. How long before she can come over and rescue me. But the place is filling up. She’s busy working the tables along the walls that are filled with new customers. She probably won’t get much time to hang out with me tonight. “How about you?”
“I’m in sales.”
Sales could mean anything at all. He could be a sign spinner on the corner. I doubt he’s selling anything too spectacular based on the way he’s dressed and carries himself. I’m not judging, just observing. I’m not one to poke holes in anyone else’s financial situation when mine is so shitty. Still, this guy does nothing at all for me. I struggle through the chit chat while I suck down my drink which is mostly ice, anyway, and set it on the bar.
Jayden waves at the bartender to get me one more, but I shake my head. “I’m good, thanks.” I slide off the barstool I was camped on. If I don’t move from this spot, I won’t be able to shake this guy.
“Thank you for the drink. I’m going to head out.”
“What? You can’t leave now, things are just warming up here.”
I pull a mock mournful face. “I know, but I’m working tomorrow. Have to get my beauty rest.”