"That's good, at least." We've got to get the contract updated to say no changes so many days before a wedding.
"We may need to cancel next week's hangout, though." Emily groans.
That's going to suck, but I get it. Their, no our, first priority is the client. The shop is finally getting some buzz, and we need to do whatever we can to keep that coming. Now if I could remember I'm an actual part of the team, and not someone they pity.
Sam taps the table with her knuckles. "One last round before we head home?"
"Yes," we all say in unison.
"But nothing heavy for me. I still have to get David ready for school," I add.
Sam mutters something about weekends when she leaves the table. They'll understand when they have kids. Aside from the flower shop, David is my biggest priority. And he always will be.
2
Carlos
"It lookslike it's going to be a busy night." Eric taps the bar top with his knuckles. "Are you here all night?"
One day my coworkers will realize I don't do small talk. I'm here to work and nothing else. "Yeah. Angie is taking the night off."
"Any of the other bartenders coming in tonight?"
He always has questions. As if he's the one in charge. I know what nights to schedule more staff. Wednesday through Saturday night, like clockwork. "Yep. We won't need them for a couple of hours."
"You sure about that?" He points toward the front of the bar. The door opens and another large group walks in.
Damn. He's right. I may need to call them in earlier. We rarely get hit with a rush like this. At least, not this early. "Let's see how the next hour goes. If we are swamped, we'll call them in."
"Okay," he nods. "I'll grab this side and you grab the other?"
"Sure." Quickly, I look over the area, making sure everything is in order. It's perfection. I didn't work last night, and it's good to know my bar staff put things away the way I taught them.
Delilah, Lisa's friend, leads them to a table in the back. It's the only table big enough to fit them. I feel bad for whoever has their table. They've been in here a few times and get loud.
"So, do you think she'll show up tonight?" Eric asks as he grabs a bottle of vodka and takes it to his side of the bar.
I know who he's talking about, but I don't want to give voice to his question. I hopeshecomes tonight. She always makes an appearance with her friends. Every Wednesday, like clockwork. Tonight, won't be any different. And I won't get the nerve to talk to her either.
"Maybe," I shrug. That's all I'll say about the subject. They all know I like her. Not a night goes by, when she's here, they don't give me crap about not asking her on a date.
I wonder if it's illegal for me to fire my bartenders for picking on me. I hear Eric laugh, and it only makes me want to look up the information even more. None of my employees take me seriously. At least, not anymore. When they first started working here, they were terrified to speak to me. Now...I'm the ass of their jokes. When did that happen?
Eric strides back to my side of the bar. "When she comes in, I'll cover your area. You need to grow a pair and ask her out."
"You need to shut up before you lose your job." I grunt. The audacity of these kids. Forcing my hand through my hair, I sigh. For once, I'm hoping she doesn't come in. Eric has thrown down the gauntlet, and I'll never live it down if I don't make the attempt. This is the day I become a softie. When I allow my twenty-something year old coworkers to bully me into something I'm too scared to do on my own.
Laughter follows behind Eric as he heads toward a customer. "You won't fire me. Who else would brighten your day the way I do?"
"I don't know about that." Though gruff, my voice doesn't carry. It's a good thing my sisters never come in, otherwise they'd be joining in this ridiculous notion.
Another rush of people gather at the door. Damn, Eric was right. I need to call the other bartenders in earlier. There's going to be another line outside.
I'll be happy when the other room is fully open. We'll need more staff again, but at least people won't be waiting outside. They get impatient and get an attitude towards my people.
A few more months. I have to keep telling myself that. Delilah shoots me a worried glance as she leads the large group to a table. Her hint they may be a rowdy bunch.
Even if Caroline comes in with her friends tonight, I won't have time to approach her. I guess the universe delivers small favors.