Blood & Bones: Judge (Blood Fury MC 3)

“No.”

“Are you willing to learn?”

Cassie nodded. “Yes. But...”

Stella lifted a brow. “But?”

“I... also need to be upfront about something.”

Stella sat back in her chair. “Ooookay...”

Cassie leaned in a bit and lowered her voice even though she was sure no one could hear them over the music. “I’m kind of in a bind.”

Stella’s lips turned down at the corners.

Cassie attempted to swallow the lump in her throat. “I was hoping... I’m looking for employment that could pay me in cash.”

The woman’s frown deepened. “Are you on the run or something?”

“No.” Not in the way one might think. She was not running from the law but from people who judged her harshly because of her husband’s deeds. “I... I’m in the middle of a divorce and without getting into details... My husband’s accounts were frozen and because we were still legally married, so were mine. He...”

Stella raised a hand. “Say no more. All of us have baggage.” Her frown smoothed out. “Typically tips around here are paid in cash since not too many people pay with credit cards. Even so, I don’t have a problem paying you in cash... For as long as you need... I mean, as long as you work out here. But I haven’t hired you yet.”

“I know. But I would appreciate a chance. It’s hard to find a place to work where I can earn cash. And right now, that’s important. Truthfully, I’m a certified vet tech and I’d prefer to find a job in my field...”

“But you’re screwed until your divorce is finalized. I get it. I went through a divorce. It’s not easy, I know.” Stella gave her a crooked smile. “I also know how hard it is to get back on your feet when life cuts you off at the knees. I don’t have a problem training you. I trained Dodge. And he has enough experience now to help you, too.” Stella’s smile widened. “Plus, you look smart enough to mix a rum and coke or pour a draft beer. Not too many people ask for anything fancy in here. If they want fancy, they go to the hotel bar on the square or a fancy restaurant. That isn’t us. We serve more locals than anyone and, for the most part, everyone knows each other and is friendly.”

“That sounds perfect.” Now, she just hoped she’d be hired. She crossed her fingers under the table as she waited.

“I can’t hire you full-time yet. But maybe part-time and you can work for tips. I can also slip you a bit of cash under the table, if that’s what you need, but that would need to remain between us, of course.”

“Yes, that’s what I need,” she breathed in relief. At least until the divorce was final and she could start from scratch again. “Are the tips better bartending?”

“Maybe not better, but you’d get tipped more often since most people sit at the bar. So, we can train you for both. Plus, Dodge tends to close almost every night and he needs a break. As soon as the club recruits some more prospects, we both should be able to get that break. Then we’d depend more on you and the prospects. You okay with that?”

Cassie’s knee bounced under the table in her excitement of getting a chance to start making some money. “Yes. I appreciate the opportunity. I have a daughter—”

Stella’s narrowed blue eyes hit hers. “You were the one walking across the parking lot with your little girl.”

“Yes. Daisy. I’m staying at my sister’s right now and they can watch her evenings and weekends. Those are the hours I’m looking for, if possible.”

“Perfect. Those are typically the busiest times and you can also learn to close. I can only pay you minimum wage right now but whatever tips you earn are yours. And you being so pretty might bring you more tips. In fact, you might even draw more customers. They’re probably tired of looking at my face.” She laughed and her face lit up.

Cassie doubted any man would be tired of looking at Stella’s face. And if she had to be extra friendly to get bigger tips, she’d do what she had to do. Well, to a point, anyway.

“How soon can I start?”

“What time can you be here tomorrow? The holiday season should be getting busy with family coming into town. They all get bored staying home, so I’m going to do a little advertising for some karaoke and a couple local bands. Anything to draw in a crowd. The bigger the crowd, the more you’ll take home in your pocket at the end of the night.”

That sounded so good. All this job had to do was get her over the rough patch until Dennis was found, signed the divorce papers and then went away for a long time.