“Well, I was thinking that maybe my job is done here,” she said. I felt my face turn white.
“I mean, if the Saturday night doesn’t go as you had hoped, then I can come back, but I have a lot of extra things to do at the office and I just really think that I’m probably not needed here now.”
“Well, I wouldn’t say that,” I started. The thought of her not being there on Saturday didn’t sit well with me. It was all because of her that it was even happening. I didn’t want to have to beg, but I really did want her to be there.
“I can’t force you to come, but I really think you should be there.”
She looked nervous, darting her eyes around my office, fidgeting in place and then she looked back at me.
“I don’t know. I just don’t think it’s really necessary.”
I had to ask her if it had anything to do with the other night.
“Jasmine, does this have something to do with the kiss?” I asked. Her face went a deep shade of red and I had figured just as much.
“If it does, then I’m sorry. I didn’t want to put you in an awkward position.”
She hesitated, before speaking her mind. “It’s not really that. I didn’t feel awkward or anything. In fact…part of the problem is I didn’t exactly hate the kiss.”
“Then, I don’t see the problem,” I said. I knew it was wrong for me to be so happy to hear her say those words.
She looked at me and there was so much distance in her stare.
“I’m working for you. In this moment, you are my boss. I just don’t feel that anything coming of this could be a smart decision.” I moved closer to her, but she backed up. “I just don’t.”
I nodded and stopped trying to approach her. “Alright then. I understand, but don’t let that deter you from seeing what great results come out of your suggestion. I would like you to come.”
After several minutes of considering it. She finally relented. “I’ll be there.”
“Good!” I said.
We didn’t have another conversation the rest of the week. I was going to respect her space and just get through Saturday. Then if she wanted to leave and never look back, then that would be her choice. I had my bar to save and I was that much closer.
11
Jasmine
Trevor was right. I wanted to see this through. So, when he asked me again to consider going to the bar on Saturday night for the event, I found myself saying yes. It was a good thing I did, because I don’t think anyone anticipated how crazy it would be.
Every employee was scheduled and even then it wasn’t enough. The minute the doors opened for the event to start at seven o’clock, lines were wrapped around the building and I suddenly forgot how distant Trevor and I had been. I looked at him and he laughed, stunned that we were experiencing that rush.
I put on my apron and played waitress, bartender, and even helped out in the kitchen. Whenever orders were up, I was sure to help them out by taking the orders to the various customers. We were collecting money, like we were holding a telethon. I even had several people stop me to tell me what a great place we had. I didn’t bother telling them that I wasn’t a part of Mercury Wild’s success, I just smiled and thanked them.
When I was clearing off one of the tables, I had another gentleman stop me. “This place is great. Where do I sign up to become a member? I have some money stashed away that would be perfect for this place.”
I smiled. “Thank you so much! You can go to the hostess stand and she’ll be glad to assist you.” I pointed him out to the woman and I felt pretty good about everything going the way it was.
After I walked back to the bar and tossed the rag into a bucket, I spotted Trevor. “This is amazing, Jasmine. I just had three more people ask about memberships. I think I should do this once a year. It’s a great place to drum up business.”
I smiled. “I’m glad it’s working out.”
He nodded and took off. I followed him through the bar as he went to table after table, welcoming new and old customers. I wish things were easier between us, but after I pulled away during the kiss, I didn’t suspect anything like that to happen again.
I went back to the bar and made my way to a few of the private rooms, checking on guests and making sure they didn’t need any more drinks, then wandered around the place and just thought about the past few weeks. It was my first job and proved to be one of the best experiences I could have ever hoped for.
I saw a few people waving down waitresses, so I hurried to their table.
“May I help you?” I asked.