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His blank stare hardened. Wrong question. Shit!
Dahlia drew in a breath, inching up on the end of her seat. “I’m a fast learner. And a really hard worker. You can check my references. I take my jobs very seriously. I show up on time, almost never call out sick, and I’ll give one hundred percent, I promise.”
Her speech didn’t quite land as she’d planned. Dahlia came out sounding desperate as opposed to confident. It was no surprise to her. Dahlia knew her insecurities were her biggest enemy. It was always so easy to find the faults and flaws in herself. They somehow managed to outshine her best qualities.
Trey sighed, glancing over at her resume once again.
“We hire bartenders with a more elaborate work history.”
“Oh, well.” She frowned. “I have lots of experience.”
His gaze shifted back to her. “Not the kind we’re looking for.”
It was as if he’d struck her. It resulted in the same response. Dahlia winced, and she sunk deeper into her seat, her shoulders weighing heavy as she gripped the arms of the chair.
This was a mistake. She should have known better. I don’t belong here.
It didn’t take a genius to figure out that dig. Dahlia felt the burn. Felt it to her core. Judgement. She clasped her hands, staring down at her purple nail polish. He’d probably viewed it as trashy. Trey was definitely a subdued color of polish kind of guy.
But I like purple. It was who Dahlia was. Bold colors. But even Dahlia knew it went beyond her style choices. Trey was well aware of her past with the MCs and had clearly formed his own opinion of her choices. He hadn’t come outright and said it, but she’d gotten the same judgment from others. Spending time and partying with the clubs had never been a regret. But it didn’t come without consequences.
She bowed her head and smiled. It contradicted how she felt, but she could appreciate the irony. She’d walked in, trying to impress Trey, but he’d made his mind up before she’d stepped through the door.
“Ya know what? As someone who’s a boss, you should be judging people based on their skills and nothing else. My personal business has nothing to do with my professional life.”
“Did I say any different?” Trey was beyond calm and in control, which only heightened her frustration.
“You implied it.” Her voice was soft and unsure.
“How so?”
Trey’s challenge only had Dahlia drawing herself inward. This was one fight she had no faith in a victory. Trey had all the answers and held all the cards. She was slated to lose any debate on her experience or even herself. People like Trey always won.
She shook her head. “I can’t go head-to-head with you, Trey.”
There was a flash of heat in his eyes just before his gaze hardened once again.
She stood and flattened her hands on her thighs.
“I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me personally. But we both know you aren’t going to hire me. So, it’s probably best to stop wasting both our time. Thanks for the interview.” Dahlia turned and made it halfway across the room.
“I usually end a meeting. Not the person I’m interviewing.”
Dahlia stopped a few feet away, staring at the door. She was well-aware of etiquette, and the interviewee ending the interview was not the usual protocol. But what does it matter? This wasn’t the first time someone had based their opinion of her on superficial reasons or her lifestyle choices. And it certainly wouldn’t be the last.
She could’ve ignored his comment and walked out. What fun would that be? At this point, she had nothing to lose. Trey made up his mind the second he saw her in the lobby. He didn’t think she was worthy of working at his club. It was probably why he’d insisted on holding the interview. Well, Trey, I’m going to give you exactly what you expect.
She glanced over her shoulder. “It’s like my dad used to say–-there’s a first time for everything.” Dahlia smiled and playfully shrugged. “I’m honored to have popped your cherry, Trey.”
Dahlia raised her brows, getting no reaction from him. It was enough to regain some of her dignity. She walked to the door, consciously watching her speed. Her departing words would have been less effective had she rushed out. She needed to be the essence of confidence.
She continued down the hall almost to the end when a member of security stepped in front of her. Dahlia moved to the right to let him pass, but he matched her steps.
“How about I stay still, and you can pass? Otherwise, we might be dancing all day.”
Her attempt at humor obviously went over his head. He motioned toward Trey’s office.
“He’s not done with you.”
