“It didn’t. It's your tip.” I pocket my hands so she can’t shove the bill back into them.
Looking at the cash and then back at me, she questions, “Tip?”
“Yeah. The tip.” I probably sound arrogant. I always tip well, but I’ve never left Nikki that much before.
“But it’s a hundred dollars!” Like she’s both confused and shocked, her face crumples.
“I know.” Sure, it’s a lot for just a cup of coffee, but she deserves it.
“But it's too much.” Her jaw is tight, so it seems she’s not happy about it. Dare I say, this little pocket rocket has pride that runs deep. Anyone else would take the money and keep moving, for fear it was a mistake and not wanting to give it up. Yet another thing that’s remarkable about this woman.
“No, it’s not. This town is keeping me hidden; you’re keeping me hidden. You just put on a hell of a performance that’s over and above what Rochelle pays you to do. So, it’s fair compensation. Keep it.”
“I can’t keep it!” She’s incredulous, and I really want to grin.
“Why not?”
“It’s a hundred dollars!” she yells, even though we’re right near each other. I like being this close to her. From here, I can smell her fresh floral scent, the one that I now dream about. There’s something about her energy that I can’t get enough of. It gives me renewed life. Like I’m discovering something new.
I nod in understanding. “I know, Nikki.”
Her shoulders lower in what I think is defeat. She needs it, and we both know it. I lean toward her, my head lowering to her ear.
“Indulge me… just this once.” My voice vibrates across her skin, and it takes all my strength to back away, to not take a deep breath of her scent. Her eyes are wide as she looks up at me, her mouth open, her lips plump. Damn, she’s beautiful. The things I want to do to that mouth are now running through my mind rapidly, like a movie. But, not wanting to push it any more, I force my feet to move and jump in the truck.
I’m using Annabelle’s truck today, given the need to constantly change the vehicles I drive to ensure anonymity. Not able to keep my eyes off her for any longer, I start it up and look at Nikki from the window. She’s standing in the same spot, watching me. I give her a nod, and I see her take a deep breath before she pockets the cash and walks inside, my eyes not leaving her until the door closes behind her frame. After Rochelle mentioned her situation the other day, the grin is fast to my face, now knowing she has some extra money this week.
A hundred dollars is nothing to me. My bank balance is high, my needs low, and my investments are strong. But if I don’t do some type of work soon, I’m going to be stalking the poor girl more than I already am. With that thought in my mind, I hit the road and turn left instead of right.
Distillery Drive is five minutes away, and I have tunnel vision all the way there.
Bobby’s been calling me about all kinds of projects, and I don’t want to do any of them. They have large dollars attached, but they aren’t really me. Commercials that air in Asia, movies that lean on love stories rather than action. All great jobs, but none that I want. None that fit me or my brand that I’ve spent over a decade building. Bobby’s thinking of his own pocket. Money changes people, and Sawyer and I have been lucky to have a humble upbringing so we know the importance of keeping grounded. Bobby? He combusts just at the smell of a wad.
I pull into the Whiteman’s Whiskey Distillery parking lot and stride inside, eager to get this dream of mine happening.
“Can I help you?” the receptionist at the distillery office asks. I quickly look at her name badge.
“Hi, Stephanie. Is Connor or Tanner available?”
Her cheeks tint in recognition and she starts to stammer. It’s common. I don’t get frustrated. People handle fame differently, but I’m just a normal person.
“Sutton?” I turn at the sound of my name, seeing Tanner walking down the hall toward me.
“Tanner.” Reaching out, I shake his hand. We’ve only just started to get to know each other, but he and my brother are close.
“Come down. Connor’s in his office.” I follow Tanner, looking around as I do. They have a great business here. The walls are lined with photos and information about their whiskey, their family history, and the town. A lot of effort has gone into the storytelling; it’s captivating and exactly what I want. Storytelling is why I got into the business I did. I used to sit at home and watch old movies. It’s still a passion of mine when I have the time.
“Connor.” Tanner barks his son's name as we walk into his office, and Connor looks at me with a wide grin.
“Silvers. Good to see you,” he says, walking over to me and shaking my hand.
“Thought I’d drop by.”
“Aren’t you trying to lay low?” Tanner questions as we all take a seat in the small lounge.
“Well, if I’m going to be the face of your latest release, I better get my first taste of it.” Confident? Absolutely. But when I want something, I go after it. It’s how I made my entire career.
“Why should you be the face of our whiskey?”
