AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s a hot place and a great location, just as Gables is. You’re doing Yolkov a favor by becoming a silent partner. It also gives our associates better access to potential sales in other areas.”
“Exactly.” Ivan said as Dante pulled out his cell phone and let Roman know they were heading downstairs.
Once they got through security and out of the lobby Ivan looked around him. Two guards on either side of the vehicle and the sidewalk and Dante opened the door for him. Ivan inhaled the scents of the city and glanced at the sights of the things closest to him. A hot dog vendor, construction across the way, exhaust fumes and the sounds of horns honking all indicators that he was in New York City. He got into the black SUV with the tinted windows and bulletproof glass. Another day of work complete. Another moneymaking deal and another weekend in the suburbs waited ahead of him. He had it all, so why was he feeling uneasy and on edge?
Chapter Two
“Order up.” Sam yelled out then rang t
he small bell.
Annabella approached the counter by the kitchen where the food was placed. She grabbed the plates and prepared to carry them out to the customers. She couldn’t believe she was back working at The Point Café. She almost felt embarrassed needing the job, but Sam welcomed her immediately and Bernice, his wife was thrilled and already asking for advice on marketing and management.
Could she help them to expand the place, bring in new customers from distant towns? Annabella wasn’t certain as she placed the unique cobalt blue plates of food down onto the tables. “Here you go Lenny.” She said, placing the plate of three eggs over easy, whole-wheat toast and hash browns onto the space in front of him.
Lenny rubbed his hands together and then looked up and gave her a wink. “Thank you Annabella. Have I mentioned how good it is to see you here?” he asked, flirting, while his boss Huber looked at her and winked.
“Yes you did and I appreciate the welcome.”
“You gonna be here every morning?” Lenny asked.
“No, just Sundays and Mondays when it’s super busy.”
“Looks like we need to change our schedules around.” Huber said and then dug into his cheese omelet.
“You gentlemen enjoy breakfast. I’ll go grab the coffee pot and freshen up those cups.” She said, walked away and exhaled. She prayed Lenny didn’t try asking her out. Although he was a couple of years ahead of her in school he had always seemed to have a crush on her. She never felt anything for him. He was a nice guy though. Just like most people around The Point.
A while later once the busy breakfast crowd dispersed, she took a small break and looked at her cell phone. She had missed a call.
Listening to the voice mail she couldn’t believe it. She got an interview of assistance manager at a club in New York City. Her professor from college must have made that call for her after all. As she took out the notepad and jotted down the name of the person and the number she felt so excited. This could be a great opportunity.
“What’s that smile for?” Bernice asked her.
“You’re not going to believe this, but I missed a phone call from that club in the city about the assistant manager position there.”
“What? No way, that can’t happen. I just hired you, and we were making plans. Seriously so soon?”
Annabella chuckled. “Listen, the likelihood that this could lead to a potential full time job is slim. It’s hard to get assistant manager jobs and especially in the city. If anything it might be part time or shitty hours.”
“Honey, you know I want the best for you. You’ve accomplished so much. Your parents would be proud.”
Annabella swallowed hard. She didn’t like talking about her parents or losing them. She didn’t like remembering how she could have died too. That she was a lone survivor. But this was all part of her plan to face her fears. Potentially working in the city would be a big challenge. She hadn’t gone there since the fire. She avoided going anywhere near her parent’s old storefront.
“Thanks Bernice, but don’t go celebrating yet. I don’t know how this will go, or if it will be worth the commute to the city.”
“Well, give them a call and find out more details. I want to know everything.” Annabella smiled and then called back the number to speak to the manager. That feeling of hope and excitement filled her belly. This call, this opportunity could change her life completely.
****
Commerce located Ivan immediately. How could he not? The man was standing by the corner of the bar in the back surrounded by security, men in designer suits with serious, cold expressions. Ivan stood there sipping a glass of vodka, waving off three gorgeous women looking for a good time. He had to chuckle. The guy, his best friend, was a good-looking guy. He had jet-black hair, dark grey eyes, an olive complexion, which was sort of strange for a Russian dude, and he was tall. Six feet four, muscular and a bad ass at mixed martial arts, hand-to-hand combat techniques and a whiz with weaponry. Everything from knives to guns. They shared similar capabilities, including being stone cold and unapproachable when needed. Commerce however knew how to relax a little. Ivan did not.
Ivan’s eyes landed on Commerce and Commerce shook his head. The security guys who knew him stuck out their hands to shake Commerce’s as he greeted each of them.
“No action tonight thanks to this guy huh? Can’t believe he let those three walk away.” He said to Roman.
“You know the boss.” Roman said.
“Indeed I do. It’s good to see you Roman.”
