AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I sit in the corner seat at Smoke’s bar, sipping another seltzer, feeling terrible. Jamila’s back home getting some well-deserved rest. We spent all day working on the shop though we both know it’s useless. I could tell she was dying to bring Nolan up, but she was kind enough to give me a break.
At least Smoke isn’t busy. I can scroll on my phone, sip my drink, and decompress a little with some French fries courtesy of Fulco. I chat idly with Bernie, at least until Ash plops down in the chair next to me with a deep sigh.
“Waitressing is hard,” she complains, rubbing her back. “I didn’t realize it took real physical stamina. Seriously, my feet hurt, and I’ve done this before!”
“Tips are nice though.”
“Seriously, Keels, how did you come in here every night and manage to get these cheapskate assholes to give you extra money? It doesn’t matter how good my service is, they leave like a ten-percent tip, if I’m lucky.”
“You’re the boss’s wife,” I say, grinning at her. “They all know you’re loaded already. Why give a rich lady more money?”
She groans, putting her face in her hands. “The curse of being wealthy.”
“Cheer up,” I say lightly. “At least you don’t have to show your tits and flirt to make ends meet.”
She glances at me. “Is that what you did?”
“Sometimes,” I admit. “If the guys were cute. Mostly I gave people attitude, made them laugh, you know, played up my winning personality.”
“Everyone loves banter,” Ash agrees.
“You could always command the guys to leave better tips.”
“I’m tempted, but no, you’re right. I don’tneedthe money, it’s just nice when I get it. As like a proof that I’m doing a good job.”
“You are doing a good job,” I say softly, rubbing her back. “Seriously, Ash, I’ve always wondered how you do it. Jams and I are already struggling and we haven’t even opened our doors yet.”
Ash sits up straight, considering me. “Jams came to me earlier.” She looks a little uncomfortable, like she wants to have an awkward conversation, and my stomach twists.
I drop my hand from her back, going very still. “Did she?” I ask, trying to sound casual, but feeling the furthest thing from it. “What did she say?”
“I know you’re having problems.” Ash clears her throat. I can’t believe this is happening. I’m caught between being embarrassed and enraged. “Running a business is hard work. Starting one from scratch is ten times worse. I had a head start since my grandfather got this place up and running before I was even born and left it to me when he passed. Meanwhile, you’re trying to create something from nothing. It’s admirable, it really is.”
I shrug slightly but hearing her say that means the world. “It’s just a silly dream. Donuts and whatever.”
“It’s more than that. I know it is.” She waves off Bernie when she comes to ask if Ash needs a drink. “I can help, you know. If you want, I can—”
“No,” I say firmly, forcing myself to give her a hard stare. “Absolutely not.”
Ash chews her thumbnail. “Jams told me you’re overbudget. She didn’t outright ask, but it was obvious she thinks you guys need some cash to get up and running. You know I can give you whatever you need, right? Call it a loan or an investment. Structure it however you want, I don’t care. I just want to see you two succeed.”
I look away from her, sitting still. My jaw works as anger rolls through me. This is exactly what I wanted to avoid, but Jamila went ahead and talked to Ash behind my back. It pisses me off so much, mostly because Ash is so damn nice, and it kills me to be in this position.
I owe her everything. Hell, I look up to her like a big sister. She hired me when I was just a kid, fresh-faced, no college education, no nothing, trying to make it in the city. I moved out here from the suburbs when I turned twenty, left my parents behind, basically told them to fuck off. My dad’s an asshole, my mom’s even worse, and I couldn’t take living with them anymore.
I met Ash on my first day in the city. She hired me on the spot, threw an apron at me, and told me to bus tables. It was like she knew I needed help and couldn’t stop herself from saving me. She even gave me a week’s worth of pay up front, no questions asked, and if she hadn’t done all that, I probably would’ve ended up bouncing back to my parents’ house within a few days.
She saved my life. She gave me everything I have and more.
Which is exactly why I can’t take anything from her.
“You know I love you,” I say softly, not able to look at her. “You know how grateful I am for everything you’ve done for me.”
“You could just say no, but I do like how you’re buttering me up first,” she says with a hint of a laugh.
I crack a smile. “The answer is, I love you, but no, absolutely not, thanks anyway.”
She goes quiet for a second. Then she says, “Can I ask why?”
