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“OMG! OMG! OMG! I have the best idea.” She stamps her high-heeled feet up and down. “Rebecca! Can you take a tray of old-fashioneds over to the boys? Be cute about it, like in the movies when they’re all ‘from the gentleman at the bar’ and stuff.”
I glance at Michelle, not sure if this violates some rule. She nods an approval. I get a quick head count from the bride and then mix up my drinks with Michelle’s help. We each have to carry a tray to prevent making two trips.
The three VIP balconies extend out from a shared ring that goes around the entire floor. More lounge areas are here as well as a bar, bathrooms, and glass elevator for guests. We cross from our balcony, around the upper ring, to the bachelor’s balcony. Michelle introduces me to Vivian, who appears grateful to have some help wrangling the boys.
“Gentlemen,” I say with a slight bow, “the ladies across the way send these with their compliments.” As the first takes his drink and holds it up in the air, I hear the girls’ shrill cheers despite the music. The boys thank us, with the best man handing us several hundred-dollar bills. I discreetly peel off about a third and slip them to Vivian on our way out. Michelle nods her approval.
Headed back to our balcony, Michelle tells me, “You’re a natural at this, doll. You can shadow me for the rest of the weekend but then you’ll be fine on your own.”
I turn my head to hear her better, and to thank her. Before the words come out of my mouth, I crash into someone. I’m knocked clean off my high heels, landing firmly on my butt.
I’m looking up at Scarface. The feeling of my skin trying to crawl off my body returns. He growls at me, accent thick, “Watch your step, you stupid cunt.”
I’m trembling. Michelle is trying to pull me up, apologizing rapidly. I’m barely on my feet when Scarface pulls his hand back to slap me.
Someone stops him.
A low, controlled voice comes from behind me. “Boris, that’s enough.” A warm hand presses the bare skin of my shoulder. Michelle shrinks a step away. Boris nods, says something in Russian, and leaves. The hand on my shoulder slides down my arm, the man slowly turning my body to face him.
Looking up, even in my high heels, I find the darkest eyes I’ve ever seen boring into mine. Can human eyes even come in black? His hair is buzzed close to the scalp. He has a neatly trimmed beard. The collar to his white dress shirt is partially open, tattoos showing across the skin and up the sides of his neck. The rough hand holding me in place is tattooed as well, including each knuckle. “You’re new here.”
It’s not a question. I try to speak but my throat is dry. Michelle steps in.
“Yes, sir. Mr. Popov, may I introduce Rebecca. Today is her first day here. She’s done very well. I’m sorry about crashing into Mr. Sidorov, it was my fault for distracting her.” Michelle’s eyes are downcast, her hands folded in front of her.
“No apologies necessary, Michelle, it was clearly an accident.” He pauses and seems to just now be realizing that he is still holding my arm. He smiles before releasing it. “I look forward to seeing you again, Rebecca.” He turns and strides away.
The rest of the night is uneventful, the drunken bride squad tips heavily, which we share, and we then help tuck them into their waiting limos. Ivan and Michelle insist on walking me to the subway.
In my apartment, I drink two shots of vodka and head straight to the shower. I fall into bed, simultaneously exhausted and knowing full well sleep won’t come for a very long time.
CHAPTER12
It’s early evening when I wake up, having spent all night at work and then had trouble sleeping, despite the double shot of vodka before bed. I dress in my warmer running clothes and set out, hoping that keeping as close to a normal lifestyle as possible will help with the sleep problem. I can’t imagine my stress is going to get lighter.
I head out, forgoing the headphones to listen to the sounds of the city, my feet pounding against the concrete. I’m running through Chinatown; the streets are crowded but most of the tourists have gone home. You can still find the counterfeit salesmen standing on corners, listing the brands they sell quietly under their breath, waiting for someone to take them up on their offer of discounted designer goods.
By the time I’m back at my apartment, my muscles burn and I have the slight endorphin rush that makes my head and body feel light and floaty. I set a frozen pizza in the oven and head to shower. I take extra time washing and conditioning my hair, and exfoliate my skin with my coconut body scrub. A quick shave completes the routine. I moisturize and wrap up in a towel, with my hair wrapped in another towel on top of my head. Tasha is still with family, and I see no reason to bother with clothes just now. I down half the pizza and stick the rest in the fridge for later.
The designated work uniform for tonight consists of a short black dress with a mandarin collar. The red-soled shoes are a staple, regardless of what the daily outfit is. I put my hair up into a bun on my head and tuck decorative chopsticks in the side. My makeup is my armor. I reapply the thick liquid cat eye and mascara, the pale powder, and add a blood-red lipstick. I put a tiny amount of shimmery white powder in the inner corners of my eyelids. I wrap up with a double-breasted black trench coat and grab my purse.
I walk up to the employee entrance and greet Ivan with a smile. He returns it, flashing his own white teeth and one dimple. “Good evening, Rebecca.”
“Hello, Ivan, is Michelle here already?”
“Yes, she should be waiting for you. Try the locker area.”
“Thank you!” I wave goodbye to him.
We aren’t as early as we were yesterday, because now it’s just a work shift; we’ve done the HR and touring stuff already. The doors actually open in a few minutes. I hang my purse and coat on a hook and check my makeup. Michelle rounds the corner. If the unsettling encounter with the men last night fazed her, it doesn’t show.
“Hi! We’re doing the VIP again today, north side this time. Looks like both sides were booked by a pharmacy sales group for the top representatives.”
We finish the prep work for our area and meet the clients downstairs, escorting them up to their balcony. The same DJ is playing as yesterday, but the music still sounds fresh and vibrant. Quickly, the group is relaxed and having a good time. I bring over a round of tequila shots and limes, which leads to the women sprinkling salt on each other’s cleavage and licking it off, much to the delight of the men in the group. Michelle makes the rounds with the other waitresses and helps them catch up.
I didn’t notice the group starting to form in the center platform.
I’m helping some of the women pose for pictures when Michelle comes up behind me and taps me on the hip.
