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The first two hours passed in a blur, the bar suddenly getting busy in a rush at around five-thirty. I got a little flustered and overwhelmed when Ron left me to it for a while so we could clear all the customers waiting to order, but I managed to serve all my customers okay, and Mani only had to help me use the register twice.
Most people were really nice when they realised it was my first day. The bar had a lot of regulars, so it didn’t take long for someone to comment on the fact that I was new. It also didn’t take long for some of the customers to start getting drunker, and louder, and more boisterous as they ordered another round of drinks. By the end of my shift, I’d been called “sweetheart”, “darlin’” and “honey” more times than I could count. One douchey demiurgus in a shiny grey suit with slicked-back hair had even called me “sweetcheeks”, then guffawed with his friends, some of whom at least had the grace to look embarrassed.
I hadn’t wanted to fuck up and ruin my shot by getting angry, so I’d stayed silent. But Ron had noticed my unimpressed look and clenched jaw, and when we were standing side by side at the back bar fixing drinks, he’d quietly told me not to take any shit and that he’d kick out anyone who touched me or made me uncomfortable.
I’d felt a little better after that, and when I’d overheard Mani casually telling someone to fuck off and get out when they made a lewd comment toward her, I’d relaxed considerably. At least I wouldn’t be expected to put up with anything gross or inappropriate if I did get the job.
By the time seven started approaching, I was actually enjoying myself. It was fast-paced and manic at times, when a new crop of customers poured inside after getting off work and flooded the bar, but it was fun. At ten to seven, wanting to be as helpful as possible, I offered to unload the dishwasher with Gavin before I finished.
That was when I dropped the three wine glasses I’d been carrying over to the shelf. The bar, heaving with people, went quiet for a second before people guffawed as my entire face flamed with heat. Ron was already there sweeping up the shards, and Gavin gave me a quick pat on the shoulder as he passed, telling me with a chuckle that it was a rite of passage.
I still cringed when I realised Mani was over by the register, watching with her arms crossed. I knew my face was still bright red as my eyes met hers, and she gave me a tiny smile before jerking her head toward the back office.
Shit. I’d fucked it up then. This was when she told me that sorry, she just didn’t think I’d be a good fit. Or, even worse, that she’d looked into Orderly Winemakers and realised it was linked to a cult that worshipped her kind as sex gods and could I please get the fuck out and never come back?
The door swung shut behind me as I followed her into the office, muffling the loud voices and low music in the bar. I tried not to fidget as I stood there sweating while Mani walked over to the cluttered desk and perched on the edge.
“So.” She gave me a look that revealed nothing. “How did you find it?”
“I’m sorry about the glasses,” I blurted. “I can—I’ll pay for them—”
She laughed. “Babe, we smash about five glasses a night. Or they shatter in the dishwasher. It happens. At least they weren’t full, huh? That’s always a bitch, spending the rest of your shift sticky and wet. But how did you find it? Not too stressful?” She gestured at the door. “This is probably a medium in terms of how busy it gets at this time. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are obviously the worst. We’re always rammed until last orders.”
“I really enjoyed it,” I told her eagerly. “It was fun, once I got the hang of it. And Ron and Gavin are really nice.”
She grinned. “Good. Yeah, they are. That’s why I thought tonight would be a good night for you to try it out. Ron’s great at keeping people calm. He’s actually my boyfriend.”
I perked up. “Is he? He seems like a great guy. He did keep me calm.”
Her big, sharp-toothed grin was affectionate. “I’ll let him know. He’ll be pleased.”
Glancing back at the desk, she picked up a white envelope and held it out. “Your pay for tonight.”
When she didn’t mention me getting the job, I couldn’t stop my shoulders from sagging in despair. Stepping forward, I pasted on a smile and took the envelope. “Thank you so much.”
Blinking fast as my eyes started to burn, I hurriedly grabbed my coat and slipped it on. Mani laughed, straightening up from the desk.
“Hold up, Beryl. You need to tell me if you want the job or not.”
I froze, staring at her. “Huh?”
She gestured at the door. “You did great. I think you’ll fit in well here. You’re efficient, fast but not sloppy. You’re polite and friendly to the customers, but I can already tell you won’t put up with the drunk assholes who get too mouthy, which you absolutely don’t have to. If you want the job, it’s yours.”
Oh my god. Gulping down a breath, I nodded quickly. “Yes. I’d love to take the job. Thank you.”
“Awesome.” Mani grinned at me, then gestured at the computer monitor on the desk. “I’m going to do next week’s shift schedule tomorrow, so if you can start next week, I’ll get you in there.”
“I can start as soon as you need me to,” I said quickly.
“Great. Well, this week’s schedule is already done, so it’ll most likely be Monday that you’ll start properly. That okay?”
“Yes, sure. Of course.” I swallowed. “Thank you so much, Mani.”
“No problem. I’m looking forward to having you on the team. I’ll text over your shifts sometime later in the week, and I might be in touch for a last-minute shift if anyone calls in sick. You don’t have to say yes, but—”
“I can do that,” I said eagerly. “If anyone calls in sick, I’ll be happy to come in. I only live around the corner, so I can get here quickly.”
Mani chuckled, patting me on the shoulder as she headed for the door. “Trust me, babe, you won’t be so eager in a few months. But I appreciate it. Now go home and relax. Or if you want a drink on the house—”
