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“You’re kidding. You’re the only guy I know who likes to hear the bad news first.”
“Well, I guess Iama realist.”
“Pessimist is more like it. Well, here’s the bad news. I’m down two waitresses at theOrchid.”
“Holy cow. How did that happen?”
“Well, one of the floor waitresses has broken her leg. Cherise has gone to see her at the hospital.”
“Oh heck. And the other?”
“She quit. Says she’s got a baby on the way.”
“Typical,” I said. “Well, can’t be helped, I suppose. She actually quit?”
“Yeah, Marla. You know, the wine pro? Her boyfriend’s Arnie Arlington. Runs that fancy cocktail bar on Lexington?”
“Right. I thought so. So, who do we know who can serve tables and knows a bit about wine?”
“Well, I’m coming to the good news. I saw a lady today who’d be absolutely perfect for this job. Only, she doesn’t seem too keen to come and work for me after that business on the stairs this afternoon.”
I groaned. “You mean Lola, don’t you.”
“That’s the one. Hey, ‘Lex?”
“Yeah?”
“I know this ain’t my business, but, uh…what’s up with you and her?”
“What do you mean?” I said.
“Well, like I said, it ain’t my business. But, it seemed like she was scared of you or something. Like she knew you. Never had someone just run out of a job interview like that before. Like I said, she was real good with everything.”
I suppressed a growl. I didn’t want to lie. But then again, I couldn’t exactly tell him the truth, either.
“It’s no big deal. We had a run-in a few years back. Anyway, Lola doesn’t really like me.”
“What? Is she your ex-girlfriend or something?”
“No, no,” I said. “Nothing like that.”
“Worked somewhere before? Skipped out on you or something?”
“It’s not that,” I said. “I met her. On vacation. And she, uh…let’s just say, she has a firm dislike of me.”
“Well, is there any way you could get her to un-dislike you? We’re open for lunch tomorrow but I don’t think I can get someone down to trial in time. Plus, she’s good, man. Like I said. I think she’s got potential.”
“Zeke…” I sighed.
“Come on, tough guy. Don’t tell me the man who can benchpress 500lbs is scared of calling up a girl to ask about a job?”
“Okay. Fine. Have it your way.”
“You’re the champ. Speak later, I gotta close.”
“Have a good night, Zeke. I’ll see you next week.”
“You too, buddy. Hey, you wanna watch Monday Night Football or something this week? Feels like it’s been ages since I saw you anywhere but theBlue.”
