AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Dahlia remained silent, eyeing both men. That had been a memorable night. When Trey locked eyes with her, she gave a small shrug. What? His lips twitched, and he turned his attention to Sal.
“So this is where you work? That would make Rogue and Trey your bosses.” Sal waved his hand, pointing his finger between the men seated across the table.
Initially, she nodded until she remembered the conversation they’d shared in regards to her job. Dahlia had been more than open and honest about her feelings toward both men. She felt the blood drain from her face as Sal’s smile brightened. Oh my God, Sal, please don’t throw me under the bus.
As if he could read her thoughts, Sal laughed, picked up his cigar, and took a deep drag.
“Don’t sell yourself short on reading people, honey. You do it well.”
Dahlia forced herself not to react and kept her gaze on Sal, refusing to look at Trey or Rogue.
“Is this a private conversation? Should me and Trey fucking leave?” Rogue asked.
Sal chuckled and winked at her, completely ignoring Rogue. “See? You’re very intuitive.”
Her lips shook as she tried to hold back her laugh. It was a hard task and strange to have an inside joke with a man she’d just met.
Sal tapped the ashes from his cigar into the ashtray and shifted in his seat to face her. “So, what do you do here, Dahlia?”
She cleared her throat, feeling the weight of all eyes on her. “I’m a barback. Working my way up to a bartender, hopefully.”
“I love a woman with ambition.”
Too sweet, Sal. It was as if he was trying to relax her in what he assumed was a tense environment.
“But today, I came in early for inventory.”
Sal twisted his lips. “The job nobody wants to do.”
So true.
“Yeah, but someone has to do it, and since I love money, it’s a perfect match.”
Sal laughed and brushed his hand over her knee. “Me too, honey.”
Sal just had a way about him. In the most tense situation, she felt at ease. He reminded her a lot of her father. Though not so much in the present day. Sal was much older than her own dad when he’d died. And Sal didn’t have the gruff nature her father once had. But there was something, a sense of safety. A blanket of protection. I’ve missed this.
“Yeah, she’s living the fucking dream right now. Getting paid to bullshit with you,” Rogue said.
Dahlia peeked over at Rogue and Trey. Neither man looked exactly happy, but Trey’s features weren’t nearly as forbidding as Rogue's. Trey almost seemed intrigued, while confused by her banter and familiarity with Sal.
Dahlia stood. “I should go. It was nice seeing you again, Sal.”
“Always my pleasure, honey.”
Ahhh, Sal. The world needs more of you.
****
What the hell is happening?
There was a clear connection between Sal and Dahlia. Most wouldn’t understand it, especially knowing Sal’s background. However, retirement and stepping away from the Underground had changed him in a sense.
Trey was careful to mask his emotions and outward staring as Dahlia left the balcony. Unfortunately, the brief look as she walked down the stairs was caught by Sal, who smiled, staring back at him. Trey had the distinct feeling Dahlia had shared more with Sal than he was letting on.
“I like her.” Sal smirked and cocked his head, looking directly at Trey.
So do I.
