Page 21 of The Grand Duel
I give him a sly smile and shrug, and he dips his head back laughing before disappearing deeper into the room.
I can’t help but feel a little jealous.
Alex and I work the bar alone for an hour before reinforcements show up. Beth is supposed to be on annual leave, and Hannah worked the last five nights in a row. Both girls have the same role as me, and neither one of them seems interested in what goes on beyond serving up drinks.
If only the same could be said for myself.
I’m pouring a glass of wine for the redhead at the end of the bar when I spot a tall, blond-haired man slip his hand up Sydney’s back, cupping her neck. She tilts her head, smiling up at him as one might a lover. It’s tender, knowing.
I don’t know how they do it.
I’ve already watched Iona take the floor and lead a tall, dark-haired man up the stairs to the upper level of the club.
Even Christian has a spark about him when he steps out there and has his way with beautiful women.
I finish pouring the wine and hand it to the lady, taking her drink token and smiling at her as she turns to walk away.
I’m certain she’s a member.
I’ve been trying to guess all week after Christian’s question upstairs that first night. It’s easy to spot the bar staff, as we have uniforms, but all other staff are to blend with the members of the club. With three floors and two staff quarters, I’m not sure I’ve met even half of my colleagues yet.
With the bar area under control with Alex, Beth, and Hannah, I decide it’s time for a break myself and take my first of the night. I’m halfway down the stairs, making my way to the lounge, when I see Bronwyn, Christian, and Dan talking in the corridor.
“Surely there’s someone,” Christian asks.
“Not over twenty-five,” Dan says, rubbing his forehead as he types on his phone.
Bronwyn shakes her head. “I don’t get to dictate my client’s habits. This is embarrassing.”
“Who’ve you called?”
“No one. I’m not begging the girls to come in on their nights off. It’s not what I’m about.”
“No, but we have the flu going around like the fucking plague and need everyone pulling their weight.”
“Eve isn’t coming. She’s caught the lurgy too,” says Dan.
I should say nothing. I should but… “Can I help?” I walk towards their trio, wondering what the hell I’m doing. “I mean, I might not be?—”
“No.”
Okay. I try not to take Christian’s dismissal personally.
“Hold on.” Bronwyn pushes him out of her space with a hand on his chest. “What do you mean you’ll help?”
“I…um…” I look between them all. “I could work the floor. Make up numbers.”
Christian shakes his head behind her, and I internally tell him to fuck off.
Bronwyn watches me. “Do you have any idea what that would entail?”
I nod, my cheeks flushing a little before I admit, “I checked out upstairs that first day I interviewed with you. Christian showed me around.” I throw the little shit headfirst under the bus. “I’ve been up again since…” I feel his eyes on me but stay focused on Bronwyn. “On my own.”
She stares, contemplating me—or my proposal, maybe.
“I can get a contract?” Dan suggests.
“You think this is a good idea?” Christian asks Bronwyn.