Page 58 of Enchanting the CEO

To say the place was full was an understatement. I could barely make my way to the bar. Once I was behind the counter, I took a deep breath, then went straight to Celia.

"All right," I said, clapping my hands and looking at the three other bartenders. “Put me to work.”

The pace was insane, nothing like the other time I helped. And I'd thought it was busy back then too.

Everyone was asking for a specific type of cocktail. That's probably what the viral TikTok was about. My phone went off with messages several times while I was helping out, but I didn't even have a few seconds time to check them. I knew it couldn't be anything bad or urgent, though, or the sender would have called.

We were completely swamped right until we closed at two o’clock in the morning.

"I'm exhausted," Celia declared. The guys agreed in unison.

I yawned. "This is insane. I mean, it's good for the business, but you guys definitely need more support."

“Gabe said when he gets home, he’ll hire three more full-time bartenders, even though we don't need them most of the time, because this cannot go on.”

"That's great," I said. I liked that he was a considerate boss who didn't want to overwork his employees.

"Oh, I think someone named Cal is here for us," Celia said, pointing outside. "Gabe texted me earlier. He doesn't want us going home alone."

Holy shit, I'd forgotten about Gabe. Then I remembered the million texts and took out my phone.

Gabe: Celia said she asked you to come to the bar. I really appreciate it, but you don’t have to.

Gabe: Saw some pics online. You’re gorgeous.

Gabe: Cal is going to take you and Celia home.

I was swooning again. Not just because he was taking care of me but because he was taking care of my sister.

"All right, boys. Let's all go," Celia said.

We all walked out at the same time. One of the guys got in his car, the other ordered an Uber, and my sister and I went with Cal.

Once inside the car, I said, "Sir, I'm so sorry that you had to stay up this late."

"Please, call me Cal. And it’s not a problem. Don't worry about me. I’m going to drop you off first.”

“Thank you.”

We were completely silent during the drive. We were both exhausted.

“So, how's everything going? How's living with Gabe?" Celia asked in a low voice as we almost reached the house.

I tensed instantly. I was exhausted, and my defenses weren't on point. "It's good. I'm in the attic a lot. I just cook in the kitchen."

“And things aren't weird at all?" she continued.

"No," I replied, avoiding her gaze. "I mean, you know how things are when you have a housemate. You have to be careful."

"Mm-hmm. That's true. Oh, we’re almost there.”

"Do you want to crash with me?" I asked her.

She shook her head. "No, you know me. I need to decompress a bit."

"True." I kissed her cheek, then looked at Cal. "Thank you so much for dropping me off."

"My pleasure."

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