Page 4 of Into the Night

Shaking my head, I can’t wipe the smile from my face.

I have a job.

“No. I have some money saved to get my own place. Maisy says she knows somewhere cheap,” I say, scarcely believing this worked.

“Does she, now?” Evan scoffs, but he understands me wanting a place of my own. “Any chance you could have a word with Ben? Get him out from under my feet.”

I give him a scolding look, and he sighs.

“Fine, but you’re not sleeping in your car until you figure that place out.” He waves the key at me again. “Dump your shit. Come in tonight and tomorrow, and I’ll show you the ropes. If you don’t suck, from Monday on, you can open at one o’clock. Ben or I will come in for the evening shift.”

Turning, I glance around what might just be a dark, dingy bar to some people, but looks like a fresh start to me.

“Thank you,” I whisper, heading for the door, knowing that with our enhanced hearing, Evan will pick it up. I can’t wait to get started. He’s not going to regret this.

“Don’t thank me, yet. You might be running for the hills by the weekend.”

3

KALI

“Nobody gave you any shit?” Evan walks through the front door, looking around as if he was expecting to return to broken furniture and smashed glasses littering the floor.

Rolling my eyes, I sigh and give him my most patient smile.

“For the last time, I swear. Everyone was lovely.”

Evan watches me closely for any signs that I’m not telling the truth.

“You think you have tough customers here because they moan about not having a TV in the bar, but they’re absolute angels compared to the dickheads back in Zora Hills.”

It’s true. I’m two days into my new job as a barmaid at The Devil’s Claw, and nobody has been rude to me. There have been a few odd looks and double takes, but people here respect Evan. They might not want to be best friends with me, but they’re happy enough to order a drink.

“I won’t argue with you on that one. They make them stupid and mean up in the hills. I don’t know how you stuck it out for as long as you did.”

Nodding, I slip off my money belt and then hand it to Evan. “I’ve balanced the takings, and just have the tips to sort out.”

Evan stares at the money belt as he’s done every day since I started.

“What are you doing? I've told you those tips are yours.” He brushes past, ignoring my outstretched arm, immediately busying himself with checking what change we have in the till. “Same time again tomorrow. We'll put a proper rota in place once I speak to Ben.”

That’s Evan’s way of saying great job, welcome aboard.

I squeal, and Evan groans loudly when I follow him behind the bar and throw my arms around his neck. Grunting when I give him a big squeeze, he pretends to be annoyed, but I know better.

“You’re a good one, Evan King. You don’t fool me.” I tease.

His cheeks are pink as he tries to squirm out of my grasp.

Stretching up to peck him on the cheek, I laugh as he recoils and wipes at his face. Evan is not a hugger. I toss him a wink before moonwalking back out from behind the bar. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” he mutters, immediately turning his back to me. “I just want to make sure you can afford your rent, so I’m not stuck with another squatter.”

I grin and decide to stop torturing him, since he clearly wants to pretend like he’s not doing a nice thing.

With a smile so wide my face hurts, I push through the front door and out into the crisp evening air. Checking the time on my phone, I skip down the steps and head toward my car.

“Heard the good news. Welcome to the Claw.” Hearing Ben’s voice makes this day even better. Sidling up to me as I unlock my car, he gives me a side hug. “Going somewhere fun?”

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