Page 44 of Bought For Us

“No, I love them. I think it’s the fanciest thing I’ve ever owned.”

When Kimmy asked me my size, I didn’t think she would bring me home something from her shop. The pants are a perfect fit and make my ass look like I actually have one. The shirt is more of a blouse with buttons on the front.

Something that hasn’t changed is our feet are the same size, so when I refused to let her buy me shoes, she went into her massive closet and grabbed me a pair of hers.

I didn’t want to know the brand or how much they are because if I ruin them, I feel like my soul might leave my body. She doesn’t seem worried about it, reminding me just how much money they have.

Even when my dad was with Rose, I never got used to the amount that my new family had. My dad sure as hell enjoyed it, but me? I didn’t like to just spend it wildly. No point in owning things you don’t need, when you can buy things that are almost the same for insanely cheaper. I could be the richest person on the earth and no one would know it because it wouldn’t change anything. Okay, that's a lie. I’d use it to buy a nice little house and car, maybe take a few trips, but that's about it.

Kimmy doesn’t say anything and just smiles. I can tell she wants to say more, but I’m thankful she doesn’t.

“Ready to go?” Zack appears in the doorway. He looks at his wife and winks before turning to me.

I want to squirm under this gaze as his eyes travel over my body. The way he’s looking at me right now; does he not realize his wife is watching?

“You look good.” His voice has a bit of a husky rasp to it.

Kimmy doesn’t seem to notice, or care. “Doesn't she? Like her hair? I helped.” She grins. She did. She put it up in a pretty updo with some curly pieces of my bangs.

“It looks great,” Zack says, eyes still on me.

Can he hear how my heart is pounding in my chest? Does he know my body is breaking out in a sweat?

He used to love me. He used to want me. I still don’t know what to do with that.

“I’m ready.” I manage to find my voice.

“Have a good first day,” Kimmy says, giving me a hug. I hold on to her a little bit longer than I should. But I can’t help it. Her touch, it settles something inside me. Or maybe it’s me being afraid that if I let go, I’ll lose her.

When she pulls back, she surprises me by kissing my cheek lightly. It was a friendly kiss but the way my cheek burns and my belly clenches. It’s much more than that to me.

I WAS NERVOUS AT FIRST, but after being here for an hour, I love it. The music is amazing, and I find myself singing along. For the most part, the customers are nice. There have been a few guys whose eyes linger a little too long and some who tried to flirt with me, but Trenton, the second bartender, would step in like a pro and save the day.

Not that I didn’t enjoy some of the attention, at least from the more subtle men, but I’m at work. And work is not a place to pick up guys. Even if they are really good looking.

The attention I’m getting isn’t like at my old job. It’s not sleazy gross old guys.

“Hey, Cora,” Trenton says. “Do you wanna go on your break now?”

“Oh. Ah yeah, sure, I guess.”

He chuckles, he has a nice laugh. “You look a little surprised.” When he smiles, I can’t help but look a little longer than I should. Trenton is a good looking man, blond hair, tall, muscles and I even see a few tattoos.

“Sorry.” I laugh, speaking a little louder to be heard over the music. “My old work hated when we took breaks.”

His brows jump and my cheeks heat. “Well, your old work sucks. Zack hates it when we don’t take breaks. The idea of us overworking ourselves pisses him off.”

“Sounds like Zack.” I laugh.

“Come on. It’s pretty chill right now, Hailey and Robin have this. I’ll take my break with you.”

“Okay.” I smile, a little excitementhitting me.

I follow Trenton to the staff room. I can’t get over how nice it is in here. Leather couches that look brand new. Vending machines that don’t cost anything and a fridge filled with drinks. I’m in awe with how Zack runs this place.

It’s exactly what you would think a fancy nightclub would be with black and gray but it feels safe. I’ve never felt safe at work before. How fucking sad is that.

I’ve also never really talked to my co-workers before. None of the girls ever tried to be friendly but I don’t blame them. None of us wanted to be there, we had to be there. Every shift was like pulling teeth. All to be treated like we’re nothing but a piece of meat and getting shitty pay for it.

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