Page 15 of Love your Billionaire Boss

Cleo fished around her bag for a card and slid it over to Elle. She checked her phone for the time. She had to be at the bar in two hours and still had to go home to clean her kitchen and get ready. “I better go.”

Elle stood from her desk and gave her a big hug.

“Don’t you dare think you should go back to Indiana. You were made for this and the city needs you. It just doesn’t know it yet.”

Cleo felt her eyes tear up as she squeezed Elle before letting her go. “Thanks, Elle.”

She walked down the hallway toward the elevators, thankful that she didn’t have another run-in with the date from hell.

Back home, she washed the dishes and wiped down the counters. She was happy to have the next few days off from baking, since she’d be working late nights at the bar. As much as she loved being in the kitchen, she didn’t feel very inspired at the moment. After the kitchen was clean, she changed into her favorite pair of jeans and a tank top that read Murphy’s across the chest. Her hair still fell in loose curls, so she left it down. She had actually gotten ready for her makeshift job interviews today, and she didn’t want to let it go to waste.

When she arrived at the bar, it was surprisingly crowded for 4 p.m. As she clocked in, Bridget came up and greeted her.

“Hey, girl. Looks like we’re in for a busy night.”

Cleo looked around. “Yeah, what’s up with that? There’s no game tonight.”

“No, but our team’s rival lost a big game tonight. Looks like we have a good chance of advancing to the playoffs.”

Cleo nodded as if she had any idea about the playoffs.

Bridget eyed her curiously. “You look different. Is that makeup?”

“Long story.” Cleo put on her apron.

“Bridget! Can we get a round of those long islands I love so much?” a customer shouted from across the bar.

Bridget nodded and began pulling glasses. “Well, you look smokin’, Cleo.”

“Thanks, Bridget.”

Over the next couple of hours, more and more customers came through the doors of the bar. Cleo could barely catch her breath, but she was thankful for the distraction from the day she had. By 9 p.m., the bar was full. Every seat was taken and people still kept flooding in. They didn’t seem to mind standing.

Just then, there were shouts from the doors of the bar. Bridget looked up anxiously as if she was expecting trouble, but then she saw the team walk in. She let out an audible sigh of relief as Cleo sucked in a breath. She was not expecting them tonight. Not on their night off. She was not wanting to see Kenny again. Not after this afternoon.

“Well, this is unexpected.” Bridget wiped her hands on a clean towel. “You got the bar?”

Cleo nodded and Bridget walked toward the doors to do her usual hostessing gig with the team. Cleo continued drying glasses and kept her eyes down as to not look too eager to see if Kenny was among his teammates.

“Hello, beautiful.”

She looked up suddenly to see a younger man leaning drunkenly against the counter.

“Mm. Hello. What can I get you?”

“Hmm.” He looked her up and down slowly, making her feel slightly uncomfortable. “What’s your drink?” he asked.

“Water.” Cleo held up her water bottle and gave it a little swirl before setting it back down on the counter.

“Boooring. Take a shot with me.”

“I’m working.”

“Come on, just one shot.” He reached over the counter and grabbed two shot glasses.

“I can’t have you reaching back here.” Cleo looked around for Bridget for help.

“Oh, come on, don’t be such a stiff.” The man was swaying at this point.

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