Page 11 of Employing Patience

“Ah, yeah, but he’s gay. Flirting with him is fun because it’s never going to lead anywhere. Not for any of us. But …”

“Don’t look at me like that. I’m straight.”

“Straight but want his dick.”

Joey huffs, and it’s the most frustrated I’ve ever heard him. “Jesus, Courtney. He’s the boss. I’m a shitkicker. None of us have a chance with the great Art de Almeida.” He doesn’t pronounce it right this time. The bitterness chokes up the syllables. “He’s another rich dude who gets what he wants. Well, maybe I want to get what I want for once.”

“And what do you want?”

I hold my breath as I wait for Joey to answer.

“A raise. More time off. Better shifts. And hey, maybe if he thinks I’ll put out, he’ll give me those things.”

Courtney’s giggle is loud. “And if you got those things, would you put out?”

“God, no. Straight, remember?”

Straight.

My molars are grinding.

If that little shit thinks he can play me and I’m some big, dumb idiot who will fall for it, he’s in for a shock.

Let the little straight boy flirt.

Next time, I won’t back down. I’ll call every one of his bluffs.

MY IDIOTS CHAT

Griff: Anyone else noticed how hot Art’s new bartender is?

Art: He’s straight.

Payne: When’s that ever stopped you before?

Art: It doesn’t when they’re interested.

Griff: So you would do him?

Art: Did I say that?

Payne: It’s Art and Joey has a pulse. Of course he wants to do him.

Griff: Still offended I seem to be the only person on earth that Art doesn’t want to sleep with.

Orson: I think if you ask Heath, he’ll agree Art has a valid reason for that.

Griff: I’m not saying I want to sleep with him, I’m just saying I want him to want to sleep with me.

Art: Eeeeverybody wants A’s D.

Payne: And A wants J’s.

Art removed Payne from chat.

Orson added Payne to chat.

Payne: Rude.

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