Page 99 of Tasty Cherry

She also suggested he call her. She was happy to follow up.

“I am kind of a big deal around here,” I say. “Which is why you’re still sitting in this building. I’ve bought you another week, but we should come up with a game plan to get you in good graces.”

“I don’t give a shit what anybody thinks about me.”

“A good plan, honestly, but there are some minimum requirements to get a paycheck.”

“Banging the hotties isn’t against the law. I can’t help it if they get territorial.”

I hold up a hand. “I hear you on that. You could use some discretion, but I’m in agreement that you can’t be held accountable for their reactions.”

“And Henry and Beto in the dish room got along with me fine. And the kitchen staff requested me. How about that?”

“I did see all those good marks for your first week. That’s something to build on. Do you want to stay in the dish room and kitchen? I can make that happen. You don’t have to be in the running for event manager. You could be a liaison with events from food management.”

“I sure as hell wouldn’t have left fifty executives without dessert.”

I heard about the banquet snafu. “They fixed it.”

“Is this the kind of outfit you run?”

Back to an offensive. “I never said I was a good head honcho.”

“Are we done?”

“Not hardly. Why didn’t you take the exam this morning?”

“I already have my Colorado certification. It was stupid to take it again.”

“Are you curious why Raya wanted it done in-house?”

“Not really.”

I draw upon the well of patience I use with belligerent guests, like the mother who wanted the Grumpy dwarf ejected. “Raya wants everyone’s expirations to be in sync so she can track them. It’s for your long-term employment.”

“Sounds like I’m not very long term if you’re going to chuck me in a week.”

“We’re here to avoid that.” I try a new tactic. “Do you want to be chucked? Are you trying to get fired so you can leave?”

He frowns at that. “No.”

“Do you like it here?”

“Some.”

“What have been the parts you like?”

“The apartment is dope. The chicks are banger. The food is good.” He sits up. “Did you know there’s a kickass tower on the hiking trail? Killer place to hook up. The view is sweet with their tits swaying over a gorge.”

“I’m glad you’ve found some things to enjoy.” I clear my throat, the vision of my encounter with Mila briefly passing through my thoughts. I may be more like Maverick than I expected. “But this exam isn’t optional. Now you have to take it off site.”

“I won’t.”

I sigh. “Why is this the sticking point?”

“It’s dumb. I already took it.”

“When?”

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