Page 26 of His Old Lady

Chapter 9

Faye

The tables in the backof the bar gave Faye the advantage of having fewer eyes on her. She clamped her elbows to her sides, holding the empty serving tray in front of her without making it obvious that she was trying to keep her breasts from moving.

As self-conscious as she was, there was something exhilarating about seeing the men enjoy looking at her. She'd never given her breasts much thought, but after an hour of working, she felt powerful and in control—the opposite of what she'd expected.

Lance sat in the designated booth off to the side in the middle of the room throughout the night, keeping an eye on all the waitresses—she assumed to protect them. He had a huge presence within the establishment. He ruled over the waitresses, the bartenders, and the customers, who sought him out as if he was the king of the castle.

Luckily for her, she was used to taking orders while working and went about servicing the customers without taking his dominating personality to heart. She was good at her job, and once she forgot her boobs were on display as much as the daily special, she became more comfortable with the job.

It brought in money, and so far, the tips were more than she'd ever seen working at Hot Springs Lounge.

Lance talked to someone from the nearby table. She scooted around a group of men, her shoulder rubbing against the wall.

"How's everyone doing?" She stopped in front of a group of three men.

"Give us five minutes, and we'll be ready for another round." The man eyed her breasts, raising his brows. "Keep us company, sugar, and we might drink faster."

"What would the other thirsty customers say if I spent all my time at this table?" She laughed and flipped the tray, holding it like a shield. "So many thirsty men. You hold tight. I'll be back."

The man groaned, patting his chest. "You wound me."

"Ah, you look like you're a man who can be patient." She smiled, enjoying the flirtation, and backed away.

Seeing Lance watching her, she went over to the booth. "Do you need anything?"

"I'm all set for a while." He lifted his chin. "You have a way with customers. What do you think of the job?"

"So far, so good." She looked out at the room, spotting her friends. "It looks like everyone is staying ahead of the orders."

Though she couldn't answer for the others, it was essential to each of them that their latest job worked out.

"You were right about the women adapting to the atmosphere." He gazed out at Stephanie. "They look like they've rehearsed. You have talented friends."

"I do." Conscious of Angela moving to a different table, Faye took in the situation. Angela stood confidently and looked each customer in the eyes. It was as if she forgot that she was naked from the waist up.

A large man covered in tattoos leaned forward. Angela's breasts gained all his attention.

Faye checked her watch. They were due for a break. Usually, she never had to remind the women to leave the floor, but she had to remember she wasn't in charge at Kingston Bar.

"Aw, shit." Lance sat straighter in the booth.

She glanced at him and followed his intense gaze across the room. She spotted a familiar leather vest.

"Curley," she muttered, dealing with her own rise in anxiety.

Curley and Paco stood inside the doorway. There was no second-guessing why they'd come to the bar, and it wasn't for beer.

Curley took a step toward her, his face blacker than asphalt and set in concrete. The sudden urge to run hit her.

Lance slid out of the booth and stood beside her. Curley, staring straight at her, stalked forward, ignoring Lance at her side.

"I, uh, need to go on my break." She set the tray on the table beside her, milliseconds before Curley stood in front of her.

Hooking her under the arm, Curley pulled her away from Lance. Not wanting to cause trouble on her first day of work, and knowing Curley could burn the place down around her, she put up no resistance.

"Outside. Now." He hauled her to her toes, pulling her across the room.

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