Page 56 of Movers and Shakers

“Check the sign-up sheet,” she said. “We have a wait list triple that of the other ones. Peoplelovethe dance nights.”

“But we’d have to cut the singer-songwriter performances.”

“Not really,” she said. “Some of the singerswantto do a dance night. They’d jump at the chance to do pop covers and medleys. Hell, even some K-pop groups want in when they’re in the US. We can keep the idea of this being an artist-first space and do more business. Scoot over.” She nearly pushed me out of the way and opened Excel. “I know you don’t care about revenue all that much, but I made a graph of the potential increase here. It’s worth looking at.”

The jump was enough that it would even interest Dad.

I shook off the thought about him the second I had it.Whydid I still think about him?

“You looked into all of this?” I asked slowly.

“I had help.” Her cheeks darkened. “Liam’s the one who talked to the artists. I just made the graph.”

I could have made a joke about her and Liam working together on this, but another question was on my mind. “Why?”

“Why not?”

“You just work here. You don’thaveto do all of this.”

“Because I care, and I manage the guest list, so I see these things. There may not be much in it for me, but I know you want the bar to do well, and I want to see you succeed so . . .‍” She shrugged. “I just thought I’d help.”

I stared at her. I should have known she’d jump at the opportunity to do this. She and Liam always did it for other things, but this was above her level.

“You’re right,” I said. “We should implement these things. Andyoushould be a manager.”

“Wh-what?”

“Do you think I’d let you do all of this with nothing in it for you?”

“You know I didn’t do all of this expecting a reward, right?”

“I do know. That’s why I’m giving you one.”

“Thank you, boss. I accept.”

“And I’m doubling your pay.”

Her eyes widened. “Double? But you already pay so much!”

“And you get a bonus if this change pays off.”

“But—‍”

“Question me and I’ll do more.”

She sighed but didn’t look annoyed at all. “Fine. IguessI’ll deal.”

“Thank you, Audrey.”

She left, and I was in a distinctly better mood. I’d almost forgotten what I had been mulling over before.

Then I remembered.

Lila.

I took out my phone and opened the browser, searching for her name. She was plastered everywhere in a shiny, beautiful dress.

But my eyes were caught on her face and how miserable it looked. I should have let her be, but I couldn’t help but text her, wondering if she’d even remember to reply.

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