Page 98 of The Assignment: Room 3

“I was hoping you might need a bartender a few nights a week.”

“Don’t you work for Dalton? He’s a generous employer. Have you spoken to him about your salary?” He’s not wrong, but I don’t want to ask for more. Mr. Callaghan took a chance on me when I needed it most. He’s done enough, and I won’t let my work for him suffer in any way.

“My salary is great, but I want to move out of where I’m living right now and find somewhere I can settle down. I’m saving every penny I can, and if you give me a chance, you won’t regret it. I’m a hard worker.”

Leaning back in his chair, he scrubs his hand over the stubble on his jaw. He’s ridiculously handsome. “What nights are you available?”

“The nights I can make the most tips. I’ll take whatever you give me.”

“Have you ever tended a bar before?”

“No.” My heart sinks.

“Okay. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are the best nights. You need to hit the ground running, so I’ll arrange for you to work with Eli this week on his day off. I’m sure he won’t mind coming back to his old stomping grounds for a night. He’ll give you a crash course, and he knows Viper like the back of his hand.” I don’t want anyone from Venom to know I’m doing this, but I know Eli will keep it on the down-low for me.

“He’ll train me here?”

“Yes. You need to learnthisbar. When can you start?”

“ASAP.”

He opens his desk drawer and pulls out a business card. “Save my number and text me so I have yours. We’ll get you squared away and ready for your first shift on Thursday night.”

“Thank you so much, Carter. I really appreciate it, and I won’t let you down. I promise.”

“I know. If you weren’t a hard worker, you wouldn’t have lasted at The Callaghan Group. Dalton considers you one of his top employees, and that’s reference enough for me.”

I stand to shake his hand, knowing he’s a busy man. “Thank you again.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll be in touch.” He dismisses me, and I practically skip to the exit. This is going to be grueling—holding down two jobs—but it gets me one step closer to a better life for Gracie.

Checking my watch, I need to get back to work. I came to meet with Carter on my lunch break, but I didn’t get a chance to eat anything. My phone starts ringing in my bag, and I rummage around, trying to get a hold of it. When I pull it out, Flex’s picture lights the screen.

“Hello.”

“Hello, pet. Where are you?”

“Work.” My pulse quickens. “Why?”

“Because I’m at your desk, and you’re not here. Did you forget that we were going to have lunch today?”Shit! Shit! Shit!

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry. It totally slipped my mind. I’mrunning a few errands on my break. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

“Good to know I’m forgettable. You’re bruising my ego, pet,” he says in a lighthearted tone.

“I’m on my way back right now.”

“It’s fine. You’ve got stuff to do. I’ll just head back to my office. Are we still on for tomorrow night?” My heart skips a beat. I invited Flex to come for dinner at my place. It’s a big step for me. I’ve never had a guy spend time in my house, let alone with Gracie.

“Yes. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I asked Gracie what I should make you for dinner, and she suggested sweet potatoes, scrambled eggs, and gummy worms.”

“Okay, so what you’re saying is that I should eat before I come over.” His effortless laugh is music to my ears, and it scares me as much as it delights me.

“Only if you want to be completely full when Gracie force-feeds you.” I sound awkward as hell. “I mean, I won’t let her. You don’t want a three-year-old getting sticky fingers on one of your high-end suits. Plus, I’m certain you won’t enjoy the tiny hand of a kid you don’t know shoving mushy food into your mouth.” I’m prattling on.Stop talking, Celest.

“Celest.”

“Yes.”

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