Page 7 of Digit's Deflection
I rock back on my heels and take a moment to breathe through the riot of emotions coursing through me – disappointment the overriding one. It takes a moment before I become aware of Sam’s quizzical look and the hubbub of noise around me again. Shaking my head – I’m not sure if to clear it or to warn Sam not to ask the questions I can see so clearly on his face – I continue on over to the bar.
Instead of just one stiff drink, I order two. God knows, I sure could use them. With a shaking hand, I grab the first one and knock it back, followed quickly by the second. Jesus, will this every get any easier? Will I ever stop looking for her in every long-haired blonde woman I see?
For all I know, she might have cut it short and dyed it blue. Regardless, I suspect I never will stop looking. Sad, but true.
5
LIORA
It’s Amelia’s last night tonight, and the club is pumping. She’s popular, and a steady stream of patrons have stopped her out on the floor as we do our rounds to take and deliver orders. She’s one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met, and it’s easy to see why they love her so much.
In the short time I’ve been in town, she and her sister, Shelly, have been incredibly sweet to me. They’ve helped me find a place to stay that I can afford. Thanks to Shelly, I have a job, and the pay’s pretty good. My boss, Samuel – or Master Samuel as he’s known around here – is a really nice guy.
For the first time in well, probably ever, I feel settled.
Since the night my hopes and dreams died at Treven’s hands, I’ve felt untethered, adrift. Lost. He was the one person I thought I could count on, but that last night in Huntersville shattered that illusion. In the end he turned out to be just like everyone else – unreliable.
Determined not to dwell on the depressing past, I smile at an older gentleman as he calls us over to ask us to bring him and his submissive some bottled water.
“Sure thing, Master Frank. Coming right up,” Amelia replies.
As we make our way back toward the bar, she checks in with others along the way. I’m making notes on my pad, trying to keep everyone I’m meeting straight in my head. Unlike previous waitressing jobs where most customers are transient, the folks here are regulars for the most part.
If I want to make the best impression, making the effort to remember their names will go a long way to achieving that.
When we return with Master Frank’s beverages, Amelia hands them to him with a smile. “I’m not sure if you’ve heard, Sir, but today is my last. This is Liora, she’ll be taking over from me, so anything you need just let her know.”
“Thank you, Amelia,” he says, taking the two plastic bottles from her. He nods and smiles at me. “Nice to meet you, Liora. Yes, I’ve heard the sad news. In fact, I have a little something I’d like to give you. I’ll swing by the bar later.”
“Oh my goodness, Sir, that’s not necessary, but thank you so much for thinking of me. I’m going to miss you.”
“Ah, little one, I’m going to miss you too. Well, I need to get moving, but I’ll see you later to say goodbye.” With that he strides away.
Turning back toward the bar, I spot Master Samuel waving me over. “I’ll be right back. Master Samuel’s looking for me,” I say, gesturing with my chin to where the man is standing.
“Sure. No problem.”
I quickly make my way over to where the man is. He’s a big gentleman, standing well over six feet tall and, if he weren’t such a nice guy, he’d probably intimidate the hell out of me. Make no mistake about it, he certainly has a no-nonsense air about him, but he’s kind and generous with it too. Not a douche canoe, like some guys can be when they’re being all “alpha”. Alphahole, more like.
“Sir?”
“Liora, hi. A minute, if you have it.” While said in a polite and friendly tone, it’s clear this is not a question.
“Yes, of course, Sir.” I turn and catch Amelia’s eye, indicating ten minutes. She nods and smiles. Turning back to my boss, a knot in my stomach, I follow him back to his office. I’ve only been here a week and already I’m being called into the boss’s office. And I have zero idea what I’ve done wrong.
“Sit. Relax. I’m not going to rip you a new one, even though you seem to think I am.” His words surprise me.
“What makes you think that, Sir?” I can’t help asking.
“Your body posture screams anxiety, like you’re fully expecting me to toss you out on your ear, cautioning you to never darken my door again.”
Before I can prevent myself, words pop out of my mouth. “That’s very perceptive, Master Samuel. It’s a rare man that can read a woman so accurately.” And then my brain engages, and my heart sinks. Gasping, I clap a hand over my mouth. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean any disrespect.”
“No harm, no foul. Relax.” His gaze lands on me squarely, and I try my damnedest not to squirm under his brief study of me. At first it seems he wants to say something but appears to change his mind. A beat of silence hangs between us, then he clears his throat.
“I’ve given your request some thought, and I think I have the perfect person in mind to help you with it. I was, in fact, going to introduce you to him this evening so that the two of you could discuss your requirements further.
“However, the gentleman in question is unable to make it – in fact, he’s had to go out of town on business and is uncertain when he’ll be back. I do believe he’s the best man for the job, but if you’re eager to get started and would rather not wait for him to return, I can see about finding you someone else.”
