Page 23 of Misunderstood: In Love with the Nerd (Miss 2)

“Tell me what?” Now he was beginning to look slightly perplexed, if not a bit more irritated.

Sonya had an overwhelming urge to shut herself up. “I guess it was nothing. Audrey probably just didn’t want to make a fuss.”

“Audrey?” His features became all at once serious. “What are you talking about?”

She sighed; realizing her big mouth might have just opened a can of worms. “There’s this usual customer who is constantly making a play for Audrey. Whenever she’s working, he can’t keep his hands off her.”

Tristan’s features slowly began to turn hard. “That’s part of the job.”

She nodded in understanding. “And it’s completely understood. Really.” She reassured him. “But sometimes it’s just not worth it, especially after Saturday night.”

“What was so unusual about Saturday night?” She could tell he was working at keeping his features bland.

“The jerk pulled out his—“She made a gesture toward the area below his belt line. “He grabbed Audrey, mini skirt and all, and dragged her unwillingly on top of him.”

The nerve along Tristan’s jaw began to work hard. His lips clenched and he blinked with purpose before spitting out the words, “Was she hurt?”

“No, thank goodness. Those bouncers of yours come in handy.” She grinned and moved closer, hoping her story proved everything was all right and his staff was fully capable of dealing with out-of-hand customers.

However, he backed away, automatically halting her advances. “Listen, it’s later than I thought. I think I better take you home.?

?

Sonya had an uncomfortable feeling she hadn’t been successful after all. Taking a deep breath, she smiled in acknowledgement but inwardly hoped Audrey wouldn’t be terribly angry with her.

* * *

Sonya held a finger in one ear and her cell phone in the other. The band was playing to an overzealous crowd tonight. It was busier than usual. The number of bodies in the place made walking next to impossible, let alone carrying a tray of drinks. Smoke was thick and the stench of alcohol filled the air. Even as she stood leaning over the bar counter, phone to ear, she could feel her backside being thrust about as lively patrons tried to make their way through the thick crowd.

Her shift had ended half an hour ago, but when she went out to the parking lot she discovered her car was blocked and she was unable to leave. She toyed with the idea of walking home, but her feet were aching in her three-inch sandals. Clientele had been demanding that night and she barely had a chance to sit, let alone take any breaks.

“Daniel?”

His voice was barely intelligible over the loud backdrop behind her.

“I can’t get out.” She pressed the phone closer to her ear while simultaneously trying to find a corner with a better signal as she had trouble making out his words. “Can you come down and get me?”

“—how—drinks—?” Was all she was able to make out.

“What?”

Again she heard his voice but not his words. Frustrated, she said, “Yeah, yeah. Can you come down and get me?”

She was pretty sure he said something in the affirmative and happily hung up.

“What a night.” Audrey sidled up to the bar and dropped her tray onto the counter then shot a questioning glance her way. “Why are you still here?”

“I couldn’t get my car out. Daniel is coming to pick me up.”

Audrey nodded, then glanced up at her friend. “I heard you finally convinced Tristan to let you perform?”

She nodded. “It wasn’t that difficult after all.”

Sonya thought she detected a look of resentment cross her friend’s otherwise congenial features, but when someone stepped between them, blocking Audrey momentarily, she realized her mistake when the petite waitress reappeared looking her usual friendly self.

With a glance over her shoulder and shouting over the noise, Audrey asked, “What’s with him tonight? He’s been out of his office all night. Every time I turn around, he’s right there. Do you think there’s been a complaint against me?”

Sonya ignored the tiny tug of guilt and simply shook her head as she glanced over her shoulder to where Audrey was looking. Tristan stood close to a back wall watching the activity in his bar. He had been circulating the entire place all night long. He certainly was being over observant.

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