Page 100 of The Problem with Perfect

solo: chapter 1

Soren

“Need anything else from me before I take off, boss?”

I turn to look at Ozzy where she leans against the edge of the doorway to my office then return my attention to the liquor order I need to get sent out today.

“You should be letting Jon know you’re leaving, not me. He’s in charge of the front tonight.”

There’s a pause before she responds.

“Will do.”

When another ten or so seconds go by and she’s still standing there, I look at her again, struggling to hide the irritation in my voice.

“What?”

She clears her throat, takes a deep breath, and shakes her head.

“Never mind.”

Then she disappears, heading off down the hallway toward the front, likely to tell Jon she’s heading home for the evening. I can’t help but let out a little sigh of relief.

Ozzy is my newest employee, having only been here about a month, and I’ve been questioning Jon’s decision to hire her since the day she started.

She has no bartending experience, no waitressing experience, no restaurant experience…it’s like the guy thought it would be a good idea to hire the least qualified person from the stack of applicants I handed to him.

She’s friendly enough and seems to do okay with customers, but just…seems to always be in the way.

I also can’t help but notice the way she watches me, her hazel eyes following my movements from across the room—though in all fairness, I only started picking up on it when one of my other waitresses, Tessa, told me Ozzy has a ‘crush’ on me.

Fuck, what are we, teenagers?

Part of me was flattered, of course, when Tessa shared the conversation the two of them had on Ozzy’s first day. I mean, who wouldn’t want the attention of a knockout like Ozzy? But she’s still struggling to keep up, and I can’t help but wonder if maybe she would have fewer issues if she watched me less and listened to directions more.

Besides, I might enjoy the charcuterie board of beautiful women who come through my bar, but I promised myself when I bought the place that crossing the lines with my employees was a nonstarter. Ozzy is…well, I don’t know exactly what she is, but she feels like a massive headache and a lot of temptation wrapped into one.

Eventually, I submit my online order to our distributor then head up to the front to relieve Jon so he can take a break.

“Hey there, Solo.”

My lips tilt up at the sound of the nickname bar patrons know me by, and I flick my eyes to the blonde sitting halfway down the bar, a smirk hanging on the edge of her lips.

Tossing a hand towel over my shoulder, I head in her direction then brace myself against the bar top and give her a charming smile.

“Back so soon?”

She shrugs a shoulder but eyes me with a coy look that makes it clear she’s interested.

“You make a mean vodka cranberry.”

I nod my head.

“That what you’re hoping for tonight?”

She props her chin on one of her hands then lets her eyes rove up and down my body.

“Among other things.”

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