Page 33 of Blood and Bonbons

Sierra eyed my cheek with a smirk. “Looks like another day without the VIP section.”

“Quiet.” Shepard looked at his tablet. “Adrian, take lower stage left. Thomas, lower stage right. Pam, upper stage left. Sierra, upper stage right. Everly, you’re on VIP.” He started for the door as he added, “Everly, come by my office before the shift.”

“Wait. Can you give the VIP section to someone else?” I asked.

He paused at the door and raised a brow. “Why?”

My reason had everything to do with Vena being a floor below me, but I didn’t want Shepard to question it. “I’ve had it more than the rest. They deserve a shot at it, too.”

“No. Meet me in my office in five.”

The others hurried out after Shepard.

Sierra glowered on her way past, purposefully shouldering me.

“What’s your problem?” I called after her, but she was already through the door.

Shaking my head, I followed everyone to the main floor and veered toward Vena as Shepard disappeared into the kitchen. Buzz nodded to me as I approached, and I marveled at how many glasses he’d polished in such a short time.

“Is our ward behaving?” I asked.

“She demanded three cherries in her Shirley Temple because she hasn’t had a cherry in years.”

Vena smirked at me while I shook my head at her. “Shepard put me in the VIP section. Do your homework and behave.”

“I’ll be fine. Go get those tips.”

I glanced at Buzz, who winked at me and promised he’d watch over what remained of Vena’s cherries. Usually, I had to worry about other people’s safety when Vena was around, but tonight, I was grateful for Buzz’s watchful gaze. Until she and I knew the vampire was pacified, everything was uncertain.

Shepard emerged from the kitchen with Sierra following in his wake. Her face was flushed and her expression a mix of resentment and embarrassment. Without a doubt, Shepard had reprimanded her for her snarky comment. I felt no pity for her. What had she thought would happen when she acted like a bitch in front of the boss? She was lucky he didn’t know about her shoulder check.

Ignoring her, I followed Shepard up to his office, saying hello to Anchor as we passed. He pulled his watchful gaze from Vena long enough to greet me.

Shepard was already in his chair when I entered his office.

“I’m worried about your safety,” he said.

I felt a jolt of panic because I was worried about my safety and thought he knew something, but then his gaze flicked to my cheek again.

“Either you're calling me a liar, or you’re giving my outdoors skills more credit than they are due,” I said lightly.

He sighed and leaned back in his chair.

“How long have you been working for me, Everly?”

“A little over six months.”

“A short time and yet longer than any other server. You do the work. You’re good with customers. You have a positive attitude. And you work well with the other staff. I don’t want to lose you.”

“If you’re worried I’ll quit because Sierra’s in a mood, I won’t. I live with Vena. Snark and sass don’t faze me.”

“I’ve dealt with Sierra. She won’t be a problem. But when you leave tonight, no walking to your car alone. You get Anchor, Buzz, or, preferably, me to walk you out.”

“Is this about the dead person?” I asked in sudden understanding.

“Not only the dead person but yes,” he said, confusing me. “It’s not safe at night, and I don’t want you to take unnecessary risks.”

“I won’t,” I promised. “And Vena’s hanging out here all night, so she can walk out the back with me if you’re okay with it.”

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