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“Just watch yourself, sweetheart. I’m just warning you.”

“Warning me?” She stood up and so did he.

“It can get rowdy there. Guys come in, drinking too much and doing stupid shit. I just want you to know that it may not be safe for a young woman like you.”

He could have sworn her jade green eyes turned red at his comment.

“Thanks for the warning, but I’ll be fine,” she told him with an attitude as she pulled her bag onto her shoulder.

“Some bad characters hang out there. You may not be used to that. Plus, you’re on display like some piece of meat in those uniforms,” he added, sounding as if he disapproved.

“It’s really none of your business

.”

“Your problem.” He wondered how the hell their nice, quiet, get-to-know-one-another time turned into an argument. Is this what having her as a girlfriend or lover would be like? Fuck! His dick instantly hardened as he watched her sashay her ass across the fields.

* * * *

Lori ignored him then turned toward the field, walking off in a huff. She thought he was a conceited, bossy jerk as she cursed him part of the way home. The nerve of him calling me kid and treating me like some naive child. Charlie called me kid, too. What the hell? I’m not a kid. I’m a Goddamn woman and I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time. Men!

Once she got past her tirade about Trevor’s, Dante’s, and Charlie’s personalities thus far toward her, she then thought about Trevor’s body. The rest of the way she thought about his great body, muscular physique, and bad-boy attitude. He thought he was hot stuff and for some strange reason she liked it. She liked the way his muscles rippled and covered every part of him. His arms were so big, his chest so wide, she knew he would give an incredible hug. He was so much larger than her he could crush her, but what a way to get crushed. She pushed the thought aside as she ran into the house to shower and change in preparation for her interview.

* * * *

Lori wore a short beige skirt with a light beige cotton embroidered shirt that fell off her shoulders. She wanted to look nice for the job interview. She wore her hair down and only a little lip-gloss as usual. As she walked from the parking lot toward the front entrance she could hear what sounded like island music from the band that was playing. A large crowd formed a long line by the front door, waiting to have their IDs checked before being allowed to enter. She immediately noticed the security bouncers and they noticed her.

The sun was still hot and dry and everyone waiting dressed accordingly, wearing light shorts, tank tops, or casual tank dresses. There was a mixed crowd, which usually meant a place was doing well. In Lori’s eyes it meant that the owner, Carl, probably provided entertainment and services suitable and likable for all people from all walks of life. Lori noted the yuppie types that gathered at tables nearer to the docks so they could probably keep an eye on their boats. She noticed what she assumed to be the regulars who sat around the bar itself. She knew who they were immediately by the way they set up shop. Two men sat at the bar, a seat apart, with a drink in front of them and a pack of cigarettes along with their money. That was a sure sign to let the bartender know they were staying put for a while. Serve them well and you got tipped well. The regulars were sometimes the ones who kept the bar going.

Lori made her way through the crowd and bouncers letting them know she was expected as they each gave her the once-over. She flirted a little which brought her immediate courtesy. She was told that Carl was waiting outside by the Tiki bar, and as she entered through the dining room and passed the large set of double glass doors she heard the band begin another song. She smiled wide as she made her entrance to the sounds of “Hot Legs” by Rod Stewart.

* * * *

Carl watched as Lori entered through the doors. She was absolutely stunning and he noticed all heads turned as she came into view. She was a definite knockout which would draw in a lot of guys to the bar. The better-looking the bartender the more drinks were sold, and a good bartender knew how to keep those orders coming. He hoped Lori was capable and he had to admit, he was actually very attracted to her.

“Lori, you look lovely,” he told her as he took her hand and lightly kissed it.

“Thank you, Carl, I love your place. It’s great. Is it always this crowded?”

“Sometimes even more so, that’s why I wanted you to come down today. I’ll show you around. Then I would like to test you a little. Is that all right?”

“Sounds good to me,” she said with a smile as Carl started to introduce her to a few people. After the tour Carl asked her to go behind the bar so that he could have a few of the regulars order some drinks from her as well as some other people.

“Give me five minutes to check out where everything is?” she asked as she began to look through the bar locating the ice, the alcohol setup, the mixes, and everything she would need to make any drink they asked her for.

“Only five minutes, huh?” one of the other bartenders asked. Her name was Shelly and she seemed a little annoyed that Lori was invading her space. Lori knew how to handle Shelly as she made a joke then complimented her.

* * * *

“Okay, I’m ready,” Lori stated before her five minutes were up and the drink orders began. They started off simple. Then they tried to confuse her with complicated orders or asking how certain drinks were made, changing the ingredients. It was no problem and as Lori made the drinks she spoke to the men, making jokes, drawing their attention away from tricking her. Plus it gave her the extra few seconds she needed working with the wrist cast. It would come off in a few more weeks. Shelly watched as Lori took over and the bar became more crowded.

“Okay, Lori, I think I’ve seen enough. What do you think, guys?” Carl asked the men at the bar.

They all began to holler “yes” and whistle as Lori said good-bye to them and Shelly.

“What do you think about the uniform?” Carl asked her as Lori looked at Shelly and the other waitress staff. The skirt was pretty short and the shirt was very tight but the place was busy and she was sure she’d make good money.

“How do you work it with the tips, do I share what I make with whomever I’m working with at the bar? Do the waitresses share their tips with the bar since we’re making the drinks?” Lori asked.