Page 63 of Kiss and Tell

I was sure Connor would try and make chatty small talk to get a feel for them and while, yes, personality fit was important, making sure the potential employee knew what they were talking about was just as essential.

I liked that about Connor, though. He wasn’t the calculating type. He was earnest and genuine. He said what he meant and he did what he said. Often to an infuriating degree. Despite the fact that he could sometimes be irritating with the way he piled on the charm, Connor was personable and likable.

I knew I was anything but. I didn’t make friends easily. I was focused and driven. I wasn’t exactly a hard ass, but Connor had insinuated more than once that I was no-nonsense, maybe too much for my own good.

But in this situation, that kind of personality trait was a blessing. It would help us get the job done. I simply had to brace myself to play the bad cop to Connor’s good cop.

I arrived at the bar early and saw someone already waiting. I double checked the time to make sure I wasn't late, but no. This guy must have been keen to get here half an hour before the first interview was scheduled.

I’d wanted a chance to talk to Connor first, before we started, to settle things between us and make sure we didn’t act awkward around the people we were supposed to be interviewing.

“I’m sorry but we’re not starting for another half an hour,” I told the man as I walked up to him.

He looked at me strangely and I couldn't help but think he seemed familiar somehow. Had I seen this guy before?

“What’s starting?” he asked.

“The interviews,” I replied. “Are you not here to apply for the bartender position?”

He seemed confused.

“No, I’m not here for any interview,” he said. “I was just hoping…”

That was when I recognized him. He was the guy who had been outside the bar weeks before, asking when it would be open again.

“The bar is still under renovations, I’m afraid,” I told him.

“Yeah, I’ve heard.” He looked hesitant, before continuing. “Do you know a guy called Connor Moore?”

“Yes, I’m working with him,” I replied, confused. Did this guy know Connor? “He’s the owner.”

The guy nodded once and stuck his hands in his pockets.

“Right, cool,” he said vaguely.

“Would you like me to tell him you’re looking for him?” I asked, although I wondered why the guy didn't just call Connor himself if they knew each other.

“No, it’s fine,” he murmured.

“Are you sure?” I asked. “Connor’s probably waiting for me in the bar. I can call him out here if you want.”

His eyes went wide.

“No, don’t do that,” he said quickly. “It’s not important. Never mind. I’m just going to head out.”

The guy strode away with hurried steps, leaving me befuddled. Was he really looking for Connor after all and not just a place to drink?

Well, when the bar opened up he could come in and take care of both.

I shook off the strange encounter and walked in the bar. Connor wasn’t there, and since we’d ripped out all the furniture and fixtures, the place was simply one big empty room.

I leaned against the wall with my phone to wait, scrolling through emails and messages. Sometimes it seemed endless. There was always some sort of work to do, someone to respond to, something to take care of. Connor wasn’t kidding when he said I worked a lot. It wasn’t like I was a workaholic. I didn’t enjoy spending this much time and energy on my job. But it was necessary if I wanted to move up in my career. Besides, a little hard work now would pay off in the end.

“Hey.”

I looked up from my phone to find Connor dragging in a card table and three chairs. I shoved the phone into my bag, abandoning the email I’d been in the middle of typing out, and went to grab two of the folding chairs from his arms. I should have thought of it before. We couldn’t very well hold interviews standing up in the middle of an empty room.

“Hey,” I replied, struggling as I tried to keep a firm grip on two of the metal chairs. “I’m glad you came early. I wanted to talk before the interviews started.”