Page 37 of Lost Lyrebird

“Mmmm.I see that.”

I put the bottles away.Over my shoulder, I tell her, “I’ve already let the staff know you’ll be doing a different kind of show.Raven liked all your ideas, so I’ll give you some room to make some changes and mix things up.Just let her know what you need, and she’ll take care of it.When you go on, the other girls will take a break, except for the waitstaff.”

She chuckles nervously.“You didn’t have to do that.I mean… I’m flattered, but I was kind of just bouncing around ideas with her when we had lunch.I’m like that.Full of a million ideas with no real plan or outline for implementing them.”

“Yeah, but that’s Raven’s specialty.She’s the kind of person who takes grand plans and turns them into reality.”I laugh darkly under my breath.“Believe me.If it’s a stupid idea, she’ll shut you down cold.No tact, that one.But if she sees potential, she’ll find a way to make it work.”

“What if my ideas fall flat?Maybe the people here aren’t ready for a Vegas style of stripping.”

Her audition pops into my head, and from the way her gaze holds mine and the quirk of her mouth, I’m guessing she’s thinking about it too.

“Oh, they may not be ready for it, but the clients will love it.”

“All right.You’re the boss.”She sassily salutes me.

Clearing my throat roughly, I say, “If Raven’s on board, then I’m sure it’ll be the shake-up this place needs.Plus, it’ll give the other girls a chance to get off their feet.”

“Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Noted.”

We don’t talk about her audition.But it’s right there in the back of my mind.My body hums like a damn tuning fork.What makes it worse is that while I work, her eyes track my every movement.I also notice how she moves slightly to the music playing low in the background, and taps her nails on the counter to the beat.

Not sure if I’m successful, but I’m trying to play it off like she hasn’t got every bit of my attention.Like I’m not losing the battle to hide how much being near her affects me.

Thankfully, I can manage the bar on autopilot.

My staff slowly trickles in.I introduce them one by one to Lily and study their interactions.

When we’re alone again, I ask if she’s good.

“Yeah, I’ve been the new girl enough times that I get how it is.There’s always a bit of genuine welcome mixed with some judgment and suspicion.”She shrugs.“It’s just how it is.”

“Doesn’t make it right.”

“Doesn’t matter.That’s just life.Unfair as shit.”

I huff in agreement.Because fuck yeah, it is.“Just let me know if any of them give you a hard time.A few might see you as easy prey, thinking you don’t know how shit works around here.Don’t let anyone steer you wrong.In fact, check with Raven on anything they tell you.”

Lily gives me a no-nonsense look.“I can handle myself.”

I feel her words more than I hear them.I hate that I can’t protect her from it.But I love that she’s strong enough to want to handle it herself.

I nod once in understanding.Silently proud of her fortitude.

When I glance at the clock and see how little time is left before our doors open, I broach the subject from earlier.

“I own a few apartments not too far from here.One of my tenants just gave notice.You can come look at it and see if you’re interested.It’s nothing special, but it’s yours if you want it.”She opens her mouth immediately, and I can already see the refusal coming, so I hold up my hand.“The rent’s affordable, and you could go month-to-month.No strings attached, no pressure.”

She shuts her mouth, sits back in her chair, and considers me.Her blue eyes search my face.There’s something deeper there, more than just hesitation.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”Her voice is softer somehow, and her conflicting emotions are evident.“There’s already this.”She waves a hand between us.“Whatever this is.Being that close… that’s just asking for trouble.”

“Maybe,” I admit, holding her gaze.“But it also means I’m right there if you need anything.Or if your brother does.Another shoulder to lean on when you need one.It’s a two-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath.Nice, but not fancy.”

“It sounds great, really.I just don’t know if it’s wise.Can I think about—”

“Of course,” I say, cutting in gently.“There’s no rush.I’ll hold it for a week or two.And it’s no big deal if you don’t take it.I have it coming available and didn’t want to be an asshole for not putting it out there.”