Page 66 of Nails

Audrey groaned.“Ugh.Classic Anya.That girl only cares about her ‘private’ clients.She should never have been assigned tables, given her reputation for disappearing into private rooms.She pulls this shit all the time.”

“Well, those men weren’t happy.So, I stepped in.”She handed Audrey the order.

Audrey grinned and gave Riley a look like she was impressed.“You did the right thing,” she told Riley as she worked quickly, making the drinks.Adam hates it when clients complain, especially VIPs.Unfortunately, you sort of saved Anya’s ass.”

Audrey placed the drinks on the tray.

Riley smiled as she picked up the tray and balanced it with one hand.“Well, I don’t need to get on the boss’s bad side on my first night.”

Audrey snorted.“Girl, those men at that table are regulars.Believe me, you treat them well, and they will be singing your praises.”

Riley thanked her and then walked over to the table and delivered the men their drinks.She even stuck around for a few minutes and drummed up some conversation with them.

The main guy, whom she learned was named Elias, had thanked her profusely.

“You’re sweet,” he said, slipping two crisp hundred-dollar bills into her hand.

Riley shook her head, not wanting to take his money.“No, please, that isn’t necessary,” she told him.

“I insist.You earned it,” he said in a firmer tone that left no room for argument.“Excellent service deserves excellent tips.”

Before she could thank him, someone spoke from behind her.

“What’s going on here?”

Riley turned, and there stood Adam, looking sharp-eyed.Before she could explain, Elias smiled.“We were just saying how amazing Riley here is.Anya disappeared, and this gorgeous knockout stepped in and handled everything.She’s a class act.”

Adam’s expression turned sour at the mention of Anya’s name, but he quickly masked it and nodded, putting his professional smile in place.

“Well, I apologize for Anya’s behavior,” he said.“The next round is on me.We appreciate your business.”

Elias appeared satisfied.

Adam turned to Riley and lightly touched her elbow.“Gentlemen, did Riley mention that this is her first night here at the club?”

The entire group looked surprised, and a few even whistled.

“Well damn,” Elias said.“You had better treat her right.She’s a keeper.In fact, from now on, if she’s working when we come in, we want her as our hostess.”Elias glanced at Riley and winked.

Riley smiled.Okay, even though she was working undercover, she did appreciate the compliment.Not bad for the new girl.

“I think we can make that happen,” Adam told Elias.“However, I do need to steal her away for just a few minutes.”

Elias grinned and nodded.

Adam leaned down and whispered in Riley’s ear.“Come with me.”

He placed his hand on her back and guided her toward the other side of the room, where there were a few empty tables.

As they walked, Riley had braced herself for a lecture, but once they were alone, his expression softened.

“You did well, Riley.Those guys come in about twice a month and spend thousands of dollars.You handled the situation perfectly.”

“Thanks,” she said.“I just did what I thought was the right thing.Even though Anya told me to sit and not do anything until she got back.”

Adam’s expression darkened.“Speaking of Anya.Where is she?”

Riley gestured toward room seven.“She’s in there with a client.”