LL

d' complains to the temp

my side pocket. The man I can't stop looking at is flanked by two othe

uburn. But despite his coloring, he doesn't exude an ounc

rnally at my fake bright tone.

ond. Doesn't so much as smile.

him seem a little less inten

their own right. Just that, compared to the hazel

and eyes so dark that you can barely see his i

ll, but wiry instead of built. His blonde hair is scanty, bordering

ing when he'd told me these men were important.

ain unaffected by the way the hazel-eyed man is staring at me-even th

remarks. His voice is rich and deep and

ah. I'm

e'll get a bottle of the

lenlivet '67," the

ice," the blo

fast as I can without another word

ks, jaw wide open. "Full bottles of both? Are th

k they give a

that rich. I gotta go get those

Hurry,

eck my phone. "Fuck," I

nd a whole avalanche of texts. They get

king I'd take you out to dinne

didn't pick up. Where are you? Don't tell me y

k are you and why aren't

less. You know you're not going to be able to make any real money. You quit college, remembe

bottle of whiskey?"

ly. "I, uh... yeah.

one. I know I'm not going to get away with not answering,

. I'm working tonight at The Black Lotus. It

he loaded tray before heading

in. Like I'm burning and freezing at the same time. Excitement? N

er the room. I walk forward and set the tray of alc

order your food n

ice," the blon

.. oh, shit. I mean-I'm so sorry... Excuse me

line for the bar. If they complain t

ivate room with the bucket of ice in hand. When I do,

ains: the ha

ous when I set the bucket of ice down o

ed a cigar

of professionalism. "I'm really

t d

s up towards