Taking in a deep breath, I got up off the stepladder and pulled the hem of my short skirt down, adjusted the tight tank top, then stepped back out into the hallway. Ten minutes were up, my little breather had gone some way to calming me down, maybe I could function and actually do my job with a smile on my face. Working the bar paid my bills, it was a job I desperately needed and no matter who sat in the VIP corner. I had to put on a brave face and get the hell over it. Thinking of the bonus for a job well done, that alone got my feet moving.
The next few hours flew by, the VIP party indulging in the vodka Bill had stocked for them. It wasn’t the usual brand he had behind the bar and I knew now he’d brought it in specially to accommodate the men. They laughed and drank, put heads together to talk, not really giving me much attention, for which I was thankful. They weren’t here to hit on the bar staff, more an informal meeting in a relaxing atmosphere. Jenny had been wise to keep CeeCee out of the VIP area, she would have annoyed these men with her over the top antics and flirting, they didn’t look like the sort to suffer fools, and CeeCee was most certainly a fool.
Now and again, I took furtive glances in Yannick’s direction, more so after he’d discarded his suit jacket and loosened his tie, the crisp white shirt obtaining a few more creases. With his sleeves rolled up, I couldn’t help but wonder why that was so goddamn sexy in a guy. Right there was my Achille’s heel. Simple girl with simple pleasures.
On a third refill of bottled water, the men seemed to have stopped talking shop. Two of them, whose names I’d learned were Greg and Tayte, had wandered off into the body of the bar, leaving the three men I’d seen in that room years ago. Two looked to be brothers, or relatives at least, their similarities obvious. Big men, who would scare the living daylights out of me in a one-on-one situation in a dark alleyway.
As I placed the last bottle of Perrier onto the glass table in front of Yannick, his hand shot out and long fingers curled around my slender wrist. He didn’t grip tight, his hold unthreatening, but I still jumped.
“You have a minute for us, Jolie?” Yannick peered up at me, a grin on his face, a twinkle in his eye.
“Yeah, sure. Scoot over.” Calm, act calm - a hard thing to do when my heart was racing like the horses at a Grand National meeting. The big guy on Yannick’s left gave a throaty laugh and slid away from him, patting the space he’d made. Not wanting them to see how nervous I was, I dramatically fell into the seat, careful not to touch either man. “Oh, boy. These shoes are killing me. Thank you.”
“This is Sandir.” Yannick pointed to the guy who’d made room for me. “And that’s Andrey, his brother.” As I’d thought.
Twisting my head from one man to the other, I gave a genuine smile. “Are you gentlemen enjoying your evening?”
Sandir chuckled. “Immensely. Bill always sees us right. He’s a good boss, I presume?”
The question was weird as far as questions went and I had to mull it over for a minute. Apart from Bill’s over the top flirting, I couldn’t fault the man, he was fair and as kind as a boss could probably be. “Yes. One of the better one’s I’ve encountered.”
“Good,” Yannick mumbled. “Good.”
There was this strange pause where we all looked to one another and I wondered what they were waiting for. I asked the first thing that sprang to mind in order to cut out anymore bullshit. “You’re not here for me, are you?” The question didn’t sound as confident as maybe I’d liked, something these men surely picked up on.
“Why do you ask that?” Shrugging, I fiddled with the bracelet on my wrist. “Mere coincidence, Jolie, I promise. However, it is wonderful to see you after so long. More grown up too.” Swivelling my head toward Yannick, I must have looked surprised. “What? I never forget a pretty face.”
I snorted at that. “You were… preoccupied. I’m surprised I even registered at all.”
“Oh, you registered all right, Miss Summers.”
“I should really move.” His words made me feel uncomfortable, and I didn’t want to stay sandwiched between these men anymore. “We’re closing soon, and I need to prep for tomorrow. Can I get you gentlemen anything else before time gets called? Something from the bar?”
“Not a thing. It’s been a pleasure.”
Pushing up from the chair, I gathered up the last of the shot glasses and vodka bottles - they’d drank three between them, which was remarkable. I’d have been falling about on my arse having drank that much alcohol. Yet not a single one of them looked to be any worse for wear. Tottering off to the bar, because my feet really were hurting in the too high shoes I only ever wore for work, I was more than ready to close down the bar and get off home.
“Good night?” Carol leaned over and took the laden tray from my hands.
“Yeah, they’re all right. Charming actually.”
“CeeCee’s been shooting daggers your way all night,” she huffed.
“I noticed. Wish she’d get over herself.” The woman was an idiot, vindictive when she wasn’t on the floor and I made sure to keep my wits around her at all times. She fitted the back-stabbing persona down to a capital T and I wanted nothing to do
