2
Sam
Very few things surprised me these days, and Tiffany Young could not be counted as one of them.While I usually tried to refrain from presuming anything based on second-hand accounts, I was willing to make the exception when it came to the spitfire of a woman who marched into my office.
Because within the short period of time that I’d had the misfortune of knowing her, she had all but confirmed every single thing Harry had told me.Though, I hadn’t yet had the opportunity to witness her professional talents.But since my older brother was not one for over-exaggeration, I had a nagging suspicion she at least had earned her reputation through credible means.It was with reluctance that I admired that quality.
However, no amount of talent excused rudeness.And yes, she was beautiful, but she was also brash and volatile.
On first look, it would have been easy to pass her off as all bark, her loud appearance not enough to distract from the fragility of her slimness.But she was anything but fragile.That impression could only pass for a moment because everything else about her screamed control, power, and energy.This was not a person to trifle with.
So, I shouldn’t be blamed for letting a bit of snark seep into my voice.I felt so much older than my thirty-six years.“Miss Young.Take a seat.”
She folded herself into the chair with ease, one leg tucked underneath her in a way that I thought must be constricting in her skintight jeans.The position highlighted the curve of her waist and the sharp angle of her hips.I pressed my lips together.As casual as the pose looked, there was nothing casual about the way her eyes bore into me.“It’s Tiff.”
“Okay.Tiffany.”Her eyes narrowed, but her smile didn’t waver.It was mildly terrifying, although impressive.
“I wanted to thank you for coming in this morning and for waiting.”I might be biased when it came to the most decorated employee here, but I could at least appreciate that she’d shown up.I had noted not everyone had.
“You’re welcome.”She had manners.Surprising.
“As I mentioned before, I will be making some substantial changes around here, some which will take place immediately, others that will be more gradual.”
“What sort of changes?”
Put bluntly, the bar needed an overhaul.For years, Harry had kept this place open every day from 2 p.m.to midnight.After reviewing the figures, I couldn’t see anything to warrant it.And from the number of staff employed, there was hardly enough people to appropriately cover those shifts.
I’d worked the twenty-four-hour lifestyle, and it was deadly.As soon as I’d met them today, I could see how rundown the staff and the bar were from being stretched thin.
“I’m changing the opening hours.Starting next week, we’ll only operate Wednesday to Saturday.I also will be reviewing the cocktail list, replacing some of the obscure choices with more popular drinks.”
“Don’t you think, as head bartender, I should make the decisions about the drinks?”
“You are, of course, welcome to provide suggestions, but no.As the owner, I will have the final say.”
“And if I disagree?”
“Then you might need to reconsider if you’re comfortable working here.”
She laughed at that, humorless and dry.“So, you’re demoting meandcastrating me in the same day?Classy.”
My muscles tensed, although I kept my expression clear.I’d always had a great poker face, but I knew immediately that Tiffany would test the limits of it.Of me.
“You’ll still be in charge of the drinks.I might not approve of the way you handled my brother, but I am aware of your reputation, and your skills should be considered an asset to this bar.”
I moved a pen perpendicular to the paperwork in front of me before affecting my own “casual” recline in my chair.If she wanted to play power games, then I’d be happy to return the favor.“However, if you decide that you cannot accept this new arrangement, I won’t stop you from leaving.I suspect you won’t have an issue finding work elsewhere.I would only ask that you give appropriate notice so that we can replace you.”
“I don’t know what you think you know about me, Mr.Cooper,” There was venom beneath that sultry voice, and I did not enjoy the way it made my blood sing.“But I’m not a quitter.You got one thing right, though.I’m a hell of an asset to this bar.”
The Basement had a good rep, and the last thing I wanted to do was risk that, but I wasn’t here simply to keep the lights on.If I was going to run this place, I wanted to put my stamp on it.
And in my experience, there was always room for improvement.No matter how talented the head bartender was.
“Are you claiming the success of the bar is entirely your doing?”
“Never.”The conviction in her voice caught me off guard.I quickly quelled the flicker of curiosity that sparked within me.There were layers hidden beneath her staunch exterior, and I had an unfortunate affliction for uncovering mysteries.
I could not afford to let this be one of those times.Strong women were my weakness, but there was no way I was letting this one get too close.
