24
Sam
Well.That was certainly unexpected.
And maybe a little bit of her impetuousness was catching because I knew I shouldn’t be thinking of sleeping with Tiffany again, but I honestly couldn’t stop.The dam had broken, and I felt my self-preservation fading against the memory of last night and the possibility of more.
And, well.It was hardly going to turn into anything more, was it?
Which was for the best.After Piper, I’d like to believe I’d learned my lesson about falling before thinking.
There’d be little chance of that here.As alluring as Tiffany was, it didn’t distract from how utterly incompatible we were.We could barely get through a conversation without disagreeing.
No.As Tiffany had said herself, there was no chance of “catching feelings.”Prior to last night, I had wondered whether all I would need to rid myself of my preoccupation with her was to satisfy that urge, allowing sense to return.
The opposite had been true.
Now that I’d had a taste, I most definitely found myself more occupied than ever.
But first things first.It seemed I had a head bartender to replace.
Utilizing the new coffee machine in the bar, a fine addition, I had to admit, I was on my second espresso before moving to the office to start making calls.
Whatever time zone Jordan was currently in didn’t stop him from answering, and it reminded me of a time, long ago, when we had the opportunity to talk more regularly.But between his business ventures and my own, conversations were few and far between.It was a shame.
“Bit early for you, isn’t it?”he said as he answered.
“Since when have we had regular hours?”
“True, true.What’s going on?Is this a friendly chat?”
“Yes and no.My head bartender quit last night, and I was hoping you’d have some names to pass on.I have some people to call on the West Coast but wanted to see who you knew over here that might be a good fit.”
“Of course.I’ll send you some options.Sorry to hear that, though.From what I’ve heard, she was quite the talent.”Ah, seemed he’d been checking up.“It’s always hard to lose the good ones.What were her reasons?Do you think the rest of the staff will follow?”Damn.I hoped not.
“Ah, no.No.”Get it together.“She was clear that she needed to make a move.”In more ways than one.“The staff definitely respects her, but I don’t think they’ll walk out once she’s left.”
“Once?”
“I’ve asked her to stay on until I can find a replacement.”
“Good idea.Makes for a smoother transition.”There was something there.Something in his voice.“And how do you feel about her leaving?”There it was.
“It’s not the most convenient timing, but I’m happy.”Dammit.
“Happy?”He chuckled.
“I meant, I’m …” Think.
Even though I couldn’t see him, there was no mistaking his smile now.“I think I might need to move up my plans to see you.I can’t remember the last time I heard you tongue-tied.”
“Don’t read into it.”
“Oh, I will, my friend.I’ve known you for too long.”
“Yes, well.”
My next step was to call Devon and Tiffany into the bar early.After Jordan’s comments, I was determined to head off any staff discord early.
