Callum nodded and did his best to look Michael in the eyes.
“Are you homophobic onanylevel?” Michael asked. “Because we don’t allow hate within these walls. Some of the guys who work here have been on the wrong end of homophobia. I don’t know the stories of all the punters that walk into the club, but I’d be surprised if there wasn’t a horror story or ten amongst them every night.”
“I wouldn’t have come here if I was,” Callum said quietly. “I haven’t spoken to my dad in six years. Not since the night he—” The very small amount of bravery he’d summoned up before walking into the club failed him. He got to his feet a little too quickly, sending blood rushing to his head. “I shouldn’t have come. I’m going to make everyone feel uncomfortable because of who—”
“Sit down,” Michael ordered.
Callum slammed back onto the chair.
“It can’t have been easy, feeling differently to your dad,” Michael said sympathetically.
“It wasn’t. My mum and sister share his hate.” Callum rubbed his thumb firmly over the back of his hand. “I don’t know whyIdon’t, I just know I couldneverhate someone just because of who they love.”
“We don’t get to choose our parents, and you’re not the first person to have views that are at odds with the rest of their family.” The way Michael spoke made Callum think he was speaking from experience.
“And you sure as hell don’t have to take the blame for their actions,” Mac said.
Their words should have been comforting, but Callum had heard them a hundred times. Sentiments couldn’t change anything.
“I’ll give you a chance,” Michael said. “But I think the big question is whether or notyou’regoing to feel comfortable working here.”
“I told you, I’m not homophobic.”
“I know, and I believe you,” Michael said. “But if you feel the need to blurt out who your dad is to everyone, it probably means youarecarrying around his guilt for him.”
“I don’t think my dad feels guilty for what he did at all.” Callum gritted his teeth. “He took a life because of hate and hasn’t shown any remorse for it.”
“It’s not your job to feel guilty for him.” Michael’s voice was quiet and reassuring. “No one else here needs to know. If you’re serious about starting over, then it’s time to step out of your dad’s shadow and become your own man. If you think you can do that, stick around and Mac will give you a crash course on serving drinks before the club opens.”
“I will, will I?” Mac asked.
Michael laughed. “Yes.”
“Is there any reason you can’t do it, boss?”
Michael nodded towards the door that led back to the changing room. “I want to take my fiancé upstairs for some fun.” His stare was fixed on Callum as he spoke.
Was this a test? Was he looking for any trace of disgust on Callum’s face?
“Aye, and what if I want to nip home and have somefunwith my husband?” Mac asked. “I’ve got time before we open, you know.”
Michael chuckled. “Not any more you don’t. Anyway, I thought you said Russel was shopping with a client this evening?”
“He is, but that’s not the point.” Mac huffed out a sigh. “Fine, I’ll do it. I’m a better teacher than Michael anyway.”
“You’ve been friends for a long time?” Callum asked.
“For too long,” Mac said. “He’s starting to get cocky. Get your arse upstairs and fuck your fiancé. I’ll take care of the newbie.” He grinned at Callum. “Assuming you’re staying, that is?”
Callum was still undecided about that, but their banter had made him smile. “If you’re sure…” He trailed off when Michael rolled his eyes.
“I’ve offered you a job. If you want it, stay. If you don’t,” he gestured towards the steps that led up to a huge double door, “you can go.”
Relief and anxiety warred within Callum. He wanted the job—heneededit—and it felt good that someone was willing to give him a chance. However, in the back of his mind he worried that his mum would find out and hate him. He wasn’t sure he could live with her disregard, but he didn’t think he could live with letting himself down, either. This job was the first step towards getting his life back on track and hehadto take it.
“I want the job, thank you.”
“Then I hope you’re a fast learner.” Michael stood. “I’m going to leave you in Mac’s capable hands. Come by my office before we open and we’ll discuss hours, rate of pay, and I’ll give you a contract to look over. Okay?”
Callum nodded.
“Then that’s settled.” Michael held out his hand to shake Callum’s. “Welcome to the Heaven and Hell Club.”
