Hearing it all put in such frank terms was sobering. “I understand.”
“See that you do.” It seemed James wasn’t finished. “You’ll have to fill out some forms. Of course, they’ll be kept confidential. I assume you haven’t told Cort anything about your background or what happened?”
“No. Only that I lost my job and don’t speak to my family.”
“And you’re staying with him.” He quirked a brow.
My cheeks heated at the presumption, and I ducked my head, remembering the nighttime and what I saw. “I-I slept on the sofa.”
“I didn’t ask if you were fucking.”
My gaze snapped to his, and damned if that sardonic tilt to his lips didn’t make my body flush hot with humiliation.
“Did I shock you? I tend to do that with people. I’m blunt to a fault. But now that it’s come up…” His gaze narrowed, and the smile faded. “Don’t fuck with him. Don’t hurt him or use him. Most of all, don’t play with his heart. That man is too giving and nice for people like us. Got it?”
Stunned into silence, all I could do was nod.
“Good. Here.” He shoved some papers across the desk with a pen. “Fill these out, and you can start today. No use in going home, because it’s getting on toward four. You can get something to eat and then come back here. The clock starts running for you when José says so.”
“Okay.” I’d never had to fill out employment forms or job applications. Everything had always been handled for me. All I’d had to do was show up. But the prospect of once again having money in my pocket, minuscule as the amount might be, loosened the bands around my chest. I finished and pushed the papers back to him. “I’m done.”
“Good. Go to the bar, and tell José you’re hired. I’m sure Cort’s anxious and waiting. I’ll see you later.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
“I’m doing this solely because Cort asked. No other reason than he’s trying to help you, though I don’t know why. Remember what I said, and we’ll be fine.”
Like a damn bobblehead, I nodded. I walked out of his office and through the hallway to where I thought I remembered the main space was, and as James predicted, Cort waited at the bar. He had a beer in front of him, and all I could think of was how good that would taste right now.
“Well?” The bottle wobbled precariously when he jumped out of his seat to race across the room and meet me halfway. “Did you get it?”
At my nod he broke out into a smile, and to my shock, picked me up and hugged me. I had to grab his shoulders to keep from falling. My fingers dug into his biceps, and for one crazy moment I sank into his chest, letting him take my full weight in his arms. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been held.
“I’m so happy,” he whispered in my ear. “You’ll see. Everything’s gonna work out.”
“I hope so.” I allowed myself one more moment of weakness to enjoy the dips and curves of his torso before sliding down to stand on my feet. The bartender assessed me head to toe, and I had to fight with myself to remain respectful and not glare back. A year ago, I wouldn’t have looked his way. Now I depended on his good graces.
I stuck out my hand. “Hello. I’m Harlan.”
“José.” He took it, and we shook. I was used to shaking the hands of lawyers who spent all their time reading or maybe playing squash or golf. Their hands were soft, manicured, and as white as mine. This man’s hands were rough and calloused. Dark brown against my pale skin. The tattoo of a snake curled around his wrist. I wondered if Cort had any tattoos. I hadn’t glimpsed any when I watched him.
Jesus Christ, I need to stop.
“Um, so James hired me. I’m at your disposal. He said I should get something to eat, but I’m fine with starting now.” Plus I had no money to buy any food, but he didn’t need to know that. The last ten dollars I had went to a bottle of vodka so vile, I thought I’d puke, but I persisted. I’d had no place to sleep that night and ended up passed out in the park, so I suppose it did its job. Mission to forget…accomplished.
I eyed the bottles, planning how I’d be able to sneak in a drink here and there. I wondered if Cort had mentioned anything personal about me, but I doubted it. The man didn’t gossip. He was too nice.
“I was ’bout to go out and get a sandwich. I’ll pick you up one. José, I got you this time.” Before I could respond, Cort hustled out the door, leaving me with my mouth hanging open.
“He knew you were gonna say no. He told me so,” José said, unsmiling. “Don’t fuck with him.”
I was getting sick and tired of being warned off Cort. “I’m not his boyfriend, lover, whatever you call it, nor do I want to be. Now, why don’t you tell me what you want me to do so I can start?”
With a curt nod, José pointed to his right. “Come behind the bar. I got glasses that need polishing and then stacking. The wineglasses get hung above me. After that, you can make sure we got all the mixers. Check the soda canisters to make sure they’re full. You’ll cut the lemons and limes for the twists and drain all the cherries, putting them in these dishes for me.”
He stopped for a moment, took a breath, and continued. “Then you’ll go in the back to see if we got enough ice. You’ll bring that in and fill these.” He indicated the various sinks around the inside of the bar. “You’ll chop up the ice to make sure it ain’t one big frozen lump. Think you can handle it?”
I gritted my teeth. “I know I can.”
