“How long is their meeting?”
“Two hours.”
“Agreed. Friday night and two hours on Saturday.”
I shot a look at Kingston who cocked an eyebrow. Sweeping my gaze back to Grant, I tried to pinpoint what my issue was. He was offering less hours plus the additional bartending. Who was I kidding? I didn’t need this job. I didn’t need any job. I’d been desperately seeking ways to stay busy. I loved working here because it gave me a sense of purpose. Bartending had me connecting with our community. Nobody at the bar saw me as some goody-two-shoes rich bitch who grew up with a silver spoon in her mouth. Or if they did, no one said anything. Because I fought hard to outgrow that assessment of me. The tears started again and I hung my head. Kingston rubbed my back and shoulders, whispering encouragement and comfort.
“No one is attempting to take you away from the bar, sweetheart. Grant is happy to allow you time off to recharge. And then you’ll come back feeling better, rested, rejuvenated.”
Ice pitted in my stomach. I didn’t like the sound of that. “What did you do?”
“I booked us a trip.”
“Why would you do that?”
Grant rubbed his hand across his mouth. “I’m starting to see why Drew calls you spitfire.”
I shook my head. “Not funny! I don’t want to go on a trip.”
Kingston got to his feet and held out his hand. “We will discuss it privately. Thanks for taking the time to meet with us, Grant.”
“No problem, King. Enjoy your vacation, Eli,” Grant said casually.
“Thanks, Grant.” I barely kept the sarcasm out of my tone. Standing, I took my Daddy’s hand and followed him out of the office.
“Do you trust me, babygirl?” Kingston asked quietly.
I mimicked his tone under my breath, fully in brat mode. A solid smack bounced off my dress slacks. I expected such aresponse but spun around grabbing my butt with both hands. “We are in public, Sir!”
Kingston faced me toward the exit and led us out of the bar. “Do you trust me, Eli? Yes or no?”
“Yes.”
“Then you’ll do as you are told. I have your best interests at heart.”
“I will not.”
“If I have to keep your grumpy little behind red and hot for the foreseeable future to get you to comply, I will.”
That did it. I stomped my foot twice. “You will not! I won’t go anywhere with you! I’m not doing anything!”
Kingston flicked his eyes up and down observing. “Are you done throwing a tantrum?”
Apparently I was not done. Not even close. “No. You can’t make me go! I am a grown-ass woman.”
“You’re right, but having a meltdown in a parking lot because I’ve planned a trip tells me I’m on the right track.”
“I amnotpacking.”
“Then I’ll pack for you.”
“I won’t let you nearmystuff.”
“Then I’ll buy you new outfits.”
“I will not enjoy myself!”
“That’s entirely up to you, princess.”
