6
Silas
I walkinto Ruby’s at four o’clock the next day, hoping Joey is here. When I see him off to the side, working on paperwork, I head in his direction.
“What’s up, Joey?” I say to get his attention.
He looks up, then holds his hand out to me to slap in greeting. “Hey, what’s going on?”
I take a seat, and he immediately turns to grab me a beer, but I stop him. “Nothing today.”
A questioning expression covers his face as he wonders why I’m here.
“I wanted to ask when Kara performs again.”
“Well, well, well. Has a certain singer caught your attention, and now, you’re wanting to stalk her since she turned your ass down?”
“She didn’t turn my ass down. We went on a date last night, fuck you very much for doubting me,” I tease. “She told me you booked her for more gigs. I want to try and fill up this place to surprise her.”
“Well, I am not going to turn down you trying to get more customers here, so let me go grab my book.”
He leaves for a second, then comes back and flips to this week’s schedule, running his finger over the dates until he sees her name. “She’s coming in next Thursday. Goes on at eight.”
I pull out my card that has my schedule on it. Working twenty-four on and forty-eight off can be impossible to track, so they give us a color-coded card that tells us what days we work for our shift.
“Good. I’m off that day.” I slap the bar as I stand up, knowing I have some work to do. “Better make sure you have extra staff that night.”
He laughs. “You’d better make sure you fill this place, or you’re covering their hours.”
“You know I’ll come through.” I head toward the exit, calling over my shoulder, “Thank you,” as I pull out my phone.
I know nothing about having to get people to attend something, but I know who will.
My sister, Anaiah, answers on the second ring. “What’s up, big bro?”
“Hey, you up for helping me with something?”
She laughs out loud. “You’ll have to tell me first what you mean. I’m not falling down that trap again.”
I’ll admit, being her big brother, I’ve tricked her into doing some silly shit over the years, so I shouldn’t blame her for questioning my motives.
“I promise it’s nothing bad. I know you know how to do social media stuff. I’m hoping you can help me make a flier and help spread it all over to try to get people to come to Ruby’s next Thursday.”
“Yeah, I can do that. Why? What’s going on that they are asking for your help?”
“They have a girl performing that night, and I want to fill the place.”
“Oh … a girl. Do tell.”
“Yes, a girl. Don’t give me shit. Her name is Kara, and she’s pretty good.”
“Did you get her number?” she singsongs.
“Yes, I got her number.” I match her tone. “And we went on a date.”
“And now, you’re helping promote her show? That’s fast.”
“Yes, I’m helping promote her show, and, no, she doesn’t know I’m doing it. I want it to be a surprise.”
