“Sure thing, Ry. How’s business?”
“Good. I’m looking into opening a restaurant here at Venom.”
“Wow.”
“Can I pick your brain as someone who has come into this place without a lick of interest in the lifestyle?”
“Sure.”
“Did you consider rejecting Carter’s offer when you found out what kind of club Venom is?”
“Yeah. I think anyone would. It’s a lot to take in at first.”
“Why did you accept?”
“Because it’s the job I wanted. And now, I’m so glad that I didn’t let my preconceived notions get in the way of the best job I’ve ever had.” Eli is a straight shooter, so I know he’s not just telling me what I want to hear.
“Whatdoyou think of this place? Honestly. I won’t be offended.”
“There’s nothing to be offended by. If you want the God’s honest truth, I came in feeling pretty judgmental. But now that I’ve gotten to know everyone and see so many happy, healthy relationships, I feel sort of privileged.”
“Really?” I’m surprised by his answer.
“Yeah. I grew up in such a straitlaced family. My parents went to church, and they acted as if we were the perfect cookie-cutter family. In the end, my mom cheated with the pastor, and my dad became my only parent. I know that what can look like a happy relationship from the outside isn’t necessarily what’s going on behind closed doors. I’ve seen much more functional relationships within these walls, that’s for sure.”
“I am concerned about staffing it.”
“As long as you’re upfront with potential employees, I don’t see it being a problem. I signed the NDA, and that came with an extra wage bump.”
“And if they say no, what’s to stop them from outing this place? Outing me. It could ruin Dulip and everything I’ve worked for.”
“They sign the NDA before interviewing. That’s what Carter did with me.”
“Do you have people in mind from your existing staff?”
“I seem to have stumbled across a possible sous chef in one of my waitstaff. I want to give her a chance to work alongside me, at least for a trial period. If it works out the way I think it will, then she’d take over when I’m happy that the restaurant can operate without me.”
“That’s great. It sounds like you have a plan, so what’s the hesitation I’m sensing?” Eli is an intuitive guy. He can read people in a very honest way. Heseesyou.
“She’s… innocent. I don’t want to sully her.”
“Innocent? What? She’s a virgin or something? Very religious? Too young?”
“I don’t even know. There’s just something so sweet about her. I feel like I’d be corrupting her if I brought her here.”
“To work or to bed?”
“Work. Purely professional.” I’m going to be telling myself this every time I look at her. She deserves a chance.
“Then, don’t shoot yourself in the foot because you’reassumingsomeone else’s judgment of you before giving them the chance to prove you wrong.”
Shit. His words hit home. “I’d be the dick if Idon’tgive her a chance.”
“Exactly. I’ll forward you the NDA I signed before my interview. It will give you a framework.”
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it. Honestly, I was planning on opening a new location, but it never crossed my mind that it would be here.”
“Flex?” It’s a question and the answer rolled into one.
