“She’s okay. Thank you. I’m calling to tell you to skip the line at Club 88.”
My mouth opens in shock. “What? There’s no way we’re leaving our spot. This line is so long, and we’re finally halfway to the front.”
He snorts out a laugh. “I know, but I know the owner, and I’m a member. I’ve already called them to tell them to let you in and that your tab is covered.”
“What!” I screech, so loud that a few people in line turn to look at me.
“What? What is it?” Amber whispers, but I don’t answer her because I can only focus on one thing at a time at this moment.
“Skip the line, Olivia. Have a great time tonight. I better not hear from you until tomorrow evening, sounding like you regret your life.”
I toss my head back and laugh. “You got it. Thanks, Dr. Warrick. I appreciate it.”
“Happy birthday, Olivia. It’s the least I can do. And be safe tonight. I don’t want another personal assistant.”
My heart warms a little knowing that I mean something to him. It’s strictly platonic; he’s like a father figure to me. After my dad died from cancer when I was six years old, my mom and I depended heavily on one another. She’s my best friend and I have no idea what I would do without her. The thought alone has tears brimming in my eyes.
I can’t cry. Not on my birthday.
“Thanks, boss. I really appreciate it. And as if your future personal assistant could ever be as good as me.”
“That’s my point.” He chuckles. “Happy birthday, Olivia.” Dr. Warrick hangs up the phone, leaving me a little shocked by his gift.
“Well?” Victoria bounces, her hands in her coat pockets.
“He told me we can skip the line because he’s a member here. He said to put everything on his tab. As a birthday gift.”
Amber grabs a hold of my arm and begins to drag me to the front of the line where the bouncer is.
“Hey! No skipping!”
“They’re line-jumping!”
“Send them to the back!”
Everyone is line is pissed, pointing their fingers at us as we stop in front of the bouncer who’s standing next to the red velvet rope that blocks the entrance. He’s huge. Taller than six feet for sure, with bulging muscles that stretch his shirtsleeves.
He lifts his hand to his earpiece, listening intently before nodding and giving us his undivided attention. “How can I help you, ladies?” he asks, keeping his hand on the rope.
“We have a reservation?” I state, more as a question. I’m not sure how to frame it. “My name is Olivia McDowell and my boss is?—”
“Dr. Warrick? Yes, he called, and the owner told me. Come on in, ladies, and happy birthday! Andre will take you to the VIP section.”
“VIP?” Victoria squeals with excitement. “Is your boss hiring, Liv? Because this is awesome! Tonight is going to be amazing.”
The bouncer unclips the rope, allowing us to walk through, which causes the people waiting in line to moan, shouting their discontent.
“Hey!” the bounder shouts. “She’s got a membership and it’s her fucking birthday. Shut up!” He towers over everyone, his eyes scanning the crowd to see if anyone will challenge him. He turns back to us, giving us a big, bright smile. “Have fun, ladies. If anyone gives you any trouble, come find me or Andre. We’ll take care of it.”
“Thank you,” Amber says, flirting a little, placing her hand on his arm. “Maybe you can save me a dance.”
The bouncer looks her up and down while he nibbles his bottom lip. “I do have a break coming up in about an hour. I’ll find you, beautiful.”
“Looking forward to it.” She winks.
Victoria has to drag her away from the cute bouncer so we can finally enter the club. When the doors open for us, we’re all stunned, stopping in the middle of the doorway.
“Wow,” we say in unison, staring into the huge space.
