I purse my lips, not entirely pleased with my hours. “And I still get to keep one hundred percent of all my tips, in addition to the eight hundred per week?”
Dante grumbles.
“What was that?” Nikki asks.
“Yes, you can keep your tips. Moreno is also picking up a car for you and Zeke, since you won’t necessarily be commuting with my son. Is there anything else you require?” His annoyance is not subtle.
“That’s all.”
After breakfast, Nikki takes me upstairs and sneaks me an extra couple hundred dollars.
“What’s this for?” I ask, glancing at the money in my hand.
“You’re going to need a new wardrobe for the bar. You want decent tips, right?”
I nod vigorously.
“You can’t go wearing that,” she says, gesturing at my thick wool sweater and jeans. “Guys want a sexy bartender, one who pays attention to them, makes them feel like they’re important and special.”
“You talk like you’ve worked at the bar before.”
“I’ve covered a couple of shifts over the years, but nothing long-term. While the place used to be solely Dante’s clientele, the business has grown over the past decade. We get all sorts of locals looking for a place to drink, unwind, or even hook up.”
I grimace.
“Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting you hook up with anyone. You’re married to my son,” she says, reminding me of something I don’t need a reminder of. I know I’m with Luca; I love him, immensely. I’d never even consider breaking that sacred bond.
She leads me to her closet, grabbing a couple of blouses, holding them until she finds one she’s satisfied with. “This one brings out the gold flecks in your eyes.” It’s a brown, gold, and amber blouse, the colors swirling together like a painted canvas, and it’s cut rather low.
“Are you sure that’s appropriate?” I ask.
“Guys love a little cleavage, and you’re working for tips.” She grabs a pair of black slacks. “I think these will fit. If not, we can raid Paige’s closet too.”
“I’m sure this will be fine.”
Nikki practically pushes me into the bathroom, insisting I try on the new clothes. She shuts the door behind me, keeping an eye on Zeke while I change into her clothes.
Wearing Luca’s clothes has always come like second nature. I love his sweatshirts, they’re oversized for me, and while I swim in them, they’re comforting. Even his t-shirts make me smell like him.
Putting on Nikki’s clothing is a different experience.
It makes me feel far more sophisticated.
Older.
Wiser.
I open the bathroom door, letting her see how it looks on me. “I like it. We just need to grab you a pair of black shoes to go with the ensemble.”
“It’s too much,” I say, and she holds up a hand, silencing me.
“You’re just borrowing it for tonight. That’s why I gave you cash. I want you to buy a few things of your own, but if you’d prefer, I’ll go with you and help you pick out what to wear…” her voice trails off. “Perhaps we should do that.”
“When?” I ask. It’s not as though I have a lot of free time, with Dante putting me to work and then classes and assignments during the week.
“I’ll talk to my husband,” Nikki says, the ever-present smile on her face. The woman is positively radiant.
“Thank you.”
