Page 52 of The Royal in Room 3

“It was an accident,” Martin said before I could respond.

“I see.” Phoenix rested a gentle hand against my shoulder. “Soren, why don’t you take five? You’re due a break anyway.”

“I should clean up,” I said, tears prickling in the corners of my eyes. I just wanted to do my best tonight, and it had to go wrong.

“We’ll handle it.” His voice softened. “Go take a few minutes.”

I kept my head down as I crossed the floor. By the time I reached the staff locker room, tears blurred my vision. I got my phone out and pressed my hand over my mouth to suppress my cry.

I had made it several hours without ruining anything. Now, one mistake might cost Phoenix a sponsor and me my first job. Why was I such a screwup? Was I destined to fail at everything?

My fingers shook as I typed, the screen blurring from my tears.

Me: Daddy, I messed up really bad.

I pressed “Send” to Jude as the door opened and Blake entered.

“Soren? Are you okay?”

I swiped at my face in a futile attempt to hide my tears. “I’m fine. Just taking a break.”

“No, you’re crying. Phoenix asked me to check up on you.” Blake came over to where I was sitting and took a seat opposite me.

“He didn’t need to do that.”

“If it’s any consolation, I saw the whole thing and it wasn’t your fault. It was an accident.”

“Maybe I could have convinced someone of that if it’d been just one drink.”

A choking sound left Blake, and I stared at him only to find his face red from the effort of suppressing a laugh.

“It’s not funny,” I said. “I might lose my job.”

“Hardly. Phoenix is too awesome for that. My first day here, I tripped over my shoelace and face-planted into a woman’s ample bosom. I mean, it was nice and all, but not exactly a good first impression.”

“Oh my God. You did not.”

He grinned. “I sure did, but it got me laid that night, so it all worked out. In fact, I’ve been with Mistress now for almost two years.”

“Wow. At least your incident was with someone nice. That guy wants to get me fired.”

Blake snorted. “Evan threatens to get someone fired every time he comes here. It’s sad, really.”

“Seriously?”

“He’s always rude to staff,” Blake continued. “Don’t take that asshole seriously.”

“Are you sure? Phoenix may have no choice but to fire me.”

“Please. Phoenix runs the show and doesn’t let anyone abuse his staff. Once you’ve gathered yourself, he wants you back at the table.”

“He does?”

But I didn’t want to face that horrible Evan again.

No, I made the mess and should face it.

“Okay. I’ll just take a couple of minutes.”