“And you.” He gestured to my outfit. I was wearing my black leather pants and a shirt with Joan Jett’s face on it. “Great choice.”
His cheeks pinked so beautifully. Nature’s blush. “How about we sit?”
Toby nodded and sat when I pulled out his chair. “This looks amazing. Atlas, thanks for making it work with your schedule. My boss wouldn’t have let me move it around, so I would’ve understood if you’d had to cancel.”
“Ha. There was no way I was canceling. You won fair and square.” I lifted the silver domes over the dishes. I had called Toby earlier in the day and asked him what he’d like. He chose a simple chicken marsala, and I opted for a T-bone steak and baked potato.
“Smells like heaven.” I watched as he closed his eyes and took in the aroma of the food. His dark lashes fanned across his cheeks and in that moment, he was blissful to witness.
“Vayne’s is one of my favorite places,” I said as I poured us each some wine.
“My sister and I have gone a few times. It can be expensive.” His eyes widened. “Oh, I didn’t even think about that when DJ Edge asked me which place. Here.” He started pulling out his wallet.
“Toby, stop.” I didn’t yell but I made sure to be somewhat forceful. “You won, you chose. I knew that going in. Do not insult me by offering money.”
Toby’s cheeks pinked once again. “Okay, thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Now tell me about your sister.” I listened as Toby talked about his twin sister and what she did for a living. I noticed that when he mentioned she was in a wheelchair, his voice cracked. I wanted more information as to why, but I didn’t know Toby well enough to intrude on that privacy.
“And what about you?” Toby asked. “This place, how’d you decide on the name?”
Of all the questions I thought he’d ask, that surprised me. It was one I never answered and besides Max, Ledger, and Ciro, no one knew the story behind the name. But as Toby sat there with his dark, innocent eyes, having talked for a full twenty minutes about his life, I decided to give him the truth. It was like a pull, like I wanted him to know. And while that should’ve freaked me out, it didn’t.
“It’s named after someone I used to love a great deal.”
His brows furrowed, no doubt as confused as I’d expected him to be. “Was their name Joker?”
I chuckled. “Nickname, because he was always joking around. Getting himself into trouble. I always told him one day karma would catch him.”
“Did it?” Toby whispered as the thumping of the music from the club began, and I knew Ledger was getting ready to have Ciro open the doors. The sounds were like a pulse, always vibrating through me, giving me life.
“It did.”
“And you called him Joker. What was his sin?”
“Making me love him, I guess.” I wasn’t sure who was shocked more by my admission. I felt like I could go on for hours talking about my life with Toby. He made it feel so easy.
“I’m sorry, Atlas.” He reached across the table, his hand brushing over my fingers. “Naming this place Joker’s Sin implies you think you’re a sin, and I just can’t see that. You give so much to the people of Haven Hart.”
I gave his fingers a squeeze, then sat back with a chuckle. “I don’t think that’s true. I give them entertainment.”
He shook his head, lips turned down. “I don’t think you understand how important letting go and freeing yourself from the binds of life can be. I choose to come here every night I have off because it’s my therapy.”
I wanted to ask him what he felt bound to, what made him need to break free from everything, but there was a knock on the door, and a second later Max popped in.
“Hey, sorry to interrupt, but there’s a commotion outside. Some guy hit Ciro with a bottle, cops are here.” Starting the night this way was never good.
“Fuck.” I stood so fast, I almost knocked the table over.
“Oh, no. Is Ciro okay?” Toby was righting things, and I knew I had to cut this short.
“Yeah, we were just getting ready to open, and some guy wasn’t dressed to theme. It didn’t go over well; I think the guy was high.”
I was glad I had Toby come before we opened but hated that I had to go out and deal with this. “I have to go talk to the police, Toby, I’m so sorry.”
Toby rolled his eyes. “Yes, how dare you make sure your employee is okay, and your place isn’t being taken over by drug-induced ragers.”
I laughed. “Please stick around for the night. This won’t take too long, I hope.”
I left my office and quickly made my way out front in time to see a medic applying a Band-Aid to Ciro’s forehead. The speed in which the ambulance and authorities arrived surprised me. I really hoped this mess wasn’t a sign that it would be a bad night.
Chapter Eight
Toby
I stayed in Atlas’s office for about ten more minutes. I thought about maybe looking around, seeing if I could find something that would appease Vick enough so he wouldn’t be upset. I walked over to his desk, but it was immaculate, not a paper in sight. All the drawers appeared to be locked. I didn’t dare try to pry any open, because with my luck there were cameras in the room, and Atlas would catch me. I went back to the table and made sure everything was as clean as it could be. Then I slipped out the door.
The club only had maybe twenty people in it. I imagined they were all outside, either waiting to get in or watching the police and medics. When I went over to the door to peer out, I saw the police pushing someone into a cruiser, and I knew who it was. He was a regular at Vick’s. When Max said the guy was high, I believed it. And I also knew it was likely Vick that was supplying him. I wondered if Vick had him come here to act this out? But why, when he knew I was trying to get info?
An idea wrapped around me, and I knew I might be able to make this work. If Vick wasn’t satisfied with what I told him—which I still didn’t know what that would be—I could blame the tweaker and maybe get a pass. I had to hope.
I took a seat at the bar, and one of the bartenders asked me if I wanted anything, but I just ordered a soda. My eyes scanned the crowd, and I saw more people begin to trickle in. Either Ciro had returned to work or Atlas was taking over.
Max and Atlas were still outside, and DJ Edge began playing some kickass music. Women of Rock was a great theme, and I was glad it seemed he’d be spotlighting women from all decades.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw two guys starting to argue. There was a bouncer there but without Atlas, Max, or whoever was supposed to be managing the floor, it was too much for the bouncer to handle. Especially when three others came over. I listened for a moment to see what was wrong. One guy was upset because the other stole his drink. Another was blaming the drink owner for showing up here with his ex. So dramatic. I thought about what Shane or I would do at Vick’s. Liberio would likely punch one and drag him out, but Shane and I always had our own ways of handling things.
“Excuse me,” I said to the bartender.
“What’s up?”
“As quickly as you can, can you give me five watermelon martinis and five shots?”
The bartender’s brows rose. “What kind of shots?”
“Blowjobs,” I said shyly, and the bartender got to work.
I hopped off the stool and went over to the five guys.
“Hey, boys,” I said. “I’ve seen you guys around, haven’t I? I’m Toby, who are you?”
The transition must’ve jolted them all, and they turned and were sizing me up. The one who was accused of being the drink stealer spoke first. “What do you want?”
“To help, of course. See, I think if you all don’t stop this, Atlas will come in, see you all acting like raging morons—no offense—and kick you out for good.” I leaned into them and spoke softer. “And then what’re you gonna do, drink at Vick’s Tricks?” I shuddered.
“Yeah, well, he stole my drink.”
“He stole my man.”
The
y went at it again, and I looked over my shoulder, where the bartender was signaling to a tray. I went over quickly, took the tray, and went back to the guys.
“Okay, how about this?” I shouted over them. “My treat. A free drink and shot each.”
They looked at the tray, then at me. “Free?” one asked.
“Free. But, you guys have to agree to stay on separate sides of the club, and if you don’t, Bouncer Man here will tell Atlas you were disrespecting his place.” The bouncer in question smirked.
I placed the tray down, glad when they each took a drink and a shot. “Excellent. Now do the shot together. Come on. Teamwork makes the dreamwork.”
They chuckled, counted to three, and took the shot. Afterward they all seemed better, and I breathed a sigh of relief when they dispersed.
“Not bad,” the bouncer said.
“I’m impressed.” The sound of Atlas’s voice had me spinning around. “How’d you learn to extinguish an argument like that?”
“I’ve worked a few places where it was either get a punch or take a blowjob.” My eyes widened when Max and Atlas laughed. “I mean the shot.”
Atlas, nodded slowly, eyes raking over my body. “Too bad.”
Wait, what? Too bad he wanted a blowjob as in physical—what? Wait…
“Max, make sure Toby isn’t charged for those drinks. Toby, let me ask you a few questions. Can you come upstairs to one of my VIP booths and talk for a few minutes?”
He was asking me to spend more time with him? What idiot would say no? “Yes.”
It was quiet on the second floor, and I knew Atlas likely didn’t have any VIPs here yet or wasn’t entertaining any. I loved the second floor, and while I’d never been up there, I’d seen it from the first floor. The railing went all around the club, so people could view everything happening down below. And from my usual perch at the bar, I saw the twinkling curtains, and someone once said it was like each area was your own oasis.
“In here.” Atlas pulled back a curtain, and I stepped in. There was a black lush couch, glass circular table, a phone I imagined allowed people to call the bar to have things sent up, and dim lighting. How’d Vick think he could compete with this?
“Have a seat.”
The couch was as soft as it looked, and when Atlas sat beside me, a smile on his radiant face, I couldn’t help but mirror it. “This is really nice.” I patted the couch.
“Is this the first time you’ve been up here?” I nodded. “Huh. Well, not the last, I’m sure.”
What did he mean by that? I wanted to ask but instead I said, “I only interfered with that altercation because you were shorthanded, and I knew after dealing with one fight, you wouldn’t want to deal with another. I’m sorry if I overstepped.”
When Atlas placed his hand on my knee, I swear I felt that warmth through my entire being. Sure, Atlas was a stunning man. To the naked eye he appeared flawless. Smooth, dark skin, shiny long braids, whiskey eyes that told of tales both good and bad. His smile was like a promise you didn’t understand but wanted to kiss until you did. Night after night, he brought joy to people, and while there was no way he didn’t know his own appeal, he gave off the impression he was as average as the rest of us.
“Toby, I appreciate what you did more than I can say. This place means the world to me, and I’m very protective of it.” He sat back, and I missed his touch. “You’ve been coming here a while. Ciro and Max know you well. Both speak highly of you and I can say, after having the opportunity to talk with you as well, I’d like to offer you a job as floor manager.” I went to speak but he stopped me. “DJ Edge needs a say, but I think he’ll agree too. You showed amazing initiative defusing that argument, and I know a natural when I see it.”
“Oh wow, Atlas, I’m…” Speechless? Terrified? “But I have a job.”
“Are you happy there?”
I knew I wasn’t, and I was sure the dislike showed on my face. “It’s complicated.”
He tilted his head slightly, eyes still on me. “I see. Well, how about you think about it? I’ll ask for an answer by Monday. If you turn it down, I’ll understand, but I hope you don’t.”
I wanted to jump on his lap and kiss him in thanks. I wanted to say yes right now, but a lot stopped me. Mostly what Vick would do to me if I left.
“I’ll let you know by Monday. Thank you so much.”
With that, Atlas got up and left. I watched him walk away, equal parts excited and worried, wondering if it would all work out.
Chapter Nine
Atlas
It was an absolutely gorgeous April morning—no rain, the sun was bright, and there wasn’t even a chill in the air. The farmers market started up the past week, and I hadn’t been able to go, so I decided I would head on over. There was a stand I always visited while the market was up that sold the tea-tree oil shampoo I loved and my favorite sheen oil. I’d buy close to ten bottles through the spring and summer and make it last until the following year.
With my recyclable bags in hand, I walked over, not missing out on some exercise and fresh air. The market was in full swing, and I loved how everyone came out for it. As I perused all the items, I kept thinking about last night.
Seeing Toby masterfully handle the budding brawl was something I’d never expected. Up until that moment, he’d seemed very hesitant of anything new. While he’d danced beautifully up on the stage the other evening, it took him a long time to come out of his shell, but watching him break through was beautiful, and I wasn’t fool enough to deny that. Returning to the club and seeing him defuse an escalating situation so seamlessly made a light go off in my head. He had that gift of knowing people, seeing a problem, and figuring out how to alter it for the better. It was rare, and not many people had that in them. And damned if that wasn’t hot as fuck too.
One look from Max and I knew he was on board. Ciro wouldn’t be an issue at all, and while I anticipated zero argument from Ledger, I was still going to talk with him. I left him a text, since that was his preferable way of talking, and explained my idea to offer Toby the job. I got a thumbs-up, and that was all I needed…well, not all. I needed Toby to say yes.
“Good morning, Atlas. So good to see you this year,” Gladys, the woman who sold herbs, said, breaking me from my daydream.
“I was upset not to make it last week. How about some of your fresh basil and mint?”
She smiled and began pulling out tied-up bunches. “How much do you need?”
“Max likes them for some specialty drinks. Just give me enough for the week. I’ll be back next Sunday for what I’m sure will be different herbs.”
She handed me ten bunches of each; I paid and went to the next stand. That was how I spent my Sunday morning and early afternoon. I found myself checking the club’s voice mail to see if Toby called, but he hadn’t. And as the sun set Sunday evening, I was beginning to think I might not hear from him.
“Did you order a shit-ton of water?” Ledger asked me Monday morning as soon as I entered the club. I’d just come in from outside, enjoying the sunny day, only to walk in to this?
“What are you talking about?” Shaking my head, I moved toward my office, Ledger hot on my tail.
“I’m serious. A truck arrived like fifteen minutes ago with metal barrels of water. I asked what it was, and he said, and I quote, ‘a shit-ton of water.’ Now, I don’t think we order water by the barrel, but I also have no fucking idea.”
I opened my office door, flicked on the light, and turned. “I don’t usually control the inventory, did you ask Max?”
“I called Max. He said it sounded weird, so you or maybe Keith, the guy who quit, must’ve done it.”
I rolled my eyes and sat at my desk, waking up my computer. “I don’t know why I haven’t fired him yet. He was giving Keith, his fucktoy, the ability to order shit?”
Ledger cackled and sat down in the chair in front of me. “You’re invested in the bond, man. Like we all are.”
I knew he was right. Max, Ciro
, and Ledger were like my family, and I put up with more than I would from anyone else when it came to those three.
“It says here an order was placed two weeks ago for barrels, yes I said barrels, of water.” I read the order form Ledger handed me. “I don’t remember ordering this. Likely Max said we needed to order it for the bar, Keith didn’t know how to do anything other than Max, and ordered the wrong thing.”
“You have so many whacked-out thoughts, Atlas. You probably had some epiphany and ordered it at like two in the morning, and you’re blaming a guy who quit. That’s like blaming a fart on a dog.” Laughing, Ledger stood up, and I swiftly gave him the finger. “I’ll store it. It’s water, no big.”
He left after that. I wanted to investigate it further, see how much it cost me for this order, but I was interrupted by the phone.
With my eyes still on the screen, I answered. “Atlas Durand.”
“Good morning, Atlas. It’s Toby St. Claire.”
The water order was completely forgotten when I heard Toby speak shyly in my ear; just his voice woke up everything inside me. “Hey ya, Toby. How are you doing?”
“Oh. I’m fine, um. It’s Monday, and I promised to call you.”
“You did, and I appreciate you keeping that promise. I won’t lie, though, I’m nervous to hear your answer.” I chuckled, relieved when I heard it mirrored in my ear.
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t talk to my boss until yesterday afternoon, and then I had to help my sister. By the time I was done, it felt too late to call.”
How the earth hadn’t eaten up and spit Toby St. Claire out was a testament to his strength. It had been such a long time since someone intrigued me the way he did. He was tougher than he appeared, and knowing the world hadn’t always dealt him a fair hand based on the little he’d told me, made me want him working here more than ever.
“You can call the club anytime. I check the voice mail at all hours.”
“Oh. Good to know.”
My Whole World Page 4