Gas Up the Jet, Baby

by Aubrey Parr

  Focused on cleaning the glass in his hand, he didn’t initially notice his bar guests. He heard people settling into seats, and a smile came over his face when he saw the adorable woman from the lobby. In jeans and a t-shirt before, she looked just as gorgeous then as she did now in her little black dress. He wanted to grab ahold of her soft skin and kiss that enticing red lipstick right off her lips. Beautiful women were a dime a dozen in his bar, but something about her made him take notice.

  Their eyes locked, and he went to stand directly across the bar from her. At that moment, the other two women didn’t exist. “What can I get you to drink, beautiful?”

  Kate noticed Lauren’s rosy cheeks blush deeper as she smiled back to the bartender. He was handsome, that fact hadn’t escaped Kate. But handsome men just didn’t have the same effect on her after Dominic.

  “I’d love a vodka soda.” Lauren began to open her little purse. “Well vodka is great.”

  Nicole cleared her throat to catch his attention and smiled. “We’re in room 2105. She’ll have top shelf, please. I’d love a Malbec, and she’ll have a dirty martini. Thank you.”

  As Mr. Bartender made their drinks, Lauren didn’t want to make a big deal out of the gesture, so she gave Nicole’s thigh a quick squeeze and whispered a “thank you”. Nicole winked and mouthed, “You’re welcome.”

  The three friends chatted and ordered a few appetizers while they enjoyed their drinks. The plan was to do some NYC shopping, and Nicole insisted that they grab a few things for Lauren while they were at it.

  “She loves to dote,” Kate joked. “Just let her. It’s easier that way.”

  “Should I take that as a compliment?” Nicole asked, pretending to sound offended.

  “Of course, you should.” Kate focused on Lauren again. “She did the same thing to me before I was married. She always insisted on getting me outfits when I’d go out to visit wherever they were staying at the time.”

  “I have a ‘what’s mine is yours’ mentality, is all.” Nicole shrugged her shoulders, smiling.

  When Mr. Bartender put the food plates down, Nicole responded first. “Thank you… what’s your name?”

  “Oh sorry, ladies, I’m Zane, and you are?” Though Nicole asked the question, he looked at Lauren when he answered.

  “Hi, Zane,” she said. “I’m Lauren, nice to meet you.” Holding out her hand, she held her breath while she waited for her body to react to his touch. Somehow, she knew there would be electricity between them. She wasn’t wrong. She felt the shocks all the way to her toes. “These are my friends, Nicole and Kate.” Lauren forced herself to be polite through the shockwave. Both women exchanged hellos with Zane.

  The way Lauren said his name instantly made him hard. Hearing it fall off those lips, he wanted to pull her into the back and ravish her body in the cooler. He had an unfulfilled fantasy of doing it somewhere in the bar. When he shook her hand, he had to keep his entire body in check.

  “How long will you be staying here?” Zane asked, trying to continue the conversation. Something about this girl was invading him. They had barely spoken, but he wanted to know all about her past and be a part of her future. She was young, he could tell that. But her eyes showed that she was an old soul. Not that he was a grandpa yet; he was only thirty-two. He wondered if she had a cut-off age when going out with a guy, and if he was below it.

  “Just the weekend. We’re visiting from Chicago. Do we have a flight time home on Sunday?” Lauren realized she didn’t know all the specifics for the trip. Was there still a schedule when you had your own plane, for the airport’s sake?

  “We’ll head back in the afternoon,” Nicole informed her.

  “We’re very short staffed these days, so I’ll be here all weekend. You’ll have to come by and visit with me again.” Zane flashed Lauren a sexy smile. What was it about that crooked smile that got her so worked up?

  While the girls joked and chatted with Zane, they saw his demeanor change slightly. He straightened his back a bit and leaned toward the back of the bar, rather than forward toward his guests. Kate was used to reading body language in court and shot a discreet glance at the door. A man walked in; he had the emblem of the hotel embroidered on the pocket of his jacket. A manager, most likely.

  “Hello, ladies, how is your day?” He looked each woman in the eye, but Kate noticed his eyes lingered on Lauren’s for a bit longer. Are men able to smell a breakup on women? Ever so slightly shaking her head, she laughed at how men acted like dogs on a scent when it came to newly available women.

  “We’re great, thank you.” Nicole answered for the group.

  The manager reached for Lauren’s hand and held it up to his mouth for a soft kiss. “I’m Rich. You let me know if there is anything that you need.”

  Rich was handsome, with brown hair and green eyes, but there was just a bit of sleaze dripping from his words. Nicole and Kate eyed each other during the display, both wondering if a girl in her twenties would see through his attempt at charm.

  Zane clenched his teeth and did his best keep an air of calmness. He witnessed this same song and dance with almost every pretty young thing that sat down at his bar. Usually he couldn’t care less. This time it was different. Thinking back, Rich seemed to have about a twenty-five percent success rate with the women he hit on. Zane prayed that Lauren would be in the top seventy-five percent. Watching their interaction carefully, he saw a slight look of annoyance in her eyes, and he felt a sense of relief.

  “I sure will,” Lauren said casually. “Zane is taking great care of us.” She gave Zane a quick smirk as she added the last part.

  “That’s wonderful. If there’s anything you require that’s above his pay grade, I’m your man.” Rich leered at his bartender, wondering what woman would ever go for a second-class citizen when they could have the man that managed the entire place. As he walked away, he kept an eye on the cute little blonde sitting at the bar. Maybe he’d have another chance with her.

  Lauren shivered a little once the manager was out of sight, and it made them all laugh.

  “Don’t mind him. He’s harmless.” Zane leaned toward her again.

  “He’s an asshole,” Nicole added.

  “That too,” he smiled.

  “I heard something about shopping?” Zane asked, staying present in their conversation. He said a silent thank you to the gods above that they were currently his only guests. He wanted to spend whatever time he could with this woman.

  “You can’t come to New York and not hit Fifth Avenue and Greenwich Village,” Nicole smiled.

  “I have a feeling these two women could do some damage while shopping,” Lauren told Zane.

  “But you don’t know for sure?” Zane clarified.

  “We just met today actually. Long story.” Not sure exactly how to explain it, Lauren left it as simple as possible.

  “We’ll have to find some time for you to tell me,” Zane replied with a sinful look in his eyes. A new couple walked through the door and sat down at the bar. “If you’ll excuse me, ladies.” He walked over to greet his new guests.

  “Over men, huh?” Nicole laughed with an eyebrow raised.

  “Are you always able to capture the attention of every man in the room?” Kate joked.

  “It must be this dress. Then again, that guy over there seems pretty into his date,” Lauren laughed.

  “I think it’s who’s wearing the dress; I haven’t noticed this type of reaction when I’ve worn it,” Kate said.

  “That’s because you don’t notice anyone but Dominic,” Nicole fluttered her eye brows and teased.

  “Very true,” Kate said with a smile, as she thought about her bad boy husband.

  “Let’s close out and hit the shops. I feel the need for some new shoes.” Nicole’s eyes widened. Shoes were her weak point. She already had closets full of them.

  The women finished their drinks while Nicole closed the tab. “Thank you, Nic. Next trip is on me, by the way,” Kate mentioned as Ni
cole was filling in the tip.

  Hearing the two friends, Lauren still felt like she was in a dream. They take turns paying for trips? How is that possible? Would she be able to stay grounded if she was ever in their situation? With that thought, she looked over at Zane and wondered if that would ever be an issue. That man was the only thing she wanted in the moment, and she would be completely happy with him and his bartender salary. She thought back to Tim. The image of him fucking another woman in their bed didn’t make her want to throw up anymore. It was amazing how easily he left her heart. It wasn’t even their bed anymore. She feared the unknown of what the future would hold, but she was thankful that Tim wouldn’t be a part of it. They weren’t going to have any huge custody battle over anything. That made things much simpler. They hadn’t purchased large items together. They didn’t have a pet. They didn’t even share friends. His friends were jerks that wished they were back in the frat house in college. Lauren wasn’t sure of Zane’s age, but he seemed more mature and “with it” than Tim. That would be a welcome change.

  “You still with us?” Nicole asked, putting her arm around her.

  Her words snapped Lauren back to the present. “I’m still here. Just thinking.” She smiled and leaned in to complete the hug.

  “The clothes aren’t going to shop for themselves,” Kate said and flashed a bright smile.

  “Have I told you two that you’re a little bit crazy?”

  “Not that I can recall,” Nicole quipped.

  With that, Lauren turned and saw that Zane was watching her. She smiled and bit her lower lip. It felt a bit awkward. Almost like she was forgetting to kiss him goodbye. He nodded his head toward her. “I’ll see you later?”

  Lord, his voice was sexy. It felt more like a question than a statement, so Lauren’s smile widened, and she gave him a quick nod as she hurried after her new friends.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Shopping was a whirlwind with those two. They were definitely experts. Every time Nicole got on her kick to buy entire stores for Lauren, Lauren did her best to hunt down some sale racks, though they were few and far between.

  “Would you stop worrying about that!” Nicole pleaded. “I don’t have anyone to spoil right now. Derek and I are both the only ones left from our families, and we don’t have a little one of our own yet. Kate has banned me from getting her daughter any more presents until her birthday. Please! This makes me happy.”

  Reluctantly Lauren answered with a slight roll of her eyes. “Okay, but only a few things. I have to get all of this back to Chicago. Oh Lord, and find somewhere to put it.” She hadn’t thought about her living situation for the past few hours. It was nice to escape from it, but it was also a serious reality that she couldn’t ignore. Maybe she’d jump on an apartment locating site when they got back to the hotel.

  “We can put you up in one of the rooms at Derek’s property while you look. It’s where we live while we’re in Chicago. You know the Aqua Hotel on the river, right?”

  “HE OWNS THE AQUA HOTEL?” Lauren practically yelled without meaning to. “Sorry.” Looking around, she lowered her voice.

  “No, he doesn’t own it. His company has a small percentage. Don’t worry, a room is no big deal,” Nicole explained.

  “This is unreal!” Lauren smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. She couldn’t stay there forever, but it was nice to know she wouldn’t go home on Sunday and be homeless.

  …

  “Zane, buddy… Do me a favor and let me know if that cute blonde comes in again,” Rich requested as he sauntered up to the bar.

  Buddy, my ass. Zane thought to himself.

  “Oh, and Jennifer called out tonight. Looks like it’s just you,” Rich added. He liked the fact that if that cute thing did come back in, Zane would be too busy covering the bar alone to talk to her.

  “Shit, again? Rich, you’ve got to hire more help. This is getting ridiculous.” This was his third double shift in a row, and a Friday night alone was going to kill him. The tips would be nice, if he could stay afloat enough to keep the guests happy. Lauren came to his mind as well. Would they get any time together?

  “You’ll do just fine,” Rich said with a yawn. He tapped the bar twice as a goodbye and walked slowly back toward the lobby.

  What did Rich know about being tired, Zane thought as he saw him yawn. He wandered around the hotel most of the day. Zane was sure he did things behind the scenes that he wasn’t aware of, but for the most part he was never in a hurry to do anything.

  Zane pulled out his phone and looked through his contacts. Maybe another bartender would be willing to come fill in with him tonight. Hoping for the best, he began calling.

  …

  Loaded up with bags, Lauren felt like she was in that Pretty Woman movie. The women stopped for a late lunch at a swanky restaurant in the middle of a department store. They sat outside on a gorgeous balcony while they sipped wine and laughed together. Yep, Lauren thought, I could definitely get used to this. With that thought, her phone rang. Finally, Cam was returning her call. Smiling at his name on the screen of her phone, she excused herself from the table.

  “I’m so glad we brought her,” Nicole smiled to Kate. “She’s one of those people that can really use a break.”

  “And I honestly like her, too,” Kate replied.

  “I do, too. We should invite her on another trip.”

  “Maybe she’ll be more willing if we go to one of your properties. Knowing it’s free might make her worry less,” Kate added.

  “Very true. It’s a good quality about her. I like that she’s not comfortable taking advantage of someone,” Nicole said, just as Lauren was walking back over to the table.

  “What did your brother say?” Kate asked.

  “He was shocked that I was here and especially that I came in a private jet!” Lauren had no idea how much she missed him until she heard his voice.

  “Can he come hang out with us?” Nicole asked and truly hoped that he could. Lauren needed the support of her family right now. Nic was willing to do what she could for her, but there’s nothing like family when you need them.

  “Did I tell you he’s a cop?” Lauren was pretty sure she had forgotten to mention that.

  “Very cool!” Nicole’s eyes lit up.

  “He was inspired by New Yorkers during 9/11. That’s what made him choose this city and to become an officer. I was too young when he left to really understand his decision. I just knew my big brother left, and we grew apart.” The thought saddened her. They had barely talked as adults. That needed to change. Maybe this trip would make that happen.

  “When do we get to meet this guy?” Kate asked.

  “He’s working all weekend, of course, but he’s going to try to get his shift covered tomorrow. He said not to hold my breath though. He can still meet in the morning before his shift starts at noon,” Lauren explained. “I’m so excited to see him again. Can you stand another ‘thank you’?”

  “Maybe just one,” Nicole said with a wink.

  “More shopping?” Kate asked.

  “I’ve got plenty. Can I treat you two to a drink at the lobby bar at the hotel as a thank you?” Lauren hoped it wasn’t obvious that she was scheming to see Zane.

  “Would this have something to do with sexy bartender Zane?” Nicole laughed.

  Burying her head in hands, Lauren laughed. “It just might.”

  “He is cute,” Nicole added.

  …

  The gods shined down on Zane. It wasn’t busy when Lauren walked in with her two friends. Nicole and Kate, I think? he pondered to himself. Shopping looked good on her; she looked like a million bucks. Any drop of stress he had seen in her eyes was gone. If possible, her smile was brighter, and her eyes looked truly happy. He hadn’t exactly noticed the stress before, until he saw her so completely at peace. What was causing her life tension? He hoped he could help with it. Maybe just listen. That’s what women usually wanted, right?

  She was still dressed casual
ly, but this time her look was more tailored. Her fitted dark blue pants and her oversized cream sweater somehow still managed to hug her small curves perfectly. She wore a gorgeous necklace, though usually Zane didn’t notice that type of thing. She looked so put together, and he wanted to slowly peel the outfit off of her. He’d kiss every part of her body during the experience. He shook his head quickly to erase the thought from his mind before his body betrayed him.

  Zane smiled as they sat down in the same three bar stools as earlier. Just as he came over to greet them, a large group of people walked into the bar. A bartender herself, Lauren knew exactly what he must have been thinking. Oh shit! He was tending the bar alone, and there had to be almost twenty of them.

  As Zane smiled at her with a look of dread behind his eyes, Lauren spoke without thinking. “Did I mention I’m a bartender?”

  “You didn’t. Really?”

  “If Mr. Manager isn’t around, I’d be happy to jump back there and help you get them all settled,” she smiled.

  Zane looked around. Half of the group was walking towards him at the bar, and half began filling up the tables.

  “No, it’s really okay.” Zane appreciated the thought, more than she knew.

  “Please, I know just how this feels. It’ll make me feel better for calling in to my bar on short notice for this trip. Plus we’ll get to work together.” She gave him a wink.

  Nicole spoke up. “Come on, don’t let her see you crash and burn,” she joked. “And I wanna see her in action.”

  Hesitantly, he handed her an order sheet and pen. “Grab their orders at the tables; I’ll talk to these guys, and I’ll meet you back here.” What the hell was he thinking? If Rich walked in, he’d be in for it.

  Lauren giggled, grabbed her supplies, and was off to talk to the tables. Nicole and Kate were in awe, watching the scene unfold. It wasn’t that often that a guest offered to jump behind the bar. They were both impressed. With every fact they learned about this girl, they liked her more.