I slowly walked into the house and closed the door. I leaned against it with a smile. Now, I was anxiously awaiting for tomorrow to arrive so I could see him again.
Mark
When I dropped Vanessa back at Simone’s, I wanted so badly to follow her in, slowly take off her dress, and pleasure her all night long. But we both knew that if we wanted to take things slowly, sleeping together was out of the question. Once we know the time is right, it will definitely happen.
As I drove home, Victor called, asking if I wanted to meet him and Xavier at Chula’s Sports Catina for some beers and the Chula's Platter. I knew I should be going home to rest for work tomorrow, but I couldn’t. Not only was I wide awake, I was completely horny.
I walked into the bar and noticed the waitresses walking around in their scantily clad outfits, wondering if it was a wise decision to be here. I was about to turn around and leave when Victor shouted my name. I looked around and saw him and Xavier; it looked like they had already started the party.
I greeted them with a brotherly hug, then Victor started yelling in my ear. I leaned back, wondering what the hell his problem was.
“So X told me about the fine woman you brought by the truck today! Who is she and does she have a sister?!” he asked, laughing. I shook my head; I don't know why he’s asking when he has a pregnant wife at home. But that’s how Victor operates.
“Did you let him drink too much cervezas already?” I asked and sat down.
“He was already drunk, man,” Xavier told me.
“And you let him come out? You know how he is when he’s trashed.”
“At least he drove,” Victor interjected and laughed louder.
I sighed, looking at Xavier, knowing what that meant: I would have to be the one to take Victor home and let him sleep off his drunkenness. His wife, Miranda, didn't need to be dealing with his drunk ass, especially since she's seven months pregnant.
"Are you going to act like this when your child arrives and when we start our business?”
“Which, by the way, I think you should be running as a chef, not as a business manager. You have the skills, man; you’re just scared to use them,” Xavier pointed out to me.
“Why are we even talking about this? I made up my mind, and I’m sticking with it. I don’t want to cook.”
“Is it because of your mom?” he asked in a low tone.
I glared at Xavier, and Victor shook his head.
“Stop talking about it, X,” Victor interjected. “You know he stopped doing that when his mom passed. Besides, I’ll be fine in the kitchen. I’m a master chef.” He almost fell out of his seat.
Xavier sighed and pointed at him. “This is who you want making people's food? You’ll be out of business as soon as you open.”
“Shut the fuck up!” Victor yelled.
“Make me, fucking drunk!” Xavier shouted.
“Alright you two, that’s enough!” I yelled, stepping between them. I looked around and saw several people staring at us. I knew then it was time to go.
“Come on, I’m taking you to my place,” I said as I grabbed Victor and put his arm around my shoulder. Xavier got on his other side and did the same, then we started carrying him out of the bar. Before we got outside, a waitress handed Xavier a bag, which I assume was the platter. I guess she already knew we would be leaving early.
Xavier drove my truck, and I drove Victor’s car to my place. Once we got there, he was already knocked out, so I put him in the guest room. I shook my head as I closed the door. When I stepped out, I saw Xavier in the living room, sitting on the couch.
“Thanks for bringing the platter. I was actually looking forward to it,” I said, watching Xavier take it out of the bag. My mouth watered as I grabbed an alita.
“So, why do you think he was like that?” I asked.
“Could be anything, the business, Miranda; anything is possible with Victor.”
“Did you want anything to drink?” I asked, getting up to go to the kitchen.
“Bottled water. I do have to drive back to my place.”
“You could crash here if you want,” I offered as I walked back into the living room and handed the water to Xavier.
“Thanks. Business was busy today, so I don’t feel like driving back. I only went out with Victor because he showed up at my place, drunk as hell.”
“He’s going to get himself killed. I can’t believe he did that again.”
“That’s why I was surprised you wanted to go into business with him. He’s a loose cannon, Mark.”
“He’s also my best friend. Someone has to look after him. Besides, this is something I want as well.”
“Is it really? You always said that if you owned a business, it would be a restaurant and you’d be the chef.”
“That was a pipe dream.”
“You know it doesn’t have to be. You already have the start-up, so you still can do it. What’s holding you back? Is it your dad? I know he never liked the idea of you being a chef.”
I sighed, thinking about how my dad always said that cooking was a woman’s job and how he put me down because I would've rather been with my mom in the kitchen at the shop, Sebastian worked outside. That’s one of the reasons why we don't have the best relationship.
“Maybe; he actually wants me to take over Suds.”
Xavier raised an eyebrow, and I leaned my head back on the couch. “I would actually consider it if he really wanted me to take over, but he only asked me after Sebastian and Carmen declined. How is that supposed to make me feel? I’m the oldest, and I'm the last one he asked to take over the business.”
“Why do you even care? You don’t even want to run it.”
“It’s not even about that; it’s the fact that he'll always see me as a fucking loser. He will always sees me as a mama’s boy who didn’t take orders from him. Just like when I decline his offer, he’s going to say how disappointed he is in me, but that he expected it and that I would never be nothing. He handed me the business so I could be something of myself.”
“You know that’s not true. You’re ambitious and driven; you just didn’t have anyone to motivate you. But you have to realize that life is too short and you have to go for what you want. I did with the food truck and look where it got me. Hell, I can go anywhere in the United States and possibly Mexico in that thing. You can do so much with the gift you have. Don’t second guess yourself because of negative people.”
“I know, but – ”
“But nothing, Mark. I really think you need to reconsider your position with the business. Victor is my boy and all, but I really don't think he’ll do a great job with the restaurant. Have you told your girl about it yet?”
“Technically, she’s not my girl; we’re just dating.”
“You’re banging her, right? If you are, you're fucking lucky.”
“Hey, now; respect Vanessa, okay?”
“I’m not disrespecting her; it was a compliment.”
“If you say so. Anyway, we just met, so we’re taking things slowly.”
“Please don’t tell me you met her at Suds,” I avoided his eyes, and he sighed. “Is she a customer or an employee?”
“She just started, but – ”
“Damn it, Mark! How many times do I have to tell you to stop trying to pick up women there. That’ll probably piss your dad off even more if he finds out.”
“Who cares if he does?”
“So you’re willing to get Vanessa fired?”
“That won’t happen. Besides, she’s a management consultant who’s down on her luck, so she had to start working there. She’s Simone’s friend.”
“Oh, Simone. Why have you never hooked me up with her? I’ve been trying to talk to her since she started at Suds.”
“I don’t think she’s into Hispanics, dude.”
“Please, every woman wants a taste of me.”
I shook my head and laughed. “If you say so.”
“Anyway, about Vanessa, do you rea
lly think it's a good idea to be dating her, especially with crazy Maya lurking around ?”
“It’s fine, X. I already talked to Maya, so that won’t be a problem.”
“I hope you're right. She doesn’t have a crazy ex, does she?”
“Not that I know of. She hasn't mentioned anything to me, and I haven’t asked.”
“Well, you might want to find out, and be ready if she does.”
I nodded, realizing that Xavier did have a point. Vanessa knows a little about my romantic history, but I don’t know anything about hers. I guess I’ll have to ask her.
Vanessa
I walked into Suds, all smiles, still in a good mood about my outing with Mark yesterday. I still couldn’t get over the kisses we'd shared and the way he touched me. Tingles shot throughout my body, and I held onto the counter. I hate to admit it, but I already have it bad.
I looked over and saw Missy, Maya, and Rosario giving me weird looks. Missy tried to hide a smile when she walked by and gently patted my back. She gave me a look that let me know she was aware of Mark and me. Missy is cool, so I don’t have a problem with her knowing. But as I looked at the other two, I could see it would definitely be an issue if they knew, especially Maya. She already didn't like me, so she’d use it to her advantage to try and get rid of me.
“Good morning, Vanessa. Don’t you look all chipper so early in the day,” Rosario greeted with a smile.
“I bet she does,” Maya mumbled. Her side eye made me giggle.
“I’m in a good mood,” I admitted. “It’s a good day and I’m ready to work.”
“That’s good to hear. I have to admit, when Simone asked about you working here, I had my doubts. I mean, you had a good paying job, so you can always up and leave if you get something else,” Rosario mentioned.
“I know, but I promise you that I will take my job seriously. Speaking of which, do you have a few minutes, Rosario?”
“Sure.”
“I had a suggestion for the salespersons. Even before I started working here, I noticed it was hard for them to communicate with the cashiers and vice versa. Sometimes, when the cashier is trying to contact a salesperson about adding or taking away a service, the car has already gone to the wash, and the customer gets upset.”
“What do you suggest, Vanessa?” Rosario asked in an annoyed tone. I could tell she was frustrated, but I didn't understand why.
“That they have walkies, so we’ll be able to catch them before the car goes through the wash.”
“That’s a good idea, Vanessa,” I heard behind me.
I turned around and saw Mark looking at me. He came over and stood beside me. “That’s something I’ve been suggesting to my dad and Missy has, too, but it's never happened. I will bring it up to him again.”
“Yeah, wonderful,” Rosario replied dully.
“And as far as the other suggestion, I think the Product of the Month needs to be more visible for the customers. When they see it, it will grab their attention and could lead to a purchase. Have a more vibrant sign to catch the customers’ eyes or even a slogan; anything to gain more sales.”
“Impressive,” Mark said, staring at me. Maya rolled her eyes, and Rosario wore a tight smile across her thin lips. She tried to look encouraging, but her eyes told another story.
“I’ll make sure to tell Enrique about the suggestions,” she interrupted in an annoyed voice.
“I think it would be best if I did, Rosario,” Mark countered, returning her dirty look.
They mean mugged each other, neither of them backing down .
“I have to go to the corporate office. I’m meeting your father there to discuss this location,” Rosario argued.
“I’ll be there too, so I guess I’ll see you later.”
She sighed, quickly picked up her bag, and went out the door.
“Evil woman,” he hissed.
Maya shook her head and turned to me. “You shouldn’t have done that.”
“Done what? Give suggestions?”
“Yes! She doesn’t like it when anyone oversteps their boundaries. She’s the office manager, and if one of us makes a suggestion she didn’t think of herself, she thinks it makes her look bad.”
“Well, in the short time I’ve been here, I haven’t seen her do anything. You basically do everything.”
“That’s not the point, Vanessa. She’s our boss, so we have to respect her and do what she says.”
I looked at Mark who exhaled. “Has she always been like that?”
“Afraid so.”
“I know Simone mentioned some things about her, but never this.”
“Those two have butted heads countless times; Simone probably just doesn’t care anymore.”
“Well, I still don't see anything wrong with what I did.”
“And it wasn’t. We need someone like you to take the initiative when needed. Everyone else is so scared of Rosario, they just go along with whatever she says. But I will definitely mention your suggestions to my dad. He needs to hear them from an employee other than me.”
“Thank you.”
He looked over at Maya, who was busily flipping through invoices before turning back to me.
“Can we talk for a minute?” he asked.
“Do you think we should?”
“It won’t take long. Meet out in the back, near the break room. I’ll leave first so it won’t look too obvious.”
I nodded, then he headed to the door. A few minutes later, I told Maya I was going to my car and went out as well.
As I walked to the back, I saw Mark standing near the break room. He moved away from the entrance as I walked closer. He gently grabbed me and led me behind the door. He kissed me as his hands moved to my waist. I held the back of his neck, and his hands slipped further to my ass. A slight moan escaped from my lips when he leaned closer to me. He slowly pulled away with a smile.
“Sorry; I really wanted to talk, and that happened.”
“I’m not complaining,” I whispered, wiping my hands on my capris. I couldn’t believe how much I was sweating.
“We can’t do this here, but it’s going to be hard not to.”
“I know, but we can manage.”
He smiled. “But before I go, I have to ask if you'd like to go out tonight. There’s this place I would love to take you .”
“Sure. How about 8?”
“Sounds good. There’s something I want to talk about.”
I raised an eyebrow, and he smiled slightly. “It’s nothing bad; I just think we should talk about a couple of things, especially since we’re getting to know each other.”
“Sure, that’s not a problem.”
“Okay. If I’m not back here today, I’ll definitely see you later.”
He kissed me on the cheek before walking off. I watched him leave with a big smile on my face.
***
As the day wound down, I didn’t even realize how quickly time had flown by until I looked at the register. Maya had showed me a few more things before letting me run everything the rest of the day. Fortunately, that wasn’t a problem since I caught on pretty quickly.
After we closed, I was the first one outside and in my car. I was heading to Simone’s to get ready for my date with Mark, and I had to find something to wear.
I walked into the house and saw Simone on the phone. She looked up, told the person she’d call them back, then hung up. I raised an eyebrow, wondering what that was about.
“Don’t end your call on my account,” I joked and sat down.
“Oh, it wasn’t important. It was just my auntie Joyce giving me the latest family gossip.”
I nodded. I knew she was lying, but I’d let it go.
“How was work?” she asked.
“It was fine. Maya let me run everything today.”
“Cool; you must have really caught on because they don’t usually let cashiers run things on their own until two weeks.”
“What can I say? I guess I’m that good?” I
teased.
Simone smiled. “How are things going with Mark?”
“Everything is fine; we’re working together pretty well.”
“That’s good. And I'm glad you’re not trying to get with him anymore. That would have been a mess.”
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