A knock at her apartment door caught her by surprise. “Hello? Who’s there?”
“Your escort.”
She smiled when she heard Xavier's voice on the other side of the door. Opening the door, she greeted him with a hug. "Xavier? What are you doing here?"
“I told you I was taking you into work tonight.”
She looked up at him bemused. “And I told you that wasn’t necessary.”
“I heard you. I just chose to ignore you.”
She tilted her head. “You do that a lot you know.”
“True. But it’s all part of my charm.”
“You are charming. I’ll give you that.”
“So are you ready to go?”
“Almost, I’ve just got to get my shoes. Be right back.”
She hobbled back into the living room as she slid on her heels one foot at a time. She couldn’t be sure, but she felt Xavier’s eyes on her legs, watching her. It was a familiar feeling that she’d experienced several times in the past two days since they’d met. She could almost always feel his eyes on her. Even times when she was along. It seemed like he was always with her. His presence just always seemed to be near.
“Alright. I’m ready. How do I look?”
He cocked a grin. “Beautiful, as always.”
“Careful. You keep being sweet to me like that and you may spoil me.”
“Maybe that’s my plan.” He winked at her as she shut the door and locked up her apartment.
For all intents and purposes, they appeared to be friends on the surface. He hadn't kissed her, hadn't so much has made a move to. His actions were gentlemanly and rarely did he treat her with anything more than that of an acquaintance. Sometimes, like in that moment, she could feel his guard come down. That's when he seemed to be the truest to who he was.
Down on the street he opened the door for her and waited while she slid on the seat before closing it and walking around to the driver’s side.
She walked his stride, his long legs and powerful body lent to that of a muscular but lean man. And she'd felt some of those muscles whenever he hugged her. But the woman in her wondered and at sometimes longed for more. It may have only been a couple of days since he'd rescued her from that dark alley. Still, she felt a closeness with him that went deeper than time or even mere words.
Their ride to the club where she worked was quiet, filled with only occasional and polite chatter. She’d asked about his brother Dante, wanting to know more about who he was and what made him tick. True to his stoic mannerism he said little, not letting her in too much and giving her a feeling that he was keeping her at least a little at bay.
They pulled alongside the curb outside at the entrance of the nightclub with only seconds to spare before her shift started. Like the gentleman he kept proving himself to be, Xavier ran around to let her out before she hurried inside.
She waved goodbye, thanking him as she ran inside and back to the offices to clock in. Grabbing her timecard, Elizabeth punched in just seconds before the time switched to the next minute, which would’ve made her late.
Lou saw her and glanced at his watch. “We’re getting busy out there. Hurry up.”
"You got it, Lou." She smiled at him and began tying her black apron on. She should've been dreading her first night back after spending two carefree days with Xavier. But instead, she felt high on life.
An hour into her shift and her mood still hadn’t dimmed. The customers had behaved themselves all night. Her tips had been pretty great and not a single drink had been spilled on her. She’d count that as a win on any night.
"Hey, Harvey… Can I get a scotch on the rocks, a Heineken still in the bottle, but with a glass and a golden frozen." She read off the drink orders like a waitress at one of the quick-serve diners.
Constance walked up behind her and rubbed the back of her neck. "I tell ya, doll. I’m getting too old for this. That table over in the corner is killing me.”
“Oh yeah? Are they difficult?”
She shrugged. “No. Just high energy. I don’t have the pep in my step like you do honey. Not that I can blame you.”
“What do you mean?” Elizabeth asked, curious about her grin.
“I saw that handsome devil who dropped you off tonight. He sure was one heck of a looker.”
“Oh yeah?” Harvey, the bartender, joined the conversation. "Got yourself a new boyfriend, do ya?”
Elizabeth smiled at the sweet, middle-aged man. He was from Ireland, and every so often his accent would sneak back in when he wasn't paying attention.
“No. I don’t have a new boyfriend. You two…” she shook her head, smiling at them both.
“Darling, I may not know all there is to know about the world, but I do know when I see a man who’s smitten. Now that guy of yours didn’t run around the car to open your door because he wants to exchange lasagna recipes with you. He’s into you, honey.”
“Yeah?” she asked, partially blushing. She had to admit that the idea of having Xavier as her boyfriend, or dare she even think it, but her lover, was a far too tempting thought.
“Ladies?” Lou stepped around the side of the bar, breaking up their little break.
“Yes, boss.” Harvey slid the last of Elizabeth’s drinks onto her tray and offered Lou a salute.
Making a few rounds around the bar, Elizabeth's thoughts kept going back to Xavier. She was more than grateful for the way he'd saved her. Some women were not so lucky. Still, she couldn't help but want more with him. Whenever he was near, she wished that he would lean in for a kiss or hold her again as he had in the emergency department.
If only she knew what he was thinking.
“Elizabeth, are you alright?”
“Huh? Oh yeah, sorry Harvey.” She shook her head and directed her attention to him. “Yeah, it’s just been a… I don’t know… an interesting few days is all. I guess I’m just a tad bit overwhelmed with it all.”
He nodded and placed a drink on the bar for a customer. “That’s understandable, darling. I heard what happened. And I don’t mind telling you that I was very glad to hear you were okay.”
“Thanks, Harvey. You’ve always been sweet to me.”
He shrugged. "My wife taught me well. Treat women with respect and never step out on her. As long as I live by those two rules I'm golden in her eyes."
She laughed. “She sounds like a smart woman.”
“That she is.”
With her tray loaded up with some more drinks Elizabeth walked away to tend to her customers. Even though her mood was wonderful, her feet were starting to ache, and she couldn't wait for two o'clock to arrive so she could go home and kick off her shoes.
Instinctively she pushed the thought away, though, remembering what happened the last time she'd wished to be off of work. She didn't care ever to be in that type of situation again. It was an experience she wouldn't wish on her worst enemy. Not that she had any.
Elizabeth's energy had remained steady. She flew between her tables like she'd had one too many cups of coffee, taking orders, taking in some good tips while actually enjoying herself with some decent customers who were interested in more than just grabbing her ass.
The night continued at a stable pace. And with two hours until closing time her feet were starting to give in and in desperate need of a break. With the larger groups beginning to clear out, she took the opportunity to catch some fresh air and get a break in.
Stepping outside to the small patio table and chairs that Lou had set up in the back, Elizabeth stretched her back as she leaned into the chair.
“Hi. It’s Elizabeth, right?”
The stranger’s voice startled her, bringing her back to the fear of just a couple of nights before. She stood up and stepped toward the door which led back into the club.
“Whoa. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m Rodney.” The man held out his hand to her.
“Who are you?” She looked around the darkened street and saw no one.
&nb
sp; "Please forgive me. I really didn't mean to scare you. Here..."
She flinched when he reached into his jacket pocket.
“Oh goodness. I’m doing this all wrong. Please don’t be frightened.” He held out a business card and extended his other hand. “My hand is Rodney.”
“You already said that.”
“Right. Sorry.” He shook his head. “I startled you so much that I think I made myself nervous.”
Elizabeth glanced down at the card he handed her. The card read,
The Top Hat
L.A.’s Premier Gentleman’s Club
Appointments Only
(310) 555-1212
“Umm, listen I don’t know who you are, but I’m not a dancer.”
“Oh no. I didn’t mean to imply that.”
The older gentleman looked harmless enough, and his voice was soft enough to remind her more of a grandfather than a strange man on the streets of Los Angeles. Despite his soft and almost gentle appearance she wasn't about ready to put her guard down just yet.
“I’ve made you nervous.” The man shook his head. “I’m not very good at this.”
“At what exactly?”
He motioned down the street toward a dark Lincoln Continental with tinted windows. "In that car is my boss. Mr. Giancano. You waited on him earlier tonight, and he said you're exactly what he's looking for at his club."
“I already said I’m not a dancer. I wait tables. That’s it.”
“I assure you. That’s all he’s interested in interviewing you for. Look, if you can just call the number tomorrow for an interview then you’d be doing me a huge favor.”
“Uh huh. And why is that exactly?”
She eyed him curiously. He seemed harmless enough, but she’d learned the hard way that letting her guard down could lead to disastrous consequences.
Lou stepped outside. “Elizabeth? Everything alright out here?”
“Yeah. This man was just…”
Lou took the card from her hand. “The Top Hat?”
“Yes, sir. I realize that you may not appreciate us soliciting some of your best staff, but my boss –.”
“I’ll handle this, Rodney.”
The thick and rough voice of a man came from the shadows underneath an awning. Lou must have recognized him instantly as he greeted him without hesitation.
“Mr. Giancano? How are you, sir?”
“Very well, Lou. Thank you. How’s the family?”
“They’re fine, sir. Little Becky got glasses last month, but she’s adjusting well enough I suppose.”
“That’s good to hear.”
Elizabeth was surprised to hear Lou speaking about his family. In all the months she’d worked for him she hadn’t even realized he had one. His focus always seemed to be on work and getting the job done.
“Ma’am, you are Elizabeth Hawthorn, yes?”
‘Um…yes that’s me. Thank you for the generous tip you left earlier.” Elizabeth recognized the high roller immediately. He came into the bar every so often and was always respectful with the staff.
“I wasn’t always the old man you see now. I know what it’s like to wait on customers. So I can always appreciate the few who do their jobs well. And who are easy on the eyes while they do it.”
“Thank you. That’s very kind.”
“Look, Lou.” The man said, “I realize this isn’t the best way of doing business, but I’m in need of some new girls over at The Top Hat. I hate to admit it, but I was hoping to poach Ms. Hawthorn here and bring her over to my team.”
“She is one of our best.” Lou acknowledged.
“I can see that.”
“Listen, just for clarification you should know that I’m not a stripper.”
“We prefer not to call them that, ma’am.” Rodney piped in.
“Rodney, I can handle this. Why don’t you go wait in the car.” Mr. Giancano told him.
As the sweet, but older man walked away, Elizabeth couldn't help but wonder where Xavier was at that moment. Being in a dark alley with this strange, albeit well-mannered man didn't exactly make her feel at ease.
“Listen, what Rodney’s trying to say is, I’m not looking for strippers, or dancers as they preferred to be called. I honestly only need a few wait staff for our new VIP area we’re opening up tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?” Lou seemed surprised.
“Yeah, I’m sorry Lou. But I’m hoping to steal one of your best waitresses as soon as possible.”
“No disrespect, Mr. Giancano but that is awfully short notice.”
“I understand, and I wouldn’t ask if I weren’t in an absolute bind. I had two sisters working for me until this afternoon when I caught them stealing out of the bar till.”
“Damn it. That sucks. And I know you’d never have to worry about that with Elizabeth here. She is one of our best. And I do owe you one.”
“You owe me several, Lou. But who’s counting, right?”
Lou let out a sigh. “I know.”
“So what do you say, Elizabeth? Are you willing to give us a shot? We can pay you at least double what you make here, plus the tips are I’m sure unlike any you’ve ever received here.”
Elizabeth looked over at Lou. “I’m not sure what to say.”
“Honestly, if I were you. I’d say yes.”
“But what about you? The club here?”
Lou ran his hand over his balding head and seemed to be frustrated. “I know. It’ll put us in a bind, but I’ve worked for Mr. Giancano myself. He’s good to his people and pays well. I’d be an asshole if I didn’t suggest you should take it.”
“Thank you, Lou.”
The man came towards her then. His demeanor and look were both pleasant and unthreatening which made her feel at ease about the unusual setting of her new job offer.
“Where is this place located?” she asked.
“Just on the edge of town where Beverly Hills butts up to the city.”
“That’s not too far.”
"No. It's just minutes away, and I promise you the clientele would be much more to your liking."
“I am tired of some of the regulars who patron here.”
She was giving it serious thought. On the surface, everything sounded wonderful. A dream job which would finally get her out of that flea bag motel which doubled as her apartment. She'd be a fool not to take the chance and run with it. Still, a little nagging voice inside of her told her that she should hesitate.
“So what do you say?”
The sound of an argument from inside the club got their attention.
"Look I've got to get back inside," Lou said before retreating back into the club.
"See, you wouldn't have to deal with that type of thing at The Top Hat. Plus we have an arsenal of bodyguards and bouncers to make sure our women are not touched or hassled in any way."
“The way you describe it, it kind of sounds almost too good to be true.”
The old man chuckled. "Well, it is a good opportunity. And personally, I'd think you a fool to pass it up. But my mission is not to judge you. It's merely to get some pretty waitresses into my club, so my high rolling clients have only the best waiting on them. This is, after all, a business and I don't like to fail."
She took a look into his eyes. He seemed genuine. She wasn't getting one of those run away fast sensations like she did from so many of the sleazy underbelly of Los Angeles types. Maybe the offer was too good to be true. Or maybe this was the one break she'd been looking for so she didn't have to work in places like this her whole life. She could save a little. Build some a little nest egg and have some sort of a future.
“Okay. You’ve convinced me. I’ll take the job.”
“Wonderful.” The man clapped his hands in the air triumphantly and smiled. “You won’t be sorry. Call that number first thing in the morning and ask for Louisa. She handles new hires and deals with the paperwork and all that boring stuff I’d prefer not wasting my time on.”
“I’ll do that
. Thank you.”
“No, my dear. Thank you!” Mr. Giancano waved goodbye as he hurried back to his car.
She watched as he drove away and wondered if her week could possibly get any stranger. With a shrug and a shake of her head, she tucked the business card into her bra and headed back inside the club.
Xavier crossed her mind once again. She wondered where he was. What he was thinking. What he was doing.
She’d been thinking of him a lot lately. More than was usual for anyone. She had no idea what they were, or what their relationship meant to him. But she was no fool. She was falling for Xavier, whether he realized it or not. She was falling hard.
Chapter Five
Xavier sat outside the nightclub in his car. His fingers tapping restlessly on the steering wheel as the time ticked by later and later past the time Elizabeth was due to be off work. Worry was beginning to set in, and he didn't like the way it gnawed at his gut, making him crazy with concern.
He wondered if he misunderstood her, maybe gotten here too late and she had foolishly decided to walk home. The idea of her walking in this neighborhood at night, just days after the way he’d found her, sent his nerves into near panic.
Damn, but that woman was always on his mind. He'd tried explaining it to Dante, but he wasn't even sure he understood it himself. For the way he was raised and the way their kind knew to exist, there was no logical reason why he should be getting so close to a human. Let alone starting to have feelings for her. Still, he couldn't help himself. He seemed trapped. An almost victim to his own emotions that normally he always had such control over.
It was that helpless loss of his control which had been plaguing him these past weeks and sending his brother on a quest for answers, never letting up on Xavier.
He was just three days away from his thirtieth birthday. If the legends were true and a chosen leader of The Hollows was to change once they reached that age, he knew that his time would be now.
After taking a cursory glance around the street, he was about to drive to Elizabeth's apartment and see if she was there. He was no sooner having the internal debate within himself when he finally saw the employee door to the nightclub open.
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