My Weakness

by Alison Mello

  The night goes smoothly. I’m walking around while my staff is cleaning up and getting ready to close. I’m waiting to see if anyone complains about Troy helping at the bar. Everyone seemed to have the correct amount in their drawers and I’ll double check the inventory tomorrow to make sure it matches where we should be for a Saturday night. I only had to come out and help a few times, which is a good thing because it gave me time to think about my plan for Singles Night. I’m torn over doing it on a Wednesday or a Sunday. They’re both slow nights and could use some beefing up. Maybe I’ll give my staff a chance to give me their input and see what they think. We’re closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and right now I want to keep it that way a little longer. I think being a club versus a bar we don’t need to open those nights; maybe in the future I can use those nights to rent it out for parties. Wednesday is 18+ night during the summer months, but since summer is coming to an end, I’ll need something else to sustain us through the winter.

  Everyone is sitting around having their drink on me for the night.

  “Nice job tonight, everyone! I was able to get some work done in my office because you all busted tail and worked hard. I only had to come out a couple of times to help out and I appreciate it.” They all cheer, hoot and holler. I laugh. “Okay, listen up. I have a question for you all before I kick you out so I can lock up and go home.” There is more laughter. “I’m thinking about doing a Singles Night to replace the 18+ crowd as summer comes to an end. We will still have a cover charge but it will be a little higher and I’ll have a fruit, cheese and cracker table that will be included and we will have wine available soon so customers can purchase that in place of other alcohol.” I see a lot of nodding.

  “I want us to be known as a classy place as well as a fun place to hang. I’m also thinking of having some classy live entertainment in place of a DJ. The problem is I can’t decide if I should do Wednesday night or Sunday night. I’m thinking Wednesday night from 7:00-11:00 so it isn’t too late for those who have to work early the next day but still gives us an event on that night. If you agree raise your hand.”

  I see a bunch of hands go in the air, and everyone looks excited.

  “So you know, the staff will be required to wear button down shirts on that night with nicer pants, no jeans or polo shirts. Ladies, we can talk about what will work for you behind the bar, but we will have to look the part. If you do not want to be a part of this because of dress code or any other reason let me know and I’ll schedule you accordingly. If Singles Night takes off, I’ll move 18+ night to Sundays when summer rolls around again. I would like an email from anyone who doesn't want to work the Singles Night, and if I don’t hear from you I’ll assume you all want to be a part of it and will rotate you through. Now, everyone go home and I’ll finish cleaning up. Great job tonight everyone!”

  They all clear out while I clean up the remainder of the bar and put the glasses in the dishwasher. I throw the dishtowel on the bar and start thinking of Skyler, so I text her. I have no idea how late she had to work but it’s totally possible she’s still up.

  Logan: Hey are you awake?

  A minute later my phone pings.

  Skyler: Yeah I just got home. Are you still at work?

  Logan: Yeah. I’m getting ready to lock up and was thinking about dinner with you on Monday.

  Skyler: :-) Where do you want to go?

  Logan: Somewhere that we can talk and have conversation but that the food is still good.

  Skyler: I like Trisha’s diner, it’s quiet and she has good food.

  I stop and think for a second. I wanted to take her somewhere nicer but I want her to be comfortable too.

  Logan: Okay Trisha’s it is. How’s 6:00?

  Skyler: Six is fine with me. I’m off so I have no plans.

  Logan: Cool, see you then, have a good night.

  Skyler: You too!

  I lock up and head home to get some sleep.

  Chapter 3

  Skyler

  Sadie climbs on my bed.

  “Hey, sleepy head, I know you worked last night but you might want to get up. You have a hot date tonight!”

  I stretch, looking at my best friend lying on the side of me. I’m so tired. I didn't get home until two o’clock this morning and it always takes me a little while to fall asleep.

  “You know you’re the only female I would allow to lay in my bed with me, right?”

  She bursts into laughter. “I feel so privileged.”

  “Oh shut up, and it’s not a date. We’re going out as friends.”

  She gives me a look that screams ‘really?’ “Logan wants you. He’s thinking of this as a date even if you aren’t.”

  “Well he was the one who said something like since we are friends, then we can have dinner because friends do dinner.”

  “Sky, I love you, but you have a lot to learn about men. He said that so you would agree to dinner. He wants to date you, and I don’t know what your problem is. He’s hot as hell, he owns his own club, and he’s incredibly smart.” She props herself up on her elbow.

  “I told him I’m not good at relationships.” I shake my head. “I’m hopeless. I swear I’ll be single forever.”

  “You’re not hopeless, but you just need to believe in yourself and realize the right man is out there. You’ll find him.”

  I climb out of bed with a grunt. “I need coffee.” I’m wearing little shorts and a tank top.

  Sadie jokingly whistles at me and says, “I already made a pot of coffee for you. I’m off to paint. I have to get ready for the art gallery.”

  “You’re awesome. I’ll be out in a minute.” I walk into the bathroom to brush my teeth and freshen up. When I get to the kitchen, I see it’s already one o’clock in the afternoon and sure enough there is half a pot of coffee sitting in the brewer. I pour some and pick up my phone so I can check my messages and my social media sites. There is nothing overly interesting online and I’m slightly disappointed when I see there is nothing from Logan. I wonder if he’s still in bed. We both work such crazy hours and are total night owls so we would rather sleep all day and be up all night.

  “What are you smiling at?”

  “Oh nothing.” Shit, I was daydreaming about Logan.

  “Come on, Sky, it wasn’t nothing. You were glowing and had a smile on your face that reached your freaking ears.”

  I laugh. “Okay, I was thinking about Logan and what he wears to sleep.” I walk back into the kitchen to make a quick bagel so I can eat something before we go out to dinner in a few hours.

  “What are you going to wear tonight?” Sadie shouts from the other room. I take my bagel and coffee and head to her painting room, where I lean against the doorframe.

  “I have no idea. I need to finish eating and wake up a little bit more before I can think about that.”

  I watch my friend paint and I have to admit she’s pretty amazing. She has painted so many different types of art and I love all of it. Of course, I’m probably partial because she’s my best friend, but whatever.

  “Are you still going to the gallery showing at the end of the month? I have quite a few pieces that will be out.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it. I already told Dugan’s I need that Friday off.”

  “Great, I could use the support. You know it’s a formal event so you’ll need a nice dress to wear. This isn’t like some of the crappy shows I have been in where you can wear anything you want and be okay. You need to dress really nice.”

  “I got it, Sadie. I’ll make sure I dress nice.” I roll my eyes at her concern for my attire and go relax with the rest of my breakfast and coffee.

  After finishing, I make one more cup and head into my room to think about my clothes for tonight. We are only going to Trisha’s Diner, but I don’t know if he wants to do something else after.

  Skyler: Good afternoon, are you awake?

  It only takes about a minute before he responds.

  Logan: Yes I’m awake. What are you up to?


  Skyler: Trying to decide what to wear to dinner tonight. Are we doing something after dinner or do you have to go to work?

  Logan: Well if you want to do something after, the club is closed so I don’t have to work, but if you don’t want to do anything else with me I’ll be forced to go to work so I can try and stop thinking about you :-(

  Skyler: Blushing…

  Logan: I like when you blush

  Skyler: Making it worse.

  Logan: Dress comfortable Sky.

  Skyler: I can’t because then I would be going out in these little shorts I wore to bed with this tank top.

  Logan: I can’t believe you did that to me…I have to go take a cold shower and get ready now.

  Skyler: ;-)

  That is payback for making me blush. I hate that I blush so easily, but I can’t help it. I’ve always been like this. I choose a pair of gray leggings to wear with a tank top and a long lightweight coral sweater, along with a pair of ballet flats from the bottom of my closet. I head for the shower with my robe and towel.

  ***

  Logan

  I have been awake for all of ten minutes when I hear my phone ping that alerts me I have a new message. The club is closed tonight so it can’t be anything urgent and I contemplate ignoring it. When I realize it could be Skyler, I grab my phone, curious at what she may have to say.

  We go back and forth over dinner tonight. She pretty much told me she’s half naked and now I’m picturing her sweet ass body in some little skimpy shorts and a tight tank top. I bet she isn’t wearing any panties or a bra and her nipples are probably peeking through her shirt. Now I need to go take a cold shower and relieve this pressure. How the hell am I going to keep my hands off her tonight?

  I climb out of bed with my rock hard cock poking up toward my stomach, unable to even piss. I head to the kitchen for some coffee because God knows I’m going to need both strength and caffeine to get through tonight.

  I can’t believe how late I slept. Despite my late hours I don’t usually sleep this late, but my constant thoughts of a certain pretty lady has made it hard to fall asleep. I don’t get it because I don’t even really know her, but there’s something about her. I can’t get her out of my head. Every time I close my eyes I picture her sitting at the bar smiling at me. She has the most gorgeous smile, perfect teeth, and those big brown eyes light up her beautiful face.

  Coffee mug in hand, I head back to my room so I can figure out what I’m going to wear tonight. Though I want to look good for her, I don’t want to overdress. We’re going to a diner and I’m thinking about taking her to do something fun. I want to do something where we can laugh and have a good time, and get to know each other too.

  I head for the shower, setting the water to slightly warm to help my hard on, and quickly shave before I jump in.

  ***

  Skyler

  I’m standing in the mirror checking out my outfit and I realize I’m nervous. I haven’t been on a date with anyone since my ex, and that ended about eight months ago. He was a total ass. I swear it took him longer to get ready to go out than any woman I know. He was always late and he couldn’t give a girl an orgasm if you gave him step-by-step instructions. Truthfully, I think it was because he cares about himself more than the girl he’s with.

  “Sadie, do I look okay?” I ask, standing in the doorway of her paint room. She takes a minute to finish what she’s doing on her canvas before she looks up.

  “You look amazing and you always do. Be yourself and have some fun.”

  I have thirty minutes before my date and we are about twenty minutes from the diner. I get my purse and keys and head out the door.

  I pull up to the diner and head straight in to get us a table. I love this place because everyone in here is so friendly and the food is decent. Also, I love supporting local mom and pop places that have a hard time up against some of the busier, more popular restaurants. This place seems to hold its own. It almost always has a decent crowd of people here.

  The waitress comes over, and I tell her I’m waiting for someone else and that he should be here any minute. She drops two menus and tells me she’ll be back with some water while I wait. I send Logan a text.

  Skyler: I got us a table inside.

  Logan: I’m pulling in, sorry, got stuck in traffic.

  He walks in, spots me immediately, and heads over. “Sorry I’m late, I was stuck in traffic.”

  “Technically it’s only six now so you got here on time.”

  “I know, but I’m usually a few minutes early because I hate being late.”

  I smile. “Me too.”

  “Good. We are going to get along well.”

  He picks up his menu. “Let’s order, because I’m starving. Then I can run my plan for after dinner by you.”

  I glance over the menu even though I know I’m getting the turkey dinner. I love the turkey dinner from here. It comes with the most delicious turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and homemade cranberry sauce.

  Logan peeks up from his menu. “Let me guess, you already knew what you wanted.”

  “I told you, I like this place.” I grin.

  “Okay then, what’s good?”

  “Almost anything you get from here is good, but my favorite is the turkey dinner and that’s what I’m getting. I also love the meatloaf, or the Reuben if you prefer a sandwich.”

  “I’ll do the meatloaf.” He lays his menu down. “So I was thinking after dinner we could maybe go play some miniature golf together.”

  He’s so stinking cute. I’ll have to admit to Sadie she was totally right that he wants this to be a date.

  “Where’s there miniature golf in LA?”

  “I know of an indoor place and an outdoor place.”

  I raise my eyebrows. “Indoor mini golf?”

  “Yup, it’s really cool. Everything glows in the dark and they use black lights everywhere.”

  I chuckle. “This I have to see.”

  “Okay, indoor mini golf after dinner it is. Do you want to ride with me and we can leave your car here?” Before I can answer the waitress arrives and asks if we are ready to order. I tell her I want the turkey dinner, Logan orders his meatloaf, and we both ask for Diet Coke.

  I look back to him after the waitress leaves. “Where were we?”

  “You were about to agree to ride with me to play mini golf.”

  I burst out laughing. “Oh, is that what I was doing? What if you’re some crazy guy who’s going to kidnap me, turn dom on me, and then ravage my body?”

  “You caught me,” Logan laughs. “You’re right, you may want to take your car.”

  Now we are both laughing. “It’s fine. I’ll ride with you. If Sadie and Jonah like you that’s good enough for me.”

  ***

  Logan

  “I have an idea I want to run by you for the club,” I tell her.

  “What is it?”

  “I’m thinking about giving the club a bit of a classier vibe with a singles night that will have a table with fresh fruit, cheese, and crackers, which will be included in the cover charge, and I’ve ordered some different wines to start serving at the bar. Patrons will only pay for their drinks like you would at any other club. The part I’m unsure of is the live entertainment. I was thinking of hiring a singer instead of a DJ. Not like a crazy band but someone who can sing soothing, nice music.”

  “I actually kind of like that idea. Are you going to set a dress code?”

  “Yeah, and I already told the staff if they want to work it they will have to dress nicer too. I’m thinking black slacks and button down shirts for the men, but I have to figure out something for the ladies. I’ll also list something for the patrons that say no casual attire and list some rules to it.”

  “I think it sounds like a great idea.”

  “Would you be more likely to attend on a Wednesday or a Sunday night? I was thinking of doing Wednesday from 7:00-11:00 so it isn’t too late, and that will replace my 18+ nigh
t now that summer is coming to an end and the younger college crowd will be back to school.”

  “That’s tough. Both nights are work nights, and I can totally understand why you wouldn’t do it on a weekend. I would say stick to the Wednesday night. People will like having something to break up the work week and nothing says they have to stay until 11:00 if that’s late for them. You can change the hours if you see the place is empty before 11:00.”

  “Cool. Now I have to start making a promo plan and getting the word out for when the first one will be. The wine I ordered will be in next week, and it’s time to line up some entertainment. I’ll have to hold some auditions and find a catering company to provide the food so I can figure out the cover charge.”

  Our food arrives and we start to eat. I’m waiting to see if Skyler will tell me that she sings at local places on the side, though if she doesn’t I’ll figure out a way to tell her that I’d like to hear her sing for me. Maybe I can find out what night she performs and where from Sadie and pop in to see her.

  “You’re right, this meatloaf is so good,” I say. “How is your turkey?”

  “It’s perfect. I told you the food here is good. People think small diners like this have crap food but this place is really yummy.” She takes one more bite and says, “I’m so full.” She pushes her plate away.

  “Do you usually eat so little at meals?” I have almost cleared my plate; then again I haven’t eaten yet today.

  “Actually yeah, and I ate a bagel when I got up. I tend to eat small amounts more times a day, so I’ll take this to go and eat it later tonight or I’ll have a snack when I get home. I have to keep up my girlish figure, you know.”