“Employment opportunity.”
“And exactly what questions might he have?” Scott inquired.
Drake wished Scott could do as he was told and not second guess everything. But there was a benefit of having someone like Scott to keep him honest. “A copy of her application.” He knew that would be an acceptable request, and going head to head with Scott over something he honestly didn’t give a shit about didn’t make any sense.
“That information is obtained for the sole purpose of employment. Divulging it—”
“We are business partners. He needs to know if she is, in fact, a candidate for a certain position.” Which I highly doubt. Drake hadn’t discussed Tabiq nor any other expansion with Scott. He almost heard the subtle inquisition now. Scott should’ve been a police detective instead of an HR manager. Scott also knew timing was everything and now wasn’t it.
“We certainly can share that information. I’ll be in my office for the remainder of the afternoon. You also should’ve received a copy of the files you requested yesterday.”
“I did. We’ll touch base on those later.” Drake hung up the phone and said, “Mr. Townsend in HR will be expecting you. Whether she stays or goes doesn’t matter to me. Waitresses are easy to hire.” Especially if they don’t have any experience like this one.
“And he’ll know which waitress I’m talking about even without a name?” Alex questioned.
Drake had no idea. There were hundreds of employees. “You’ll figure out a way if you want to keep that wife of yours happy.”
Alex got up. “I’ll let you know after we take a look at her résumé. Ziva’s rarely wrong, so I think you’ll be seeing this woman again, but in Tabiq.”
When Alex left, Drake looked out the large window. He had many things he should be doing right now. First on the list would be reading the reports Scott had sent him regarding the employees who’d been caught stealing from him. That directly affected his business. So why the hell was he still thinking about someone who didn’t mean squat to him or his business?
Even if he’d had any information, he didn’t want to share it. He almost wished he hadn’t deferred it to Scott. Not doing so was like telling Alex he wasn’t about to part with her. That would only lead to an entirely different line of questions. Ones that had crossed his mind last night as he lay in bed.
He might own the place, but socializing in the bars wasn’t something he’d done before. If Alex hadn’t said he wanted to meet someplace casual to talk, he still wouldn’t have. He knew he’d only micro-manage the lounge, which he did. He’d left with a list of things he wanted changed. Some minor and others unrealistic. Either way, that manager received a lengthy email first thing this morning. Drake, on the other hand, didn’t sugarcoat a damn thing. That’s why things like this usually went through Scott for his politically correct HR wording. Since he hadn’t heard from the manager or Scott that could mean only one thing. You’re hustling to fix shit before inviting me down to talk.
The one thing he hoped hadn’t changed was her employment status. Drake hadn’t mentioned her name, mostly because he didn’t know it. She’d said she was new, and that was like putting a target on her back. Last one in, first one out. That’s not how Drake would’ve handled things if he’d been on the receiving end of such an email. Not that I would’ve given my employer a reason for one. But if so, the first thing he would’ve done was call in every single employee and ream all their asses. Once they were all scared of losing their jobs, he’d set ground rules and new expectations. He’d have the place spotless from top to bottom. He wouldn’t care if his staff was exhausted or stressed. It was time to shape up or ship out. Drake didn’t give second chances or take excuses. Scott informed him on several occasions tact wasn’t his strong point; he managed with an iron fist. Whatever people wanted to say about him was fine. He’d proven himself by running a successful casino and hotel without issues. Or least there hadn’t been any.
As though the manager, Carlos, knew he was being thought of, Drake’s secretary announced he was on line one. Picking up the receiver, he nipped the bullshit right away.
“Just tell me you handled it.”
Carlos replied, “Yes sir. The staff has been spoken to and the procedures you . . . suggested, implemented.”
“Good. Next time I come in, I expect there to be no issues.”
“Yes, sir. I understand.”
Drake hung up the phone. It was a moot point to ask if Carlos had terminated anyone. Even if he’d said a name, it wouldn’t have meant anything to Drake. All Drake had was a voice. A sexy voice. A sultry voice like nothing I’ve ever heard before.
Chapter 3
Isa was dead on her feet. If pulling a double yesterday hadn’t been bad enough, getting a call from Carlos at eight in the morning was the icing on the cake. Her job wasn’t life or death, but by his tone, it had seemed otherwise.
Thankfully, when she arrived her fears of being fired dissipated. Every single person who worked at the Pussy Cat Lounge was being read the riot act. No one was pointing fingers or making excuses. She was impressed. They sucked it up and presented themselves as a team and even included her. It was hard to believe that type of comradery still existed in the workforce, never mind in a bar. For a brief moment, Isa actually was glad she was working there. Although Carlos didn’t say what had transpired, Isa couldn’t help but wonder if Drake had put in a complaint. There was guilt deep within her that this could be because of her.
Yet, after Carlos was done lecturing them all, and providing them detailed instructions on his expectation for the future, he handed each of them a voucher to have lunch at the buffet on the company. It was as though he had done only what he’d been instructed to do. Although all she wanted was to drop on her bed and close her eyes, she knew she needed to eat. She happily took her voucher and headed for her free lunch before going back home to get a few more hours of sleep before her shift. Isa was still on a very tight budget and right now, every penny counted. Thankfully it opened early and it was more of a breakfast/lunch option so she knew she’d find something there she liked. Lately she really wasn’t picky.
“Isa, wait up,” Janet called from behind her.
She turned to find not just Janet, but everyone who worked with her last night. Had they figured it out that she was the reason they weren’t still in bed after their late night last night?
“You’re not going home are you?” Janet asked.
Isa shook her head holding up her voucher. “Figured I’d grab lunch first.”
Janet hooked elbows with Isa and spun her around. “Good. Then you’re coming with us. There are two buffets. We know people at the other one and trust me, what’s on the menu will make your mouth water.”
Her stomach was already growling, and she really didn’t care what she ate. She wanted something fast so she could go back to bed. Something told her Janet had other plans. Isa wasn’t old, but she wasn’t used to running such long hours. Or keeping up with people ten years my junior.
“How’re their burgers?” Isa asked.
“Nothing compared to their prime rib and jumbo crab legs. You’re going be so full you’ll roll all the way home.”
Everyone laughed except Isa. She was barely able to function now. Overeating was only going to make her lethargic. Don’t they see the bags under my eyes? Or do they think I always look this bad? Arguing would’ve been a waste of time. Besides being part of a team meant putting yourself out there and doing things with them.
“Tell me they have chocolate mousse cake for dessert, and I won’t care if I can’t move.”
Janet chuckled. “If you have room, I guess you’ll find out.”
As expected, Isa ended up spending the next few hours with Janet and the others. How a quick lunch ended up being a social event was beyond her. But she had to give Janet credit for making sure Isa didn’t feel like the newbie. They didn’t ask her about her past or anything like that, but there were plenty of stories about some of
the customers they’d served over the time they’d worked there. Maybe the angry Drake from yesterday was an anomaly. One could hope.
“I’m really having a good time, but our shift is going to be starting and we—”
“Better head for the dressing room,” Janet said as she got up and smiled. Janet was such a warm and friendly girl; Isa had no doubt it was why Janet did so well at her job. Maybe I can watch her more tonight and pick up some tips.
As they headed for the door, Isa’s cell phone rang. It was the number for the casino. It was too late for her to be called in early, and Carlos hadn’t mentioned anything in their meeting. She hoped this little get together wasn’t going to be the last.
“You go on, I’ll see you at the lounge,” Isa said, walking away from the others. Whoever was on the line, she didn’t need an audience to take the call. “Hello.”
“This is Mr. Townsend in HR. I was hoping you could come into the office before your shift today.”
Like I have a choice. “I’m already at High View Falls. Would you like me to come down now?”
“No, the gentleman would like to speak to you right before your shift.”
“That will not give me enough time to get into costume.”
“He knows you’re a waitress. I’m sure he won’t mind you being dressed for work.”
Doesn’t sound like I’m getting fired. “I’ll be there. Thank you.”
She rushed to the dressing room and quickly got ready. This time she had one item that wasn’t there earlier. She picked up the gold rectangular name tag. Isa Kitty. It was so corny but pinning it to her corset made being one of the pussycats more real.
“I’ll meet up with you at the lounge. I have a meeting first.”
“Everything okay?” Janet asked.
“You know the endless new hire paperwork.” Isa hated lying, but for all she knew, it could be the truth.
“I’ve been here for three years, and they still call me for updates. I’ll let Carlos know where you are in case you run late.”
“Thanks, Janet.”
Isa headed toward HR. She had a strange feeling it was going to be the man from last night. He must have skipped Carlos and decided to go right to the top. It was the perfect place to get her written up. When she knocked on Mr. Townsend’s door, she was greeted by Alex.
“I’m sorry. I was to meet—”
“Me. Please, Ms. Bowen, come in and sit down.”
Isa was never going to get used to hearing her last name as Bowen, instead of Grzyb. She’d legally changed her name to Grzyb-Bowen when she’d become a US citizen years ago. Since her social security card only listed her as Isa Bowen, that’s how she filled out her paperwork. It wasn’t something she’d ever thought of doing when the Bowens first sponsored her to come to the States, but as time went on, it only made sense. People started coming into the Bowens’ shop and assumed she was their daughter. Isa didn’t look like them at all, but they would tell people she was their adopted daughter. I guess I was in every way but legally.
She did as Alex asked but was very confused. “You wanted to speak to me?” He nodded. “Why?”
“I have a job offer for you.”
That wasn’t what Isa expected to hear. Then again she didn’t know Alex worked for High View Falls either. “Working in the office?” That’s what she had applied for after all. Had someone taken a second look at her application and realized the error?
“No. Working in another lounge.”
With her hopes crushed yet again she answered, “If you don’t mind, I’d rather continue working at the Pussy Cat.” At least she’d already broken the ice with the other employees there and knew what was expected of her.
“Not here. Another casino.”
Although she had no plans for staying at High View Falls for long, she wasn’t going to jump ship, just to land at another job she didn’t want. “Thank you, but I’m not interested.”
“Are you sure? You don’t know what I’m offering.”
“And what is that?” Isa asked.
“Double your wage.”
Double? Yet still a waitress. She wasn’t ready to give up on her dream. But earning twice as much would mean getting there faster. Isa wasn’t foolish enough to believe it was her skill that had caught his eye. Darn. I thought you were the nice one. Just another rich filthy snake. Maybe every male named Henderson had some bad in them in the States.
She got up from her seat and said, “Thank you for the offer, but I’m not interested in anything you have to offer.” Isa stomped out of the office. She was insulted, hurt, and most of all, disappointed. How could I have misread him? I thought he was a loving husband instead of a . . . dog.
As the elevator doors opened, and she started to step in, she came face to face with the one person she thought she didn’t want to see. After her short conversation with Alex, Drake had slipped into spot number two. Once again he seemed distracted and practically slammed into her. Am I totally invisible to you?
As soon as she questioned that, she got her answer. For all the time he’d spent staring at her last night, even in costume, he didn’t seem to recognize her, at least not by his demeanor. Although there was no smile on his face, he did step aside so she could easily enter.
“Excuse me,” Drake said as he exited.
Hmm. You can be polite when you want to. That meant his treatment last night had been intentional. He was several yards away from her, walking briskly toward the office she’d just left. “Have a good day,” Isa said sarcastically, as she pressed the button for the third floor.
The doors were almost closed when it must have registered who she was. Drake turned back toward her, his mouth open, but the door closed before she heard whatever he was saying. If it wasn’t going to be something nice, she’d rather not know. I don’t need anyone else not seeing my worth.
Isa fought back tears of anger and disgust as she headed to the one place she wanted to be right now. With my new friends. She might not be the best waitress, but she had a feeling Janet and the others were going to help her become one.
* * *
“Did she say why?” Drake was glad she had declined Alex’s job offer.
“No. It was an . . . odd exchange. She was defensive for some reason. I never was given a chance to provide the details of the position.”
Drake hadn’t been thinking of her or Alex when he came down to HR. He wanted to discuss the thefts with Scott. He didn’t have time to deal with Alex’s issue. It wasn’t as though one waitress was going to make the difference in Tabiq. Ziva may not agree with that, but that is Alex’s problem.
“I have more employees if you’re that desperate.”
Alex glared at him. “You don’t get it, do you?”
Drake arched a brow. “Obviously not.”
“I don’t think you have anyone else working for you from Tabiq, do you?”
That caught Drake’s attention. He’d heard her accent and knew it was different. What were the odds that the Hendersons were here presenting a business opportunity in Tabiq, and a woman from there happens to be newly hired as well? Luck, fate, and coincidence weren’t things he believed it. They were excuses people made to ignore the truth. Had someone caught wind of the pending partnership? His mind was running through so many different scenarios. Up until a few months ago, he’d never thought it possible, but something had changed. Was she another piece to this puzzle he and Scott were trying to figure out? Had she been sent there to obtain more information? Sending a beautiful woman was the oldest trick in the book and not one Drake would fall for. Were they hoping I couldn’t resist her and I would talk in my sleep? And what information did they think they could obtain, how to run a successful business? It was no secret. He busted his ass and treated his employees fairly. For the most part at least. “Are you sure?”
Alex nodded. “Ziva confirmed my suspicions last night.”
Fuck! Drake’s first impression had been wrong. She hadn’t been clumsy. That beer l
anded on him intentionally. She wanted to make a connection, be memorable, and damn it, it had worked. What she probably hadn’t planned on was Alex’s wife getting involved and blowing her cover. Games up, sweetheart.
Drake needed to ensure Alex and Ziva didn’t pursue hiring her. The last thing Drake needed was her working both sides, his and the Hendersons’ for information. And is it linked to the thefts? Is someone trying to make High View Falls look like it’s having trouble? It would be a lot of work, but in this line of business, he’d seen people do some drastic things in order to stay on top. And that was exactly where Drake was at the moment. That’s why the Hendersons want to partner with me. He knew before considering doing business with the Hendersons that it would bring unwanted complications his way. And this woman might be the start of it.
Until he had proof, Drake didn’t want the Hendersons knowing one damn thing about what was going on at High View Falls. If the deal didn’t go through between them, he wanted it to be his choice, not circumstances.
“From what I know about Tabiq, I’d have been more shocked if she’d agreed. What woman would want to return to a place like that?” Even though he was saying this to Alex to persuade him to drop it, he meant what he said. Drake might not be the kindest person, but the thought of women being abused infuriated him. It was the only thing that had him sold on expanding to Tabiq in the first place. Make it a stronger place, where human decency was the norm, so those assholes don’t have a chance to weasel their way back in there.
He could tell by Alex’s expression that he’d called it.
“It’s much better now than it had been. It was pure hell in that fucking place. When I met Ziva . . . it wasn’t as it is now. You’re right. We shouldn’t push it. The woman was lucky enough to get out of there alive. But I’d like to know how.”
“How what?” Drake asked.
“It’s uncommon to meet women from Tabiq outside of the country because leaving usually meant death. We know there were a few who’d broken free from their captors, but eventually, they were located. The stories that came back afterward weren’t pretty.”
Seven Guilty Pleasures Page 4