The Love You Give

by Sheena Binkley

  I nodded and did what she asked.

  “Before we continue, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Karla,” she said and extended her hand out.

  “Kia. Nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise.”

  She pulled out the menu, asking me to make two of the drinks that were on there. Luckily, I knew how to make those drinks since I made those at my time bartending at Bristol’s back at Prairie View. For three years, I enjoyed mixing drinks and meeting new people. It was fun so, if I did get this job, it would bring back memories to those times there.

  Once I made those, Kia asked me to make a drink that wasn’t on the menu. I decided to make a chocolate martini, which was a signature drink at Bristol’s. Thank God the club had the ingredients on hand to make it. After one sip, Karla was hooked, saying she would tell the owner about adding it to their menu.

  “So, does that mean I have the job?”

  Karla gave a bright smile. “It definitely does. You have truly proven yourself in a short time. I think you will be a great asset here.”

  “Wow, thank you.”

  “No problem. But, I do have to ask; are you planning on sticking around? We have hired a lot of people here and many have moved on to other things.”

  “I plan on sticking around, so that you don’t have to worry about.”

  “What made you come here?”

  I became hesitant again and Karla nodded. “I understand. But whenever you’re ready to talk, I’ll be ready to listen.”

  I smiled. I think I’m going to like Karla.

  “But, let me grab the paperwork from the office for you to complete before your shift.”

  I nodded, and Karla went towards the back. I looked around again, realizing that this was my new place of employment. It was definitely a far cry from being a medical assistant.

  I took a deep breath, realizing that my life was slowly changing, and I had no problems with that. Not at all.

  ***

  After completing my paperwork and receiving my uniform, which consisted of a green minidress with gold straps, I went back to my room to take another shower before heading back to the club. Now I was standing in the women’s restroom, staring at it. The outfit was a bit weird, but I guess it matched the club vibe.

  I walked out of the restroom to see Karla staring at me. “I know the outfit is a bit weird, but the owner have us wearing it for the holidays. Once Christmas is over, we’ll be in another uniform.”

  I nodded. “I guess it makes sense. But, ever since I’ve been here, you have never mentioned the owner’s name. Why is that?”

  Karla shrugged. “I don’t know, I guess it feels odd to have another female working with me. It’s mainly just me here, so please don’t take offense to anything that I say or do.”

  “No problem.”

  I was about to start cleaning when I heard Karla mention a name that was familiar to me. A name that I just memorized from earlier that day.

  “Hey, Cane. Why are you here so early?” Karla asked. She looked shock as she walked over to him.

  Cane stared at me, who looked even more shocked than Karla did with him. He stared at my outfit and quickly turned to Karla. “This is the person you hired?”

  “Wow, try to be a bit more enthusiastic, Cane.”

  “I sent over people for you to choose from.”

  “Well, none of them were as experienced as Kia. She has done an amazing job with the test drinks. And the chocolate martini is to die for.”

  I continued staring at Cane, as he gave me the once over again. I guess he liked what he saw because he couldn’t keep his eyes off of me.

  Karla sensed something was up as she looked at Cane and me. “Do you two know each other?”

  I quickly looked at Karla. “Not really. We met at Hawthorne Diner this morning.”

  “I seriously can’t believe you hired some random off of the street instead of the people that came in for an interview,” Cane expressed.

  “What is your problem, Cane?” Karla asked.

  “I don’t have a problem. I just feel as if you don’t listen to my direct instruction.”

  “Can I talk to you in the office? Now,” Karla stressed.

  “Whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of the new employee,” Cane said. He folded his arms across his chest while giving Karla a smug look.

  She sighed. “You are being really difficult right now, Cane. You gave me the authority to hire someone to take over my position, yet, you still feel the need to control who I hire.”

  “You should have mentioned that she wasn’t someone that I’d picked.”

  “From an employment agency? Don’t think I didn’t know that, Cane.”

  “Maybe I should just go,” I said. I was about to go behind the counter to get my purse when Karla stopped me.

  “You’re not leaving,” she told me. She pointed at Cane. “And you need to stop being in control of everything. You’re barely here at the club, so let me do my job.”

  “I am here.”

  “Now you are, but you wasn’t at first. Now, can I please continue training Kia, our new bartender, please?”

  Cane took a deep breath and told Karla sure. He waited for her to turn her back in front of the bar shelf before he came over to me. He leaned closer to me, and I inhaled that scent that made me weak earlier that day. His lips were inches from my neck as his hand was close to my waist, but not too close to make me feel uncomfortable.

  “I knew we would meet again; I just didn’t think it would be in my club.”

  “Well, I guess you can’t talk to me now since I’m your new employee.”

  Cane gave that sexy smile of his, which made me a bit speechless. “I’ll find a way to. I’m not giving up that easily.”

  He pulled away from me and a part of me wished he didn’t. He gave me a wink before walking towards the office. I leaned against one of the tables nearby. I had to get myself together before Karla suspected anything.

  “Is everything okay?” she asked.

  I smiled. “Everything’s cool.”

  She slowly nodded before going back to the bar. I stared at the office door, wondering now if I could keep this job because I didn’t know how I’d be if I was around Cane too much longer. I didn’t need any distractions, especially now.

  6.

  Cane

  I walked into my office, completely surprised that Kia was inside of my club. I knew we would see each other again, but I didn’t think she would be my new employee.

  Damn it!

  There’s no way I could talk to her now. I didn’t need a damn lawsuit on my hands. I guess she really was off limits.

  Or was she?

  I could tell how she was staring at me. She wanted to talk to me, but she was scared to. Even at Hawthorne, she was a bit hesitant. Maybe the reason she moved to Tyler was because of a past relationship. What if she was married and running around from her husband. Whatever the reason, I was curious to find out what it was because the few minutes I had spent with her, I was already intrigued by her.

  I looked at the window, trying to figure out what to do when the door opened and Karla walked in. She gave a snide smile, as I gave her a crazed expression.

  “Shouldn’t you be getting ready to open?” I asked.

  “I will, after you tell me what’s up with you and Kia.”

  “I barely know the girl.”

  “But you want to. You’re mad because I hired her and you can’t talk to her.”

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  “Admit it, Cane.”

  “I’m not admitting anything right now.”

  “Good, because I like Kia and I don’t need you ruining it for me. We need good employees here, so I don’t want you trying to get with her and she quits.”

  “Well, you don’t have that to worry about.”

  “Glad to hear. Now, I can feel at ease.”

  “I’m glad that you’re glad.”

  “I’m not saying you c
an’t find someone, Cane, just not Kia. I think you need to find someone that’ll keep you in line, especially during this time of the year.”

  “Why during the holidays?”

  “Because that’s when you need the most guidance, Cane. You’re always sort of a Scrooge during this time. Is it because of your mom?”

  “I’m not going to talk about her,” I said and went to sit down behind my desk.

  “I have known you for a while, Cane, so I just want you to be happy. Even you deserve that.”

  I leaned against my seat as Karla left out. I got up and started to pace by my desk, wondering if I should even be here tonight. I did a quick sweep of the cameras, seeing Kia cleaning the bar counter. I sighed, realizing I wasn’t in the mood to stay, so I’d just call it a night. I left the office and was going out to the main room when I saw Karla trying to block someone from coming in. I stared at the person, realizing it was Lillian. I took a deep breath, wondering what the hell she wanted.

  “We need to talk, Cane, but your bodyguard won’t let me in,” she said. She tried to step past Karla, but she blocked her body against her.

  I nodded to Karla, letting her know I got it and went to Lillian. “We have nothing to talk about, Lillian. I told you what I had to say the last time we saw each other.”

  “But you didn’t mean it, Cane.”

  “I meant everything I said, Lillian. Now, we have a club to open, so you need to leave,” I said. I gently grabbed her arm to escort her out.

  “I’m not leavi-” she said while shrugging herself from me.

  “He said to go, or are you hard of hearing?”

  I looked over to see Kia staring at Lillian. Even Karla had to take a step back as she glanced at Kia.

  “Who the hell are you?

  “The new bartender, and even I can see you’re being desperate. If Cane said he didn’t want to speak to you, then do everyone a favor and leave. You can do it voluntarily or involuntarily. Take your pick.”

  Lillian scoffed. “So, you’re messing with an employee, Cane? How pathetic.”

  “Leave or I will call the cops,” I said.

  She gave each of us the evil eye as she turned around and walked out. I glanced over at Kia, who shrugged.

  “I figured you needed some help.”

  “I had it. I don’t need you fighting my battles. Instead, I need you to get the club open. Both of you,” I instructed while staring at the two.

  Karla rolled her eyes and headed back to the bar while Kia didn’t move. I folded my arms across my chest. She really didn’t know me, but she was my employee now so she needed to listen.

  “Why are you still standing there? Get to work.”

  “I have been working, but I stopped since you were giving a show earlier.”

  “My personal life is none of your business, so you need to stick with why you’re here.”

  “I didn’t say anything about your personal life, but if you want things to remain private, I suggest you keep your situation out of people’s view.”

  “Is that how you’re going to talk to me, your boss, because I would fire you right now?”

  Kia put her hands on her hips and gave me a smug look. She was challenging me to do it. “What’s stopping you?”

  I cocked my head to the side. I didn’t know if I wanted to have her around. She was already a thorn in my side with her mouth, but maybe things would be a little interesting with her. Or was I setting myself up for disaster?

  “Just mind your business next time. One more smart word and you will be gone, got it?”

  She sighed before grabbing some trays that were on the table. She walked off, which had me wanting to take a peek, but I resisted.

  Karla walked by and swatted her hand across my chest before going to the back. I shook my head. I didn’t know why she was mad; she knew I was going to fire back. I had a right to say what I wanted when it comes to my club. If she thought she could come in here and do what she wanted, she had another thing coming. I guarantee that.

  7.

  Kia

  What a jerk! I was trying to do him a favor and he practically chewed my head off. Maybe he was right; I should had minded my own business, but for some reason I wanted to help him. I thought I was doing a good deed. Well, I wouldn’t anymore.

  Once I was done stocking glasses and cutting up garnishes, it was time for the club to open. I suddenly became nervous, hoping I didn’t fuck up on my first night. That’d be an excuse for Cane to fire me.

  I took a deep breath when Karla came up to me. “You’re not nervous, are you?”

  “A little, but I’ll get over it. I guess since I haven’t been behind a bar in years, I feel a little rusty.”

  “Girl, with those drinks you made earlier, you’ll do just fine.”

  I smiled when the DJ started up the music and the lights became a bit dimmed in the main room. I took another deep breath and smoothed down my dress, ready to have a good first night at my new job.

  “It’s showtime,” Karla said and went to the far end of the bar.

  Anxiety rushed through me as a sea of club goers walked in. A few came to the bar, immediately giving their drink orders. The anxiety began wearing off when I grabbed a glass and began doing my orders. I glanced over at Karla, who was giving a show for her crowd. It was pretty cool to see her in action.

  I was onto my third order when I felt someone staring at me. I looked up to see Cane across the club, talking to a couple of guys. Our eyes locked as his expression was serious, yet sexy. I quickly looked away, hoping he didn’t look at me again. I didn’t need him to throw off my game.

  “Kia.”

  I couldn’t response because I was busy, but when the person said my name again, I suddenly looked up, almost dropping a glass I had in my hand.

  “Kia? What are you doing here?”

  My anxiety came back as I stared at my former boss, Jade. I wasn’t sure why she was there, but I guess I’d find out.

  “Hi…hi,” I slowly said.

  “What are you doing in Tyler, bartending of all things?”

  “What are you doing in Tyler?” I asked. I knew I shouldn’t answer a question with a question, but I was curious to know why she was there. Plus, I knew she would tell Brooke that she spotted me here.

  “I’m here for my sister’s wedding. I just got into town two hours ago. I know you said you needed time off, but you didn’t say to work at a club.”

  “I know; this was sort of random.”

  “I see. Is Cory here with you?”

  “No, no. He’s still in Houston. This was a personal trip, in which he understands.”

  I quickly had to get her to walk away from the bar. I couldn’t have her continue talking, especially if Cane or Karla walked by.

  “Well, are you returning to Houston? I can keep your job available until you decide to come back. I’m sure you are because I know Cory misses you.”

  “I’m really busy, Jade, so I have to talk to you later. But, it was really good seeing you.”

  Jade looked confused but nodded. “Yeah. Maybe we can see each other before I leave on Sunday. That way, we can talk about your job.”

  “Sure, just give me a call.”

  Like I’ll answer.

  Jade nodded and walked off. I breathed a sigh of relief, glad that was over. I looked over and saw Cane near the bar, staring at me. He probably saw that entire conversation. Now, I probably had some explaining to do.

  ***

  Five hours later, and I survived my first night at Visions. I had to admit, everything went pretty well. I even got a few tips, which I was surprised about; so, it was a pretty good night.

  While Karla was in the office, I was cleaning up the bar when Cane walked over to me. He grabbed a couple of garnish from the trays near the drinks station to help me clean. I stared at him before wiping down the counter. We worked in silence for a few minutes until Cane cleared his throat.

  “Okay, let’s address the elephant in the roo
m.”

  “Cane, there’s nothing to talk about.”

  “Yes, it is. I just need to say that I guess I’m sorry about earlier. I just didn’t want you to get in my business.”

  “It wasn’t a big deal. I know when to stay in my lane.”

  “Since I said that, I need to know who you were talking to earlier? I thought you said you didn’t know anyone here.”

  “I never said that I did,” I mumbled. “Is that why you wanted to so call apologize about earlier, so you can find out who I was talking to?”

  “It just seemed as if you were annoyed by the person, that’s why I was asking.”

  “Well, it’s my time to say to stay out of my business because there’s nothing to talk about there.”

  Cane was unfazed to what I just said; instead, he put his elbow on the counter as he got closer to me. “Listen, I know we have only known each other for a day, but I can tell when a person is troubled, and you looked troubled not too long ago. You are trying to escape something or someone. If you are, I don’t need any type of issues happening at my club.”

  “Is that all you’re thinking about? Whether I could affect your business.”

  “I’m just saying, because I don’t know you. You could be a serial killer on the damn run for all I know.”

  “Trust me, I’m not.”

  “Then what or who are you hiding from?”

  I glanced at Cane, who titled his head sideways. He knew I was dealing with something, but he just needed to know what.

  “There’s nothing you need to know, Cane. Just know that I’m not troubled, so your business is intact. I just needed a change in my life, so I decided to move away from my hometown, that’s all. Everyone does it, so it’s not a big deal.”

  Cane nodded. “You’re right, but I know when a person has been through something. There’s no point in pretending with me that you haven’t. Just know whenever you’re ready to talk, then I’ll be around. And I mean that.”

  I stared at Cane as he gave a sincere smile. That was the first time in the entire day that he was being cool to talk to.

  “Thank you.”

  “No problem. Let Karla know that I’m going to check the patio before I leave. I don’t want her thinking I left and she locks me in here.”