My Mind's Eye (Pub Fiction #1) Read online

  Jesus, she’s gorgeous. She stops just inside the bar and looks up at the ceiling, checking the place out from top to bottom. It’s clear she hasn’t noticed us watching her yet. Well, I’d like to think not anyway. I know I should be here to introduce myself when she finally makes it to the bar, but my instincts kick in, telling me to flee while I still can. I bolt just as she catches me staring and our gaze lock for a few seconds too long. Shit. The last thing I want is for her to see she has any effect on me.

  Chapter 5

  Kat

  “Aw, shit!” I yell, without having intended; it just slipped from my mouth. I dropped my keys while walking through the front doors of Pub Fiction, and I absolutely hate when I drop stuff. My butterfingers are my biggest pet peeve. I cover my mouth and glance around; thankfully, I don’t think anyone heard my trucker mouth. That would not make a great impression at all. I’m flustered and my hands are shaking. I need to stop for a minute and take a deep breath in order to recompose and calm myself down.

  It really isn’t that big of a deal. It was just a stupid text, and it’s just a goddamn shirt. Seth is hours away, so I really shouldn’t let him get to me like this in the first place. And I’m almost laughing at myself because, let’s be real, I know what sells, and that’s sex. With that, and this being a bar, I know there isn’t a chance in hell of me getting a bigger shirt. Breathe, Kat. Just stop and breathe.

  Claire is right. I really do need to work on not being too uptight. I let things get to me way too easily. Claire is always telling me not to let little things stress me out, and I normally just shrug her comments off. But now, I’m actually starting to see her point. My current situation reflects perfectly one of those instances where she would no doubt call me out for being an idiot. I can hear her: You’re turning into stressor again.

  I know I’m right on time, like on the dot, even after having stopped for gas, I really need to stop playing the red line game. I wasted too much time gabbing with Claire. Getting caught up like that again is not an option. I don’t like cutting it close. At least I’m not late, and that was my goal, I remind myself. So why I’m totally rushing and letting my nerves get the best of me, I’m not sure. It was definitely a close one between all the bullshit and traffic; I just made it. What I need to do is shake off this mood, and get excited to be here. You got this. I decide to put everything out of my mind. With renewed excitement, I move into the bar area.

  I quickly scan this place where I’ll be spending most of my free time over the next school year. I make a mental note that the fire exit is, indeed, to my left, as I remembered. I’ll need to check where the other ones are, too. I wonder what type of evacuation plan they have here. I’ll need to ask Levi. I’d hate to not be prepared, should anything ever happen while I’m working.

  It’s actually quite a breathtaking place. I can see why it’s popular. I take in the huge vaulted ceilings, which are painted completely black, and notice tiny fibre optic lights embedded throughout, which turn the black abyss into how I imagine outer space would look with millions of stars scattered in unfamiliar constellations. I love it immediately. I tilt my head back and seriously gawk at it. It’s just beautiful and unique; I’ve never seen anything like it before. The starry space feature must not have been turned on the day I came for my interview, because I definitely would have noticed. Best of all, I spot the tiny sprinkler heads hidden between the stars. I can’t help but feel my shoulders relax a bit more as I spot them all over the ceiling now.

  I must look like an idiot, standing here so enthralled with a ceiling, my mouth hanging open.

  I don’t think I will ever get over how cool the ceiling looks. I note how the club’s decor is also very modern, with dark black wood flooring, which compliments the ceiling perfectly. The walls are painted a deep oxblood red with smoky grey undertones. I notice a small seating area to my right, which has black leather couches with a few small glass tables for drinks. I take a deep breathe in as I inch in closer. It smells like leather and lemons—two scents I love. Along the wall with the fire exit, there are six large booths, which are roped off with what looks to be black velvet ropes. I assume these booths are reserved for parties, guests looking for bottle service, as well as for any VIP’s. Each booth is illuminated with a dimmed amber spotlight, giving off the perfect amount of light to set the mood. The next thing I see is the enormous bar. It’s also sleek and very modern, made out of cherry wood, which matches beautifully with the floor and walls. Whoever decorated this place has great taste.

  As I take a better look at the bar itself, I find two men standing behind it, joking. One I recognize as Levi, the owner, the other is the hottest specimen I have ever seen and he’s staring at me, no rather gawking. His gaze is intently focused on me that I begin to feel uncomfortable, yet it’s also making me feel kind of excited at the same time. He’s looking at me as if I’m the only thing that matters at this moment. Well, at least that’s what I was thinking, until he quickly turns and walks away without waiting to introduce himself to me. This reaction confuses me and makes me feel a bit irritated. How weird to stand there and stare at me like that, then take off before introducing himself. I mean, it’s clear he works here from the Pub Fiction t-shirt he has on. Jeez, nice to meet you, too, asshole.

  Quickly shaking off the weird vibe from The Asshole, I walk over to greet Levi with renewed composure and a big smile on my face.

  “Welcome, Kat,” Levi says warmly as he happily greets me.

  “Hi, Levi!” I extend my hand to meet his. “I’m very excited to be here. Thank you for giving me a chance. I’m really looking forward to jumping right in.”

  “Not a problem, Kat. Ben and Molly went on about how strong your people skills are and how you’re a quick study. After talking to them, and with how well you did in your interview, I know you’ll do a great job.”

  This makes me smile. I had worked for Molly and Ben at Molly’s Grill all throughout high school and for the last three summers. They became like family to me, I was sad when they decided it was time to retire last year, selling the property to a woman who turned the restaurant into a bakery, which specializes in what are honestly the most amazing ice cream cakes ever. Rose’s Frozen Delights has the craziest flavour combinations and, I swear, the whole street smells of caramel, cake batter, and sugar. It’s such a unique smell; it’s enough to overload the senses.

  Rose didn’t need waitressing staff, only a full-time counter helper at the bakeshop, so I found myself jobless for the first time this summer. That’s how I ended up applying at Pub Fiction. I needed a job, and Claire had already applied and been hired. I’m thankful for the awesome recommendation Ben and Molly gave me because I know it helped me a lot.

  “Well, I just want to make sure you know I really appreciate the job. I know I don’t have much in the way of bar experience, but I promise they’re right. I am a quick learner, and I can handle a fast-paced environment like this.” I wave my hand, gesturing around the bar.

  Levi offers a lopsided grin. “I have no doubt you’ll be a great fit at Pub Fiction. I know the customers will be fighting to get your attention as soon as they set their eyes on you. Be sure to tell me if you have any issues, and Big Jim and his team are always here to help if I’m not. You’re beautiful, and from what I hear, very sweet. A lethal combination. Just stay safe and don’t take any shit,” he affirms. “And, hey, Naomi and Brooke will be happy to help, too, if ever you need a hand with anything. They can be a bit standoffish at first; but trust me, they are the nicest girls once they get to know you. We’ve just had a lot of changes here lately, so bear with them.”

  The last thing I want is any trouble with my co-workers or customers, so I’m happy Levi has told me not to put up with anything I’m not comfortable with. I’m used to a small staff that easily got along, worked well together, and was genuinely nice to one another. I’m happy to hear everyone is nice here. Well, maybe not everyone.

  As Levi is telling me the lay of the land, gi
ving me a quick tour, and guiding me to the staff room where he says I can hang up my stupid jacket and belongings in any unused locker, I’m building up the nerve to talk to him about my uniform shirt. I don’t want him to think I’m difficult or anything, like I’m going to be a prude or a pain in the ass employee who complains about everything, but I really do need to make sure there wasn’t a mix-up. As he hands me a lock, I decide to just do it, just get it over with. I already know the answer, but I need to ask him about it before he leaves me. I’ll regret it if I don’t. It’s worth a try, right?

  “Any questions before I go get ready for tonight and the meet-and-greet staff introductions, Kat?”

  “Uh, actually, yes, I do have one quick question. I was wondering if, um, if…it…would it be possible to get a bigger shirt?” I say it so fast I’m not sure if he heard me properly. I continue to stammer on. “I mean, mine…my shirt is just feeling a bit tighter than maybe it should. I, um…I just don’t want to look bad while working, you know what I mean?” I trail off, having done my best to sound convincing that there is something simply unprofessional to wear a shirt so tight.

  But as soon as I ask, as soon as the words leave my mouth, I already know there isn’t a chance in hell that I’m getting a new shirt. Levi’s smile is sweet as he informs me, “No, Kat, sorry there hasn’t been any mix-up or mistakes. All the girls wear the same uniform; it’s standard. I realize it’s a bit more form fitting on some than others, but we chose them with the male customers in mind. I hate to say it, but they’re the majority of our customers. Think of it as a way to entice the customers, a way to maybe help with better tips?” I can tell he’s trying to find the right words. Enticing customers? Well, it’s a good thing I’ve heard nothing but good things about the work environment here. I know this whole uniform issue is being blown out of proportion by yours truly. I mean, in reality it’s not Levi’s fault I don’t prefer tight clothing.

  “But, ah…” I don’t really have a response, but it doesn’t matter, because Levi cuts me off anyway.

  “And believe me, Kat, you will definitely be happy with that uniform come the end of the night when you’re adding up all your tip money. In fact, I think you will come to love my uniform selection.” He laughs as he writes out my lock combination on a yellow post-it.

  “That being said, please don’t worry at all about your safety, Kat. We have the best bouncers in town, and any customer who gets out of line will be dealt with immediately, I promise you. You’re in excellent hands here. I won’t put up with any bullshit, and if you are still uncomfortable with your shirt at the end of the shift, let me know and we can look into ordering you a bigger size. It might take a week or so to come in, though. I just went by what you ladies wrote down. I really don’t want you to worry about it, but I do think it looks great.”

  I mentally high-five myself for having the nerve to ask and decide Levi is going to be a fair boss, which makes me relieved. “That’s great, Levi. I appreciate that. I guess I wasn’t expecting to feel this exposed. It’s nice to know there’s help nearby if there’s ever a need. I have to ask, though, has there been many problems here?”

  “Not at all. I can’t remember the last time we had a bar fight or a time when the girls needed to call Big Jim.”

  “Big Jim, you’ve said that name a few times now, how big is he?” I ask curiously.

  “He’s a beast, Kat, but a huge teddy bear. I’ll introduce you to him and everyone else soon. Why don’t you settle in and I’ll see you out by the bar in a few.” With that, he places the lock and staff room key on the table before ducking out of the staff room, leaving me with my thoughts while I put my things away.

  Putting the lock on my locker, I reflect on my conversation with Levi. I decide to give it a go. I’ll do as Claire suggested and embrace my inner sexy. I mean, fuck it, I want to try and loosen up; this is a great start. So what if my boobs are on display a bit more than I’d normally be comfortable with? It’s not like Levi said no. He was actually awesome about it. Worst case, I go a few shifts until a new bigger one arrives. I’m over it; time to move on. I just hope the customers he was talking about aren’t a bunch of sleazebags and I make it through my shift unscathed. But, based on Levi and the look of this place, I’m more than positive he runs both a tight and clean ship, so I know I’ve got nothing to get riled up about. Shit is about to get interesting, though, that is for sure. Kat, we are definitely not in Kansas anymore. I look down at my girls one last time, hoping they stay in place tonight—and every night I wear this way too revealing of a shirt. “Time to perk up, ladies.” I laugh to myself. Despite my unease, I suck it up before meeting the other staff on shift tonight.

  As I open the door and go to walk out of the staff room, I hear what can only be described as… a growl? Yes, it was definitely a legit growl. I look up at the source of said growl, and I’m met with a pair of the most incredibly set of magnetic eyes I have ever seen. Eyes that could I feel could suspend time by their beauty and uniqueness alone. They look like what I imagine to be, the result of warm butter and sweet, sweet, golden honey perfection colliding with one another. Its result creating this balance of colour perfection; eyes that will forever be known to me as honeybutter.

  Standing there in the doorway, almost face-to-face, I decide we’re clearly at an impasse. He’s not talking and neither am I. I breathe him in, and he smells of sandalwood and what I can only describe as man. It’s a clean smell that I want to bottle and stick under my pillow for a rainy day, a smell unique to him. We’re both staring and it’s getting intense, our eyes analyzing and taking in the other. No words are uttered, but it’s clear a conversation is happening. The intensity sends shivers down my spine. I feel as if he’s trying to figure me out, and it’s nerve wracking and frustrating at the same time because I sense he wants to speak, but for some reason he holds himself back.

  Finally, after what feels like we’ve shone a light into each other’s souls, exploring one another, I decide to not allow him the satisfaction of knowing he has had any kind of effect on me. Eventhough he has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen and he does affect me, I refuse to get involved with a fellow employee. Whether I’m interested or not, messing around with a co-worker would be unprofessional, on top of being the last thing I’m looking for. That being said, I will also not be a pushover who some asshole can intimidate. It’s time to put this guy in his place. God, my big girl panties have been getting a workout today!

  “Um, hey there. I’m Kat. Today’s my first official training shift,” I share with him. He just watches me, almost urging me to go on with his eyes. “I’m really excited, but a little nervous, too, actually,” I add, hoping he might join in the conversation. “I’m one of the new shooter girls. What do you do here?” I ask and get no answer.

  I stare nervously, waiting for a reply from the man who chose to growl at me instead of speak. He says nothing and continues to stare at me, making me more and more nervous. His now hooded eyes blatantly take me in from top to bottom. I now understand what Claire means when she refers to an “eye-fuck.” I feel as if time has frozen. Standing there, all I can hear is my own heartbeat. All I can feel are the tingles running along my spine as he brushes by me, making his way into the staff room after he’s blatantly raked those honeybutter eyes over me again and again.

  It was the same guy who’d been standing with Levi behind the bar when I first walked in; the one who’d looked at me, then turned around and left. I’m not sure of his name, and at this point, I don’t care to find out. As he stalks past me, I swear I can hear him mutter, “Hot was an understatement.” I shake it off and stick with my original assessment. Asshole.

  I turn to face him, because I’m clearly a glutton for punishment, only to find him staring back at me once again, his eyes penetrating mine. I really do try to think of something to say, but I’m flustered that I draw a blank, my mouth gaping open on its own accord and I feel I’m being scrutinized. So I say the first thing that comes to
my head: “Pfft… well, okay, it was really nice talking to you. I, uh, hope we can d-do this again sometime.” Not! “It’s been really nice to, uh, not meet you, I guess?” I whisper the last part and congratulate myself for choosing what I think is the high road. Well, maybe not entirely, but at least I decided to say something. This time, I’m the one who turns around and marches out, slamming the staff room door. Fuck him. I mean, who growls, anyway? What is he, a damned animal?

  Chapter 6

  Ryker

  Did I just fucking growl at her? I’m pretty sure I did, but I couldn’t help myself. Smooth, asshole, real smooth. I place the rest of my stuff into my locker after I finish with all the crap Levi had me doing to help him catch up.

  When I was on my way to the staffroom to change my shirt, she opened the door just as I reached it, and caught me totally off guard. She really is breathtaking. I couldn’t find my goddamn voice.

  What the fuck is wrong with me today? If hot girl didn’t think I was a dick earlier at the bar, she sure as shit will now. She no doubt thinks I’m a buffoon as well as a creep who clearly can’t speak the English language, but instead growls at her while at the same time fucking gawking with drool pretty much spilling out of my mouth. What a loser I must have looked like. Shit.

  The best part, though, is that, once I got over the initial shock of my guttural growling reaction to seeing her so suddenly again, instead of introducing myself like a normal human being, I walked right past her. Then I turned and gawked at her all over again. And she saw me do it. Yeah. Talk about being a creepy motherfucker.

  How the hell am I supposed to train her, or work the same shifts with her, when she no doubt thinks I’m a giant douche? Or what if she always has this effect on me? I’m going to have to ask Levi to make sure we aren’t working together; that’s my only choice. I cringe as I picture Levi’s face as I try to explain why I need opposite shifts to this girl’s. Fuck me. He’s going to enjoy this way too much. Maybe I should lie and say we’ve slept together and she’s a clinger? Nah, Levi isn’t dumb. He knows by my reaction to her alone that I’ve never seen her before. Shit, I might have to take the hit on this one.