Chapter 6
As I looked back, the signs were there. I was just blind.
I rented a cheap apartment and hunted for jobs online. My college was cut short by the bar gig, so I only held a high school diploma and no real experience. My options were slim.
A former coworker, Mia Clark, learned about my situation and suggested a high–end club. They were recruiting a bartender.
I hesitated. The bar days were rough, and though I wasn’t ashamed, the stigma stung.
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“Don’t hate who you were. You and Sophie did nothing wrong,” Mia said.
I nodded and decided to give it a shot.
Breeze Lounge was a private bar for the elite. It felt calm, not like a nightclub.
The vibe was soothing, and the manager, a 35–year–old lady, was easygoing.
“We need a bartender. Hours are from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Staff dorms are on the third floor.
There isn’t much work. Most guests go to private rooms to negotiate deals. Just serve drinks to walk–ins, otherwise, do your thing,” Susan Hayes said, taking me upstairs to the
club owner’s office.
She knocked and led me in. Behind the desk sat a man, sipping champagne. Glasses were
scattered around.
“This is our boss, Mr. Bennett,” Susan introduced.
My stomach tightened as I recognized the man.
In my first year selling liquor, I was a wreck. Some customers, drawn to my looks, tried to
push boundaries.
By year two, I had a regular. He ordered pricey bottles every Tuesday, boosting my
earnings.
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I was scared at first, but he was respectful, never even asking my name. He just sat there quietly, drinking, sharing his liquor knowledge, and teaching me how to taste them.”
After Susan left, he stood up and extended his hand. “Hi, I’m Noah Bennett.”
Noah was only 30, but he built Sparkle Elegance, a global luxury brand. I liked their designs very much.
Rumors said he was a design prodigy, though he started doing it midway through his career. He was squeaky clean and had never gotten into scandals.
His family was old money, and he was their golden boy.
My palms sweated. “Nice to meet you, I’m Lorelei Lewis.”
“I know,” he said.
Of course, he did. He was that regular.
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I wanted to bolt, but he saw my panic. “You haven’t drunk in a while, right? Try this.”
His gentle tone eased me a little, though he wasn’t smiling.
I sat down and sipped. The liquor was smoother and sweeter than what I’d known. I used to hate the bitterness, but this was good.
“I started a distillery, and these are new. Tell me what you think,” he said.
Surprised, I tasted more and shared my thoughts. He nodded. “Start today. Same pay as the others. If you have any issues, come to me.”
He tore down a sticky note with his number and handed it to me.
The evening was already approaching, so I stayed, telling Susan I’d try that night. I changed into the uniform–shirt and slacks. Like the others, I applied light makeup.
Late that night, business slowed. There was rarely any work for me. I just mixed a few whiskeys for walk–ins.
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The bell rang. Aidan and his buddies walked in.
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His eyes burned with rage the moment he saw me, and he stormed over. “Are you out of your mind? You know I hate you doing this, and you’re back at it? Are you trying to screw with me? I called you, but you never answered. What is your
fuss?”
