Page 5 of The Nanny and the Don
He chuckled. “Yes, I’m serious.”
“Can I think about it?”
“What’s there to think about? I want you to come with me to this fancy-ass dinner where there will be a chef who’s won competitions on TV, expensive champagne, and all I want you todo is hang on my arm and be pretty. No strings attached unless we agree on them.”
“Am I fired either way?” I quizzed.
“I’m afraid so, sweetheart,” he replied.
I shook my head in defeat as I pushed past him to walk to the back room where we had lockers and changed clothes. Since I wasn’t coming back here after tonight, I went ahead and cleared the few items from my locker and cradled them in my arms. I pulled my phone out of the purse I’d left stuffed in my locker and plopped down on the bench behind me.
Tears stung my eyes as I considered Brendan’s offer. It wouldn’t be too bad to go on a date with him, especially since it sounded like he was literally asking me to be a paid escort. If he was firing me either way, there was no harm in giving whatever this would be a chance. Releasing a long sigh, I shot Kelsea a text.
Me: Brendan fired me.
Immediately, my phone rang, and I swiped to answer before putting it to my ear.
“Bitch, what?”
“Yeah, there was this rude-ass customer who didn’t even talk, he just glared at me like I had no business standing close to him. Anyway, I put my hand on his shoulder the way you and the girls showed me, and he looked at me like I had slapped his mama. Brendan warned me that he didn’t like to be touched, and I apologized. After he left, Brendan came to find me and said that the asshole was part owner of the club and told him to fire me.”
“Woooow!” my girl sang.
“I know, right.”
“What the hell, Dev?”
“That’s not the craziest part. Brendan asked me out. He said he’s going to a formal dinner and wants me on his arm. I told him I didn’t even have anything to wear, and he said he wouldtake me dress shopping and give me money to help me out for a while since he had to fire me.”
“Girl, what? Not the owner wanting my best girl.”
“This is crazy, right?” I asked her.
“Baby, have you seenPretty Woman? You don’t have to worry about trying to scheme and get good tips all night long. You just bagged the big fish. Let a rich nigga finance you for a while. I know you’re tired of struggling.”
I groaned. “Tell me about it.”
“When is this ball or whatever?”
“It’s Friday.”
“Friday? You only have three days to get your hair done and find a dress. Plus, you need to get your nails done and make sure you have someone to do your makeup. Nah, you don’t have to worry about makeup, because I’ll come through and make sure your face is beat. This is so exciting, sis.”
“Then why am I so nervous? I haven’t even left the locker room. I want my job. This feels so silly.”
“It’s because this is strange territory for you. Working at the gentlemen’s club was never the end goal for you, sweetheart.”
“I know, right. I just know that with making my own money, it’s guaranteed. Letting someone else take care of me is a gamble. What if he’s just saying all that good shit to make me feel better about getting fired?”
“Well, either way, you’re fired. You might as well take a chance. Dealing with him and letting him line your pockets a little bit doesn’t stop you from looking for another job.”
“You’re right,” I agreed.
“Aren’t I always?”
“Hardly ever, actually.” I laughed.
“Whatever, hooker.”
