Page 96 of Be Your Forever
“I’m sorry, Mama. I won’t do it again.” Goddamn, this kid is cute.
“What lady were you talking to?” Gage asks.
“Oh, um, I just moved to town and I was asking if anyone was hiring. I haven’t been lucky so far. Let's go, Cora bug.” She reaches for her daughter's hand, and Cora’s face falls with disappointment.
“She hasn’t had her beer yet,” Gage blurts at the woman. But the second he looks at Cora, his expression turns soft. “You thirsty, little one?”
“Mmmhmm. Mama, can I have a beer?” Cora turns to her mom with a puppy dog face.
“Are you looking for work?” I finally insert myself into conversation, and Gage shoots me a look.
“I am. Are you hiring?” she asks with a pleading expression.
“Do you have any serving or bartending experience?”
“Yes, I—Yes, I have experience.”
I look at Gage, sending him a wicked grin before turning to the woman and offering my hand to her.
“Hi, I’m Asher, and the grump over there serving your cute, sweet little girl is Gage.”
“Kennedy, it’s nice to meet you,” Kennedy says while shaking my hand.
“Where are you moving from?”
I notice Kennedy begins to tense up. She takes a breath and forces herself to relax before she answers. “Indiana. I wanted a fresh start for my daughter and I. I can give you references if you’d like. I’m bubbly, and fun, and a quick learner. I’m great with people and handling money.”
“No need. When can you start?”
“Oh, are you serious?”
“Sure am. I even have a place up for rent if you need a place to stay. It’s right above the bar. It’s not big, but it has two bedrooms. One for you and one for your daughter. It’s yours if you want it.”
“Oh, um…” Something akin to skepticism crawls across her features, and I watch as a storm brews beneath the surface. Kennedy glances to her daughter, who remains blissfully unaware of the tension rolling off her mom. The moment Cora grins up at her, I see the gears switch in her mind, and it’s made up before she turns to me. “I don’t want to take advantage.”
“You aren’t. It’ll make it easier for you to get to work if you live upstairs.”
“Well, if you really don’t mind, then thank you. I—we would appreciate that.”
Gratitude and relief replace her hesitation as tension evaporates from her body. Kennedy turns toward Gage, and I press my lips together when I see her reaction to him. There’s a warrior beneath the skittish exterior when she rolls her shoulders back and extends a hand out to my partner.
“Hi, I’m Kennedy.” A soft, shy smile tugs at her lips, but her expression shifts into something I can’t quite read.
Gage’s large hand engulfs her petite one. I watch his jaw tic with what Iassumeis… annoyance? One can’t be sure with Gage. His hand lingers for a moment before something snaps him out of whatever daze he was in. Whatever spell he was under has been broken, and his face morphs into a disinterested look.
“Gage. I’ll see you next Monday, and we’ll start your training. Don’t be late.” His curt tone, while unsurprising, seems to be a tad extra than his normal demeanor. Gage turns toward Cora and his entire demeanor softens. He’s always had a soft spot for kids, being surrounded by his nieces and nephews.
“Nice to meet you, Cora. Enjoy your beer.” He offers her a smile and a wink before turning around and walking off.
“Don’t worry about him. He’s a grump. It takes time for him to get used to someone. Congrats and welcome to the Aces family.”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you. Cora Rose, finish your drink and let's go.”
“You can move your stuff this weekend. I’ll be fully moved into my girlfriend's house by then. Swing by the bar Friday night, and I’ll give you a key. Where are you guys staying right now?”
“We have a room at a motel for the next few days, so the timing is perfect. Thank you, Asher. I’m so excited.” Cora slurps the rest of her drink before hopping off the stool and walking toward her mom.
“Bye, bye, Mr. Asher.” Cora waves at me the entire way out the door.
