Page 13 of Gin & Jewels
“I would love that, but I’m not sure when that will be. I don’t make a lot of extra money.”
“Is that why you look sad? Money troubles?” Steve looked over at me.
I shrugged slightly. “Some of it. I wish every day was as busy as Friday and Saturday.”
He took his wallet out of his suit jacket pocket and handed me a business card. “Come see me at my store, and we’ll talk. I’m looking to hire someone.”
My eyes widened as I took the card. “Oh my gosh. Thank you so much.” He took another twenty-dollar chip and put it onto my tray. “I will come by first thing tomorrow before my shift.”
“Great.”
I walked away to get more drink orders feeling as though I was walking in the clouds. This could finally be my chance at having a career.
When I got home, I didn’t see Micky. I didn’t want anything to do with him or Keith’s other friends. They were all shady people, and I was certain they all dealt drugs as Keith did. I went straight to my room and stayed there, falling asleep as I watched a few episodes of the new season ofVeronica Mars.
The next morning, I had to take two buses to get to Steve’s jewelry store, but I made it there a little after ten. I knew nothing about jewelry, but I wanted to learn. I was eager to learn everything because if Steve could be rich from owning a jewelry store, maybe I could one day be rich too.
When I entered the well-lit store filled with glass cases, I didn’t see Steve, but instead, a guy who was maybe in his late twenties.
“Hi, welcome to The Velvet Box.” His name tag stated his name was Ray. “Looking for anything particular today?”
“Actually, I’m here to see Steve.”
“Do you have an appointment?”
I frowned. “Kinda?”
He furrowed his brow. “What does that mean?”
“I told him yesterday that I would be in this morning.”
“Oh, okay. And your name?”
“Cassie.”
“Let me see if he’s available.”
He turned and went through a door at the back of the store, while I looked inside the case of beautiful diamond rings. There were no prices on any of them, but I assumed just by the size of the large rocks sparkling in the light, that I would need to sell a kidney to be able to afford one.
A few moments later, Steve stepped out. “Cassie, you made it.”
I smiled and gave a slight nod. “I did.”
“Well, come on back and let’s chat in my office.” I followed him through the door and down a short hall before turning into a windowless office. Inside was a desk with two chairs, and stacks of papers lying around on the desk and filing cabinets. “Have a seat.” He closed the door as I sat.
“Thank you so much for giving me your info.”
Steve took a seat in his chair on the other side of the desk. “As I said yesterday, I’m hiring.”
“Yes, but …” I swallowed and then frowned. “I’ve never worked in a jewelry store before.” I was starting to become nervous, my palms sweating slightly.
“Did you bring your resume?”
My blue eyes widened, and I whispered sheepishly, “I don’t have one.” I never thought about a resume or that I would need one, as my previous jobs had only required an application.
He leaned forward and clasped his hands in front of him. “Is the casino your first job?”
“Second.”
