I walked along the road aimlessly without really knowing where I was going. My mind was spinning with everything that had happened in the past 24 hours.
Dmitri, my boyfriend of two years, had dumped me with no warning.
One moment we were making dinner plans for the weekend, and the next he was screaming at me to get out.
I gave him everything, but he threw it all away, all for that whore.
I stumbled upon a park and collapsed onto a bench, as the tears finally fell freely down my face. My sobs echoed through the empty place as night fell.
I needed to find shelter for the night but had nowhere to turn. Dmitri cut me off from our mutual friends, because I would “tarnish” his reputation, my parents were dead to me, and I had no other family.
That’s when I remembered Emercyn from my part-time job at the coffee shop.
She was the only person I could think of calling. Emercyn answered on the first ring. Concern was evident in her voice when I told her what happened through choked tears.
“Don’t move, I’m coming to get you,” she said over the line before ending the call.
That’s when it hit me. The signs were all in front of me, but i was too blinded by love to see it. He made me get a part-time job, while he allowed his ‘best friend’, Sheila, to work as an accountant in his company.
Emercyn arrived within half an hour, folding me into a comforting hug. She drove me back to her tiny apartment, letting me crash on her couch with a blanket and pillow.
The next morning, she made pancakes and forced me to eat them despite my lack of appetite.
After clearing away the dishes, Emercyn brought up the elephant in the room.
“Have you thought about what you’re going to do now?” she asked hesitantly. I shook my head, overwhelmed just thinking about the future.
She placed a reassuring hand on mine. “A friend of mine told me about an exclusive bartender gig that pays really well. I think you should check it out,” she suggested.
I sighed, knowing I needed to find work fast if I wanted to stay afloat. Maybe bartending wouldn’t be so bad as a temporary solution. At this point, I was ready to try anything.
“Do you have the details?” I inquired halfheartedly. Emercyn beamed, glad I was open to the opportunity, and scribbled down an address on a scrap of paper.
“They said to just show up tonight after 9. Wear something nice but comfortable. I really think this could be great for you,” she encouraged.
“And,” she added with a smile. “You can stay here till you get back on your feet.”
I forced one in return, touched by her kindness.
After chatting for a little while longer, Emercyn had to leave for her day job at the bookstore.
Alone with my thoughts once more, I roamed around the apartment aimlessly, while checking for online jobs at intervals.
At, 8pm I started to get dressed in one of my only semiformal outfits, which consisted of a black pencil skirt and silky blouse. By the time I deemed myself presentable, it was nearing 9 pm.
I took a deep breath before exiting Emercyn’s building. Following her directions, I walked the few blocks to a door tucked between two stores. There were no signs advertising the establishment within.
Frowning in confusion, I thought perhaps I had the wrong address. Just then, the door swung open, startling me.
A tall, bald man in a sharp suit peered down at me.
“Name?” he grunted gruffly. “I-Isadora Cortez,” I stammered, intimidated by his presence. He glanced at a clipboard before nodding once.
“You’re expected. Follow me,” he said, gesturing for me to enter.
The interior was decorated, with plush booths and low tables scattered throughout the spacious room. Smooth jazz music flowed through the speakers, providing a sensual ambience. A long bar stretched along the far wall, stacked high with gleaming bottles of liquor.
My guide led me through another door behind the bar, which revealed a kitchen. A beautiful Latina woman with wavy dark hair caught my eye.
“You must be Isadora. I’m Rosaline, the manager. Please, follow me to my office.” She said calmly.
Her tone was professional yet friendly as she sat me down across from her wide desk.
“Emercyn spoke highly of your work ethic and customer service skills. We’re looking for an extra pair of hands to assist our bartenders during busy evenings. The pay is twenty dollars an hour plus generous tips. How does that sound?” Rosaline proposed graciously.
My eyes almost popped out of their sockets. That wage was drastically higher than my coffee shop job. I couldn’t believe my luck to stumble upon such an opportunity so quickly. All thoughts of hesitation fled as financial security danced before me.
“That sounds amazing, I’d love to take the position,” I replied eagerly. Rosa beamed at my enthusiasm.
“Wonderful! I’ll have you work with Miguel tonight to get familiar with how we run things here. Then you can start your own shifts next week. Do you have any questions before we get you set up?” She inquired warmly.
I racked my brain but came up empty, still reeling over the turn my fortunes had taken.
“No, I think I’m all set.” I answered gratefully.
Rosa escorted me back out to the bar area, introducing me to Miguel. He was a lanky, boyish looking man around my age.
His smile was crooked yet charming as he showed me the basic cocktails and liquor combinations. Miguel was patient and thorough in explaining the responsibilities expected of me.
The hours passed in a blink as Miguel and I filled drinks. Customers were polite and left decent tips. At last call, I collapsed onto a bar stool feeling exhausted.
“You did amazing on your first night, Isadora. I think you’ll fit in great around here.” Miguel commented sincerely as we did a cursory cleanup.
Rosa arrived to check on us, impressed by what she observed over my shoulder.
“You picked up bartending fast. I’m looking forward to having you officially join our team.” She praised.
I beamed under the positive feedback, proud that my efforts had paid off.
After wrapping up the final touches and cashing out my tips, Miguel offered to walk me out. We exited through a discreet door onto the empty street.
A shiver ran through me as the autumn air hit my skin. Miguel noticed my trembling and draped his jacket around my shoulders with a charming smile.
“Let me make sure you get home safely. Which way?” he asked kindly.
I blushed, unused to such gentlemanly behaviour after Dmitri. Miguel seemed genuinely sweet as we conversed during our stroll to Emercyn’s. All too soon, we arrived at the familiar building, stopping at the doorstep.
“Thanks again for everything. I really appreciate you looking out for me.” I expressed in gratitude. His returning grin made my stomach erupt with butterflies.
Before I knew what was happening, Miguel closed the space between us and pressed his soft lips to mine in a swift yet delicate kiss. Sparks shot through me as I stood frozen in shocked delight.
Just as quickly, he pulled away with a hopeful gleam in his eyes.
“I’d like to take you out for a real date if you’re interested. Let me know what you think about it.” He uttered nervously, backing away with a small wave before my stunned silence could continue any longer.
My fingers floated up to touch my tingling mouth, still recovering from the moment. Miguel was undeniably attractive and kind. He was way different from the men I had been with.
But was I ready to open my battered heart again so soon?
I trudged upstairs, lost in thoughts while also exhausted from this wildly eventful first night at my mysterious new job.