Page 82 of The Reluctant Roommate

“No thanks,” he grunted. “Just a word with you after your shift.”

She leaned on the bar. “I have to rush off tonight. Tell me whatever it is now, while it’s quiet.”

“Strikes me you don’t do much on these afternoon shifts.”

“That’s because there’s not as many customers in the afternoons. Not as many tips either. Be nice if you rostered me for some of the evening shifts as well.”

He ignored her. “I thought as well as doing bar, you could handle the cooking. There’s nothing to it—most of it’s frozen, and you dump it in the fryer or in the microwave. Put a napkin in a plastic basket, and tip the food onto that.”

“You make it sound so appealing,” she said under her breath. Then louder, “It’s dangerous to leave the fryer unattended, and the bar is busy enough that I can’t be back there constantly.”

“I’m sure you’ll work it out. Precook the fries, then microwave them.”

“Soggy fries? Customers won’t be happy.”

Robert shrugged. “They’re not here for the food.”

She knew from the afternoon cook that tips on the food weren’t good. Under Colorado law, Robert had to make up the hourly rate to the minimum. “So do I get a raise for doing two jobs?”

“You’ll get the extra tips.”

“Which aren’t much. And if I’m serving microwaved fries, they’ll be even less.”

“Deal with it.” Robert drained his beer and banged the glass down. “I’ll have another.”

It was so time to find another job. She poured his beer and glanced at the clock. Two minutes past five, and no sign of the nephew, of course. She gathered her things and came out from behind the bar. “Gotta run,” she said to Robert. “I’m sure Luis will be here shortly. Everyone drinking right now is cashed out.”

She left before he could object.

Lula was waiting for her outside Union Station in LoDo, and they walked to a brewpub for happy hour.

“So, what’s new with you?” Heidi asked.

“I’ve been promoted. I’m now the assistant manager. Means I get a salary and still a share of the tips. It also means I get the worse shifts—the late shifts—but that’s okay. I’m earning more.”

“That’s fantastic!” Heidi leaned in to give her a hug. “Remember me if the joint is hiring.”

“I will, but nothing yet. My old shifts have been picked up by the college kids who already work there.”

“As of today, I am officially job hunting.” Heidi took a mouthful of her wheat beer. “Robert finally pushed too hard.” She relayed what he’d told her.

“About time,” Lula said. “You’re too good to work there. Do what you’ve been saying you’ll do since you started and look for a job closer to home.”

“I held off, in case Morgan didn’t want me to stay. In case I ended up on the other side of the city. But things are more settled now, so I’ll start looking properly.”

Lula pulled across the happy hour snack menu. “You happy living with your uptight roommate? Because Sharlee’s moving out of where I am. Her room will be vacant from the end of the month, if you want a change. You’d share a bathroom with me, but the room’s decent.”

“Thanks. But I’m happy where I am. Morgan’s good. More than good, actually. We’re…” How to phrase it? More than roommates, more than friends. Not girlfriends. “We’re…friends-with-benefits, I guess.”

Lula banged down her glass. “No way! You’re kidding me? I can’t imagine your prissy roommate having sex.”

“Then don’t. But she does. And she’s not prissy—she’s loosened up. She’s funny and sexy and kind. We’re getting on well, actually. I really like her.”

Lula shook her head. “You’ve gone all dreamy. Didn’t see that coming. But if that’s the way it is, I’m happy for you. I was going to offer to introduce you to someone I work with. She’s smokin’ hot and loves the ladies. A bit like you.”

“I’ll pass, thanks. Morgan’s hot enough for me.”

“So, you need a job. I’ll keep an ear out.”