His Old Lady - Debra Kayn Page 0,18

Kingston Bar, it was after six o'clock, and the place was packed with customers. The rumors she'd heard about the popularity of the bar had proven true.

The rough, tough men were the same as those she'd grown up around. Uncle Walker had appeared scary to others, but to her, he was a teddy bear that was large, fiercely protective, and full of love. She'd pretend they were all like her uncle.

She shivered, not liking that idea.

The decision to accept the job was the right one. Those that liked to party and have a good time were loose with their money.

More customers meant more cash for her and the girls.

She led the others across the room. Coming here and working in Missoula was a new experience for her. She was no longer in her comfort zone. Everything from the owner of the bar down to the men who would visit was new to her.

Her nervousness was shadowed by excitement. She liked taking control of her life and making things happen to further her dreams.

"Faye." Lance scooted out of the booth against the far wall and stood, his gaze going to Jenna, Angela, and Stephanie. "Right on time."

"We're excited." She shook his hand and made introductions.

"This is great." He complimented each one of them.

Stephanie for her red hair. Jenna for her eyes. Angela for her body, which made Lance whistle and flirt. To her relief, each of her girlfriends stood still and took everything with grace.

"Let's get down to business." Lance rubbed his hands together. "What you're wearing is great. Of course, the tops will come off. I don't know if you've worked—"

"We have." She smiled, lying through her teeth. "We're adaptable and used to working together."

While they'd worked together for a few years, their time was spent with their clothes on, wearing skirts that fell to their knees and buttoned shirts.

"We're pretty laidback here. There will be two other girls working with you each evening you're scheduled. You can discuss which tables you want to cover amongst yourselves. As long as the customers are served and happy, I'll stay out of your business."

She glanced at the others. Lance needed to keep his distance, unlike her old boss at the lounge, or Kingston Bar would find themselves with four fewer waitresses.

"The bar will provide you one meal during your shift. You'll get two twenty-minute breaks and a half-hour lunch." Lance looked over the group of women. "Are you ready for tonight?"

The others eagerly nodded. Jenna, out of all of them, loved attention, and was the most enthusiastic about the job. Angela was curious, though she could be shy until she got comfortable—then, watch out. Stephanie, as a single mom, wanted the money that afforded her a house where she could have her mom live with her to help take care of her son.

For her, the money earned would go straight into her savings account, where eventually she would use it to gain the biggest step in her life. With a way to propel her into a life of her own, she could get out from under Curley control and Tarkio Motorcycle Club's thumb.

That independence gave her a sense of security. A sense that she could push back the fear of losing anyone else in her life.

"We'll see you ladies at six o'clock then." Lance stepped back.

"Nine o'clock." She grinned. They'd agreed on a short night to test the waters to see if she and the others could actually do the job.

Lance laughed loudly and pointed his finger at Faye in amusement. "You can't blame me for trying."

" We're quick learners. Trust me, you won't be disappointed." She half-turned, motioning for the others to head toward the door. "And I don't think your customers will be either."

Outside the bar, the girls huddled around her. She laughed at their excitement and indulged them in giving her hugs. Mentally, she was right there with them wanting to shimmy and shout in happiness while wanting to throw up from nerves.

What she planned to do was thrilling and scandalous. How many women went topless in front of a bar full of men?

In the same breath, she hoped once nine o'clock came, she and the others wouldn't chicken out.

"Okay, okay, okay." She laughed, pushing Stephanie an arm's length away from her. "Rest up, and be ready tonight."

The women hurried away in three different directions. She stood in the parking lot and waved to them. Her exhilaration left her at odds. Maybe because she was in Missoula, the urge