Alex
I practically stomp back downstairs to the bar after once again arguing with Frank. I don’t want some friend of Alexis’ working at the club. It will only lead to problems and you’d think that since Frank is the responsible brother he would know that. We have illegal shit going on here all time and the last thing we need is Alexis’ friend sniffing around. Alexis is completely innocent in all this shit and I want to keep her that way. I have the reputation of being the loose cannon in the family, the careless one and I will own that reputation. I am proud of it and would tattoo the word across my fucking forehead if I could, but I have limitations. I am very protective of Alexis and will kill anything that hurts her. If Alexis sheds a tear, whoever caused it will shed bucket loads of them before I pull the trigger. This reason alone makes me doubtful that this new waitress will work out. If she sees anything and runs to tattle back to Alexis, I will have no other choice but to kill her. I have a feeling that Alexis would be smart enough to realize that her friend has suddenly disappeared and will cause trouble. I have no idea why Frank can’t see that coming. After arguing with him for almost thirty minutes, I decided to give the fuck up and handle the shit on my own. I will have no other choice, but to make sure this new waitress quits on her own. This bitch needs to be out faster than she arrived.
I am halfway down the steps when I hear Alexis. I find her and my unwanted new waitress standing in the bar. I can’t see her because Alexis is blocking my view. I reach the bottom of the steps and make my vicious comments about her finally being courteous enough to show up for her job and Alexis turns around to greet me. When she moves, I see the most beautiful woman that I have ever laid my eyes on. She is wearing a form fitting black skirt with a white shirt. The shirt almost looks uncomfortable as it buttoned up to her neck and her dark hair is pulled back into a ponytail. She has the most beautiful olive complexion and dark brown eyes. I look back into Alexis’ angry eyes and know she is pissed at my comments. We argue for a few minutes and I look back at this girl.
“You do realize you can’t show up whenever the hell you want, don’t you?” I practically growl at her and Alexis hits me on the arm.
“Can you please try to be nice?” Alexis asks as I look over my new waitress who doesn’t answer or even budge as we're standing here discussing her.
I look back at Alexis, asking her what the hell is this girl’s problem and she finally snaps out of her little trance and looks between Alexis and me.
“I had car problems. I do understand that I have a start time and I will arrive before that time.” She finally answers and I can’t help but notice how soft and timid her voice is.
“How do you expect to get to work tomorrow night if you have car problems?” I ask her and for some reason, I feel a little guilty asking her.
“I will get here on time, sir,” she answers and looks down at the floor.
“Oh, my GOD. You don’t have to call him sir, Adele. His name is Alex and he runs the bar, but Frank signs your paychecks,” Alexis says and she is obviously trying to soothe this girl.
I don’t like this shit at all. I have a bad feeling and I know I am right about it. I’m about to ask her more questions when the back door slams shut and Adele practically jumps out of her skin and bumps into Alexis.
Thomas comes in with a smirk on his face looking at the three of us. He raises his eyebrow looking at Adele and back to me. Even he knows this shit won’t work.
“I see you’ve met your new waitress, Alex. I didn’t think we needed anyone, but Alexis said I was wrong,” Thomas says as he looks over Adele.
“You’re right, Thomas. We don’t need anyone, but you know how Frank likes to help charities.” My voice is cold and I look over and Adele and I can practically see her shiver from my voice.
“Will you two please stop? Frank hired Adele because you do need help. Why don’t we head up to meet Frank? He is your new boss and he is much more pleasant to talk to.” Alexis grabs Adele by the arm and they head up to Frank’s office.
I watch as they head up the stairs and notice that Adele glances back towards me. I walk back to the bar and pull a glass out to pour myself a vodka. I look up and Thomas is standing across from me shaking his head with a smirk on his face.
“You know this will never work, don’t you?” Thomas comments as if I don’t already know this. I don’t even answer him lifting my glass to my mouth.
“This girl will be trouble. If she is here, that means Alexis will show up more. If Alexis shows up she will start asking questions and sticking her nose in places it doesn’t belong.” Thomas looks at me and I remain silent. I reach under the bar and pull out the bottle of vodka, pouring more into my glass
“Are you going to handle this, Alex, or do you need me to?” he asks as I place my empty glass on the counter.
“I will handle it. She’ll be gone within a week,” I tell him as I glare up at Frank’s closed office door.
I like to think I have mellowed since Frank took over. I haven’t committed any unnecessary crimes and I have kept my temper in check. I am no boy scout but when someone had to be handled, they’re left with broken bones, but they lived. I considered broken rib cages, legs, or backs the lesser punishments than I normally would have given. No one wants to fuck with me and I prefer it that way. I run this neighborhood. Any dealer that sell in this area gives the club a cut. We don’t deal drugs, but were damn sure going to take some of their profit. Frank prefers to stay out of it. He only knows the bar makes a lot of money and the other families bring their extra cash in and we make it look legit. He thinks we only take a cut of what they bring in and never questioned all my personal business dealings. Thomas and I handle this portion of it and it’s understandable why he doesn’t want this new girl and Alexis hanging around. If the drugs and money laundering isn’t enough, Oliver has that damn sex club upstairs too.
I look back over at Thomas and nod.
“She will be gone in a week.”