Chapter 4 Job Hunting

"Did Mr. Escobar hire you?" The bouncer asked when I walked out. I shook my head no and he muttered something about my clothes being the problem at which I scowled at him.

"I didn't even get to meet the Escobar guy you are talking about; some redhead bimbo didn't let me even —" I explained but he cut me off along the line.

"—That's Bella. She thinks she owns the place." He informed me with a smirk, and I huffed.

Just fucking great.

"Maybe you should come back tomorrow." He added and I just nodded not wanting to talk. I began to walk away when he yelled out.

"The name's Harry." Without looking back, I yelled back my name and disappeared into the cold night.

"How did it go?" Monika asked as soon as I opened the front door.

"Same as always but I did miss seeing her." I sighed, flopping next to her. I threw my feet over her lap, and she scrunched her nose in disgust at which I just rolled my eyes.

"I wish I could've tagged along." She said as she rubbed my feet. I threw my head back, enjoying her act of kindness.

"She would've loved to see you." I moaned out the words which caused her to chuckle. She continued putting her magical hands to work as I relished the feeling.

"I know, she adores me," She bragged, simply because once — just once mum held her hand. Something she had never done before. I rolled my eyes, secretly jealous, wishing it could've been me.

"Yeah, just shut up and massage my feet!" I muttered, earning a playful glare from her.

"You that," She chuckled, continuing her massage.

"What took you so long anyway? You never stay long there." She inquired like I live with her.

"I took it upon myself to make a quick stop for a job," I said, earning a hum from her.

"At the Sunset pub." I added and immediately the words left my mouth she stopped massaging me.

"Did you get it?" She asked with wide eyes, and I rolled my eyes. She can be overly dramatic sometimes.

"Nope. . ." I said popping the "p".

"I'm not surprised," She muttered, and I glared at her. Did she just blatantly call me incompetent? She shrugged giving me the 'what' look.

"What? Their expectations are high there, they aren't one of the best for no reason. Believe me when I say he literally asked me for a bartender certificate." She mused, rolling her eyes at the mere thought.

"The Escobar guys?" I asked and she nodded.

"Yes him, was he the one you met?" I shook my head no and she visibly relaxed.

"Some bitch that apparently thinks she owns the place didn't even let me in," I grumbled.

"Lucky," She sighed — was she crazy? How am I lucky for not getting a chance even? She read my expression and shrugged

"—No one wants to meet Harry Escobar." She exaggerated, throwing her hands up in the air and I laughed. What would I do without her?

For some reason my heart had decided to make me suffer today. I woke up with only one person on my mind — Anthony.

I've been feeling nostalgic. Missing his touch even if they weren't the way I wanted them. I missed his intense stares and block-like stance. They used to irritate me but now that I don't get to see them anymore, I miss them.

I found myself longing to see his dark features again. His always neat but messy hair, his beautiful brown eyes and his incredibly soft lips. This day felt like a day for resting and relaxation — like a Saturday but that was a luxury I couldn't afford. Harry did say yesterday that I should return today so I wasn't going to take that lightly. Who knows? Maybe I could get lucky and land myself a job even if elsewhere.

I dragged myself towards our shared bathroom. After brushing my teeth, I stepped into the tub and allowed the cold water to run down my skin. Turns out I stayed in longer because thoughts of Anthony consumed me yet again which caused me to lose track of time. Oh, how I miss him.

This time I dressed presentable as that rude bouncer would say. What Monika said yesterday did make a lot of sense. If I wanted to even be on the consideration list for that job, then I needed to look like I deserve it.

I settled for a black pencil jean, a lavender bodysuit and a black jacket. Today of all days I prayed my look gets me the gig because apparently everyone thinks I have a weird beauty. I've always been told that I had Caucasian features which most times people thought were purchased. Oh well. Fuck everyone who thinks you must be mixed to be beautiful.

I applied mascara and eyeliner — anything to get my icy grey eyes to stand out even more. I straightened my hair and applied red lipstick, something I've always thought never fits a darker skin tone, but I needed that mystery. If you get what I mean.

"Hey, can I borrow your re—" Monika badged in but stopped speaking when I turned around.

"Are you going on a date?" She asked, eyeing me up and down.

A date my ass — I've never been one to do the whole dating thing. Sometimes I wish I could, but I had more important things to do. Life isn't easy and for some of us, we must try extra hard to survive.

I rolled my eyes. "You know I don't do dates Monie," I turned away, combing my hair.

"If I didn't know you, I would have thought someone actually stuck a stick up your ass." She chuckled, coming in closer.

"I'm going back to that sunset pub," I informed her, ignoring her statement about my point of views.

"Wait let me help you." She reached out and helped me put my hair into a ponytail which I was very grateful for- having thick and long hair can be very hard to deal with.

"Thanks," I smiled her way and she nodded.

"So, you're going back there?" She asked and I nodded. She looked at me like I was crazy for a second and then shrugged.

"Well with how you're dressed today, who knows? You might get lucky." It was a compliment in disguise. She never straight out compliments me ever but always finds ways to incorporate it into a sentence that sounds like she wasn't complimenting me. I grinned, looking at her and she rolled her eyes.

"Oh, fuck me," She muttered and walked out of my room- probably escaping the accusation she expected to follow.

"I'll just take it," She yelled from her room causing me to smile. It was probably what she came in for earlier that she was talking about.

I hurriedly left the house because I wanted to leave early so just in case, I didn't get the job at Sunset pub I could have enough time to go job hunting. Bracing myself, I began to walk towards the direction of the pub. The autumn weather was being so good to me if I must say.

Within no time I was standing before the pub. Harry wasn't at the door anymore, no one was. Deciding that I didn't want to take the back door and run into that cranky bitch, I walked straight through the front door, looking presentable as fuck.

The pub was slightly full, I guess people never know when to just take a break. It was twelve thirty-one in the evening for God's sake. I had no idea what to do or where to go. Compared to outside, inside was massive. A huge bar was in the middle of the room with all kinds of alcoholic beverages.

The bar was simply breathtaking, not to mention the decor of the pub- It resembled a club but more sophisticated with luxury booths everywhere. I probably looked like Alice in wonderland, with my mouth hanging open. Instantly I was happy I decided to over-dress cause at least I didn't look out of place that much. My eyes landed on the bartender and decided to start from there.

"Hi," I greeted, sitting on the barstool opposite him. He smiled — stopping with what he was doing to look up at me.

"Hey. What would you like to drink?" He asked.

A drink? Here? Hell no. I bet it would cost an arm and a leg, "No. Actually, I'm here for a job."

I told him hoping he'd be nice like Harry was and show me who to talk to even though Harry was very rude in the beginning.

"Oh, you're Katherine?" He asked which caused me to furrow my brows. How did he know my name?

"Yeah, but it's Kathryn." I corrected, still trying to figure out how he got that piece of information about me. It's not like I had a poster on my forehead with my name written on it.

"Oh, Mr. Escobar told me he's expecting you." He answered my unasked question, but it only confused me more. Mr. Escobar? How the hell did he know I even existed?

Harry must've told him. That dimwit was slowly becoming my favorite person. I'd forever be grateful to him if I got the job.

I nodded after I concluded everything in my mind. The bartender, whose name tag read Nate reached for a telephone.

Once again, I was overcome by awe as I glanced around the pub. Everyone that entered looked like money. They were dressed casually but let's face it — there's just that look rich people have.

"Bella is coming to get you," He informed me which caused me to groan. Everything was flowing perfectly but at the mention of that woman's name, I couldn't be sure anymore.

"I see you've already met her then." Nate chuckled. I nodded, scrunching my nose to show my dislike towards her.

"She thinks she owns the place, but hey, hang in there," Nate said the exact same thing Harry had told me which caused me to chuckle.

"Harry told me the exact same thing." I said rolling my eyes.

"Harry who?" He asked — confusion on his face. How could he not know who Harry is?

"Your bouncer." I shrugged, pegging him as forgetful.

"We don't have a bouncer. Who in their right mind would willingly walk into Sunset if they're broke?"

The words fell out of his mouth as he eyed me like I'd grown two heads. I was confused for a second before realization sunk in. Harry never told me he was the bouncer — he did act like one though, telling me I couldn't come in because I looked poor — asshole. Those weren't his exact words but that's what he meant.

What also confused me was that Harry had no idea who Harry was, his name didn't even ring a bell. I nodded, not knowing what to say. I averted my gaze awkwardly. My eyes caught Bella making her towards us from afar. Her face was without a smile. As she got closer and closer, the more my mouth got sour. Her eyes met mine when she stood before me. Not even a word left her mouth. She gestured her hand for me to get up and follow her which I obeyed. If everyone says she feels like she owns the place, then she must have a reason to think so. She could even be fucking the boss, so I didn't intend to get on her bad side.

Our walk was silent as she led the way. She led me through a long dark hallway and up a flight of stairs. She turned around to look at me when we stopped before a fine wooden door — her lips in a thin line.

"This is it," She muttered and walked away. I was left standing like Nemo — lost in the sea.

I exhaled, remembering everything Monika had told me about this Escobar guy. Not good things if I must say but I wasn't going to let that get to me.

I knocked on the door and waited patiently but not for long. Almost immediately I heard a voice instruct me to come in.

Slowly I opened the door and walked in, my eyes on the ground. I turned around and closed the door. My heart was thumping in my chest, I was a nervous wreck, but I wasn t going to show that.

There was no one behind the desk of the most beautiful office I'd ever seen. I gasped at the sight before me. It wasn't graced with huge windows or anything extra extravagant, but it was breathtaking, nevertheless.

Mr. Escobar cleared his throat which caused me to jump lightly. My eyes snapped in his direction, preparing myself for his vile disdain. It wasn't him, phew.

"Uhhh Harry." I physically relaxed when my eyes landed on him standing next to a shelf.

He looked more polished and was dressed in all black again. A black jean and a black muscle armed polo t-shirt. Tattoos were on his arms like a sleeve and if I must say, he looked like he came straight out of a magazine cover.

I couldn't believe I hadn't noticed that last night when we met. Probably because he got on my bad side but wow.

"Hello to you too." He chuckled which caused me to roll my eyes. He pulled out a document from the shelf and walked towards me.

"Thank you so much for telling Mr. Escobar about me. I really appreciate it and if I get the job, I'd take you out for a treat, everything on me."

I expressed my gratitude to him. The whole taking him out part just slipped in which caught me off guard because it's not my scene, but he has been of great help so it's whatever. His looks also played a huge part in my offer.

He watched me with an amused smile. "Are you asking me out on a date?"

"Don't get ahead of yourself Harry! It's just a gratitude offering." I rolled my eyes which caused him to chuckle.

"What are you doing here anyway?" I asked, genuinely confused. It hadn't sunk in until then — maybe he was arranging documents or something.

"Seriously? How dumb are you?" There we go again. He was back to being an asshole. It was just a simple question, and he didn't have to insult me but just fucking answer it.

I glared at him which immediately caused him to wipe off his amused look, just like yesterday.

Suddenly the atmosphere changed. He wasn't smiling anymore, dead serious. He took slow strides towards me which caused me to back away slowly as well. His pupils dilated and his eyes stared into my soul which scared me.

A smirk made its way onto his face when I had stopped backing away. He invaded my personal space within seconds, his cologne hitting my nostrils.

"When?" He asked. I furrowed my brows not knowing what he meant.

"Our date," He clarified, and I was seconds away from telling him it wasn't a date but what left his lips next had me really confused.

"Cause the job is yours, whichever."

"W– what?" I stuttered, not because he was invading my space but because of what he said.

My brows creased in confusion. I should have jumped for joy because I got the job, but I was still trying to piece together what was happening.

He smirked, stepping back a little, "Hi, I'm Harrison Escobar." He stretched out his hand for a shake, but I remained frozen. Harry is Harrison Escobar? I stared at him wide eyed — still in shock. Coming to think of it, how didn't I think of that earlier? He never told me he was the bouncer, I just assumed and for crying out loud his name is Harry — short form for Harrison.

"Close your mouth, would you?" He withdrew his hand and chuckled, brushing past me towards his chair.

"When were you planning to tell me you're Harrison Escobar?" My interrogative quality pushed through.

"Now," He answered curtly, his eyes locked on his computer screen. His mood swing got me scrunching up my nose. He was literally grinning like a college boy seconds ago and the next minute he's the Harrison Escobar everyone knows, the son of the devil.

Those were Monika s words not mine. Raising up his head, he intertwined his fingers and stared at me.

"So, what's it going to be?" He questioned, causing me to frown. I quickly recovered from my state of confusion as to what he meant and immediately wore my thinking cap.

"Anything honestly," I shrugged. One, I had no idea what jobs are available in pubs except for the waiter, bartender, janitor and the chefs honestly. He furrowed his brows, silently dwelling on something I might have said and that made me self-conscious.

"I could wait tables?" I asked, totally unsure of myself.

"Kathryn, I'm willing to give you any job of your choice and you want to wait tables?" There was an amused expression on his face that belittled me for some weird reason.

I'm not book smart like some people out there; I never had that privilege. Of course, there would be more prominent jobs one could carry out in a pub, but I'm not fit for them.

This isn't to bring myself down — I'm a smartass in the streets but not with books. I'd love to learn further than I did but certain things have prevented me so far, but I still intend to make it happen.

I shrugged, taking a seat before him. "I could serve in the kitchen?" I poured out stupidity from my lips. It was one of those moments when you know you should have just shut the fuck up.

He chuckled and shook his head. "I had no idea you lacked ambition Kathryn."

My eyes widened at his words that were indiscreetly directed towards me. I felt my heart pump in my chest, bringing all the blood in my body to my head. You need this job, Kathryn. Calm down!

I took a deep breath, making sure to show how offended I was by his choice of words.

"What would you rather I do?" I asked, fighting my inner demons in order not to pounce over the table and unleash my beast.

The bastard chuckled yet again which caused my jaw to clench and my fist to ball.

Melissa, Melissa, Melissa. I chanted the most beautiful name I know, my strength. It was the only way I could suck it up. Everything I do is for her, so I had to.

"Let's see." He readied himself, bringing his elbow to rest on the table which showed off his muscular arms.

"— Are you good with numbers?"

Oh shit. My mouth became sour. It wasn't him this time, it was the memories. The penitence of the past that occasionally haunted me — reminding me of little details that lead up to the bigger picture.

I simply shook my head, unable to speak. "No worries, not everyone is good with such things."

He concluded which caused me to internally jump for joy. The last thing I wanted was for him to make light of my agony even if he didn't know how deep it was going to cut.

I remained silent, waiting for him to speak up.

Don't think about it Kathryn!

Unfortunately, I couldn't help it, my mind kept roaming back. I blinked several times, trying to prevent the tears that screamed weakness. I know it's okay to cry but I had done a lot of that — I had passed that stage many years ago.

"Are you okay?" Concern was written all over his face as he stared at me blankly. For a second, I couldn't answer, my brain wouldn't function. I knew he was talking to me, but I couldn't speak.

His concerned expression quickly turned into that of worry.

"I'm fine," I muttered. My eyes met his, looking at him this time.

"I'm fine with being one of the bartenders," I made up my mind. Call me stupid but I have my reasons — everyone does.

As if he had sensed my discomfort, he nodded.