SIX

Elsa Jameson:

"When can I begin working, then?" I ask him a question as he works on preparing beverages for guests.

I want to get to work right away. I need to be able to earn some money before the month is out because I don't have time.

"You just arrived, and since you'll only be working part-time, we haven't even discussed your remuneration yet." He says as he gives me two drinks in glasses. I take the glasses and walk over to the table, where I place the drink before returning to Carl.

"So, how much will you be paying me? I'll start working right now, so we must arrange everything." I answered. Carl sighed and set his palms on the table while maintaining a straight face.

"So, how much will you be paying me? I'll start working right now, so we must arrange everything." I answered. Carl sighed, put his hands on the table, and fixed his gaze on mine.

Wow, what a handsome guy.

He was almost the same height as Zayn at 6'3". His intensely blue eyes stared right into mine.

"Since there are just the two of us, I'll pay you $20 for every hour."

$20?

Therefore, after five hours of work, I will have $100.

Cool.

"I'm in."

I rise off the stool and turn to face him when he smiles at me. "How do I get there?"

I approached the door he indicated and pushed it open.

He stopped when he spotted me, pausing to observe my body and my hot face. He laughed as he turned to face me once more.

Sorry, I have to recognize beauty when I see it.

You're acting as if you don't look like a god, please stop. I laughed.

As I spoke, he grinned and sat down on a stool. Well, Elsa, I appreciate the compliment.

Carl seems like a really cool guy, so I just got a feeling that we'll get along well.

*****

By the time it was 7 o'clock, the pub was so crowded that I couldn't barely see. As Carl mixed, I provided service. I had a good time doing it, and I'm glad I came.

By the time the bar had begun to chill down, it was already halfway through midnight. I hurriedly retrieved my purse and awaited Carl to give me my daily tip. I've already put in ten hours of labor.

Carl approached me and gave me some cash. I say "thank you" and remove the money before counting it. Complete.

"You did really well today, great job." He beams.

I returned his smile and moved in his direction.

"We'll catch up tomorrow after church, of course." He winked at me after I stated.

I hailed a cab as soon as I exited Carl's tavern.

It was as quiet as a cemetery when I got home. Whether or not Mom has already gone to bed is unknown to me, but knowing my mother She would never go to bed if I wasn't already in the house.

"Where in the world did you claim to have gone? Elsa Jameson, I was so worried about you." As soon as I walked into our living room, I heard Mom say.

I did say it.

"Mom, good evening." I smiled. I noticed her standing at the staircase when she turned on the light.

"What job has you up until this point? Elsa, I told you. You shouldn't be out so late at night; it's unhealthy."

"Mom, I work as a bartender. Pay is good. I may or may not stay for this long; it all depends on me. However, the cash was worthwhile." I replied and pulled out the cash Carl had given me from my handbag. I pulled out $100 and gave it to her. "Take that; I'll use the other for maintenance."

"Wow." She grumbled, "Elsa, you are a true hustler. Exactly like your mother."

Hearing Mom compliment me only makes my ego grow even bigger. I can manage it.

"We have to attend Sunday worship tomorrow, so get to bed right now." She informed me before returning upstairs.

I threw my bag down on the table and headed for the kitchen. Spaghetti sauce was hot when I opened the covered plate on the counter.

Yummy.

I strolled back to the living room while carrying the food, where I set it down on the coffee table.

I went back to my room after my meal. I only signed into my Twitter account to fulfill my customary ritual because I hadn't been online all day. I spotted a tweet from Zayn first.

'Tastes like wine, I informed her, adding that I wouldn't leave the coochie.'

My pulse quickened.

He was referring to me.

"Now that I know how you taste, I won't stop until I've had enough of you." He once told me:

When I clicked on the tweet and read the replies, I realized that some folks were obviously quite thirsty.

He posted a tweet 11 hours ago, and it was already a star with over 200,000 likes. I am totally outclassed.

My lips are pursed as I scan over my page. They looked great together in the photos Stephanie posted of herself and Ray from the pool party.

I liked the post, left a comment, and then scrolled down.

I continued giggling at the meme I saw a few minutes later as I scrolled through my timeline.

I received a message in my inbox and immediately proceeded to open my inbox.

When I saw Zayn's username, I gave up trying to check it.

Zayn?

Why will he message me?

Oh God, please let it be known that I disliked the tweet.

My face quickly flushed as soon as I clicked the message.

I want to make you scream under me because I can't stop staring at you in that bikini, mama.

Mama.

He addressed me as Mama.

When I tried to say it in his accent, it sounded sexy.

"Zayn, why are you texting me?"

He began to type as soon as he saw my reply, and I only received his message three seconds later.

"You see, Mama, I want you. That's all there is to it. On Monday, I'll have a surprise for you."

A surprise?

What's the shock?