Revenge (4 page)

“Good answer.”

“Can I ask you a question?” he asked.

“Hmm. That’s not usually the way it works,” I said, though I admired him having the balls to turn the tables on me. “But shoot.”

“What do you like about working here?” he asked.

“Well, I’m all about socializing and working hard, and here, I can do both. My schedule is pretty flexible here, so I can fit my classes in. Lois, the owner, is very understanding and great to work with.”

“As you know, I attend classes at Belmont University, so flexibility would be key for me.”

The interview went on, and Art certainly aced it—so much so that there was no way I couldn’t offer him the job. He was confident, poised, and articulate, and I couldn’t trip him up, no matter what I asked. “The job as head bartender is yours if you want it, Art,” I said.

He grinned, and I hated him for having such a gorgeous smile. “That’s great.”

I explained the job to him and gave him an official tour. As he filled out the necessary paperwork, I said, “You’ll have an orientation first, then start officially next week. Does that work for you? We need to get someone in here ASAP.”

“Perfect.”

“You’re going to show up as scheduled, right?” I had to ask, our history considered.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”

I bit my tongue, and instead of reminding him of prom, I simply said, “Well, we need someone we can rely on, that’s all.”

“I’m nothing if not reliable,” he said.

***

I stopped at Morgan’s house and found my sister all alone; her husband was teaching at the university, and my nieces were over at Grandma’s, so we had the house all to ourselves.

“You hired Art? The guy who dumped you?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“So I can make his life a living hell. Why else?”

“Oh. So it’s payback, for dumping you at prom?”

“Damn straight.”

“I’m sorry, big sis, but personally, I think you’re being a little childish. Growing up is about forgiveness. He’s moved on, and I’m sure he’s grown up a little.”

“What makes you so sure?”

“Because I’ve seen him a time or two, even chatted with him a bit.”

“You what!? You never said anything to me.”

She shrugged. “Why would I? It was just a hi-and-bye, not a serious conversation.”

“Did you happen to mention why he stood me up?”

“I brought it up, but he didn’t give me a reason. He just said he was sorry, that something important came up.”

“But the damn prom was important to me. Did he even bother to ask about me?”

“Yes, and I told him you attend classes here at Belmont. He said something about you guys maybe having lunch.”

“Not a chance.”

“Yet you hired him?”

“For revenge, I said.” I smirked. “Aren’t you listening?”

“Look, Art’s a nice guy. He made a mistake, but I don’t think he’s a player like Brad, and he’s nothing like Kyle.”

I blew out a long breath. “Yeah, well, speaking of Kyle, Juliet still has the hots for that Casanova. I don’t get it. She’s his best friend, so she sees how he is. Hell, he broadcasts all the details to her. That proves he only thinks of her as a friend.”

“No doubt about it. Kyle has always been a player.”

“Anyway, how are you and the hubby?” I asked.

“Still the same. I couldn’t get laid if my life depended on it.”

“I don’t know what to tell ya, sis, but you shouldn’t have to live in a sexless marriage. I think it’s time to get out. If there’s not some serious fucking going on, it’s not really a marriage, right? He’s more of a roommate and friend, if anything.”

“I know. On the outside, we look like the perfect couple, but there’s a lot people don’t see. My marital bed has now become my own private hell of rejection and hurt.”

“There are definitely big problems.”

She looked down. “I don’t know what to do. Sometimes, I wish I was just single, back to a carefree life.”

“You’ve either gotta fix this or put it out of your misery.”

“I know, but it’s hard. I do still care for him a little, and I’ve got the girls.”

“Well, maybe there’s still a chance, as long as he’s willing to make changes.”

“I have this hope that our situation will approve,” she said.

“Make him go to counseling again.”

“That hasn’t helped. It’s just a waste of time and money, just something else for him to be bitter at me about.”

“Things will get better, sis,” I consoled, patting her knee like our mom would do.

“I hope so.” She sighed, then changed the subject. “Anyway, are you really gonna screw Art over? I don’t think it’s right, Alexis. Maybe I should just tell him who you are.”

“It’s the perfect payback…and don’t you dare expose me. I can’t just let him get away with the hurt and embarrassment he caused.”

“You can. You just have to forgive him.”

“That’s easy for you to say. You aren’t the one he screwed over. I cried for months over it. He ruined my whole senior year.”

“You had a major crush on him. My question is, do you still have that crush?”

“Well, anyone can see how hot he is, and I guess there’s still some connection there, but…well, I’m just damn angry.”

“Why don’t you just tell him who you are and talk it out? I know you’re sarcastic and snarky, and I love that about you most of the time, but you’re also usually responsible and mature. You go to classes and even manage a bar. Quit being spiteful and childish.”

“I’m not being spiteful. I hired him, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, for ulterior motives.”

“He’s very charismatic and aced the interview.”

“So you like him but hate him at the same time?”

“Hate? That’s a strong word. I just…dislike him a great deal, but I guess there are things I like about him too. I know it’s weird. I’m totally screwed up.”

“So…you want to like him, but you’re still mad? You’re madly attracted to him, but you don’t wanna give him the time of day? It’s not weird. You’re just conflicted. It happens to everybody.”

“Gee. Thanks, Dr. Phil,” I said. “Yes, I’m conflicted.”

“By holding this against him, you could be throwing a good thing away. I think you two could make a great couple, but that’ll never happen if you’re just trying to lure him into some big trap.”

“Big traps are where rats belong. Ultimately, I hired him for one reason, and that’s to take him down.”

“Hmm. Them’s fightin’ words.”

“Please don’t tell him, Morgan.”

“Tell him what? That you want to take him down?”

“Morgan…”

“Fine. Go ahead and mess with him a little, but don’t fire him. He doesn’t deserve that.”

I looked down at my watch. “I’ve got rehearsal in thirty minutes. I gotta go.”

***

As Art tended the bar, I couldn’t help staring at him. Floods of old memories wafted through my mind, flashes of a high school princess, all dressed up in a royal blue gown and her first pair of heels. For the first time, I’d actually felt like a girl. My heart had never beat so hard as I waited for his knock, a knock that never came.

“He’s not coming,” my mom finally said.

I swallowed hard as I sat there reminiscing that painful nostalgia. I’d been dumped on prom, and I’d never felt so humiliated and rejected before or since.

“Alexis,” Art said, breaking me from my thoughts, “I’m gonna take a quick break. Is that okay with you?”

“No. The back room needs to be mopped. When you’re done with that, swab the restaurant and then the bar area. It needs to be done right, no questions asked,” I barked at him, like some old ship captain yelling at the deckhand.

“Uh…okay then.” He turned and left.

“Gee. Being a little hard on the new guy, aren’t ya?” Erin asked as she hopped on the barstool.

“Oh, hi, Erin. I didn’t see you come in.”

“Yeah, I know. It’s like you’re in your own little world. I can’t believe you even hired him. How can you stand being around him?”

“I have plans for him.”

She giggled. “I’m sure they’re not good. I know you too well, and you never forgive or forget. So, tell me, what’s your game plan?”

“First, I’m gonna work that poor boy to death.”

“Be a bitch boss? Run him into the ground? Then fire him?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I’ve had a few bitch bosses, so I feel for the guy.”

“Isn’t it funny? He thinks he’s only known me a few short weeks, but in reality, he’s known me since elementary school.”

“He’ll quit far sooner than I fire him.”

“And then he can’t even collect unemployment for it.”

“Exactly,” I said, wearing my most evil grin.

***

An hour later, Art came back, all sweaty from his mop-a-thon. “I know I haven’t been here that long,” he said sheepishly, “but I was wondering if I could possibly have Saturday off.”

I smiled sadistically. “Sorry, but I need you here. The back room has to be cleaned, and we have inventory to do.”

“I wouldn’t be asking if I really didn’t need the day off.”

“Well, I really need you here. Didn’t you say something about being reliable?”

He pondered, then answered. “Okay. You’re right. I’ll be here.”

“The toilets need cleaned,” I said, handing him a toilet brush and some cleaner.

“You can’t be serious.”

“Toilets don’t clean themselves.”

He looked down and didn’t say anything.

“You look
flushed
,” I said, using a little toilet humor.

“I was hired to be a bartender, not to scrub floors and toilets.”

My gaze narrowed. “You were hired to do whatever duties you are assigned while you are on the clock. You can clean those toilets, or you can clock out.”

“Fine.”

“Oh, also, there’s lipstick all over the mirrors. Can you get that too?”

He pasted on a fake smile. “Sure, Boss.” He grabbed the stuff and headed toward the bathrooms, snapping the ugly yellow, latex gloves on his hands.

***

      A few days later, Lori stopped by the restaurant with her date. She tore herself away to come say hello to me at the bar.

      “Well? So what do you think of him?” she asked.

      “He’s cute,” I said, looking at him. Bring him over.”

      “I will when we’re done eating.”

      Just then, Art came back from his break. He handed me a bag of fast food and a drink. “Truce?”

      “What’s this?”

       “Dinner. I know you didn’t eat so I got you something when I went out.”

       “Thank you, Art.”

       “You’re welcome.” He disappeared into the back room.

       Lori’s eyes widened. “You’re not going to eat that? Right?”

       “Why not?”

       “Why not? Because you’ve been treating him like crap. He probably poisoned it.”

       Art came back in. “I heard that.” He reached for the sandwich, unwrapped it, and took a big bite.

       “Okay, so he didn’t dip it in the toilet,” Lori said.

       I reached for it and took a big bite myself. “Thank you, Art. It’s delicious and I’m starving.”

       He left again and Lori looked at me in shock.

       “Why is he being so nice?” she asked.

       I bit into the hot steak sandwich. “I don’t know, but I’m starving and this tastes delicious.”

       When Lori went back, I had my first real doubt about Art. Part of me was still mad at him, but part of me felt guilty. Maybe he was a nice guy after all. That simple token of kindness really had me thinking. Should I end this game now? Nah, not yet. Just a little more. After all, he deserved it.      

When Sophie came in, I told her everything.

“Awwww. What a sweetie. He really
is
a nice guy. You should just leave him alone. You got him back good. Now end this once and for all.”

“Lori does
not
agree with you on that one,” I said.

“I know. She wants him to quit.”

“She wants revenge just as much as I want it.”

“I think Art likes you,” she said.

“You mean when he’s not mad at me?”

“I can tell by the way he stares at you when he doesn’t think you’re looking.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Just give this whole charade up and ask him out on a date. We both know you like him, and we both knows he likes you too.”

I pondered her thoughts long and hard.            

***

A week later, I found myself at another frat party, drink in hand.