-parker-
Synopsis
Ryan is a new bartender at Railcar Restaurant & Taproom. He always seems to be one step ahead of the waitresses with their drinks; he's just a little too good at his job. Holly, one of the night shift waitresses, thinks there's something off about Ryan, but she can't put her finger on just what it is. Tiffany, the ditzy gal with who spends as much time with her legs in the air as she does serving food, is convinced that Ryan is psychic.
When Ryan uncovers a scandal at the restaurant involving undocumented immigrants, he's not sure if anyone will believe him. But when everyone's favorite busboy comes to work bloodied and bruised from a fresh beating, it's clear that the situation has escalated. Ryan has to take action, but he'll need the waitresses' help to do it -- and his secret may be revealed along the way.
Excerpt
“I’m the most comfortable behind a bar,” he said. “Any openings?”
Craig eyed him again. “I suppose there could be.” He didn’t say what the conditions might be.
“Yeah?” Ryan prompted.
“Yeah.” Craig said.
Ryan sighed internally. The guy was playing hardball. “I’m punctual. I can work any shift of the week, but once you see how I do, you’ll want me on Friday and Saturday nights. Once you see how I do, I’ll expect to work Friday and Saturday nights.” This was ballsy, especially since that girl — Holly, was it? — had said that Craig didn’t like people who were pretentious. He hoped that this qualified as swagger and not pretension.
“I can make a martini with my eyes closed. I learn regular’s orders in no time, flat. I get along very well with the rest of the staff. I have never broken a glass while working. I don’t drink on the job unless it’s encouraged.”
Craig raised his eyebrows.
Ryan busted out a bit of humor for his closing. “And I had a very brief stint at a TGIFriday's before I swore off ever working at a chain restaurant ever again, and therefore, I can juggle bottles of alcohol for entertainment.”
Craig stared Ryan down. He let the silence linger for a full minute. Two minutes. More.
“Fine,” he finally said. “But don’t you ever let me catch you juggling bottles in my restaurant.”
Ryan nodded.
“Ever,” he repeated.
“Uniform is a black button down and black pants,” he said. “Be here tonight by six to start training. If you’re not here by six tonight in a black button down and black pants, I’ll assume that you’re not working in my restaurant.”
“That’s fair,” Ryan said. Craig stood.
Ryan stood as well, and Ryan went to shake Craig's hand, but Craig flat out ignored it, just turned and walked away.
“Pleasant,” Ryan said under his breath.
“He’s a peach, isn’t he?” Holly came to stand beside him.
“Honestly, I’ve met worse,” Ryan said.
“Oh, give him some time,” Holly said. “He’ll grow on you.”
Ryan smiled. “That bad, huh?”
“That bad.”
“I’ll take your word for it.”
“You won’t have to,” Holly said. “You’ll get to experience it firsthand, it seems.”
