Page 127 of Stroked by (Stroked)
“Looks like Dottie sat another person down for you over at five. Want me to bring him some water?”
“No, I’ve got it.” I quickly finish up, grab a water and head over. The person’s menu is covering their face so I don’ see them until I say, “Hello, can I get you anything else but water?”
Slowly, the menu folds down and I gasp.
“Why hello, Paisley,” Jasper says. “It’s good to see you.”
Looking around quickly for my manager, I say, “Jasper, wow, what brings you in here?”
“Peanut butter pancakes. Saw a commercial, had to try them.”
“I’ve heard they’re good,” I say, putting on a professional front, even though I’m mortified and slowly dying inside.
He nods and says, “You like working here? Seems like tips wouldn’t be the best, given the crowd of senior citizens.”
“It pays the bills.” I shrug. “Umm, so would you like the peanut butter pancakes? Or would you like more time to peruse the menu?”
“Neither, I would like for you to come work for me.”
“What?” I ask, shocked from his honesty.
“I want you to work for me, Paisley.Rollin’ in The Baconneeds a production assistant and after watching you handle Bellini, I don’t want anyone else.”
I bite my bottom lip as I think about what he’s asking. He wants me to be a production assistant? That’s huge. But he wants me to do it for a show I don’t think I could watch. It killed me seeing Reese with his hands on Bellini when we were together, but now we’re apart, I don’t think I could stomach it, let alone give them direction.
I waver with my answer but finally say, “I don’t think I can.”
Not even blinking, Jasper says, “You know, funny thing, we took a poll with some viewers over the upcoming season and the relationship between Reese and Bellini. Do you know what they said?”
“No.” I shake my head.
“They hated it. They hated everything about the two of them together and said they wouldn’t continue watching the show.”
“Really?” I asked, a little surprised. “I would think Reese would bring in more viewers.”
“Testers said they would watch a show about Reese, but not them together, and do you know why?” I shook my head, a little too interested in his answer and completely forgetting about everyone else around me and my tables that need serving. “They tune in to the show because they love to hate Bellini. She’s a type of talent that people can’t look away from because she’s so asinine. But Reese, he’s an all-American. Viewers respect him and can’t possibly understand why he would attach himself to someone like her.”
“That makes sense.” I nod in agreement.
“Plus, it would be hard to pass off their relationship when you two are clearly in love.” A smile spreads across his face as I nearly choke on my own saliva. “What? Didn’t think I noticed? I’m much more observant than you think I am.”
“I didn’t . . . I mean . . . we were careful.”
“Well, I didn’t quite know, Jonathan told me.”
“He what?” I whisper shout. “When did he tell you?”
“A couple of days ago when I was asking about you. He told me the whole story and said despite your mingling with the talent, you’re good at your job and deserve a second chance. I couldn’t agree more. So, will you do it? Will you take Bellini off my hands and put her in her place? I need someone strong who can take her crap.”
“I don’t know.” I bite my bottom lip as I think about throwing my apron on the floor and walking out the door with no regrets, but then, the fact that I would have to work for Bellini again hits me. “She is a demon, sent from hell.”
“That’s quite true,” Jasper nods. “But, this go around, you will be in charge of her and will have the upper hand. See how that little switcharoo works?” He plays with his napkin and says, “Plus, we’ll pay you well to deal with her.”
“You’re serious? You really want me back?”
“I do. You’re a good worker, Paisley. Let’s just not have any more lies about being a lesbian or falling in love with the talent.”
I cringe and nod. “Yeah, pretty sure there is no way in hell I’ll ever fall in love with Bellini, or Buddy Chambers for that matter.”
