“Sapphire?”
“Yes?”
“Could you please stop thinking about shit? Finish your shift, and then I can take you home, where you can relax and take a long bath. How does that sound?”
“Heavenly.” I almost moaned, because taking a bath was once a pleasure of mine. It allowed me to let go of all my problems. Then another thought came to mind, which kind of ruined the whole idea.
“I can’t do it.”
He frowned. “Why the hell not?”
“Because my place doesn’t have a bathtub.” It only had a nasty shower, but at least the water was warm. I guess I would have to deal with a hot shower and sleeping under tons of blankets.
“My place does.”
I was slightly taken aback by his suggestion, but he wasn't joking. “Look, as nice as that sounds—” I started, but he immediately interrupted me.
“Sapphire, you can come home with me and take a long, hot bath. I’ll make you dinner, and then you can sleep and relax. In my guest room.” His look spoke volumes, and what he described did sound tempting. His apartment was big, had an amazing view, was warm, and had a bathtub. It sounded damn good to me. But I needed to be sure.
Because I knew I wouldn't be able to do more than that, even if I wanted to.
And I didn’t. Not with him anyway.
“That’s it? Nothing more?”
His eyes held mine, which left no doubt about his answer. “Nothing more.”
“Then I’d really love to accept your offer.”
He chuckled and raised his glass in a toast. “It’s a deal then.”
The evening looked promising enough.
“I just need to call Sophie to let her know.” As much as I was angry with her and the whole job thing, I didn't want her to be worried.
He nodded and gave me back my purse. I took out my phone and dialed her number. Putting it to my ear, I pinned it with my shoulder while I made some drinks for the cute couple who just came in. After several seconds, she finally picked up.
“Sophie?” There was loud music in the background, and some male voices.
“Hey, girl!”
“Hey, where are you?”
“You won’t believe it, Sapphire! I got a job today!” she squealed excitedly.
“You did?” I asked skeptically, because really? Last time I checked, she was passed out on the couch, and all of a sudden, she found a job? “What kind of work?”
“Modeling, duh! I got the call, and they said they liked my portfolio and invited me to dinner to discuss the terms and conditions. It’s one of the best modeling agencies in the city, a golden opportunity, you know?”
“Yes.” I did know, and I was happy for her. But at the same time, I couldn't help but feel bitter that she was finally doing what she wanted, while I was stuck in the same dump.
“So they offered me a contract, and guess what! I got my first payment already, and I’m leaving for Europe tomorrow.”
“That’s great news, Sophie!” She was living her dreams.
“There’s more!”
“There is?” I gave the drinks to the couple, who tipped me well as I saluted them with my hand.
“They offer housing as part of the contract, which means they’ll be giving me an apartment. So no more living in that shithole, and no more double shifts for you. You can quit bartending, and focus on your job at the library and your writing. We’ll live in a better place, and I will have enough money to get us by.” She was the only one who knew about my dream to become a children’s book author. The process of self-publishing cost money. A year ago, my life changed. My priorities shifted, and all the money I had was needed to survive, so I put that dream on hold for better times. Everything she said sounded perfect. But part of me was worried, because it sounded was too good to be true. In the light of all the events that happened lately, it was scary even.
“Honey, that’s amazing, but are you sure it’s legit? I mean, all those things—”
“Sapphire, you and your worries. This is the big break I was telling you about! It finally happened.”
“Yes, I get that, but what I meant—”
“Sapphire, everything is cool. Just be happy,” she snapped, and probably, it wasn’t the best time to have this conversation.
“Okay, Sophie, let’s talk tomorrow. I’m not coming home tonight, and just wanted to let you know.”
“Some hot dude from the bar?” she said as she giggled, and I just rolled my eyes. Girl was crazy.
“Something like that.”
“Okay. See you tomorrow. Love you.”
“Yeah, me too, Soph.” She hung up, and Dominic placed his hand on mine once it was free.