Raging Barons MC – Book Three – Silver

-:- EDEN -:-

I’ve got a job, I’ve got a job, I’ve got a job is playing over and over in my mind and the smile that I’m sporting is for once very real and not a take on how one should look.

Driving through town, I’m heading for the coffee house to thank Shar for putting my name forward. I can have a drink and something to eat while I’m there. It will save me from having more canned stew.

Finding a space to park in front of the coffee house has me thinking to myself, it must be my lucky day. Grabbing my purse, I lock up my junker and head inside, taking a deep breath of the coffee aroma.

I’m fairly surprised as it’s really busy. There are around ten people queuing to be served. Shar and another young lady are serving, but the young lady isn’t moving very quick and I can see Shar giving her a side-eyed look.

A few more people come in and are standing behind me in the queue now and looking around, I see the tables need clearing as people have left. Without thinking, I throw my purse over my shoulder and grab dirty dishes and take them to the side of the counter nearest to what I think is the kitchen doorway.

A hand taking hold of my forearm has me jumping and looking up Shar is smiling and mouthing thank you. I give her a smile and when she points to the cleaning materials; I grab what I need and wipe down the tables near the windows so customers can now take a seat.

As the queue is served Shar walks over to me and throws her arm around my shoulders, leaning her head against mine, “Thanks Eden, you came in just in time. I really appreciate you clearing those tables.”

“That’s okay Shar, my pleasure and the least I could do after you put in a good word for me at the club. I got the job.” I give her a huge smile and throw my arms around and hug her, which I’m sure takes her by surprise.

“Hey girl, well done. I’m so happy for you. Let’s have a cup of coffee to celebrate.” Shar gets us both a drink and she leads me into the kitchen where there is a table and chairs in one corner, so we sit and enjoy our drinks.

“I’m really excited about the job and it’s a decent salary, too.” I tell Shar, and I update her on what I’ll be doing.

“I wish I’d grabbed you for here as the one working today is not gonna last, fuck a snail can work faster than she can.” Shar states, rolling her eyes dramatically.

Looking around the kitchen, I can see they are overloaded as it needs clearing up and trash taking out.

The young woman pops her head into the kitchen. “Could you please come and help serve?” she asks before going back to the front of the shop again.

Shar again gives me the eye roll. “Finish your drink, Eden. I’ll be back in a short while.”

Looking around again, I can’t sit here knowing they are stretched, so I roll up my sleeves and get to work, clearing and cleaning the kitchen.

Two hours later I’m sitting again at the kitchen table with Shar looking bedraggled. The young woman is serving on her own at this point.

“What a fuck of a day.” Shar gasps out, red faced and sweaty.

Laughing at her antics, I hope I’ve found a new friend. It’s been a long time since I had a good friend and I could easily enjoy a friendship with Shar.

“You sure you don’t want to work here instead? I’m happy to steal you away from the club.” Shar grins, then jumps when the back door opens and a tall man walks in.

This is the same man who was at the club when I had my interview, what the heck is he doing here?

“Hi Hammer. What are you doing here now?” Shar asks the man.

“Mia is busy and wants you to do evening meal at the clubhouse tonight if you would, she said she’ll owe you one.”

“Shit, okay, I’ll come over in an hour when I’ve finished here. This is Eden. She’s starting at Club Whisky.”

“Hi Eden. We already met at Club Whisky Shar when she had her interview.” He’s grinning broadly at her as though he’d gotten one over her.

“Hello Hammer.” I respond because nothing is worse than ignorance, and I don’t know what else to say if I’m honest.

“You’ll see more of me as I do some hours at the club on the door. The place looks pretty good, don’t you think?” he asks me and I give him a nod and smile.

“I haven’t seen it at night, only this morning when I had my interview, but the place looks good and I can’t wait to start.” I grin as I really am excited about starting. For me, it’s the start of the rest of my life.

“Okay, I’m off. See you later Shar, see you again, Eden.” Hammer says then he’s out the door and gone before anyone can respond.

“Well, I suppose I’ll close up, let this one down gently, as she’s really not going to work out.” Cringing as she says this, “I’ll let her finish the week, but shit, I need someone faster than her.”

I clear away our cups and rinse them out, placing them in the dishwasher. The young woman walks past me looking pretty annoyed, but she doesn’t speak to me, she just walks right out the back door.

“Fucking hell, little bitch told me to fuck myself so I gave her the day’s salary out of the register and told her not to come back,” Shar laughs loudly, “No loss Eden as I could have worked faster on my own.”

“Shame, as it will be a good job for anyone that actually wants to work.” I respond because I would have jumped at the job if I didn’t get the club one.

“Would you do any hours to help if I needed it?” Shar asks me, “It will not be a daily thing, just if I’m pushed on my own.”

“If I wasn’t at the club, then yes, of course I would help you out.” I smile. “Let me give you my cell number, then you can call or text me.”

After swapping cell numbers, I help Shar mop the floors, wash counters and clean the tables down again. While I mop the kitchen, Shar sets the dishwasher and clears the counters.

Shar clears out the fridge and looks over at me. “Could you use some salad makings, Eden? I have lettuce, tomato, ham, cucumber and a pepper that needs eating or I’ll have to throw them out.”

“Yeah, I could take them if you don’t want them.” I reply, trying not to sound eager for a few bits of salad.

Once finished, we leave the coffee house through the front door and Shar locks up. She hands me $20 and grins, “That’s for all your help.” And when I try to say no, Shar closes my hand around it and smiles, “I’ll not take no for an answer Eden, you helped me out of a bad spot with no hesitation and I appreciate it.”

“Thank you Shar, it’s really kind. I didn’t help to gain money. I did it because you needed it.” I say, but I am very grateful she has given it to me.

“That’s why it means so much, Eden. You did it wanting nothing in return. Now get off home and I’ll call you as and when I need you. Thankfully, you work evenings most of the time.” Shar pats my arm and heads to a vehicle parked across the street.

Climbing into my beat-up vehicle, I look at the money in my hand and am grateful that I can put a little gas in, which will last me a few days at least. Thinking about where to park tonight, I decide to go back to the dirt track because I’ve had no trouble at night and no one has asked me to move either. I just hope it stays that way.

Once I’ve settled in my usual spot on the track, I make a hot drink and sit in the driver’s seat eating salad and thanking whoever may be listening that the day was a good one.