Starstruck ✧ (Cherry Valance x reader)

4.

"We're running out of money" Derek sits there counting the cash we have left. It's barely enough to survive the week, I assume we have at least one more night in this hotel. "Where are we going to get jobs?" I ask, staring at the ceiling. He stays quiet for a moment. "Well, there is Cabaret Alcove."

I laugh, turning my head to him. "You and I both know we can't dance. Besides, I'll just be distracted by Hilary" I reply, Derek rolls his eyes. "This is serious Y/n, otherwise we'll have to go back to Vegas" I sat at sharp as he said that. "No! I refuse to go back, fine we'll go down to the speakeasy" I say. 

We pack our suitcases before heading down to the club. There are people running around in all directions busily. I look for Hilary as Audrey approaches us. "You again...What do you want?" She greets bluntly. "Oh uh, jobs if you don't mind" I answer with a smile that she doesn't return. Instead, she laughs.

"Can you dance? You don't seem like you have much to offer" I don't take her rudeness personally. "No...I can't dance. But my best friend Derek is a godsend bartender. Maybe I can...Be your assistant?" I propose. Audrey looks between the two of us before checking her watch.

"I don't have time for this. You're both hired" she says before scurrying off, Derek and I look each other in glee. We head over to the bar where Mandi is cleaning glasses. "Hiya!! I wondered about y'all" she greets warmly. "You're looking at two new employees" I grin and Mandi's face lights up.

"You must've caught Audrey on a good day. She never gives out jobs, what are y'all doing?" She starts pouring us celebratory drinks. "Bar staff," Derek answers. "Personal assistant," I say. "Awesome! Looks like I'll be training you" she smiles at Derek in their moment. "What's happening today?" I'm curious watching the others run about.

"Oh! Audrey's husband Arthur is coming back from a work trip. He's also the co-owner but he mostly works abroad making settlements and stuff. The Preston's are a big deal around here" she gossips. Before I could reply, my dream girl sauntered over.

"Back again are we?" Hilary raises her eyebrow at me. "I can't stay away from you," I say jokingly, not wanting to flirt hardcore. "Give me a wine, make it red" she orders, Mandi nods and scampers off to get her drink. "Audrey just hired us. I'll be seeing you more often" I tell her and Hilary doesn't look too pleased.

"How wonderful" her sarcasm seeps through. When her drink is ready, she grabs it and walks away but I'm not done yet. "Derek and I also need a place to stay. How about you be a darling and accommodate us?" I hold onto her arm. Hilary almost looks appalled.

"Why on earth would I do such a thing?" She scolds me. 

"Please? We won't be much trouble" I plead, giving soft eyes. She sighs heavily. "Fine! Give me any grief and you're out!" She snaps and struts away. I smile to myself, everything seems to be falling in place nicely.