Punished

DOWNLOW

Amin sat explaining to me what happened with Essence. He said she was acting differently the morning she woke up in our home.

The fact that she ran away while he was in the store was comical yet saddening.

"Hey, Bell. That girl was found dead."

Swatch showed me the news article on his phone. Now, everything made sense. The article didn't mention any suspects or leads, so I take it that Essence assumes we had something to do with it.

I gave him back his phone and continued talking to my brother.

"Um, boss?"

"What do you want, Bella?" Swatch was annoyed by his sister's presence.

"I said boss, not jackass."

Amin laughed, and I smiled. Their relationship was a love-hate one, but I knew Swatch would give his life for her.

"How can I help you, Bella?" I asked.

"Not trying to be a pain..."

"Too late." Swatch said under his breath.

She rolled her eyes at him, then continued. "I haven't received my review yet."

I went into my phone and checked the calendar. She was correct, I did forget.

"I apologize. Amin, can you answer these emails for me?"

He gave me a nod, and I went into the filing cabinet to get Bella's folder. We went inside our usual conference room where all our meetings were done.

Once we sat down, she had a big smile on her face.

"So, you've been working here for a few years now."

"Five years, and I love it."

"Good. How's the new girl been doing?"

"She's alright. Doesn't seem like a people person."

That's the complete opposite of what my other bartender Nicole told me.

"No days off, always on time, no customer complaints...you're doing great as usual, Bella. Your brother should be proud of you."

She smiled. "I do it for me and to make you proud, Bellamy."

"Well, you're due for a raise. I think two dollars will do."

Her eyes widened. "Really? I usually get a dollar raise."

"I mean...if that's what you want."

"Oh no, Sir. This is great! Thank you."

"Keep up the good work."

I wrote some notes down in her file for HR to take care of on Monday. Bella still remained seated.

"Is there something wrong?" I asked.

"Do you have a girlfriend or a main female that you hook up with?"

"Maybe. Why?"

"I was hoping I could cook for you or treat you to dinner."

I laughed. "Bella, what are you doing?"

"Shooting my shot."

"Shoot it somewhere else."

"It's because of my brother, isn't it?"

"He's not the only reason."

"I know you and Amin fucked other girls that worked here before..."

"Really? I wasn't aware that I did that."