Violinist (CENTURIES series: Book #4)

2

• This is music •

"How do I look?"

"Like you should be in between my legs."

"Perfect," Dan smirked and fixed the sleeves on his blue shirt for the fiftieth time, looking down at his cufflinks. He was gearing up for his big date, having showered and shaved and styled himself to the point where one would think he was going for the red carpet. But that was Dan for you; he looked good and he damn well knew it.

"How about me?" I asked, wearing my usual costume for work, the tight black corset and fishnet stockings, my black pumps and of course the signature butterfly collar around my neck. It was the classic waitress outfit for any girl working at the Aristocat Lounge.

"Well I'm not turned on, but I'm guessing you look hot as well," Dan replied, finally done tampering with his cufflinks. He only had two pairs and these were his lucky ones. That meant he was hoping to get lucky, and honestly, Kyle had to be impotent if he didn't jump him the moment he laid eyes on him.

"Alright then," I said and went for my big coat. I wasn't going on the subway in an outfit everyone could glare at me in. They'd have to come to the Lounge to stare at these tits. "Have fun on your date. Don't forget lubrication."

"Mmm, don't wait up."

I blew him a mockery kiss with my middle finger before I left the apartment. Dan had the night off, but others weren't as lucky. I had to work Saturdays to survive on my paycheck.

I made it through the subway ride without getting thrown up on or scrutinized, then walked the last two blocks in my heels to The Aristocat Lounge. By the time I got there, the music was already blasting away, the sax and drums and piano swinging it up. The bartenders were flipping bottles, and the other waitresses were gliding across the floor smoothly, serving drinks after drinks to the entertained customers.

I couldn't help but smile as I stepped in. This felt like home.

Ditching my coat in the back, I slipped on my long, black, satin gloves and then stepped out, ready to get to work.

"Mel," I heard Carlos's voice angrily snap the second I was picking up my tray. "You're five minutes late."

"Sorry, it won't happen again." I promised.

"Damn hell it won't. Now get out on the floor and make some money."

I supressed the urge to kiss my teeth at him and instead just headed out there, perking my lips up into a smile as I went to the first table who needed a refill. I began waiting tables, running back and forth to bring and deliver drinks, all the while the band played loudly, the musicians working for every drop of sweat that dribbled off them. Hank, our sax player, was glistening up on stage under the powerful spotlights.

"Hey, I'm gonna go bring the band some refills," I shouted to Carlos who sat in a corner by the bar, smoking on a cigar.

"Keep away from the stage," He surprised me by snarling. Carlos was usually in a good mood. This angry mien was so unlike him. "Just focus on the floor, I got the stage covered."

I rose a brow, but didn't ask. "Alright, whatever you say..."

"Just get back out there."