A Breath of Change

Chapter 14 - Love ❤️

Months have passed and Blake and I have been doing great. I am still loving my job and am glad that I moved to England.

Although, we have not moved in together I have a lot of clothes and belongings at Blake's apartment and I have cleared a lot of space at mine that have been occupied with Blake's clothes. Things have become serious between us and I can't imagine a time in my lift that I haven't been with Blake. I only have to catch a glimpse of him and my heart starts to flutter. He has such a kind heart and he has always put me first and respected my wishes.
We decided a month ago that we didn't need to hide and if people found out about us that would be okay. We both knew that this didn't start because I wanted to rise to the top with work, it started because we are both attracted to each other and knew that fighting our feelings would be pointless.

Blake has to go on a trip for a couple of days at the end of the week and he has asked me to stay at his apartment. I am super excited. I plan on vegging out in front of the big screen. I have stayed a couple of nights in the past but not alone.

I close my journal and head out into the living room, I pull on some boots and head to Paprika. I had a meeting with Blake regarding a change to my role. Maybe he would let me take on extra hours or release a new cocktail.

I head straight to my locker and put my jacket away. I check myself in my compact mirror and reapply some red lipstick. I take a deep breath and knock on Blake's office door.
'Come in.'
I open the door and say 'Hey, How are you doing?' I close the door behind me and take a seat on the couch. I cross my legs and look at Blake. 'I'm doing very well. Better now that your here.' Blake walked out from behind his desk and is now sat beside me. He leans over and kisses me on the lips. We both pull apart slightly. 'Did you mind if I had a friend over while your away?' I whispered. 'It's your home too baby, you don't need to ask my permission. I fly out in a couple of hours but will be back early next week.'
We both lean back and say nothing for a moment. 'I wish you didn't have to go...It's not going to be the same being here without you and staying in your house.....bed alone.' Blake smiles at me and kisses my hand. 'I'll miss you too sweetheart. You know that you mean everything to me?'
I got up from the couch and stood by the door 'Blake, I need to tell you something. Even if you don't feel the same I need for you to know. (Deep Breath) I love you Blake. I have since I first saw you and I don't want us to be apart. Your my forever and always.'

'I love you too Sweetheart. We are together forever, that's just the way it is.'

We break apart and I tap Blake on the bum, before turning to sit in the chair opposite his desk. Blake followed and sat behind his desk. Smiling at me.
'Not to spoil our moment but we should probably discuss my job here, after all you only have a couple of hours before you have to leave.' I lean down to the floor and pull my iPad out of my purse, I unlock it and open 'Notes'. 
'Yes, I wanted to talk about the work you have been doing. You are by far the best mixologist that I have here and your tips provide evidence of that but I am looking for a new floor manager and I would love you to take the position.'

I look back up at Blake and then back at my iPad, what am I suppose to do. I love my current position. I liked the interaction I had with the customers and working in my own station, but I also knew that I could use the extra money. My brother was planning to visit me if I didn't visit him back home and a flight was going to cost money. What should I do?

'Um....Blake I appreciate the offer but I love my current job. If I accepted your offer then I wouldn't be able to work behind the bar or work close with out customers. I don't want to loose something I love.'

'I don't want to stop you doing what you love but I do think this is a great opportunity for you and maybe we can mold this role to work for both of us?'

'If you really want me to take this position then these are my terms:
• I will work 5 days a week (Non specific days)
• I still work behind the bar 3 nights a week with my own private station.
• Release of new cocktails without higher management sign off.
• Pay increase of  6k per year
• Job Title 'Mixologist & Club Manager'
• I get a one on one meeting with you (Blake) once a week. To discuss issues, staff, club maintenance and personal development.
Besides the last one will benefit us both, I can promise.' I lick my lips and wink at him.
'I knew you wouldn't go down easy, although you have under paid yourself. Your yearly pay will increase from 20k to 30k. If you do well we will review in the new year. I can accept all your demand excluding Cocktail sign off, this is something I demand a hand on approach with so maybe we could incorporate this into our weekly meetings? Once I am satisfied that you know what's best for my club we can review.'
'Hmmm, can I think on it?'
'Yes, please do. My flight leaves in 10 hours, have you got a shift now?'
'Yes, I am covering 2 hours for Erin, she's got a dentist appointment. Are you stopping on for heading home?'
'I have a couple of calls I need to make, maybe I could take you home. We can grab any additional things you need and then head to my place. We can spend some time together before I leave?'
'Sounds great. I'll see you soon handsome.' I get up and head to his door as I open it to leave but before I go I turn back to him and mouth "I love you". 

I head out to the bar and get my prep work done ready for my shift. As I was covering for Erin I need to refresh my brain on her signature cocktail, I find that when you are covering for someone you should try to sell both your own and their cocktail - it's polite. Besides Erin has become one of my closest friends in London and I would do anything for that girl. I'm actually thinking of inviting her over to Blake's apartment, we are suppose to be going out for drinks tonight but I think it could be fun her coming over or we could do both. Like all my shifts you meet a lot of friendly and polite people who actually come back to your station and remember your name. These are the customers that make you job easier. 'Hi, What would you to drink?'  I ask the middle aged gentleman stood before me. 'Is that seriously how your going to speak to me? Do you know who I am!' 

What did I say  that was so insulting or rude. This was ridiculous.

'Excuse me sir, but I'm not sure what you are referring too. All I have asked is *what would you like to drink* and your accusing me of something else.'  I could feel my patience wearing thin with this person, what didn't help matters was that I could see Blake watching the exchange from the booth next to the bar. I knew if this turned violent or if he put a hand on me things would explode. '

You are ridiculous, even an imbecile would know that you don't address the higher class with such language. You disgusting little tart.'  

'I'd like you to leave my station please. I will not be spoken to with such appalling language. I couldn't care if you were the king of France, anyone who speaks with such vial words doesn't deserve to be served here.' 

'You stupid girl' the man spat at me. I reached across the bar to grab some empty glasses and as I moved my arm back over the bar the gentleman grabbed my wrist and tugged, making my whole body move forward. My chest was pressing into the glasses under the bar and I could feel myself loosing balance. 'Let go of me, right now.'  I said calmly to the man. The man tightened his grip on my arm and I knew this was going to start to bruise if he didn't let go of me. 'Give me your number and I will let go. I heard waitresses like it rough.'  Before I could even respond to the mans crazy request someone had punched him in the face and in the process of him flying to the  ground  he let go of me. I pulled my arm back and turned around in search of some ice, I could already see some swelling and at some point I must have cut it on glass because blood was running down my fingers.