Like You Mean It

Chapter 2

It was around noon on Friday when Beca pushed open the door to Station 1640, glancing at the few staff members milling around getting ready for the night. She'd been in LA for about a week and immediately began searching for a bartending gig. Beca knew having free rent for an entire year was amazing, but she still had other expenses to cover and remaining unemployed wasn't going to cut it. A massive guy with arms as big as her waist approached her with a friendly look, making her feel slightly less anxious about their interaction.

"Hey... name's Max. Can I help you?" He asked, stretching his hand out.

Beca grasped his hand, feeling her whole arm shake while the man simply chuckled at her. "Hi... I'm Beca. I'm looking for... Taylor," she paused, taking a moment to recall the man's name she was there to meet.

Max grinned, releasing her hand. "You must be the new bartender," he said, turning around. "T-Money! Your newest girl is here!"

Beca raised an eyebrow at that nickname, wondering what character she was about to face next. Surprisingly, an average-looking guy rounded the corner from the bar located against the back wall of the club, standing about five-ten with short brown hair and square glasses.

"Beca," he said upon reaching her, and Beca found herself in another handshake, though this one much more normal.

"Yeah, hi," Beca answered, returning his greeting.

"I'm Taylor. I manage this place," he said, turning and beckoning her to follow him. He gave her the five-cent tour of the club from behind the bar, stating this was all she needed to know for now. "I called your old boss from The Mixtape," he said. "Gave you a glowing recommendation and said I'd be stupid not to hire you."

Beca shrugged, "I worked there all through college for extra cash. Second nature by now."

Taylor nodded, adding, "He also said you spun once a week and that you were better than he expected. I can't promise you'll get into our rotation here. We're one of the most popular clubs in LA."

"I'm willing to take what I can get," Beca answered, knowing that this place would keep food on the table and then some if it stayed half as busy as its reputation claimed.

Taylor seemed satisfied with that answer, putting her through a quick test of her abilities behind the bar, sipping each drink with an approving smile before signaling her trial was over.

"You're hired. Can you start tonight? We've been short since Molly finished school and left us for the corporate life."

Beca nodded, "Yeah, no problem."

Taylor smiled, clapping his hands. "Brilliant. Doors open at five and shut at two every day except Saturday, which runs ten to two. Closed Sunday and Monday. We run a restaurant with a full menu in the evenings. Call it golden hour from five to ten with food and drink specials and sports on the screens, and then live music or other events starting later in the night. With your experience I can start you at eighteen an hour plus tips. That work for you?"

"Yeah, that's great," Beca answered, doing some quick math in her head. "Tips are usually good?"

"You won't be hurting. The kitchen is open until ten and the servers will tip you for alcohol during that time. Starting after ten, and for all customers that sit at the bar during golden hour, the bartenders split tips between them, and we usually run two to three per night... maybe four if it's a weekend. You'll be scheduled for four shifts per week, and everyone is guaranteed at least one Friday or Saturday. I don't care if you swap or trade as long as everything gets covered," Taylor added.

Beca agreed, "That's fair. So, I guess I'll be back here in a few hours?"

Taylor nodded, "Yeah, get here by four. Oh, wear dark or black jeans and something nice on top. It's chill in the early evenings but things can heat up later, so keep that in mind. Any questions?"