Trust Issues

Chapter 1: Getting Settled

Catherine and I have been living in New York City for about a week now and I still have not been able to land a job. I think this has been the most productive week I have ever had in my life. This past week consisted of about two job interviews a day. Job hunting has revealed to be quite the challenge, though I cannot say I'm surprised. Having a loaded family who wants you to only study your ass off in order to look good for everyone, meant my job experience  is pretty much non-existent. I went from applying to office or reception jobs, to basically trying anything. I'm practically one more rejection away from just saying "fuck it" and being a stripper. Though my lack of coordination would probably not appease men very much, so I couldn't even if I tried.

Our days begin with Catherine and I waking up early in our shared double bed that creaks anytime you breathe, and pouring up some cheap cereal for us. I sit down with a freshly made cup of instant coffee and pull out ye trusty ole newspaper for job listings. I made the mistake of forgetting my laptop charger in my haste the night we left our old house, so I am stuck with a dead device and no money for a new charger. So until I start making money, we are doing it the old fashioned way.

Before this whole adventure began, it had not crossed my mind that Catherine would need to find a new high school. The second day here we sent in an application for a nearby high school, with myself being the "parent/guardian." I'm still shocked at how easily they bought it, but I guess they just want these kids to get an education. We just made it before school began so luckily she will get to start the term at the same time as all the other students. Once we finish breakfast and Catherine is dressed ready for school, I grab my plethora of pre-printed resumes and head out with her.

As we walked in comfortable silence, I noticed Catherine looked over at a large flashy building in the distance. It was adorned with flashing lights and big obnoxious signs.

She broke the silence. "What do you think that is CJ?"

I had always preferred to be called CJ because Clarissa Jamie just seems too pretentious for my liking.

"That's a casino Cat. I guess it's a 24/7 party out here." I say while watching the lights flash about in broad morning daylight.

"Why don't you get a job there, you've got the pretty face for it." She replied sarcastically, with a scoff to accompany the response.

I have never been one to enjoy going out and partying, or even drinking or smoking for that matter. We were always too clean and perfect to be seen at any place like that, especially me. Catherine was always a little more of a rebel. I guess she finds amusement in the idea of me working at a place that basically puts all those things I have avoided, into one place at once.

But I pondered at the thought. "Well actually... that's not a bad idea."

"You're kidding me right, little miss preppy perfect wants to work at a casino?" She responded in an astounded tone.

"Why is it such an out there concept? Like you said I have the face for it." I wiggled my eyebrows at her.

And with a laugh she replied, "yeah but you definitely don't have the balls."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Look all I'm saying is, to go head first into a pool of drunk men gambling, surrounded by drugs, seems a little dangerous for you."

She sighed.

"I'm just worried about you that's all."

"Thanks Cat but don't worry about me, I'm grown after all. Plus a job is a job."

She simply gave me a slight glare before shrugging and dropped the conversation. After sending Cat off to school, I decided to hop on a bus to that casino as it was a little too far for my little legs to handle.

Let's see how this goes.

***

I approached the entryway. The exaggerated sign up top read: "Royal Flush Casino." The name did not quite sound right with the word "flush" in it, but I am well aware that it is the best hand in a poker game, so I guess it makes sense. As I grasped the large golden door handle, I took notice of a smaller sign on the door saying "show girls needed." I immediately let go and turned away, scrunching my face up at the thought of my clumsy ass trying to dance all sexual-like. However, I turned back around and went inside. There must be other jobs openings so I'll give it a chance.

Once inside it was your typical loud, flashy casino, but dead (my suspicions being that it is because it's a Wednesday at 9:30am.) in front of me a large extravagant stage, an array of slot machines to my right, with some poker tables and other games tucked closer to the back. In the back left corner there were many small tables next to a bar that matched the extravagance of the stage. Immediately to the left of the door was a desk, which I approached once I decided to stop looking like a deer in headlights.

"Hi there, I was wondering if I could to speak with the manager?" I asked the lady at the front desk.

She looked me up and down with her tired eyes before responding, "what do you want?"

Off to a great start I see. "It's regarding work availability."

"Honestly, I don't know where he is half the time but I can call him, I doubt he'll answer." She mumbled that last part under her breath.

Around the corner appeared a gorgeous girl just slightly taller than me, very slim, with porcelain-like skin and ginger hair. Long, luscious, curly ginger hair pulled up in a messy ponytail.

"God Jen why you always gotta be so rude and uptight. Hi I'm Lily, I'm a waitress and bartender here. We really need someone on the team so I'm sure our manager Randy would love to meet you." She said motioning me to follow as she began to move deeper in the casino.

"So what's your name love?"

"I'm Clarissa, but people call me CJ." I respond.

She looked back at me, eyebrows furrowed together. "Where did the 'J' come from?"

"Oh, my full name is Clarissa Jamie. It just doesn't suit me as much as CJ though."

"Mhmm, I see." She said with an innocent giggle.

Once we reached the bar, Lily sat me down at a nearby table as she disappeared through a door which I presume led to the kitchen. Moments of me nervously tapping on the table go by, and she reappears with a very attractive young man who could not have been older than 28. Perfectly lined up fade and expertly groomed facial hair, along with eyebrows so perfect any woman would die to have theirs look like that.

He approached me. "Hello, I'm Randy the restaurant and bar service manager. You must be CJ."

He extended a firm hand and made professional eye contact with gorgeous green orbs that could melt you instantly.

"Yes, nice to meet you. Lily tells me you're hiring?"

"Actually yes, we haven't had any luck as the hours are a little awkward."

Lily scoffs sarcastically and replies, "a little awkward? My regular shifts end at 2am!"

"Okay, let's not scare her now. Yes, the shifts sometimes require late hours, sometimes overnight, but we're reasonable and as flexible as we can be."

"That's no problem, I'll take any shift you need me to. I'll make it work." I answered with a smile.

It was true. I had nothing else to do, especially not freshly moved into a whole new city and state. Catherine is very independent and a hard worker when it comes to school, so I'm not worried about her at all.

Randy and Lily look at each other with eyebrows raised.

"Can you start tomorrow?"