Touch Me, Honey

Chapter 20 - A Part-Time Job?

Eve was already thinking about her future plans. But she had to keep comforting Bella.

“Don’t be too sad. At least you still have your allowance. Although the salary isn’t what you thought, it won’t affect you that badly.”

Thinking of the allowance, Bella felt even sadder. She murmured, “A few days ago, our classmate’s mother got cancer. I thought I would get my salary today, so I…”

Eve was surprised. “Did you donate all your allowance?”

Bella nodded slightly. “Yes, I thought the salary would be much more.”

Eve sighed and said, “You are too kind. Remember to keep some money for yourself next time.”

Despite her kind words, Eve had other things on her mind.

James was definitely fond of Bella. He just hadn’t realized it yet. Bella was the obstacle between her and James.

She had to keep Bella close, so she might have the chance to meet James again.

Eve had thought of a plan…

“Bella. If you want to make some money, why not find a part-time job?”

A part-time job? Bella was cheered by this idea. Many of her classmates had part-time jobs. Though the salary was not very much, it was a great help to have a little extra cash.

Bella had never thought about finding one in the past. For one thing, her parents gave her enough allowance. For another, her family was near the college and Charles sometimes asked her to watch the clinic, so she had no free time to do part-time jobs.

But it was different now. It was hard to ask Charles for help. So, finding a part-time job was a practical option.

But even if she wanted to get a part-time job, Bella had no idea know where she should go and what she should do.

Bella revealed her worries to Eve, who immediately answered, “That’s no problem. I could recommend a part-time job for you.”

Eve had been hoping Bella would ask her for help.

She had thought of a special part-time job for Bella, one that would surprise Bella and make James hate her.

And then she would seize the chance to take Bella’s place and make James fall in love with her.

Of course, Bella knew nothing about what Eve, whom she regarded as her best friend, was thinking about. On the contrary, she was moved by Eve’s offer of help and hugged her. “Thank you. Eve, if you weren’t here, I really don’t know what I would do.”

Eve gently tapped Bella’s back, happy that the first step of her plan was complete.

...

At night, with the whole city immersed in an ocean of bright lights, it was almost lighter than it was during the day.

Bella followed Eve down a narrow street. It was far from the main street, so it was very quiet. Thinking of certain horrible movies she had seen before, Bella couldn’t help shivering and her legs felt like jelly.

Bella swallowed her saliva nervously and grasped Eve’s hand. “Eve, is this the right direction? Would such a remote place really offer part-time jobs?”

Eve tapped Bella’s hand softly and tried to comfort her. “Don’t be scared. We are close.”

But Bella still felt frightened and wanted to give up.

She whispered, “Why must we come here at night? Couldn’t we go there tomorrow?”

Everywhere was dark and damp. Bella was afraid that something terrible would be awakened if they talked too loudly.

“Because it only opens at night,” Eve replied.

They arrived at the end of the street. Hearing the sound of music and people talking, Bella felt quite relieved.

Eve stopped before a narrow door. She knocked and someone quickly came to open it.

Behind the door was a dim light. The sound of light jazz music reached Bella’s ears. Finally, she felt she was in the right place. It seemed that there were many people there.

The man who greeted them was in his forties and wore a suit with a badge on his chest that read, Manager - Adam’s Bar.

Seeing Eve, the manager smiled. “Eve, it’s been a long time.”

Eve greeted him and pulled Bella to stand beside her. “This is my classmate, Bella Green. She is looking for a part-time job. The bar still has vacancies, right?”

Actually, Eve had called the manager before and knew about vacant positions in the bar.

This was the first time for Bella to interview for a job. She felt nervous and replied shyly. The manager frowned at her and said, “Your appearance is nice. Come in!”

After stepping inside, Bella found the place was actually well-designed.

The manager led the way to the kitchen. Various fruit platters and desserts were being made there and handed over to the counter.

Walking through the kitchen, Bella could hear the sound of loud music and people talking.

She finally realized that this was a bar. Lots of men and women were dancing on the dance floor.

Bella had never visited this kind of bar before. She only went to quiet pubs where people chat with friends. Seeing the lively dance floor, Bella was scared to step forward.

Was the part-time work Eve mentioned here?

Noticing Bella’s hesitation, Eve grasped Bella’s hand and pulled her to follow them.

The manager led them to a vacant room. Bella was told that the door they came in was the back door of this place, Adam’s Bar.

The manager briefly introduced what Bella would need to do. Bella was still shocked and only really understood the main idea, she was now a waitress!

A waitress knocked at the door and asked the manager to come outside. The manager excused himself and left Eve and Bella alone.

Bella held Eve’s hand and whispered, “This is a bar!”

It was extremely noisy. And recalling the super mini skirt and low-cut top the waitress wore; Bella was even more unwilling to take the job.

“You just have to do the work a waitress needs to do. It doesn’t matter.” Having got her here, Eve would not give Bella a chance to run away. “Bella. You have to trust yourself. Good people will always be decent, no matter where they work.”

“But…”

“The salary is quite high,” Eve looked at Bella and continued, “Aren’t you in need of money?”

Bella still thought it was not a good idea to work here and said, “I could go back to ask Charles to lend me some money. He would just tell me off for being stupid...”

Thinking of Charles and his angry expression, Bella was quite sacred.

Eve suddenly wore a serious expression and asked, “Bella, do you not think this is a good job?”

Bella shook her head at once.

“The manager knows me. I have worked here before,” Eve said seriously, “You don’t want this job because you think it’s not decent. Do you think that little of me?” Eve’s eyes went red and were full of tears.

Bella held Eve’s hand immediately and said, “No. I don’t think that. Trust me, Eve.”

Eve blinked her eyes and a tear fell from her cheek. She stood still and silent.

Finally, Bella bit her lip and agreed to take the job.

Eve was right. It was just a job. And decent people would always be decent; it didn’t matter where they worked. Besides, she really needed the money. The salary the manager offered was great. She could make money while her parents were travelling. Then when they got home, she could use the money to buy presents for them and prove that she was capable of supporting herself.