Chapter Four

Background color
Font
Font size
Line height

"Wish me luck Coal! Muah, muah, muah", Melody kissed all over her dog's head before heading out the door. She made it to the Warriors Bar and Grill early and sat in the parking lot across the road looking at the building. Looking around, she saw Oak's blue truck as well as other vehicles and assumed they belonged to the other employees as the bar was not open yet.

Now or never, Melody thought before stepping out of her truck. Walking to the back entrance, she smoothed her hands down her black button up and black jeans as she blew out a big breath. Stepping into the back hallway that led to the offices, Melody let her eyes adjust to the change in light before continuing down until she found everyone running around.

Bartenders were wiping non-existent dust from the bar tops while servers fussed over tables and chairs. She could smell the kitchen already preparing food and watched bussers dispensing glassware and utensils to designated stations. Everything seemed to be running smoothly but she felt lost as to what she should be doing at this point.

"You made it". Oak's deep voice came from behind her as she spun around to face him.

"Oh, hi." She smiled before continuing. "Everyone seems to have everything in order, so what do you want me to start with for tonight?"

"If you want to float around and get a feel for the place, see what's needed. This way you can see if we need improvement and it's a good way to get to know the others. Otherwise, I will manage the cameras tonight and a few last minute errands for the kitchen. Oh, Garrett will be the contact if you need security, he's the one by the door now next to one of the Spartans "Oak nodded his head towards the entrance as a tall, bald man with cocoa skin nodded back. "Other than that, have fun and I will see you later tonight".

"Okay, sounds great." Melody replied before Oak turned and headed back to the offices. Staring out, she counted seven servers, ten bussers and eight bartenders while she noted only three bouncers on the inside. Since they were set to open in ten minutes, Melody headed over to the first bartender closest to the door to see what she could do.

_______________________________

Oak returned from grabbing supplies for the kitchen and headed back to his office to see how the bar was running. The multiple screens showed him the kitchen and every corner of the bar so nothing would be missed. It had been four hours since they opened and the bar was in full swing already with the unseasonably warm weather. A few of the brothers even rode their bikes in, making Oak itch for his.

Perusing the camera feed, he easily zeroed in on Melody behind one of the bars and watched as she expertly flung one of the liquor bottles in the air before catching it to pour. Looking beside her, he saw his other bartender, Ricky doing the same and watched as they put on a small show in tandem. Impressed with her skills, he watched as she laughed and finished making the drinks before waving and heading back to the floor. Transfixed, he watched her move across the floor and stop to grab empty glasses or point to one of the bussers to clear a table.

She stopped one of the waitresses who appeared harried before she turned in the direction the waitress had pointed and started walking with purpose. Wondering where she was going, Oak searched the multiple camera feeds before realizing she was headed to the VIP section. Oak pulled up the VIP section to see who was there and narrowed his eyes at seeing one of the allied clubs. Chuck, the VP and some his brothers were hanging out and playing pool while seeming to have collected a few groupies. While they were welcome. Oak wasn't a fan despite his brother's assurance they were fine and wondered what had caused the disruption.

Deciding he'd rather check on things in person, Oak headed to the main floor in search of the waitress who had run off.

_____________________________________

Melody was having a blast and could not keep the smile from her face. She was getting along great with the employees, who had all been grateful for her help and support. Finishing up behind the bar with one of the bartenders, Ricky, Melody made her way back to the floor and took in the bustling activity. Pool tables and bar stools were all occupied as well as the small tables scattered throughout.

Motioning for one of the bussers to clear off a table nearby, Melody suddenly took in a quickly approaching waitress who looked ready to cry.

"Hey, Samantha, is it? Everything ok?" Melody put her hand lightly on the women's arm to stop her from walking past her.

Looking up at her, she nodded before responding. "Yeah its just the guys in VIP are being dicks again and one smacked my ass despite me telling him I was all set. They really never act like this unless Chuck is here and then they feel like they can just do what they want." Samantha angrily wiped at the tears on her face before letting out a loud breath.

"Okay, don't worry. I will go check in and take over. Go help over near where Ricky is, I noticed a lot of thirsty folks." Melody just shook her head when Samantha tried to interrupt before sending her off.

Melody narrowed her eyes before striding over to the VIP lounge, wondering who these guys thought they were. While it was a biker bar, Melody was not going to allow harassment of the employees no matter who they thought they were.

"Gentlemen, how are we doing tonight?" Melody called out loudly as she walked the few steps up to the roped off VIP area. Three pool tables and a few tables with lounge seating took up most of the area with a small bar in the back. Tonight, it looked like a handful of club members with some groupies but not from the Silent Warriors club.

"Well doll, doing much better now that you're here. That last waitress was horrible." One of the patched members called out while walking towards her. Her eyes caught a VP patch on one of the other men who was coolly sitting back and just watching.

Putting her hands up, Melody kept her anger at bay as she took in the rest of the members. "I am assuming your the one that thought it was okay to smack her ass too?" When he chuckled and stopped right in front of her, it took all Melody had not to punch him in his mouth. It was her first night and she doubted Oak would be fine with her punching one of his bar guests.

"Listen", seeing his name on his patch, "Brett, if you have a problem with one of the servers than you take it up with management, not your hands. And if that is a problem then you are welcome to leave." Melody forced a smile but she could tell he got the hint. They weren't too deep in their cups but she would keep an eye on them in case they became a problem. "Now, do you need anything that I can help you with?"

"Well doll, since your offering ... err no I'm good." Brett quickly backed away and headed back to his pool game. Meanwhile, the VP had finally stood up but was looking past Melody. Melody turned around and found Oak walking towards them with a thunderous expression, which explained Brett's reaction.

"Chuck, heard your boys are causing trouble over here." Oak stated without question as he stood next to Melody facing the VP.

"Nope, it seems to be taken care of Oak, no problems at all." Chuck spoke but was looking directly at Melody who stared back blank faced.

"I see you've met my new bar manager, Melody. Just remember whatever she says goes and if your boys continue to disrespect the staff here, we will have to come to a different understanding of you coming back." Oak stated as he crossed his arms and stared Chuck down.

Melody looked between the two wondering what the history was between them as there seemed to be some underlying tension.

"Of course Oak, I'll make sure the boys stay in line." Chuck nodded and took one last look at Melody before returning to his spot between two fawning women giggling.

Melody turned to Oak with a raised eyebrow wondering what had just happened.

"Come on, I have one of the servers coming over to take care of them for the rest of the night. I already spoke to Samantha which is why I came over here" Oak said as they both turned and headed back to the main floor .

"Yes, she told me that they were being rude and Brett there smacked her ass. While I know this is a biker bar with a more laid back atmosphere, I don't think it's right for that behavior to happen." Melody stated as she stopped, forcing Oak to stop and look at her.

"And I agree, which is why I came over to back you up and make sure everyone understands that. We do not allow that behavior towards our staff or towards anyone that does not want it so don't worry we are on the same page . I am not running some slum bar, I want this place to succeed as a comfortable hang out for people including the local clubs. " Oak stared at her, making her flush under his stare. She still was coming to terms with her attraction towards her boss and had been doing well with not having him on the floor with her.

"Thank you and I want to help make sure that happens. But I am concerned because Samantha said this is normal for them to do that when Chuck is around." Melody was surprised that Brett hadn't been kicked out already. Had it been her bar, one of the bouncers would have taken care of him regardless of his status as a club member or not.

Oak furrowed his brow at her words. "What do you mean? This is the first I have heard about this."

"When I stopped her, she said they normally behave unless Chuck is here and then they feel like they can act however they want. Do you not have meetings with your staff or check in from time to time during the shifts?" Melody was confused since Samantha just met her and had already told her what was going on.

Oak rubbed the back of his neck as he shook his head no. "This is why I needed to hire you, I have been running around too much and not being out on the floor as much. I always offer an open door policy but not one person has taken me up on it."

Melody internally smiled at this and figured most were intimidated by him and probably expected this type of behavior in a biker bar. "Well, I am glad to be of help and I think most of the staff would be more open to discussions in a meeting setting than one on one. You are a bit intimidating to most I think or at least that is what I have gathered from working around everyone tonight. Maybe, we can have one at the end of the month and see how that goes? "

Oak seemed to be thinking it over before nodding. "Sounds good, Melody. Keep up the great work. I'll be finishing in the back if you need anything." Melody nodded and watched him walk back towards the offices.

Smiling to herself, Melody pulled her phone out and quickly sent a reply to Wyatt who must have gotten her number from Oak.

Thank u 4 the pic. he looks like hes havin fun. Wyatt had sent a goofy picture of Coal and him hanging at the garage. Before she could put her phone back in her pocket, Wyatt responded.

No problem Mel! We are just chillin at ur house now

Melody smiled and sent a quick reply before pocketing her phone. The night was still young and she had lots to do before she could head home.

________________________________________

Oak stood at the top level of the bar and looked over the slowly diminishing crowd. They had already called last call and were now just waiting on the stragglers to leave before shutting down. He found himself watching his new bar manager and wondering why he felt such a pull towards her as he had never been hung up on women. Glancing down at his phone, he saw the text from Sasha but had yet to respond. Why, he did not know but he wasn't about to start anything up with an employee of his and another night with Sasha was out of the question.

Putting his phone away, Oak looked up and caught Melody staring up at him. Nodding at her, he motioned for her to come up and see him which she replied with a nod back. She quickly made her way up the staircase and over to his spot on the railing before looking back out to the bar crowd.

"So, how was your first night?" Oak looked sideways at Melody. She smiled but continued to look out.

"It went great actually, and no more issues came up so I think that is a plus. A few drunks had to be helped out by security which I am sure you are aware of. Other than that, I can't complain. Anything you need help with? " She looked over at him, her brown eyes reflecting tiredness.

"No, you can head home, I'll close up tonight and then we can do closing tomorrow together. Go get some rest. Just make sure one of the guys walks you out." She tiredly smiled at him and nodded.

"Okay, good night Oak." Melody walked away and down the stairs.

Oak followed her with his eyes as she said goodbye to the staff she passed before walking out with Garrett. He was looking forward to working with Melody and after tonight, he knew he had made the right decision in hiring her. Shaking his head, he set out to close the bar and head back to his place wondering if the feeling of attraction towards her would go away anytime soon. Maybe another visit to Sasha was in order, he thought ruefully.

You are reading the story above: TeenFic.Net