FOR RICHER, FOR POOR

CHAPTER ONE

Standing at the doorway, tired and sweaty from my crappy underpaying job. I survey my crummy congested apartment, I hated this place but didn’t have much of a choice. It didn’t help that I had a messy and untidy roommate that I constantly had to pick up after her. Dirty dishes in the sink, clothes everywhere and an untidy bed. Sighing I start trying to tidy up a little bit because if I don’t clean up Olivia won’t bother to do so.

After what seems like hours of doing some cleaning here and there my phone rings, I reach out and pick it up. “Hey Kathleen,” comes the cheery voice of Nadia Buchannan. Her voice is so cheery that it subconsciously brings a smile to my face.

“Hello Nadia, who made you this cheery at this time of night?” I teased.

She chuckled, “Guess that’s for me to know and for you to find out.” Came her response, could literally feel the smirk on her face. She then continued, “Anyway that aside, how about we go out today? Like the old times,” she pleaded.

I sighed running a hand through my hair, “As much as I’d like to take you up on your offer I really can’t. I have to get into my second job in like an hour.”

“Come on these days you don’t even like to have some fun,” she complained.

“Nadia, some of us have bills and responsibilities. We all can’t afford to live as carefree as you do,” came my response.

“Kathleen you don’t have to struggle as much as you do. I told you I could hook you up with my boss and you could do what I do,” she said seeming genuinely concerned.

“Which what exactly? You never have told me what you do?” I quickly responded.

She giggled, “If I tell you I’d have to kill you.” She responded playfully.

I breathed out, “This doesn’t really inspire much confidence in you or your job opportunity.” I looked at my watch and realized that it’s time I start preparing for my other job. “Nadia it was nice of you to invite me but I really have to go. Have fun. Love you.” I said with finality.

“Love you too girl.” Nadia responded and hanged up.

I got ready for my second job which unfortunately was at a club. It required me to be in a pair of really skimpy shorts and an official shirt. But compared to my other job as a barista, this paid really well and I pretty much survived with it. It helped that I was a red head with blue eyes, it made me stand out gaining me attention. I was ready just in time as Olivia was entering through the door. “Hey Liv, rent is almost due when am I getting your half?” I asked her as I was double checking I had everything I needed.

“I don’t know really,” she said with her don’t care attitude.

“Are you being serious right now?” I asked starting to feel she was getting on my nerves.

“Yeah.” She responded as she laid on her bed.

I wasn’t really ready for this conversation right now, I needed all my energy to manage through my nights with all the drunk guys I’ll have to tolerate tonight. I scoffed and just walked out of the door. I walked to the bus stop, connecting my headphones to my phone to listen to some music. It was a bit chilly but I appreciated the breeze on my face, breathing in and trying to relax and release all the tension in my body. I reached the bus stop and waited as I kept listening to music. After a couple of minutes, the bus and came and off I went.

I reached the club and considering it was a Friday night it was fully packed. I walked towards the service door and was met by Pascal, the bouncer, who smiled at me “Hey Kathleen, didn’t know you had a shift today?” he inquired.

I smiled back, “Hey, yes I do the boss made a couple changes in the work schedule.” I answered him.

“Oh, didn’t know that. Anyway, hope you have a smooth shift, considering it’s a busy day.” He told me.

“I hope so too Pascal. I really do.” I concluded as I walked in. I went straight to the employee’s room to put my things in the locker. And went straight to the counter to relieve Shannon from her shift.

On busy days like these two people must work the counter, usually male and female. Today I was working with the handsome Quincy, but everyone called him Quin. He was what people considered extremely handsome. He has beautiful brown eyes, the perfect jawline, a set of pearly white teeth, a really fit body, the perfect height and a smile that would bring any lady to her knees. He didn’t talk much though he liked to keep to himself, he was an artist though. Oh, the things he could do with his hands I thought and just smiled at myself.

“Hey Kat,” came his heavenly voice. I loved how sweet my name sounded rolling out his mouth.

I shifted to face him and smiled, “Hey Quin,” I responded trying to put myself together.

“Hope you brought you’re A game today, a busy night means amazing tips,” he said while he continued to mix drinks.

“Yes,” I replied. “God knows I need it.” I said more to myself than anyone else.

And got busy serving drinks, while a few men asked I personally serve their drinks to them. It was so busy that time flew by so fast. My shift was about to end when I got the final order from an old guy who wanted me to serve the drinks myself. This should be the last drunk guy I have to deal with it shouldn’t be so bad I thought.

I took the drink to him and just as I reached their table he whistled, you could literally feel the lust pouring out of him. “Hey Red,” he said sitting up from his previously relaxed position. That’s not a good sign I thought. “How about you give me a lap dance baby?” he basically ordered.

“Sorry, I only serve the drinks.” I politely yet sternly told him, I turned to leave when he held on to my hand making me loose my balance and fall on his lap. I quickly reacted by trying to push myself up but he held on to me. I elbowed him in the eye and took the distraction to get on to my feet.

“What the hell!” he hissed. “You have no idea who you just messed with sweetheart,” he said angrily as he stood up.

“Whoa! Mr. Wolfe. Let’s not do something we might regret. Just take a minute to think about it,” Walter Myers, the club manager, came to my rescue.

“Are you sure you want to protect her?” Mr. Wolfe asked, his eyes never leaving mine.

He really intimidated me but I put on a brave face and stood my ground.

“I have to stand up for my employees,” Walter tried to reason, “Kat how about you go to the employee’s locker room?” Walter told me with finality, meaning there’s no room for discussion. I turned around and saw that all eyes were on us, I pushed my way through the crowd and to the locker room.

What did I just do? I’m in so much trouble. I hope he doesn’t fire me I need this job. I was pacing in there for a couple minutes when Walter came in. I rushed to him, “Walter, I’m so sorry for causing so much trouble. I was just defending myself,” I tried to explain myself.

“Kat relax, Caroline told me what happened. I understand your actions.” Walter said trying to calm me down. But he seemed uneasy.

“What?” I asked.

“I’m sorry but Mr. Wolfe doesn’t take disrespect very lightly,” he started, “he wants you to be fired,” he blurted out.

“Wait what? Why? I thought you understood my actions?” I said in shock.

“I do, I really do but Mr. Wolfe is my biggest financial donors without him I’ll be unable to keep my club open. I really hope you understand. You can come for your last paycheck in a week.” He concluded and left me there.

Well this night didn’t end like I had hoped but didn’t have much of a choice as I was clearly told. I took my things from my locker and left.

“I’m so sorry Kathleen. I just heard. Just know that you’ll always have a friend in me,” Pascal told me on my way out.

“Thank you, Pascal. Bye.” I said and left didn’t really feel like talking. Besides I had to reach my other job at 10pm in the morning.

I just got home and went straight to bed. Tomorrow is a new day and we’ll try again.