Lev: a Shot Callers novel(25)
As soon as Nas dropped me off at home, I searched the house for Lev, finding him downstairs, sitting in a rocking chair, cradling a sleeping Lidiya, and speaking soft words into her curly hair.
I stood in the doorway unnoticed for a long while, watching this man be a father to his daughter. My throat thickened with emotion. Lev was proving to be more than I originally thought him to be.
With a soft clearing of my throat, Lev turned and caught my eye. I lifted my hand in a gentle wave and he lifted the little girl, carrying her across the room and tucking her into her toddler bed. He picked up the baby monitor, stepped out the room, and turned the device on. I backed away from the door as he closed it carefully.
My expression was tender when he approached. I’d forgotten my purpose momentarily. Placing a hand on his forearm, I squeezed gently and whispered, “You’re a good daddy, Lev.”
Looking mildly embarrassed, he ignored my compliment, but didn’t step away from my closeness. “How did you do today? When Nastasia is determined to see something happen, she can be overassertive.”
Linking my arm through his, we walked down the hall together. “You know, your sister might be a badass, but she knows how to motivate a person.” I smiled up at him. “I didn’t drop a single glass. Not one. And I now know how to make about ten different mixers. So I’m ready for tonight. Bring it on.”
He stilled, pulling me to a stop, searching my face. “You look to be in better spirits today. I’m glad.”
My face became void of expression. “Four days ago, you took me off the streets, fed me, gave me a place to sleep, and offered me a job.” Slowly, so there was no mistaking my intentions, I stepped forward, slid my arms around his waist, and pressed myself into him, squeezing gently, resting my head between his pecks. “Thank you is not enough of a phrase to express how grateful I am that I met you, Lev Leokov.” I breathed in the sandalwood cologne he wore. “You saved my life.”
He didn’t hug me back, but he reached up and stroked my hair kindly. “I would do it all over again, mouse.”
I pulled away an inch, my arms still around him, to look up into his face. “It can only get better from here, right?”
His expression glum, he cupped my cheek with a warm palm. “Of course.”
It was then I remembered my initial reason for interrupting him. Stepping back, I linked my arm through his once more. “I need your help.”
He didn’t ask what for; he simply responded a determined, “Anything.”
And I knew—I just knew—he wouldn’t let me down.
***
Mina
From the moment I stepped inside Bleeding Hearts, I knew my anxiety had returned with a vengeance. I wasn’t sure what had brought it on, but I was definitely feeling the pressure after the fourth glass had slipped from my hand and shattered as it hit the floor.
Nastasia pulled me aside. “What gives, dude? You were doing so well today!”
I sputtered angrily, “I don’t know! Jesus.”
Anika came over, looking somewhat sympathetic. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we’ve got a bachelor party coming in. They’ll be here in ten and I’m their server.” She looked at Nas, her striking blue eyes concerned. “What are we going to do? I don’t think I can leave Mina behind the bar tonight, not without someone to help.”
I slapped my hands over my face. “Oh, God. I’m so sorry, Nas. I don’t know what’s going on with me.”
Anika spotted something by the door and straightened. “Dammit,” she smiled widely as she muttered through gritted teeth. “They’re early. I have to go play hostess. Nas, stay with her, please.”
The second Anika had left, my stomach eased.
Nas sighed. “Come on.” She took me by the shoulders and shook me once. “You can do this. I know you can. I told Lev I had you. Don’t make a liar out of me, short stuff.”
Nas’ pep talks were mildly threatening, but they did the job. Tilting my head from side-to-side, I cricked my neck. “I got this.”
“You got this,” she repeated.
“I’m gonna make this horse my bitch,” I grumbled.
She grinned. “Fuck yes, you are.” She pushed me along, slapping my ass in encouragement. “Get out there and serve drinks, and don’t freaking drop anything.” I glowered at her. Using her fingers, she drew a big smile onto her face. “Service with a smile!”
I looked around and when I was sure no one was watching, I flipped her the bird.
She laughed and I felt eyes on me. Turning toward the far end of the club, by the stage, I found Lev looking right at me, unblinking. And his eyes…they were full of mirth.
He’d seen what I’d done. I was caught.
My face heated. I could hardly ignore him. He’d seen me look right at him. I lifted my hand in a two finger wave. He jerked his chin in response. I smiled and mouthed, “Sorry.” I wasn’t sure, but it looked like he mouthed back, “Get to work.”
I settled behind the bar, took orders, and served drinks. I did this without further incident, and over the course of the next hour, made a hundred dollars in tips.
A man named Jeremiah came to take over for me while I took a fifteen-minute break. He wasn’t as tall as the other men who worked here, but he definitely made up for it with his good looks. He had longish brown hair, slicked back, a beard, and tattoos running up his arms. He wore tight black jeans, a tight black tee, and had an easy smile. I took the hand he extended and was surprised when he lifted it to his mouth to press a kiss on my knuckles.