Page 3 of His Rise

I’m peeved to see that, in the time I was in the office, the other job applicant has managed to clean up his suit, and his shirt is dry and looks clean. Perfectly, as far as I can see. He stands and comes to the counter to watch.

To get the job, I’m betting everything on the coffee. I have faith, though.

When I’ve ground the beans, I put the powder into two holders, then twist them into place under the espresso machine. I position four little espresso cups under the spouts. While the rich, almost black coffee comes through with a trace of fine, dark golden foam, I ask Henry, “How do you take it?”

Bored, he gives me a dead, withering look. “I told you. I get all the coffee I need. Gimme an espresso. We’ll get this over with.”

As the aroma rises, even Henry’s eyebrow twitches. With the espresso in the cups, I hand one to him and the other to Andreas.

I try to avoid eye contact as I give a cup to Mr. Dimple. Joe. I’m not successful. A spark in his eye makes a splash of shock that washes inside me, all the way down to a shake in my knees.

I’m glad I didn’t use saucers. The cup would rattle as I handed it to him.

The last cup is for me, so I can see how it turned out. I’m pleased.

Henry’s eyebrows steeple. Andreas wears a broad, bright grin. Joe the Dimple is staring at me.

The undertone of cocoa in the flavor and the aroma has all three of the men intrigued. Henry’s eyes narrow. “Have you got enough of those beans for a day here?”

I nod.

“So this is a shakedown, eh? If I want your beans, I have to pay your prices.”

“Show me what you’re paying now. I’ll charge you the same for the first week. After that, we’ll talk.”

“Where do you get these?” Big Joe’s voice stirs me more than the coffee, and it sets me buzzing more. Plus, the coffee doesn’t make my underwear wet.

I start to speak, but I have to clear my throat. “I’m not going to discuss that.”

“Well, I want to buy some.”

“Well, I’m not wholesaling coffee beans.”

“Why not?” He shrugs with a smile. “There must be money in it.”

Henry can see that he’s losing control of the situation. He briskly ushers me toward the door. With his voice almost a whisper, he tells me, “Come here tomorrow at six thirty, all right?”

“I’ve got the job?”

“Yes.” He holds the door open. “So leave. Now, please. We’re closing.”

To me, at this point, getting the job seems like it should be good news.

Sometimes, I just don’t know what’s good for me.

I look back over my shoulder. Henry is pulling down the blinds on the door. I shudder at my last glimpse of the sharp, penetrating gaze of the big man in the suit.

Chapter Two

Jackson

Those curves. That ass! I could get happily lost forever between those soft thighs.

This morning, I was looking forward to taking over Henry’s small chain of coffee bars. I know his territory and his business. It will be a useful addition to the portfolio. A start to the next phase of my Hot Start empire. All of my plans are ready, and I know what it will take to buy Henry out.

He’s weak. He expanded too fast, so he’s vulnerable.

Now, I’ve lost interest. All I can think about, all that I want, is his new barista. All my instincts are to go after her instead of wasting my time in this meeting. He was right to chase her away as fast as he did.

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