~*~ Nothing To Lose ~*~
The night was almost over and Andi had been extremely busy working a different room. She hadn’t seen Howie all night so she had no way of knowing that he’d left.
"Tanya, have you seen Howie?"
"Sure haven’t, Andi. Something wrong?"
"No, it’s just that he was gonna give me a ride home."
"We’re not that busy here. Why don’t you go see if he’s in his office?"
"Thanks, Tanya."
"Andi, are you and Howie seeing each other?"
"No, we’re just friends."
"Rumor is you went home with him last night."
"Well, yeah, but its really no one’s business but ours." Andi’s temper was building. What she did in her private time was HER business, no one else’s.
"Sorry, I didn’t mean to butt in but you should know, Kim and Star are spreading rumors and trying to get you fired."
"I’m sure Howie will handle it. I’ll be back in a few minutes."
Andi headed up to the VIP section in search of Howie only to be met by Star and Amy, the manager.
"You aren’t working this section. What are you doing here?" sneered Star.
"Looking for Howie…NOT that it’s any of YOUR business."
"But it is mine and if you’re shirking your duties," said Amy. "This isn’t your section. Now get back to where you belong."
"I need to find Howie. We weren’t busy and Tanya is covering."
"I don’t give a damn who’s covering. You NEED to get back to your post."
Andi glared at Amy knowing she was doing this for Star.
Star called after Andi who had turned to leave. "Oh, by the way, Howie left…with Kim."
Andi was already mad and this just pushed her over the breaking point. She spun on the two, "I doubt THAT very much since he told ME that he dumped her psychotic ass. Stay out of Howie’s business and stay OUT of mine."
Amy spoke up, "Andi, gather your things. You’re fired."
"That’s a joke. Howie’s NOT gonna let you fire me."
"He’s not here so that leaves me to make the call. Gather your things and leave. Someone else will cover you," said Amy flatly.
Star smiled smugly. "See ya."
Already beyond control, Andi mumbled, "Nothing to lose," and took a swing at Star.
No one had seen the young man standing off to the side in the shadows but he’d witnessed the whole event, plus other things. He was waiting now to see what Andi would do. He could tell by the flash in her dark eyes that she was angry and wanted to be there to stop anything that might happen.
From behind her, two strong arms wrapped around her waist pulling her away and a voice said, "Don’t give Howie a reason to back Amy."
Andi had missed Star by inches and now she fought the arms that held her.
"LET GO OF ME!" she growled.
"Not until you calm down. Amy, I’m gonna let Howie know ALL that’s happened tonight and I’m sure when he hears, Andi will NOT be the one losing her job," said the voice.
Andi was still struggling against the arms but she recognized the voice. She was surprised he was there but Amy’s reaction was even more surprising.
"Please, Mr. McLean, Andi can keep her job."
"NO FUCKING WAY!" snapped Star. "You’re bluffing, AJ. You didn’t hear ANYTHING."
"Wanna try me? And watch your language," smirked AJ. "I’m sure Howie wouldn’t approve."
Star was obviously steamed and Amy was scared. What did AJ have on them? There was definitely more than this going on and hopefully AJ would explain.
"Go on home," said Amy with just a slight trace of tremble in her voice.
"What about my job?"
"You’ve still got one."
That clearly angered Star and she stormed off.
"Let’s go, ‘Slugger’," said AJ into her ear. He kept a hand on Andi’s back leading her through the crowd and down to the waitress’ station area. "Get your things and let’s go."
"What? Howie’s giving me a ride home."
"Howie called me and asked me to pick you up. He was exhausted so he headed home but he didn’t want to leave you to catch a cab."
Andi looked into his eyes. Oh those eyes! They were like ice on her hot temper and she suddenly became aware of his presence. His hand was still on her bare back, the warmth radiating throughout her body. His scent, as intoxicating as the drinks she served, wrapped around her as tight as his arms had just been minutes ago. His hard, lean body had been pressed against her and she suddenly missed it.
"I just need to get my purse," whispered Andi, afraid her voice would betray her want.
AJ smiled and watched her go into the small room. Damn she had a temper but she was so hot when she was pissed off. He had to find out what she was like in bed. Was she this passionate when she made love?
Rejoining AJ, Andi said, "I’m ready."
AJ offered his hand and she took it. Lacing their fingers together, they headed out the side entrance saying goodnight to the few employees they passed on the way.
Outside, AJ led her to his car digging in his pocket to get his keys out. "Is your grandfather at home?"
"No, no one is there tonight. They’ve gone to Miami for a couple days."
"So, you don’t have to be home?"
"No," she smiled shyly. "What do you have in mind?"
"Breakfast?"
"What, you want me to cook for you too?" quipped Andi.
"NO!"
"And NOT Denny’s!"
AJ laughed, "No, not Denny’s. I know a place in Winter Park called the BriarPatch."
"I know the place but it doesn’t open until eight on Sundays."
"Yeah, I know. I thought we could go back to your place so you could change and head to the coast to watch the sun come up."
Andi couldn’t stop smiling. Howie had obviously told him that she loved watching the sunrise. "I’m not gonna be much company. I haven’t had much sleep."
"I’ll take my chances," smiled AJ as he opened the car door for her."
In order for Andi to get in, AJ had to let go of her hand but he didn’t. He held on to it, staring into her eyes, his mind wandering.
"Uh, Alex, we have to get in the car to be able to go anywhere."
AJ shook his head, "I’m going all kinds of places just looking into your eyes."
"Uh huh, let me guess where the FIRST place is…bed."
"BUSTED!" laughed AJ. "Let’s go, beautiful. We have a first date to go on."
