003: New Gal Friday On A Tuesday?

Kayla Knix had arrived at Mandalay Bay minutes before and found herself in a plush elevator that was traveling up to the floor where Lux was located. She had a job interview set up with the club's owner, Rick Raven and was about fifteen minutes early. She was nervous to say the least, she'd never been a personal assistant, but she was a fast learner. She'd come to Vegas for a fresh start and after the past ten years, it was time to grow up and actually be an adult. Her father had passed back in November and that had caused her to take a step back and examine her life and the choices she'd made. In her estimation she'd only made a handful of really good ones and the rest were mostly hit and miss. She had a chance now, to actually do something with her life— moving to Vegas had been that first step.

Her cousin Lyv had given her the contact information for Rick as well as the tidbit that he'd been looking to hire a 'Gal Friday'. Lyv had also helped Kayla put together the outfit she'd wear for the interview. The outfit consisted of a black cashmere wrap top with a v-neck, a crimson pencil skirt, and black strappy heels that showed off her freshly painted toes. She had a pair of simple diamond studs in her ears, her hair was pulled back into a wavy ponytail. and she carried a small black handbag.

Once the elevator opened, Kayla stepped off and took in her surroundings. She could only imagine how opulent the place looked when it was filled with patrons, drinks were being served, and music was on blast. Looking around, she didn't see anyone and walked over to the bar counter. Her purse was set down on the counter as she awaited the man who could help her start a new chapter.

"You're early," the voice that came to her ears was smooth as silk, a hint of a cultured British accent giving those simple words a hint of mystery. The owner stepped out of the shadows at the end of the bar, the sleeves of his dress shirt rolled up to reveal muscular arms. The collar was open as well, showing off his tanned and bare neck. He looked dapper even though it was clear he'd been caught out in the middle of some menial chore.

Kayla slightly jumped as she turned and studied the man she'd only seen in pictures. "I apologize, but I hope it's not a problem." Her recently manicured hands folded in front of her. The pictures she'd seen had barely done him justice. Rick Raven was a sight to behold, but instead of ogling him, she stood up straight and stayed professional. "Punctuality is a plus, though?"

He stared at her for a moment, long enough for it to border on uncomfortable before a slow smile spread across his face. "In a manner of speaking, I suppose you're right." He paused, taking her in from head to toe before nodding slowly. Without another word, he rounded the bar and reached for the top shelf whiskey, filling a glass before his gaze met hers. "How terribly rude of me. Would you like something to drink, Miss Knix?"

Kayla stared at him for a moment as she turned to face him. "I've never been to a job interview where I was offered alcohol." It didn't surprise her that this was a bit unconventional, he seemed to be just that. "How about water with lemon?" She wasn't a heavy drinker and hadn't been in a few years.

He tossed a few ice cubes into a crystal tumbler, adding a twist of lemon to some sparkling water. Sliding it down the bar top, he picked up his own glass and enjoyed a slow swallow, his eyes on her. "That wasn't a test." Chuckling, Rick leaned in and rested his elbows on the bar, opting to keep it between them for the time being. She seemed a tad skittish, as if she needed the buffer. "But I like your answer nonetheless."

She took the glass of sparkling water and brought it to her lips. "If it had been a test, would I have passed?" It was a silly question and mentally she cursed herself for it. Taking a long drink, she set the glass back down so that it was on a coaster. "And my friend who tipped me off was my cousin, Alyvia Jackson." Her hands rested in her lap, wanting to seem as professional as she could.

One dark brow lifted as he considered the confession. He'd already known as Alyvia had contacted him earlier in the day, apologizing as though she'd worried she may have overstepped. Watching this girl now, he knew she was the right one, even if she had little to no experience. "Appreciate the candor. One thing I require of my employees is a certain level of honesty— trust. I'm sure that isn't shocking." Sighing theatrically, he tilted his glass to the empty bar. "I've had to make a few unexpected changes. My previous assistant…" he looked almost sad for a moment as his gaze fixed on a point across the empty room. "She's no longer here. I realize that sounds rather cold, doesn't it? Searching for her replacement in a time like this." His dark eyes moved back to fix on hers, a rueful smile crossing his lips for an instant. "I haven't fired her. I gave her a promotion and she's gone to New York to take care of my other investment. I find myself spread far too thin to make a go of it without someone to take on a few tasks in her absence. It's mostly organizational. Keeping things in order."

Kayla nodded, listening to what he said as she rested her hands in her lap. "I'll be honest, Mr. Raven, I've never done a job like this. I'm a fast learner, though." She felt anxious, but that was normal given the fact she was interviewing for a job. Smiling warmly at him, she continued, "I can also multi-task."

"How's your penmanship?" Raven leaned in closer, resting his chin on the back of his hand as he gazed at her. "I saw something on social media about purchasing notebooks. Is that something you excel with? Are you able to manage scheduling? Keep track of appointments and such?"

Kayla's eyes widened as she eagerly nodded. "Actually planners, journals, and filling them out is a guilty pleasure. I honestly track everything, from appointments to which podcasts I've listened to. If you need your datebook organized, I am your gal." She had found recently that keeping a current planner as well as bullet journal had helped her feel in control of her life. "I also have oodles of fancy pens, highlighters, stencils and stickers."

A chuckle surprised them both as he shook his head, clearly delighted at her answer. "I don't think I'm in dire need of any stickers or stamps. I could use a little semblance of order in my life as well." The way he said it made it seem as though he knew what she'd just been thinking. "I hope you don't mind me poking about in your life," he murmured, looking almost sheepish, "I wouldn't have let you through the door if I hadn't already made sure you were the sort of candidate I'd consider."

"I don't mind at all, anything on social media is fair game." Kayla picked up at the water and took another drink. "And hey, don't knock my stickers, they come in very handy. Just picture how festive I could make your schedule look for Cinco De Mayo with a few stickers and some decorative washi." She seemed to relax a bit in his presence. He was intimidating to say the least, but if anything, it was giving her more confidence. "The correct answer, Sir, is extremely festive."

He winced, shaking his head. "Rick," he replied, "if you're going to work here… that'll be sufficient. Mr. Raven as a lesser substitute. But never 'sir'." Even though he was correcting, almost chastising her, his voice was still warm, and that hint of a smile never left his lips or his eyes. "I admit, I have no idea what a 'washi' is, but I'm sure I'll find out in due time."

"Okay, Rick." He had a great smile and it seemed to be contagious. "Truth is, I don't have kids or a significant other so I can give you as much of my time as you need." Work would be a good outlet. Even though she loved the new home she was living in, she knew it would get lonely. Staying busy would keep her occupied.

"Now, now… don't be so generous. If I were more villainous, I might be inclined to take full advantage." He picked up his drink, taking a leisurely swallow after swirling the liquor with the melting ice cubes. "Tell me, though. Honestly. What is it you desire most in this world?"

"You can't take advantage of something I'm wholeheartedly offering." A playful smirk crossed her face as she kept her eyes on his. Part of her felt as though he could see exactly what was going on in her head. "Honestly, I just want to be settled somewhere, put all the other baggage behind me especially when it's not here to weigh me down."

"That's a good answer," he nodded, looking thoughtful, "fair to say you're looking for a fresh start then?"

"Yes, I figured it's time to actually be an adult and do adult things." She slightly laughed and drank the rest of her water. "Rick, if you hire me, I promise I'll help you however I can."

"Doing adult things… my goodness, that sounds so dreadfully dull." Raven laughed, shaking his head, "forgive me if I'm being too personal— you don't strike me as a dull person, Miss Knix. You're almost as effervescent as the drink you just finished. Don't dim that simply because you think you have to."

Kayla laughed, feeling a level of comfort with him that surprised her. "First off, call me Kayla, Kay, or even Kaylee. None of this Miss Knix stuff— makes me feel like my high school principal is scolding me. Secondly, it's not that I think I have to do any of that, but it is time." Her smile faded some, but a sparkle had come to her eyes while they'd been talking, and it still remained. "I have spent years just floating around, doing whatever and it didn't make me happy. Then I get a call one day that my dad has stage four lung cancer." Her eyes went down to that empty glass of water before meeting his again. "I moved back home and stayed with him until the end." The sparkle in her eyes was replaced by the glimmer of tears that she refused to shed. "Now, it feels like time to settle down and plant roots. It's not because I feel like I have to, but it is the right time."

It struck her then that she had basically spilled her deepest thoughts and it made her laugh with a shake of her head. "And I did not plan on divulging all of that." Her laugh was an embarrassed one, but luckily, she didn't go beet red. "Any other questions?"

"Hmmm." He steepled his fingers and slowly interlocked all but the indexes, tapping those against his lips. "I could traipse down the mundane avenues, asking when you had to use certain skills in previous employment, but I feel as though that's hardly relevant here, is it?" Rick cocked his head, studying her for a few seconds. It felt like he was peering right through to her soul and it wasn't unpleasant in the least. It was as though he was actually seeing her, if that made any sense at all. Finally, he took the glass she'd left empty and moved away. He picked up a cocktail shaker and added her discarded ice to it before pouring a few liquids in. He shook it and then refilled the glass, garnishing it with a cherry speared on a little plastic sword.

The drink had a faint pink hue that caught the light as he set it down. "Try it," he urged. "It's virgin— the only thing in here that is." He chuckled, "tell me if it's right, if I've pegged you correctly."

Picking up the glass, Kayla didn't take her eyes off Rick's. She liked his eyes on her, but she never would have admitted it. She was surprised though that she wasn't turning beet red. The glass came to her lips and she let the liquid slide down her throat. "You would happen to be correct." The glass was set back down as she crossed one leg over the other. "Why so curious, though?"

"It's something I pride myself on. Reading people, I mean. Finding out what makes them tick— what they desire." His voice was soft, almost intimate as he leaned in and picked up his own nearly empty glass. "You want something stable. Something you can sink your teeth into that will ground you, no?"

"Yes." The word came out with a slight nod. His voice gave her goosebumps and she covered up the little shiver by taking another drink. "It's something I need at this stage, I think."

"Understood." Rick nodded, tossing back the last of his liquor. He set the glass down with a thump that almost seemed to signal a decision and when he spoke, it made it clear that's exactly what it was. "Then, consider me your life preserver and this place to be a safe port of call— with life's storms, we all could use one of those. Wouldn't you agree?" He flashed that charming smile again, not really giving her a chance to respond, "I think we can help each other. Actually, strike that… I know we will."

"Yeah, I think so." Kayla couldn't put her finger on it, but she trusted this man even though they'd just met. He truthfully was unlike any man she'd ever known, and she would stay for as long as he would have her.