Venus Rising
Published by Ali Spooner at Smashwords
Copyright 2010 Ali Spooner
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CHAPTER ONE
At twenty-four and a week away from graduation with her MBA, Levi Johnson sat at her kitchen table pondering her future. She had numerous job opportunities awaiting her upon graduation, but Levi was in no hurry to plunge into a career. For the last six years she had studied hard and now she wanted to have some fun before settling down in a career.
Several weeks ago, Levi had been surfing the net searching for a job that sparked her interest when she ran across an advertisement for a bartender at an exclusive lesbian resort down in the islands. She clicked on the posting and was immediately drawn to the sugar white sand and green water which made up the private beach at the resort. Certainly there would be thousands of applicants for this job she thought, but she continued to read.
She reviewed the job qualifications and fringe benefits and on a whim she applied for the position with a resume, cover letter and picture per the requirements posted in the advertisement.
“This would be a perfect way to spend the summer,” she said to herself as she sealed the envelope.
Levi had almost forgotten about the position until she arrived home one day. When she opened her mailbox a large envelope sat waiting for her. When Levi saw the return address, a surge of excitement ran through her body. Had the response been a simple thank you for applying, but we are not interested letter, she felt it would have come in a much smaller envelope.
Clutching the envelope in her hand, Levi climbed the stairs to her apartment and once inside sat down at her small kitchen table to open her mail. She slipped her letter opener under the seal of the envelope and slid it across the length of the envelope. A brochure and airline ticket slid out of the envelope which was bundled together, with a rubber band. The contents were accompanied by a letter.
Dear Ms. Johnson,
My partner Liz and I have reviewed your application and cover letter. We would like to invite you to our resort to interview for the position of bartender. Your application was selected as one of the top candidates from over a hundred applicants for the position. As described in the advertisement, the position pays minimum wage, but is supplemented by a very generous tipping clientele. We offer the use of a private bungalow and all meals are furnished by the resort.
If you are still interested in the position, you will find an airline ticket enclosed for Friday, May tenth for you to fly down to interview for the position. That weekend is a very special "Singles" weekend and we are completely sold out, so you will be staying with my partner and me during the weekend if you choose to make a visit.
I look forward to hearing from you soon and would kindly request that you reply by email of your intention to visit.
Sincerely,
Nat Lewis
Levi could not hide the grin on her face as she read the letter again. She started up her computer and sent a reply to Nat accepting the offer of an interview opportunity and confirming the tenth as her day of arrival.
Levi had ten more days to wait until she would fly to the islands and those days would be very busy ones indeed. She had already begun to pack up her apartment, and had made arrangements for another graduate student to purchase her furniture and appliances as well as assume the lease on her apartment at the end of May. If her plans worked out, Levi would be working in the islands before then and her friend would have a free month's rent.
Levi would pack up the remainder of her belongings next week after her Wednesday graduation and would contact a shipping company regarding shipping costs. She was confident the job would be hers for the taking once she arrived.
Levi finished her last exam the following Monday and spent the next few days closing out bank accounts, paying final bills and reading through mixology books to sharpen her knowledge of bartending skills.
As an undergrad, Levi had worked as a bartender for several years and had the basic skills needed, but wanted to make a huge impression on Nat and Liz during her interview period.
She spent several nights that week entertaining several friends and using them to experiment on several new drink recipes until she developed a concoction she would claim as her signature drink. With the help of her friends, they named the drink, "Tropical Ecstasy" or Tropical E for short. The drink was smooth, sweet and guaranteed to knock you off your feet.
Also with the help of her friends, Levi was brought up to date with the latest dance moves. She had formed a plan that she hoped would keep the bar a rocking while she impressed her future employers.
Wednesday came and went and Levi returned home that night once more a college graduate. She was pleased to have finished at the top of her class, but was much more excited about her possibility of a job down in the islands. Even if she only worked for a year or so, it would enable her to "sow" some of her wild oats before settling down to a career and searching for a mate. Life was good, Levi thought as she packed her diploma away with the last of her boxes.
Thursday was spent packing a bag for her trip with several outfits. She had neglected to inquire about uniforms when she emailed Nat, so she packed a few extra items. She could barely sleep that night, as her excitement grew with each passing hour.
The next morning she woke prior to the alarm going off and was showered and waiting at the curb for the taxi she had ordered the day before. As she slipped into the taxi, she looked at the small complex that for the last two years she had called home. The small building held many good memories for her, but Levi knew it was time to move on with her life. As she rode to the airport, Levi smiled at the memory of her friends ribbing her over taking a minimum wage job when she could easily be pulling down a six figure salary, but she knew each of them was envious of the opportunity she had been offered. There was plenty of time in her future for fame and fortune and right now Levi just wanted to have some fun and frolic in the sun.
She paid the driver and checked her bags at the curb before she entered the terminal and began the security check in process. She was fortunate that a passport wasn't necessary and even more thankful when she walked past the long line for international travel.
Levi made it through security with minimal effort and made her way to her departure gate with relative ease. She had brought along a new magazine and was immersed in an article when the overhead speaker announced that her flight was ready to board. She passed through the boarding pass check and walked onto the jet way, leaving her old life behind to begin what she hoped would be a welcomed respite from her years of academia.
She stretched out in a luxurious first class seat and accepted a glass of wine from the flight attendant while the remaining passengers boarded the jet. Levi had never been terribly comfortable flying in the past, but the wine and luxury of the seat relaxed her and shortly after takeoff, she found her head nodding. Levi reclined her seat and dozed until the pilot ran into turbulence as he began their decent for landing. She looked out the window and was mesmerized by the lush green canopy of trees that seemed to cover the island. The entire island was encircled by pristine white beach and the water was a sparkling blue-green so clear you could see the ocean floor beneath it.
The pilot landed the jet smoothly and it appeared they had landed in the middle of a forest as the jet was surrounded by trees while they taxied to the terminal. Levi departed the jet and made her way to baggage claim to retrieve her bags. She was surprised when a sultry voice said, "Welcome to the islands Levi."
Levi looked up to the deep, dark eyes of a cinnamon skinned beauty.
"My name is NeNe and Nat asked me to meet you and bring you to the resort," the young beauty stated.
Levi shook the offered hand and said, "Thanks for the warm welcome."
"Is this all you have?" NeNe asked pointing to the two bags now resting at Levi's feet.
"Yes, I tried to travel light," Levi said, and was rewarded with a beautiful smile from NeNe.
"Well, let's get you out of here," NeNe said, as she bent down to pick up Levi's bags.
Levi took control of the larger bag and for the first time noticed the uniform shirt NeNe was wearing. "So you work for the resort?" she asked.
NeNe smiled again. "Yes, I provide transportation when needed during the day and I Dee jay at the club at night," she answered. "I have been with Nat and Liz for almost three years and I love working at the resort," NeNe said, as she held the door open for Levi. "I understand you are auditioning for the role of bartender at the club," NeNe said, with a grin.
Levi chuckled at NeNe's choice of the word audition versus interview, but she was in fact correct. Levi would have to perform well to obtain the job opportunity the resort had to offer. "Yes, I hope to make a good enough impression to land the job," Levi stated.
"I am certain you will do just fine Levi, and I look forward to working with you," NeNe continued.
"Thanks, Levi said, I hope you are right. I will need some assistance from you tonight though if you are the Dee jay," Levi said,
"Just name it and I will see what I can do," NeNe said.
"Do you have the song, Mambo Number Five in your mix?" Levi asked.
"As a matter of fact, I do," NeNe said, with a grin.
"At some point tonight, I will ask you to play it for me then," Levi said, returning NeNe's grin.
"Easy enough,” NeNe said, “Just let me know when."
Levi gazed out the window and was pleased that her plan was proceeding as desired. NeNe pointed out a few of the island's highlights as she drove and Levi instantly fell in love with the beauty of the island. Several minutes later, NeNe slowed and turned down a lush tropical lane that served to seclude the resort from the main road. A few hundred yards off the road, the canopy opened to reveal the majestic "Venus Rising" resort.
"Wow," was all Levi could think to say as she looked over the grounds of the immense resort. "This place looks magnificent," she finally managed to say as NeNe drove through a tropical garden to the back of the property.
NeNe parked and helped Levi with her bags. As they walked toward the main section of the resort, a tall red haired woman appeared from the shadows.
"Welcome to Venus Rising," the woman said. "My name is Liz and after NeNe shows you to the guest room to deposit your bags, I will take you on a tour."
"Very pleased to meet you," Levi said, and then followed NeNe inside.
NeNe ushered Levi down a hallway and opened a door to the luxurious owner’s suite and guided her to a huge guestroom.
“I will leave you for a few minutes if you would like to freshen up a bit,” NeNe said, as she left the large room and closed the door behind her.
Levi looked around the room and made use of the facilities before unpacking her bag and arranging her clothing in a large walk in closet. She surveyed the expansive room, and then met NeNe in the hallway.
“All set,” she said, as she offered NeNe a smile.
“Let’s get you started then,” NeNe said, as she led Levi back into the main resort and into Liz’s office space.
Liz was on the phone as Levi and NeNe entered and motioned for Levi to take a seat across from the desk. NeNe bent down to whisper in Levi’s ear.
“Relax, you will be just fine,” she said. “I will see you in the club later,” she added and with a gentle squeeze to Levi’s shoulder she left the office just as Liz was hanging up the phone.
“Thank you for all your help NeNe,” Liz said.
“You are very welcome,” she answered and with a wink to Levi she left the room.
Liz fixed her green eyes on Levi and smiled. “Are you ready to start your tour?” she asked.
“Yes ma’am,” Levi said, politely.
“We are very informal here so Liz will do just fine,” she said, with a grin. “If you will follow me, we shall get started then.”
Levi stood and followed Liz, listening very intently as she described the resort’s many amenities and the type of clientele Venus Rising served. She was very impressed by the high rate of occupancy the resort maintained and Liz explained that it was rare that there was a cancellation but, when one did occur there were usually several clients eager to take advantage of the empty slot. Levi was astounded by the size of the resort and the many different activities that were offered from a full body massage to scuba diving and deep sea fishing. It was definitely a place where every dream could come true. Liz told her that they resort maintained a staff of seventy five and that the average length of employment was slightly over four years.
“That is a very impressive retention rate,” Levi said. “What event occurred to open this position if I may ask?” she inquired.
“Jessica, our previous evening bartender was swept off her feet by one of our guests and she left our employ to be with her new partner in Boston,” Liz answered. “As you will soon find out, our clientele is based primarily of successful business women, artists, an occasional actress and our younger crowd hails from Ivy League schools, with ample trust funds to enable them to enjoy an exotic lifestyle.”
Liz guided Levi through a lush tropical garden and beyond a huge pool crowded with scantily clad women, sunbathing and sipping on cool tropical drinks. Liz noted numerous heads turn to watch as she and Levi strolled past and she knew Levi would be an instant success with this crowd. She had ample good looks and carried herself quite confidently as she and Nat had hoped she would.
The Club was built with multiple levels. The first level held tables and booths for the patrons to relax and enjoy their drinks while they looked out onto the pool, the private beach or down onto the dance floor which made up the second level of the club. The third and final level held the most beautiful, round, teakwood bar Levi had ever laid her eyes on. She grinned as she looked down from the top level onto the bar and she could barely wait to reach her final destination. There were a few afternoon patrons in the club enjoying a cool drink and Levi saw NeNe in the large deejay booth as she prepared her music for the night to come. Liz led Levi across a catwalk that connected the dance floor to the bar level. Levi looked down to find salt water aquariums lining the wall between the dance floor and the lounge area above with brightly colored tropical fish swimming freely around the club.
As they moved closer to the bar, a tall dark haired woman stood up from behind the bar where she had bent down to retrieve several bottles to restock the bars mirrored shelves. Levi watched as the two women locked eyes and smiled at each other and she knew this woman was Nat.
“I am Nat,” the woman said, as she pointed to heavily cushioned seats surrounding the bar. “Please have a seat Levi and let’s talk for a bit,” she said. “Would you care for a drink?” she asked.
“Just a bottled water please,” Levi said.
“How about a glass of white wine for you darling,” Nat asked Liz.
“That sounds wonderful love,” Liz said, as she took a seat by Levi.
“So what do you think about our resort?” Nat asked.
“I have never seen anything so amazing in my life,” Levi answered. “And this bar,” Levi shook her head, “is just incredible.”
Nat chuckled and said, “Well I am glad you approve. If you are selected to fill the position, this will become your new home from four in the afternoon, until two in the morning, five days a week.”
“Do I have free reign to run the bar as I wish during my shift?” Levi asked.
“Within reason, yes,” Nat said, still chuckling over Levi’s excitement. “We have a fairly standard menu of drinks, but we ask our bartenders to be creative in developing different cocktails to use as their specialties,” Nat answered.
“That is perfect,” Levi said, “what time do I start?”
“Well it is almost noon so why don’t you and Liz grab some lunch and you can relax a few hours before you come to relieve me for the four o’clock shift,” Nat suggested.
Levi picked up one of the menu’s and took it with her to study as she and Liz left the club and headed to the dining room. Levi found it hard to contain her excitement as she looked over the drink menu, memorizing the contents of each drink she was unfamiliar with.
“May I suggest the grilled fish of the day,” Liz said, to Levi who was still immersed in the drink menu.
“Yes, that sounds fine,” Levi answered and Liz placed their orders.
“I just can’t get over how fabulous this place is,” Levi said, as the waitress left the table.
“Thank you,” Liz said. “It has taken us a few years to build up the business, but we have discussed the possibility of starting a second resort in the future.”
Levi found it difficult to concentrate on her meal, even though it was as fantastic as everything else at the resort. After the meal, Liz took her back to the guest room and encouraged her to get some rest before her shift would begin.
“Tonight will be full tilt,” Liz warned and with a grin, she left a totally excited Levi behind.
Levi looked at the bed and knew a nap would be very beneficial, but she doubted sleep would come. She looked inside the closet and as promised, two freshly starched and pressed uniforms were hanging there awaiting her. On the bedside table was a name tag with her name printed on it. Levi was beginning to feel at home as she sat down at the edge of the bed.
As a precaution, Levi set the alarm clock for three to give her plenty of time to shower and dress for her evening in the club. Levi stretched out on the bed and was surprised to find she drifted off to sleep.
Liz joined Nat back in the club after leaving Levi in the guest room.
“So what do you think about Levi?” Liz asked.
“Well she certainly has the exuberance and looks for the position,” Nat answered.
“She definitely turned a few heads while we were touring,” Liz said, with a grin.
“If she has decent bartending skills, I would feel comfortable making an offer,” Nat replied.
“I guess we will find out soon enough,” Liz said, as the clock above the bar neared the three o’clock hour.
Two hours after she had laid down, the alarm clock jangled to wake Levi from her nap. She quickly showered and dressed in the uniform provided, the tan shorts and black muscle shirt showing off her trim figure and long, tanned legs.
She made her way back through the resort and out to the pool on her way to the club. A small group of women whistled and waved to Levi as she passed through and she smiled and waved back.
“I see you have made your first adoring fans,” NeNe said, as she walked up to Levi.
“Oh hush NeNe,” Levi said, and together they walked into the club to start their shifts.
“Hey, NeNe and Levi,” Nat said, from behind the bar.
“Hi Nat,” both Levi and NeNe said, at the same time. NeNe reached over and pinched Levi’s arm as she said, “jinx.”
“I can see already that Liz and I are going to have our hands full with the two of you,” Nat teased.
“I’m off to the booth Levi, so good luck tonight,” NeNe said.
“Thanks NeNe,” Levi replied and then turned toward the bar. “Are you ready to show me around?” Levi asked Nat.
Nat showed Levi where all the important items were stored, who and how to call if change were needed and a quick rundown of the register. Levi paid very close attention to each of Nat’s instructions.
“I will be here for quite a while tonight, observing and evaluating your skills, so if you have any questions just motion for me,” Nat said. “After that, if you need me, just have NeNe give me a buzz.”
NeNe was completing sound checks on her equipment when the doors opened again and the afternoon sun shone bright.
“This lovely lady is Karen, your evening assistant tonight, and this is Levi, who is interviewing for the job of bartender,” Nat explained to the two women.
“Good luck then,” Karen said, as she began to wipe down the tables and booths even though Nat had left them sparkling clean.
Levi pointed to the black, dry erase board that advertised the daily specials and asked, “Mind if I make a change?”
“As of this moment, the bar is all yours,” Nat said, as she walked from behind the teakwood and sat down at the bar. She watched as Levi erased the current drink special and then picked up a neon orange pen and began to write.
“Today’s Special”
“Tropical Ecstasy or Topical E for short”
“Smooth, sweet and guaranteed to knock you off your feet”
“Sounds interesting,” Nat said, “Let’s taste one.”
Levi went to work blending up the drink and poured one small glass each for Nat, NeNe and Karen. Each of the women sipped the drink that looked like a banana smoothie as Levi watched their faces.
“Excellent,” Nat proclaimed as she finished off the drink.
“I can see you will be selling a bunch of these tonight,” NeNe said.
“I guess I had better go back to the bungalow and get my rollerblades,” Karen teased. “This is very tasty.”
“Only one problem I can see,” Nat said, as she watched the grin of excitement fade from Levi’s face, before she walked into the storeroom. She returned moments later with a new frozen drink dispenser and sat it down beside the daiquiri machine. “I hope you have a recipe for mass production,” Nat said, as she installed the machine for Levi’s use.
“That is no problem at all,” Levi said, as the grin returned to her face and she began scooping ice into the large blender and then portioned out her concoction to create a ten gallon mix.
“Just as tasty as the first,” Nat said when the batch was ready.
The door opened again and Levi looked up to see a group of sunbathers enter the club.
“Come in ladies and meet Levi, our bartender for the night,” Nat said, to the small group. “Have a free shot of Tropical Ecstasy and tell us what you think,” Nat added.
Levi’s grin broadened as she poured shots for the six women now seated at the bar. She watched as one by one the women downed the shots. “This is fantastic,” one of the women said, and the rest of the group agreed wholeheartedly.
“We are on our way back in to shower and eat dinner, but you can be guaranteed we will be back for more of these,” the woman said. The women thanked Levi for the free shots and left the bar. Levi glanced over at a smiling Nat.
“Sell them as shots and help me set up another dispenser,” Nat said.
The sun had yet to set and Levi felt her interview was going well. Once the second dispenser was set up, Levi caught her breath as the after dinner crowd began to drift in.
The ladies who had received the free shots had done an excellent job of advertising the new drink in the dining room. Levi watched as tray after tray of shots disappeared into the growing crowd. NeNe was slowly increasing the tempo of the music and dancers began to pack the dance floor. The tips began to pour in as well, and every time a tip of five dollars or more was dropped in her tip jar, Levi would ring the brass bell behind the bar and yell “Hazzah!”
Nat felt confident that Levi was doing well behind the bar and moved to join Liz who was watching from a booth above.
“What do you think?” Nat asked as she sat down two shots of Tropical E and slid in beside Liz.
Liz picked up the glass and downed the shot. “I think we just found our new bartender,” Liz said, with a grin.
“She is quick with a smile and the ladies really like her looks,” Nat said. “I have counted at least a dozen notes with room numbers and invitations passed to her already and this is the mellow early crowd.”
“She seems to really be enjoying herself as well,” Liz said. “So does this mean that my wife will be sleeping all night beside me again?” she asked.
“Just as soon as we can get Levi started,” Nat promised as she kissed Liz softly.
CHAPTER TWO
Levi was indeed enjoying herself as she and Karen worked constantly for the first two hours of their shift. As Karen returned trays of empty shot glasses Levi would get busy sanitizing them and preparing additional shots for waiting patrons. She had lost count at three hundred and the cash register drawer was rapidly filling. Liz had shown her how to make a cash drop and Levi smiled as she placed a thousand dollars in an envelope and sealed it before sliding it into a small vault beneath the bar. It was still early in the evening and Levi thought if this was anywhere close to a typical evening, Liz and Nat had a virtual gold mine on their hands. Her business mind whirled as she washed a load of pilsners, as she calculated the profits they had to be making on the bar alone.
NeNe had the crowd on the dance floor in a frenzy and Karen and Levi had to work at a fevered pitch to keep up with the orders. Every stool around the bar was occupied as the young women vied for Levi’s attention as she served them drinks. On more than one occasion, when she picked up a bill in payment there was also a note with a name and room number attached with an invite for Levi to join that particular woman and after the third or fourth such offer she no longer blushed. She would have to work hard to keep her head from swelling too much as the ladies fed her ego. This job would be much more than even her wildest dreams could imagine and Levi prayed the rest of the night would go well and an offer would be made.
Levi had been carefully perusing the crowd all evening and she had decided on one particular young lady to help her out with her plan. She had spied the woman on the dance floor earlier and Levi watched as the woman’s seductive moves held many other women in a trance as she moved from partner to partner.
When the crowd had settled for a few moments of rest, Levi motioned for Nat to come down to the bar. When Nat arrived Levi asked, “Would you mind taking over for five minutes?”
“Of course not, Levi, take a break,” Nat said.
“Thanks,” Levi said, and with a nod to NeNe she fled into the crowd and located the small blonde she had spotted earlier. Just as Levi reached the table where the woman sat, NeNe started Mambo Number Five.
Levi leaned down to the woman and asked, “May I have this dance?”
The young blonde jumped from her seat and allowed Levi to lead her to the nearly empty dance floor. All eyes were on them as the two women began to dance to the song in perfect rhythm, just like they had practiced for weeks. The crowd went wild with applause as the song came to an end and Levi slowly dipped the young blonde and kissed her softly on the lips. NeNe rolled onto the next song and the re-energized dancers rushed to the dance floor.
Levi took the young woman back to her table and said, “Thank you for the dance ma’am,” and with a killer smile she headed back to the bar.
Nat saw the sparkle in Levi’s eyes as she again stepped behind the bar, a thin sheen of perspiration covering her face. “Very smooth,” Nat said, as she tossed a clean bar towel to Levi.
Levi caught the towel and patted her face and looked up to find a new wave of customers crowding the bar with requests for drinks. Nat stayed behind the bar and helped Levi until the wild rush was over and then she gave Levi a smile of confidence and left to return to the booth carrying a glass of wine to Liz.
“Convinced yet?” she asked Liz as she handed her the glass.
“I can feel your naked body lying next to me already,” Liz said, with a grin. “The ladies absolutely adore her and she has each one of them wrapped around her finger,” Liz said, with a chuckle.
“So why don’t we slip away for a little while and enjoy a break until it is time for me to come back to help our new bartender close up shop,” Nat said, as she stood and offered her hand to her lover.
Levi watched as they stood and Nat flashed Levi a smile and thumbs up sign before she and Liz disappeared out the door. Levi then turned her gaze to the Dee jay booth and caught NeNe’s eyes. She had seen the exchange between Nat and Levi and she nodded her head and rewarded Levi with one of her beautiful smiles.
Karen walked up to the bar at that time and placed her tray on the bar as she took a deep breath. “I feel like we have served ten thousand drinks tonight,” she said, with a grin to Levi. “I will definitely bring my rollerblades tomorrow night,” she added with a chuckle.
“Karen, what do you and NeNe drink?” Levi asked.
“A cold beer for me, thanks and NeNe is rather fond of sex on the beach,” Karen added with a grin.
“Hmm, interesting choice,” Levi said, as she poured a cold draft for Karen while she prepared a sex on the beach for NeNe. “Would you mind if I make this delivery?” Levi asked.
“Not at all, Levi,” I will try to hold down the fort for a minute or two,” Karen said.
Levi slipped around the bar and made her way through the crowd to the Dee jay booth.
NeNe opened the door and Levi stepped inside. “You were looking thirsty,” Levi said, as she handed NeNe the frosty cold drink.
“Thanks, Levi,” NeNe said. “You have made quite the impression tonight,” she said, as she took a sip of the drink. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Nat offered you the position tonight,” she said, to a smiling Levi.
“What about the other applicants?” Levi asked.
“Are you kidding me, Nat did not leave them alone behind the bar, and tonight she has snuck off with Liz for some much needed R&R, so I would say they felt very comfortable with you.” NeNe smiled warmly at Levi. “You are a huge hit, my friend.”
“Thanks, NeNe,” Levi said. “Let me know when you are ready for a refill,” Levi said, before she slipped back into the crowd and made her way back to the bar.
“Oh, thank God you are back,” Karen said. “These women are dying for more TE’s and the cooler is running low,” she said, with a smile.
“No rest for the wicked,” Levi said, as she began mixing up a fresh batch.
Karen headed off with a fresh tray of shots as Levi finished resetting the cooler and turned to fill several orders from the bar. It was nearly midnight, when the telephone behind the bar rang and NeNe said, “The kitchen closes in just a little while, so what would you and Karen like for dinner,” she asked.
“A juicy burger for me,” Levi said. “I will have to track Karen down to see what she wants and call you back,” Levi said, and replaced the telephone on the cradle.
Karen walked back to the bar a moment later loaded down with glasses. “NeNe is going to place our dinner orders and wants to know what you would like,” Levi said.
“A loaded club sandwich and a set of new feet,” Karen said, making Levi laugh.
Levi picked up the telephone and dialed NeNe in the booth. “Karen would like a loaded club and a set of new feet,” she said, to NeNe and she turned to watch NeNe bust out in laughter in the booth.
“All right, I will place our orders and join you two at the bar when they arrive,” NeNe said.
NeNe set up the mixer to play a string of music and when she saw the food delivered from the kitchen, she stepped out of the booth and headed for the bar. The crowd was beginning to thin down and the majority of those still in the bar were busy slow dancing on the dance floor or making out in a booth.
Karen made a final pass to check for orders and then joined NeNe and Levi at the bar.
“Damn, that looks good,” Karen said, as she spied Levi’s burger.
“Tastes good too,” Levi said, with a moan and a grin after she took a large bite.
“Oh you tease,” Karen said, as she punched Levi’s arm.
“It has taken you all night just to figure that out?” NeNe said, with a laugh.
Levi placed her hand over her heart. “I am so wounded by you two,” she said, as she broke out in laughter.
“This has been a really good night,” Karen said. “If this keeps up we may have to ask Nat for a raise,” she said, then took a bite from her sandwich.
“It has been an incredible night,” Levi said. “I have already made four cash drops and will probably make another before we close down,” she said.
“Your tip jar is about to overflow too,” NeNe noted.
“Yes, it should be great after the split,” Levi said, with a grin.
“What split?” Karen asked. “That is all yours,” she said. “I get my tips out on the floor,” Karen said, as she patted her pouch.
“You have to be kidding me,” Levi said. She looked at Karen and then NeNe and both of them returned her smile.
“Damn, I couldn’t make that much over a weekend in the states,” she said.
“Welcome to Venus Rising,” Karen said.
An hour later, the last of the patrons left for the evening and Karen began wiping down the tables as Levi re-stocked the bar for the next day. She refilled the coolers with TE mix and filled the ice bins with fresh ice. She was just washing the last load of glasses as Nat walked back in wearing a huge smile on her face. Someone must have had an enjoyable evening, Levi thought as she smiled back at the owner.
“Well did you enjoy your first night?” Nat asked.
“Immensely,” Levi said. “You have a great place here,” she said.
“We have a great place and welcome aboard, Levi,” Nat said.
Karen and NeNe both applauded Nat’s decision and each hugged Levi.
“I can already tell this is going to be a terrific summer,” NeNe said.
“You do not know the half of it,” Nat said. “When we left the bar tonight, Liz and I had a discussion and we have agreed on a very important decision.” She sat down on a barstool and had the full attention of the three ladies before she spoke again. “We have been approached as a new port of call by a lesbian cruise line, and now that we are fully staffed and have the hottest bartender on the island we agreed to take them up on their offer.”
“That is great news,” NeNe said.
“We will need to hire another waitress to help Karen handle the crowd and a few drivers to handle a trolley service to and from the cruise ship, but I think we are ready for the move,” Nat said, taking a deep breath.
“Congratulations,” Levi said.
“Thank you, Levi and if this venture works out well, there will be significant bonuses for all of you,” Nat promised.
“All right ladies, let’s finish closing up so you gals can get some rest,” Nat said.
NeNe washed the windows of the Dee jay booth while Levi swept the bar floor and Karen vacuumed. Nat cleaned out the cash drawer and emptied the vault into a bank bag.
Nat pointed to Levi’s tip jar. “I think you are the proud owner of all the islands small bills,” she said. “Would you mind trading some of them out for larger ones?” she asked.
“Not at all,” Levi said, as she took the bills out of her tip jar and started sorting them out.
“I have two hundred in one’s and smaller bills,” Karen said, She exchanged the small pile of bills for two hundred dollar bills and then said, her good-byes for the night and headed for home.
Levi counted out four hundred in small bills minus the ones with personal messages and exchanged them with Nat. She continued to count and ended up with over eight hundred dollars in tips for the evening and was shocked by the total amount.
“Not bad for a first night,” Nat said. “Once the cruise line comes in and word of you spreads across the island, don’t be surprised if that doubles,” Nat said.
Levi’s head was swimming with numbers as she and NeNe walked out with Nat. Nat turned back toward the resort and left Levi and NeNe standing by the edge of the pool.
“You do not look like you are ready to sleep,” NeNe said, to Levi.
“I am way too wired to even think about sleep,” Levi said, to NeNe.
“Would you care to take a walk on the beach with me then?” NeNe asked.
Levi smiled at NeNe and said, “I would love to.”
They took their shoes off and left them by the pool and then Levi reached for NeNe’s hand as they walked toward the water. The moon glistened across the calm surf as Levi and NeNe walked for a mile or more, enjoying the tropical night.
“So tell me about NeNe,” Levi said, as they walked. “Is there someone special in your life?”
“Not at the moment,” NeNe said. “I have been single for a few months now and I am just enjoying the summer,” she said.
“I am sure you must get plenty of offers from the guests at the resort,” Levi said.
“I do,” NeNe said, with a blush. “I have enjoyed a few nights with a couple of beautiful ladies, but nothing more than a weekend affair has ever developed.” NeNe chuckled and said, “What happens in the islands stays in the islands.”
Levi laughed at NeNe’s spoof of the Las Vegas commercial, but also realized it was true. Most of the women who visited the resort were only looking for a few nights of tropical bliss and creating a meaningful relationship in this setting would be very difficult.
“What about you, Levi?” NeNe asked.
It was Levi’s turn to blush. “I was hoping to sow my wild oats down here for a while before deciding to settle down and search for that perfect mate,” she said.
“Well from the way you handled the ladies tonight, I would say you will be sowing fields of oats this summer,” NeNe said, with a chuckle.
Levi’s face turned scarlet, as NeNe slipped her arm around her shoulder. “Just relax and have fun Levi, we are only young once,” she said.
NeNe raised her hand to stifle a yawn and Levi looked down at her watch to find that it was nearly three in the morning. “You must have gotten up early today to pick me up at the airport and here I am keeping you from sleep,” Levi said.
“It has been a long and exciting day,” NeNe said. “Do you think you are relaxed enough to sleep now?” she asked as they turned and started walking back to the resort.
“I think so,” Levi said, but she still had serious doubts about sleeping.
“Well why don’t we get some sleep and meet for lunch tomorrow and I will give you a tour of the island before we have to go on duty,” NeNe suggested.
“That sounds like a great plan to me,” Levi said, as they walked.
NeNe smiled as they passed some low dunes and heard loud moans of pleasure coming from behind them as a few of the guests were enjoying themselves in one of the secluded dune huts offered by the resort.
“Someone is obviously having fun,” Levi said, as they reached the stairs leading back up to the pool.
She and NeNe stopped to retrieve their shoes and walked into the resort.
“Thank you for making my first night here a great one,” Levi said, as she leaned over and softly kissed NeNe.
“My pleasure,” NeNe said, as she turned and walked toward her bungalow.
Levi watched her for a moment and then turned to enter the guest suite and stripped out of her uniform as she started the shower. Levi enjoyed a luxurious long, hot shower and then slipped naked between cool sheets. She worried needlessly about being able to sleep as she was gone as soon as her head hit the pillow.
CHAPTER THREE
Levi woke the next morning at ten and decided to have a short run before she would shower and meet NeNe for lunch. She pulled on a sports bra, running shorts and her favorite Nikes. After brushing her teeth and hair she headed down to the beach. The pool was already crowded with sunbathers and when she stepped onto the beach it was just as crowded with women. Levi stretched for a few minutes to warm up her muscles and then took off at a slow jog down the beach. The sun felt marvelous beating down on her shoulders and the pull of the thick sand made her legs work to maintain her stride. There were several other joggers on the beach who were covered with sweat from their workouts and they smiled or waved as Levi jogged by.
Her body was coated with sweat as she jogged past the spot where she and NeNe had turned around just several hours ago. Levi watched as the jungle encroached upon the beach as she continued to jog. She had moved out of the heavy sand and was running smoothly along the edge of the water, following a lone pair of footprints. She followed the tracks for nearly a quarter of a mile before the tracks turned toward the jungle and Levi decided to follow.
She followed a clear path for another hundred yards and then she picked up the sound of a waterfall. When she followed the path off to the right, it opened to a small clearing which held a small waterfall. Levi came to a halt when she saw the lovely dark haired woman who was wading across a small pool totally naked. Levi saw a small pile of her clothes on the shore and leaned against a coconut palm. She watched as the woman waded across the pool until she stood underneath the flow of the waterfall as the water cascaded down her body. The woman was beautiful and Levi was transfixed by the sensual movements of her hands as they brushed the soaked dark hair back from her face.
Simone stood under the flow, facing away from Levi and her hands stroked down the front of her body as it was caressed by the water. She knew even before her hands brushed across them that her nipples were rock hard with arousal and she tossed her head back as her fingers toyed with her nipples.
Levi watched in amazement as her eyes followed the movement of the woman’s hands and knew that she was teasing her nipples. She swallowed hard when one of the woman’s hands disappeared beneath the water. Levi knew she should not be watching this woman give herself pleasure, but she could not pull her eyes away from the beautiful creature.
Levi felt her loins ignite as she watched the woman’s hips rock against her hand and she turned to walk away when the woman turned and looked directly at her. Levi stared back into the most beautiful green eyes she had ever seen and stopped dead in her tracks. The woman smiled at Levi and then her eyes closed as her body reached rapture while Levi watched her lips open as the water muted the cries of her passion. The woman closed her eyes, releasing Levi from their grip and Levi took off back down the path at a full run.
Simone opened her eyes to find the young bartender gone from sight and smiled as she knew she would be seeing her again later that evening. She allowed her body to collapse into the water as she floated on her back across the pool.
Levi ran and as her limbs worked her eyes kept flashing back to the woman underneath the waterfall, the vision now burned into her brain as her heart raced. When Levi saw the first of the sunbathers come to view on the beach she slowed her pace and then stopped to walk the last three hundred yards to begin cooling her overheated body. She was completely covered with sweat as she reached the catwalk and walked toward the resort. She picked up a pool towel to wipe the sweat from her face and arms as she strolled back to her room for a shower.
Even the coolness of the shower could not erase the vision of the woman under the waterfall from her memory and Levi knew she was in for some serious trouble if she allowed the woman’s vision to haunt her. She prayed that an afternoon with NeNe would help to erase the memory and she quickly dressed to meet NeNe in the dining room.
NeNe was waiting for her when Levi walked into the dining room and they ate a hearty lunch. Afterward, they walked to the garage to climb into NeNe’s jeep then they headed out into a brilliant afternoon. NeNe gave Levi a tour of the island, pointing out the various local amenities and hotspots. They drove past her family home, then along a route that would lead them into a small jungle. Banana groves grew along both sides of the narrow road and NeNe took a right turn off the road onto a smaller path.
“This is the most beautiful spot on the island,” NeNe said, as she pulled into a large clearing.
The forest was ringed by stone cliffs and three huge waterfalls plummeted down their walls. Large flat rocks circled the pool and when Levi stepped onto one she looked back across the entire island. The beauty of the scenery took her breath away and for the moment replaced the woman she had seen under the much smaller waterfall earlier that morning.
“This is beyond beautiful, NeNe,” Levi said, as she turned to face her friend.
“I thought you might enjoy this spot,” NeNe said, as she sat on the flat rock.
Levi joined her friend and they sat together looking across the island in silence as they enjoyed the beauty of the day.
“Tonight will be even busier than last night,” NeNe said, as she looked at her watch. “I hope you are ready to pour your fingers off tonight,” she said, with a chuckle.
“I will give it my best shot, no pun intended,” Levi said, as she stood and offered her hand to NeNe and lifted her to her feet. “Thank you for sharing this with me,” Levi said, as she smiled at NeNe.
The fire in her body still burned and Levi thought for a moment of leaning into NeNe for a kiss, but Levi had a moment of clear thought rush through her at that moment. If she were to take NeNe in her arms, the passion she was feeling was that felt for another. Levi wanted the moment with NeNe, if it were to come to be passion they had inspired together, so as difficult as it was, Levi turned away from NeNe and they walked back to the jeep.
NeNe noticed the glimmer in Levi’s eyes and for a moment was sure Levi would kiss her. She was surprised and disappointed when Levi turned away from her. NeNe sighed softly and then followed Levi back to the jeep. She could be patient, but she would not wait forever for Levi to realize that there was chemistry between them. She climbed in behind the wheel and they drove back to the resort in relative silence. When they parted to go their separate ways, NeNe watched Levi walk away and then returned to her own bungalow.
Levi showered and stepped into the closet to find five additional uniforms had been delivered and placed in her closet. She dressed and walked to the bar, a few minutes early to start her shift. Nat smiled up at her when she walked through the door and Levi sat on a barstool across from her.
“I hope you rested well,” Nat said.
“I slept like a rock once I hit the bed,” Levi said.
“It is going to be a wild night tonight, so I am going to take a long nap this afternoon and be ready to come back around eleven, just in case you need some help,” Nat said.
“I will do my best,” Levi said.
“I know you will, Levi but some nights it will be too busy for just one bartender, and I have a feeling tonight will be one of those,” Nat said. “I have also pulled a waitress from the dining room to help Karen until we can hire a second full-time waitress for the bar,” she added. “And,” Nat said, “It took some wheeling and dealing with a manufacturer, but I have a surprise waiting for you in the store room.”
Levi flew off the barstool and walked into the bar headed straight for the store room. It was filled with three large boxes and Levi took a box cutter and sliced open the top box and pulled the flaps open. She let out a roar of laughter when she reached into the box and pulled out a plastic shot glass that had Venus arced over the top, and Rising arcing back up from the bottom and the letters TE in the middle.
“No more need for you to wash hundreds of shot glasses, when the patrons can keep them as souvenirs or we can pitch them at the end of the night,” Nat said. “And, because that is your signature drink, you will be paid a quarter for each shot served from the bar. I also need you to write down your mixture so I can use it during the daytime and on your off days.”
“You mean I actually have to take days off?” Levi teased back.
“I am afraid so youngin,” Nat teased back. “So Tuesdays and Wednesday will be your days off for now and if you want to change them later we can make the changes,” she said. “Sharon was the other top candidate for this job, but she is not ready for a full tilt crowd, so she will work the slower nights and fill in at the pool bar.”
“Hey Levi,” Karen said, as she stepped behind the bar and placed her purse in the store room.
“Hiya, Karen, look what the boss bought for us,” Levi said, as she tossed a plastic shot glass to Karen.
She caught the glass and smiled as she gave it a close look. “Sweet, this should really cut down on the amount of dishwashing for us,” Karen said.
“Jennifer and I will drop in around eleven tonight, to help out with the crowd,” Nat said. “Since both of you are here, I am going to head out and get that nap in,” Nat said, as she tossed the bar towel to a widely grinning Levi. “See you two later,” she said, and Nat was gone.
Nat held the door for NeNe who was coming in and she waved at Levi as she disappeared into the Dee jay’s booth. Levi wiped down the already immaculate bar and checked the supplies she would need for the evening. She pulled out stack of trays and laid them next to the TE cooler along with several stacks of the new shot glasses, just as the door opened and a dozen or more sunbathers walked into the bar and spread out among the lower level booths.
Karen walked over to them and started taking their orders and smiled at Levi as she said, “Two dozen shots of TE, if you please Madame Barkeep.”
Levi chuckled and began filling a tray with the filled shot glasses and handed them across the bar to Karen. “Here you go,” she said and then laughed when she realized that Karen had worn her rollerblades as promised.
As the sun set, the first rounds of after dinner crowd began to pour in, the bar was hopping with women, drinking and dancing. The tips poured in as the shots continued to flow. Levi’s eyes kept a watch over the crowd searching for the beautiful woman she had seen under the waterfall, but she was nowhere to be seen.
Levi was working up a sweat in the heated bar pouring shots and drawing beers when the doors open and she glanced up to see long legs covered in black leather stride through the door. A black silky blouse covered the top half of the body of the gorgeous woman Levi had seen earlier in the day and the entire bar held its collective breath as she walked in. The beer tap overflowed the pilsner Levi was pouring to snap her back to reality and she handed Karen the beer and returned to pouring shots as the woman walked to the bar and sat down. When Levi turned to hand Karen a tray of shots, the glowing green eyes were fixed on her. Levi smiled and with her heart racing wildly in her chest walked over to the woman. “What’s your pleasure,” she asked.
The woman smiled a wicked smile and calmly said, “You for later, but for now, I hear there is a fantastic new shot.” She sat back on her stool and said, “Send me six for starters.”
Levi poured six shots and placed them in front of the gorgeous woman. “Thank you, Levi,” the woman said, as her eyes lowered to Levi’s name tag.
“My pleasure,” Levi said, and turned away calmly to return to filling drink orders.
She glanced over at the woman as she mixed a drink and the woman had downed the third shot. “Very tasty, your creation I presume?” she said.
“Yes ma’am, that it is,” Levi said, proudly.
“How about starting a tab for me sweetheart and charge it to the penthouse,” the woman said.
“Sure thing,” Levi said, as she handed Karen the drink. “I will need your room key to validate it on the register,” Levi said.