Southern Rocker Boy (Southern Rockers Book 1) by Ginger Voight Read Free Book Online

have good instincts?” she asked. I didn’t know what to say, which only made her laugh more. “John Bivens is a personal friend of ours,” she explained. “I called him first thing this morning to ask about you. He had a glowing reference.”
    “I’ve only worked there a week,” I said.
    “That’s all it took,” she shrugged. “Please, sit.”
    I did as she instructed and she pushed some paperwork across the desk. It was consent to a background check. I cocked an eyebrow at her.
    “I didn’t get to the top of the club scene in Austin without crossing all my T’s and dotting all my I’s, honey. I don’t think anything will come up but if it does, I’ll just can your ass.”
    I was okay with that because I knew she wouldn’t find so much as a traffic ticket. I filled out the paperwork as she talked. “One thing I liked about you was that you are more defensive than offensive. A lot of guys who apply for bouncer work just want a paid way to beat up people. I had to fire my last guy a week ago when he split some guy’s head open. I can’t afford those kinds of liabilities.”
    I nodded to indicate I understood.
    “There’s also the issue of underage kids tipping bouncers to let them in the front door. I fired two guys doing that a month ago. I’m not going to risk my liquor license because someone wants to impress some barely legal college chick.”
    Again I nodded.
    “I run a tight ship. It’s strictly by the book. That’s why we have the reputation we have. That’s why we can bring in major superstars from all over the world. I’ve worked hard to build that reputation and I’ll shoot the balls off of anyone who jeopardizes it.”
    I looked up at her. There was a defiant gleam in her eye that convinced me she meant what she said.
    “But,” she said as she leaned forward, “you take care of my interests and I’ll take care of you. I’ve taken at least five acts to the national stage in almost as many years. I know how to fill the club and I share the wealth with the loyal people who help me meet my tremendous goals.”
    She got up and walked to the window, beckoning me with her hand. I glanced down in time to see Lacy, in jeans and a T-shirt, rehearsing that night’s set. “She has potential,” Gaynell told me. “But she’s a little like a squirrel. You can hand her the biggest nut in the world and she’ll take her sweet time taking it from your fingers. She’s inherently distrustful. I get the feeling she’s ready to bolt from this gig the minute something turns sour, like she’s waiting for it. Last night was the first real test. If you weren’t there to handle it, I’m not sure she’d be here today.” Gaynell turned back to me. “I’m hiring you specifically to protect her.”
    Something fluttered in my stomach. It was almost too easy. I wanted to see more of her and here I was with an offer to get paid for the privilege.
    “I’m not sure she’ll take that well,” I said, thinking of the night before when I practically had to manhandle her just to start her car.
    “Oh, I know she won’t,” Gaynell said. “She’ll probably fight you like a rabid wolverine.”
    “You’re really selling this position,” I told her with a wry smile. “Are you sure there isn’t some kind of hazard pay?”
    She chuckled and walked away from the window. “At the end of the day, she needs this gig every bit as much as we need her. She’s not going anywhere. She’ll acclimate just like every singer I’ve managed before her. It may take a little convincing at times, but if she’ll let me, I could make her a star.”
    I nodded as I continued to stare down at Lacy. She handled the band with prowess, confident in her musical direction. She knew what she was doing, and clearly she had a unique look and special talent.
    I believed Gaynell one-hundred-percent that she could turn her into a singing sensation.
    Gay spent the next hour going over procedures and policies with me, in detail of