Fragments of Desire: Marigold's Silent Departure novel Chapter 10

"What kind of big money?" Marigold's ears perked up at the mention of money.

"There's a gig tonight. Just a one-off thing at a posh club. You’d only be serving drinks and pushing booze during the night shift. You can make a grand in one night, plus commission. Are you interested?"

Pushing drinks?

Marigold hesitated. She’d never done this sort of job before, but she was aware those clubs were dicey affairs—definitely not places for the faint-hearted.

But a thousand bucks for one night was tempting her.

She usually worked the cash register at a supermarket, barely making over a hundred a day. That was just a trickle compared to her father’s medical bills.

She needed to keep earning to feel secure.

"Don't sweat it, this club is top-tier. My buddy has worked there several times with no trouble. I wouldn't drag you into this if I wasn't sure. Aren't you strapped for cash? I saw you eat sandwich for lunch again."

Serena, trying to ease her worries, explained with good intentions.

Throughout four years of college, many of Marigold’s side-gigs came from Serena's solid recommendations.

"All right, I'll get this drawing done and then head out with you."

Marigold nodded and quickened her sketching.

By seven in the evening, Marigold was at the club with Serena and her friend.

Thanks to an inside referral, the manager took them under his wing, and Marigold was assigned to a relatively easy-going private room. It went smoothly enough.

She wasn’t gifted with the gab, so she kept herself busy pouring drinks instead of selling them.

Without even the commission, the guaranteed thousand was quite a sum in her eyes.

Luckily, the guests were easygoing. She stayed with them for a full three hours until it was time for them to leave, giving her a chance to slip into the restroom.

Right when she entered, she nearly bumped into a guy. As she instinctively tried to dodge, he gave her a look and blocked her way.