Aria's Choice

- Scarlett's Treasures

Back in my apartment, I let myself drop to the couch face first, “Ouch!” I fumble under my hip and produce my phone. I just lay here in the silent space listening to the traffic outside. A clock is ticking somewhere, not in my apartment, but in a neighbor’s. That is how thin these walls are. There is a cat fight going on somewhere down the street, and a baby crying somewhere. “I hear you, kiddo. I feel the same way.”

I realize that I am still holding the card in my hand, so I turn it over and examine it. It is matte black, but the name Scarlett is written in the middle of the card with a phone number below, all in a glossy blood red color. It is sexy in kind of a dark way. I remember the woman telling me that if I ever needed extra cash that I should contact her. I debate on whether or not I should call the number. What if she’s a loan shark? I can’t afford to pay any kind of money back. I can’t do anything illegal either, like sell drugs or be a mule. I shiver at the latter. No way is anyone putting drugs into my body! Then I think it could be legit like an assistant job or running errands. “Seriously, Aria, you watch way too many crime shows.”

Before I can chicken out, I dial the number listed on the card. It rings twice before a woman’s voice answers, “Hello?”

I think I was hoping that nobody would answer, but they did and all I want to do is hang up. ‘Shit, my number probably popped up on the caller id!’ I think to myself.

“H-hello. Is this Scarlett?” I ask timidly.

“Yes, it is. Whom may I ask, is calling?” she inquires.

“It’s Aria. Aria from the diner.” I don’t know if that is enough for her to go off of, “From Friday night, or I should say early Saturday morning. You came in for coffee with another woman and gave me your card before you left.”

I hear her throaty laugh, “Yes, of course! I was hoping you would call.”

“You were?” I ask surprised.

“Yes. You are exactly what we like to look for.” She muses.

“I see. May I ask what it is that you do?”

“I own an auction house.” She states and then quickly continues without letting me say another word, “We have auctions every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Why don’t you stop in, say eight tomorrow night, and I can show you around and get you settled. Ill text the address to this phone number, okay?”

“Well…” I’m cut off once again.

“Can’t wait to see you! Bye, now.” The line goes dead.

That was the weirdest phone call I’ve ever had. I’m not sure if I even want to check this job out. My phone pings with an incoming text from the number I just called. Opening the text, I read the address that Scarlett sent. There isn’t a name, just an address, so I decide to g****e it. The address pops up as a business called Scarlett’s Treasures. The building looks pretty decent, and it has a five-star rating. I go in to read the reviews to see if I can get a better picture of what she sells. All I can tell is that the buyers seem to be extremely happy with their treasures and that they highly recommend Scarlett’s Treasures for all your unique and personal tastes.’

“Hmm, seems legit enough to me.” I shrug, “What’s the worst that will happen? I get there and decide it’s not for me? I don’t see a problem with checking it out.”

Making up my mind, I reply to Scarlett with a quick question.

Me: Is there a special dress code?

Scarlett: We will provide your attire for the evening. Just come in whatever you like.

Me: Okay. See you tomorrow at 8pm.

She doesn’t respond after my last text, but that’s okay, my question was answered. Now that it’s settled, I feel a little bit better. I should finish my laundry and then head to bed early, since I have houses to clean in the morning. I also need to run over to the bar and find out why I haven’t received my last check yet. Frank better not fuck me over. I need that money and I will get it one way or another!

Monday morning came and went with no mishaps while cleaning houses, thank God. I also didn’t have to face the Morrison’s because no one was home while I was there. They were my last house for today and relief washed over me as I locked up as I was leaving. Now, I’m headed somewhere that I don’t really want to go, but I have no choice.

Kat is behind the bar when I walk in, and she gives me a small smile. I liked Kat, but she was always calling in saying her kids were sick. A few of those times I caught her lying about it but never called her out on it. Usually she is very talkative and would start talking my ear off as soon as I walked in. It is a good sign that Frank is here if she is containing herself.

Just to confirm, I point toward the back, “Is Frank in his office?”

Nodding her head, “Yes, but I’m warning you now that he isn’t in a very good mood.” She smirks, “Apparently, one of his bartenders walked out on him, and he can’t find anybody to replace her.”

And there it is! I knew it was only a matter of time before she brought it up. I figured he would lie about what happened. Rolling my eyes, I head straight back to his office. I see that the door to his office is open a crack, so I just push it open all the way and walk in. He doesn’t even look up to see who came in uninvited. I wait until he does finally look up. He does a double take.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” He leans back into his chair, “Do you plan on begging for your job back?”

I want to slap the smirk off his face, “Actually, no. I came because I have yet to receive my check in the mail.” I cross my arms over my chest, “you know, like you said you would.”

“Did I now? Well, I guess it slipped my mind. I’ll get one in the mail right away.” He sneers at me.

Now I’m pissed! I place my hands on his desk and lean in, “No. You will get your checkbook out right now and write me a fucking check for the hours that I worked!”

“How dare you talk to me like that in my own establishment?” His face is turning red with anger.

“How dare you think that you can get away with not paying for a week’s worth of work?” I continue before he can say anything, “How about I get the cops involved. Let them know about your little side hustle that you have going on back here?”

His eyes widen, “I don’t know what you’re talking about! Get the fuck out of my office!”

“Okay,” I pull my phone out of my back pocket, “I will just call them now and wait here until they come. You know, so you don’t try and get rid of the evidence from your illegal bookie side hustle.”

He jumps up, “Okay, okay! I have your check,” He reaches into his desk drawer and brings out an envelope, “it’s right here. I swear, I was going to mail it. I really did forget.”

Yanking the envelope from his hand, I open it to make sure he didn’t cheat me out of any money. I nod when I see that it’s the correct amount, and then turn to leave. Frank calls out to me before I make it out the door.

“Aria, you wouldn’t want to have your job back, would you?” His tone sounds hopeful.

Blinking in disbelief at the audacity this guy has, I chuckle, “I will have to think about it, but most likely not.” I walk out without another word. I hear him call out that I am to call him if I change my mind. As much as I need this job, it isn’t worth the headache. Not unless it’s my last option.