From Barman to Bossman

Nathaniel was changing out of his work cloth so he could head for the hotel where he worked part-time, when one of his co- workers came to meet him.

"Heading for the hotel?"Julius asked even though it was obvious where he was heading. Regardless, Nathaniel nodded with a smile.

"Don't worry, I'll be back before 10 pm so you wouldn't have to cover my shift for me" Sometimes his shift lasts longer than he was signed for because of some unforseen situation and Julius had to cover for him.

Julius scoffed "Covering your shift is no big deal, after all you'll do the same for me if need arises. I'm only wondering if you have time to sleep at all, your mental health matters more" He was worried about his colleague who literally worked himself like a dog just because of money. He could tell Nathaniel rarely have time for himself at all.

"Of course, I get time to sleep before my shift here, right?"

"Well, I wouldn't call sleeping for two hours everyday as getting enough sleep. Does your girlfriend even care about you? She never asked if you are fine but to ask for money. She parties with your hard earned money and you still think she's worth it?" Julius has never disliked anyone in his life than he does Lana, Nathaniel's girlfriend. She was as selfish as fish could get.

Nathaniel only smiled at Julius's concern "Of course she's worth it. I'm the one who wanted to date her, alright and I have to be responsible for her" He didn't find any big deal in making the money while she spends it the way she wanted. He was the one who chased her and wanted to date her even though he wasn't to be compared to her other suitors. It was the least he could do.

Julius rolled his eyes at that "And when you work yourself to death, I'll see if she wouldn't go out with someone else" After saying his piece, Julius walked away. It was hard to get through the guy who was crazy about his girlfriend.

Nathaniel shook his head with a smile before continuing what he was doing. After he finished dressing up, he left for the hotel. It was a thirty minutes walk from the Bar he was working to the hotel and it would have been lesser if he took a taxi but he needed to save every penny he could get so, he walked there everyday. His shift there was only three hours and the pay was good enough which was why he applied for it.

He plugged in his earpiece and listened to music as he walked down the road. Occasionally he'll glance at his cellphone, wondering if Lana would call him or what she was doing currently. After he couldn't take his curiousity any longer, he clicked on her name and called her.

The line rang for sometime but she didn't pick up, he tried for the second time and it was still the same, so he decided to try for the last time and give up if she didn't pick up because he knew she could be busy with work. Lana was an eccentric woman, if he kept disturbing her, she'll really get mad.

However, before the third ring could cut, she picked up. He smiled at his success "Hello" She was the first to talk.

"Lan, did I disturb you? Are you busy with work?" He asked first just in case his call caused any inconvenience to her.

"Yes, I'm very busy. I have to work overtime tonight because of an emergency" She replied in a strained voice which made him pity her for overworking too. He really wished she doesn't have to work and just enjoy her life but it was impossible as Lana loves working.

"I just wanted to know how you were doing, I'll hang up now so you can get back to your work"

"Hmm" She hummed in response and he ended the call.

Looking ahead, he could see the hotel ahead so he jugged in order to quickly arrive.

"Oh! You are here" The head of staff exclaimed when she saw him enter. She was a friendly middle aged woman who had always guided him whenever he needed her help.

"Good evening, Emma" He said to her as they walked to their desk

"Evening to you too, Nate. Cassandra took a leave because she was sick so we'll have to find a way to cover for her"

Nathaniel immediately turned to Emma with eyes wide in surprise "It's that serious?" Cassandra was the type to come to work even when she was dying so the fact that she actually took a sick leave meant it was serious.

Emma nodded "It is, I went to visit her earlier in the hospital and she's down with Gastric ulcer. It's her fault for always eating late. I always tell everyone that no matter how busy you are, you should never skip meals. I hope she learnt her lesson this time"

"Tell me the name of the hospital, I'll go visit her when I'm done"

Emma waved her hand at him in dismissal "I know you still have to go to your work at the Bar, so don't worry, we would send your good will to her"

"True, who knows if you'll be the next one to collapse because of overworking" Aiden says from behind which made both of them turn to him with a smile. He was their co worker and started work earlier than Nathaniel. In fact, Nathaniel was the last to join their group.

"It's few minutes to your shift, have you both had dinner yet?" Emma asked them after taking a look at the time.

"I was actually on my way to the cafeteria when I saw you both"

"What about you, Nate?"

"I'll have it when I get ba-"

"Oh! That's good, follow us to the Cafeteria so we can all eat together. I don't want anyone else fainting because of lack of food again" Emma says in a tone of finality and started walking away. Nathaniel could only grin as he followed them.