Victoria groaned as she rolled out of bed that morning. Despite closing early, she hadn’t slept well. Since she was low on whiskey, she opted against drinking herself into a stupor, as she’d done before, when sleep was elusive. But taking care of herself hadn’t gotten the job done either. Mostly because she couldn’t get<i>that</i>job done, and gave up, frustrated with an aching arm.<br/><br/>Maybe she should have found out if Cassie’s teasing offer weren’t just a tease? But the girl worked for her now, and sleeping with an employee didn’t sit well with her. She’d spent too long on the other side of that arrangement, and while this situation was hardly comparable, it still left a bad taste in her mouth.<br/><br/>Besides, wasn’t like she couldn’t get laid, if she wanted. Hell, she might as well get paid at the same time, too. Finding a partner who knew what they were doing might be a more challenging task, but hell, plenty of men actually liked a woman who bossed them around a little, even if they wouldn’t admit it in polite company.<br/><br/>She was coming down the stairs when she heard a knock at the door. Really? Who needed a cat house this early in the morning? But, she reminded herself, she did close early last night, hurrying herself down the stairs.<br/><br/>"Hullo in there! Anyone at home?" A feminine voice called once she’d gotten to the bottom of the stairs. That wasn’t what she was expecting, but if it were someone looking for work, she could used the help.<br/><br/>“I’m coming, I’m coming…” she assured them, keys jingling as unlocked the door. Outside, her gaze spanned from the familiar looking man she had seen last night, to a woman she’d never seen before. Beyond her, there was a wagon parked in front of the old barbershop, and Vickie began to put 2 and 2 together.<br/><br/>“Mornin’. You must be new to town.” She offered a hand to shake. “Victoria Freeman, and this is my establishment. It don’t look like much, but if you’re looking for a cool drink or warm company, you can find it here. Did you need some help?