I watched as Greg, the General Manager chatted up the new waitress. Honestly none of the girls are safe from his advances and most of them sleep with him eventually.
Not that he's not attractive or anything.
Greg is in his late thirties allegedly, though I suspect he's over 40, but he keeps himself in reasonably good shape, maybe a bit of middle age spread creeping in round his waistline and behind. His dark hair and beard are always neatly barbered, so along with his cool grey eyes and lazy smile, he's got a lot going for him.
According to Brian, the young barman, the girls are happy to go to bed with him, in spite of knowing that everyone else has too.
Brian's more of a problem for me. He obviously fancies me and keeps chatting me up and flirting with me.
He's wasting his time though, for despite the fact that he's a cute young guy, I have a rule.
Since I became a manager, I've never slept with the staff in any place I've worked. The first restaurant job I had, the manager used to have sex with the waitresses and that led to problems when it came to them wanting time off, or different shifts and stuff. He couldn't say no to them, because they'd all been in his bed, so they got away with doing what they wanted and they were running rings round him.
Okay, I'm into guys rather than girls, but the principle is the same and I always keep my distance, as it's better for the smooth running of the restaurant.
I see that this new girl is having none of it with Greg, but no doubt he'll wear her down with his charm.
At the end of service, when the last customer has gone, we all relax with the traditional staff drink before heading home, but soon everyone starts drifting away and Brian comes up and asks if I want him to stay and help lock up, because there always has to be two of us. Before I can answer, Greg tells him.
"No it's okay, I'll stay back tonight."
I'm surprised because Greg never locks up, it's always me or the other manager, plus a member of staff, but I'm pleased that he's saved me from Brian who's always pestering me to go and have a late night drink with him.
After everyone leaves, Greg and I tour the premises, checking all the fire exits and making sure everything is switched off and secure, till we find ourselves back in the bar.
Greg suggests another drink and when I hesitate he says.
"You've been here a couple of months now, Paul and we've never really had a chance to get to know each other, unless you've got a hot date of course."
"No I've nothing on. Another drink would be great."
We sit on a couple of stools at the end of the bar, facing each other and chat about day to day stuff, until I notice that Greg looks like he's studying me.
"You know I don't understand why a good-looking young guy like you doesn't have a boyfriend."
I'm flattered, because I don't think I'm anything special. I'm twenty five and in good shape, because being on the go all the time at work keeps me trim, but I've got nondescript features, sandy coloured hair, brown eyes and not much else going for me.
"Young Brian would jump into your bed in a flash."
I shake my head.
"Never going to happen."
"Why not, he's a cute guy and he's definitely got the hots for you."
So I tell him about my rule and he laughs.
"Really, I don't think I ever got that memo."