I DON'T OWN THE VAMPIRE DIARIES OR THE CHARACTERS.

Chapter Twelve:

I bartended more than I danced, but I fell into the routine, easily. I kept seeing Elijah and Caroline still hadn't decided between Matt and Klaus. I knew that she has feelings for both, but was still torn. I tried not to pressure her into making a decision. She'll know soon enough.

I was gaining my confidence back. It helped that Alaric hired more security for the club. I kept security close, whenever I did lap dances and private dances.

By some miracle, Elijah still didn't seem bothered by the fact that I was still stripping. He and Klaus visited Mystique often. It helped, having them there.

"Bonnie, can I talk to you a minute?" Alaric asked me. I looked up and gave him a nod. "You're one of my most popular dancers, so I hope you don't take this the wrong way. Have you thought about only dancing on one set night a week? We could advertise that and charge more that night." He suggested. I bit my lip as I mulled over his words.

"Would I just be bartending the other nights?" I inquired.

"Actually, would consider becoming a manager and helping me run things a couple nights week? I could use the help. I would kill for a couple nights off. Jenna would, too. She's always saying that we never get time together." He corrected me. I gaped at him in surprise.

"Are you serious?" I asked, still in disbelief.

"Of course I am. What do you say?" He pressed.

"How would the pay work?"

"You would still keep your tips, but you would be on salary. It'll be a considerable raise." He explained.

"Yes, I'll do it. Dress code?" I tried to ask all the important questions, racking my brain for anything else I'd need to know.

"What you wear to bartend is fine. Maybe just sub the jeans for slack." He replied, grinning. "You're gonna be great. I know it."

I did a solo dance on stage and Alaric announced my new schedule. My new night would be Friday. It was a mixed reaction. He explained my promotion, but assured everyone that Fridays would be exclusively my night. After that, there was a lot more cheering.

Caroline, Katherine, and Vicki hugged me with excitement. Elena seemed annoyed, but I was pleasantly surprised that Katherine was happy for me.

"I'm so proud of you." Elijah told me as he pressed a kiss to my mouth. I beamed up at him. I wasn't expecting this, but I'm definitely thankful for it. I can't believe that I'll actually be running things with 'Ric.

"It feels surreal." I admitted.

"You're going to do big things, sweetheart." Elijah beamed. I blushed. I hope to, but sometimes it feels like I'm not going anywhere. I don't mind where I am in life, but it feels good to be moving forward. "What did you go to school for?" He asked me.

"Business," I admitted.

"I predict that you'll become his business partner one day. Just wait and see." He boasted. I loved his faith in me. It felt great.

Who knows? Maybe he'll be right.