Page 42 of Wrecked By a Devil

Just stop.

Once I make the effort to focus on doing my job, the rest of the night flies by and I make even better tips than yesterday. I can’t stop smiling as I’m counting the money and organizing it in my wallet.

“You’re still here,” Mia smiles as she walks into the dressing room with Chloe following close behind her. “We’re going to stay and grab a drink with Cohen. Wanna join us?”

“Yeah, that sounds like fun,” I jump to my feet, grabbing my things. “You’ve been hanging out a lot with Cohen.”

“I don’t want to get my hopes up,” she admits. “But I really like spending time with him.”

I would be lying if I denied that part of the reason why I said yes to the drink is to keep an eye on him and see up-close if there really is something off about him.

“An appletini for me, please,” Chloe orders the moment we get to the bar and I follow her, climbing the tall stool.

“For me as well,” Mia says with a big, warm smile on her face, making me feel terrible for doubting her happiness.

The place is empty aside from the staff taking care of cleaning up the club and I still haven’t fully gotten used to how different the Eden looks with all the lights on.

“What about you, Riley?” Cohen turns to take my order.

“Soda water, as usual,” I smile politely.

“You really hate alcohol, huh?” Chloe’s tone isn’t intrusive or like she’s judging me, which feels like a refreshing change. People usually react strangely when they find out I don’t drink.

I think of Ezekiel noticing.

I quickly push aside the image of him in his boxers walking around the office and force myself to focus on the conversation.

“I don’t like things that mess with my head,” I joke. This time it’s an image of my drunk mother that pops up into my head. She ruined her life because of alcohol, and she almost ruined mine. I promised myself never to fall into the same trap as her.

“That’s smart,” Chloe says, taking a sip of her appletini. “Unfortunately, it’s too late for me.”

I glance at Mia who is caught up in her conversation with Cohen. He whispers something into her ear, causing her to giggle before she proceeds to trace a line up his arm, to his bicep.

“Ugh, get a room!” Chloe shouts, taking another sip of her drink, and breaking their little bubble just a little to acknowledge us.

“You’d know a thing or two about getting a room,” Cohen teases her, but something about the way he says it, makes me feel uncomfortable, even though both Chloe and Mia laugh at his attempt of a joke.

“Ha-ha, so funny,” Chloe rolls her eyes. “You wish you could make as much money as I make in one of those rooms.”

“You caught me,” he laughs loudly. “Teach me how.”

“You can’t,” She shakes her head. “You need to be born with a charm like mine.”

“Well, that just sucks,” Cohen pretends to sulk.

“Speaking of money,” Chloe’s tone becomes a lot more serious. “Did you hear from anyone who quit? You were pretty close with Hana, do you guys still talk?”

The expression on Mia’s face turns completely blank. I can see how much she hates hearing about Cohen being close with another girl. One of the girls that quit, on top of things.

“Who’s Hana?” Mia asks without hesitating.

“She used to work here,” Cohen explains.

“I get that,” Mia rolls her eyes, starting to get annoyed. “I asked who’s Hana to you.”

“Just a friend,” he smiles, reassuring her with a quick peck on her cheek. “Hana is married and has an adorable three-year old.”

“I didn’t realize that married women also work here,” I speak.