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She spun around to find Jekyll inches from her. “It was a light tap to get your attention.”
“Oh yeah?” He smirked. “I’m gonna be trying that light tap on your ass tonight.”
Did he think that was a threat? If anything, she was intrigued. She looped her arms around his waist, resting her chin on his chest.
“Okay.”
Jekyll snorted, shaking his head, but she noticed a small smile. When Eden came out, she gave him a quick kiss, and they got into the car.
Just two girls, possible future friends, off to the strip club.
*
Imogene covered her mouth and half choked on her drink. This was the third time it happened over the course of their two-hour lunch at the strip club bar. She’d wrapped up her meeting with Shelby fairly quickly and was prepared to eat at the bar in the front. Ava insisted they stay in the strip club and keep her company.
It was a good choice. Watching Ava, who stood no taller than five-seven, going head to head with grown men who seemed to shudder when she walked over to their table, was so entertaining. And inspiring. Ava showed zero fear and all the confidence in the world. Even the bouncers gave her a wide berth and followed her lead when she confronted unruly customers.
Eden chuckled. “Did she really just threaten to call his wife and have her come pick up his drunk ass if he didn’t settle down?”
“Yup. That was amazing.”
Ava rounded the bar and winked as she passed by, grabbing a bottle from the wall. As she reached for a glass her phone rang, and she glanced down at the screen. Even over the loud music, Imogene heard the muffled groan. Ava stopped in mid pour and feverishly tapped on the screen.
She finished making the drink and put it on the tray in the corner. When she turned to them, Imogene offered a sympathetic smile.
“Kids again?”
Ava let out a short breath, which rolled into a laugh. “My kid isn’t the issue this time. My babysitter is relocating next month, and I’m trying to find a replacement, but” —Ava sighed— “I’m not having much luck.”
“Can’t you hire a high schooler?” Eden asked, which was a good suggestion.
“I need someone watching him while I’m here, and I don’t get off until one in the morning, sometimes two. Not very enticing hours, and it wouldn’t work for a kid who has to be up at six the next morning. And to be honest, the pay’s not great.”
“Do you have family close by?” Imogene asked.
“Just me and my son.”
“I’m sure you’ll find someone,” Imogene said, and Ava smiled.
Eden glanced over at Imogene as if she was going to say something, but her gaze drifted past her shoulders, and she froze momentarily.
What happened?
“Oh shit.” Eden turned in her seat, staring down at her plate.
“What’s wrong?” Imogene asked.
Eden slowly peeked up, looking past Imogene’s shoulder, then once again turned back. This time she leaned closer and whispered. “Ace is here.”
The president, Ace? Without thinking, she whipped her head to the door. Sure enough, the president of the club was walking toward them. When he made eye contact, she dropped her gaze to the top of the bar and stilled.
Ava leaned down, resting her elbows on the bar. “Why do you both look like the principal just walked in?”
’Cause he just did. Or at least that was how it felt. He was especially cold and unapproachable. At least to her. While other members seem to engage with Imogene, Ace barely spoke a word. It seemed Eden was receiving the same treatment.
“Ace is here.”
Ava glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “I know.”
