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That’s when I spot a curvy woman with deep brown skin watching me. Her locs fall over her shoulders, framing her T-shirt of a black metal band I loved listening to as a teenager.
Sparrow.
She’s tapping one of her black boots to the music, leaning back in her chair, seemingly relaxed. But I know better than to fall for the image. In this business, to stay on top, you have to be lethal.
When I look at Sparrow, she raises an eyebrow at me, almost in a challenge. It sends a shiver of giddiness up my spine.
I wasn’t sure how I’d get my stuff, and I definitely didn’t expect her to drop it off herself. And... here? This seems a little too out in the open. But Sparrow knows her business the best, so it must be fine.
Swaying my hips, I make my way toward her. Once I’m in front of her, I give her the smile I give all the customers here. “You want a lap dance?”
“Sure do, gorgeous.”
I’ve always preferred giving women lap dances. Between that and the fact that it’s Sparrow—the woman getting me out of this mess—I think it’s poetic that she gets my last one.
Well, my last one here, at least. Who knows what type of job I’ll pick up once Rosie and I are settled into our new lives.
I start moving, keeping it simple and rolling my hips in a figure eight motion. When I put my hands on Sparrow’s shoulders, I can’t help but grin.
“Shit,” she says, grinning herself. “That looks like a real smile.”
“It is,” I say on a giggle, straddling one of her legs.
“I’m happy for you, Jade. I think you’re gonna do well.”
As she says the words, it’s like a weight is lifted off my chest.This is real. It’s actually happening.I throw my head back and laugh. My body feels light—lighter than it has in years, like I could start floating away at any second.
“Everything is already in your car,” Sparrow says. “Tucked away in a bag under the passenger seat.”
“How did you know which one is mine? And how did you get in?”
“Oh, gorgeous. Are you doubting my abilities?”
Truth is, I know very little about Sparrow—only what she does. But I also know that she’s damn good at helping people disappear. That’s the only thing that matters.
“Never,” I say. “And thank you. For everything.”
“You’re welcome.” Her eyes are sparkling, and it really feels like she’s actually happy for me. “Now when you’re done with me, get out of here. Get out of here and never look back.”
When I finish my lap dance, I thank her again, this time for the tip. Then I go through my end-of-shift routine of tipping out.
“What are you doing?” the floor manager asks. “Your shift isn’t even half over.”
“It is,” I say. “And I won’t be back.”
After grabbing my stuff, I head out the back door, so happy I could cry. Rosie and I can finally leave. We can finally rid ourselves of David and all the pain and stress he’s caused.
The long drive home doesn’t even bother me. Not when I can just see Sparrow’s bag under the passenger seat, guaranteeing our freedom. Our new lives.
When I walk into the house through the garage, I’m not surprised to still see the living room light on and hear the soft noise of the TV. It’s pretty early in the night compared to when I usually get home.
Ashley gets up when she sees me. “Hey. Rosie refused to go to bed after you left. I kept her on the couch because I thought she’d fall asleep when I put on a movie, but the little shit stayed awake. Honestly, I’m pretty sure she just fell asleep. Sorry, I know she has school in the morning.”
“It happens, don’t worry about it.” I drop my bags onto the kitchen counter before grabbing some cash from my tips. “Here, for tonight. Thanks for everything, Ashley.”
“This is more than normal. You’re sure?”
“Positive.” Wrapping my arms around her, I pull her in tight. I never let myself get close to Ashley, but I’m going to miss her anyway. She seems like she’d be a good friend if I let her.
