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I’ve used the time to hide out at Apartment B, and Sasha’s doing a great job, but it's just got going. I’ll be damned if I let anything slip after everything I’ve shoved back at my brothers. They won’t take this as their victory – I won’t let them – but I can’t get distracted with problems in the family.
Despite everything, they seem to have a chokehold on me that I can’t shake.
There’s only been a handful of messages from them, and Abel’s noticeably absent. He’s not said anything since I delivered Naja. I’m pulled to ask my own questions or to even go and see what’s happened to her, but I don’t.
Instead,my credit card bears the brunt of my frustration.
Why couldn’t they have just said well done? Nice job, you’ve done something good, or you’re showing us who you really are, and we’re proud?No.
Just like Apartment B, where they swoop in and take over, they’re keeping me out of the picture. So nothing has changed.
The last stop on my spree is the little boutique that sold me half of the staff clothing for Apartment B. Most of the dresses leave little to the imagination, so it’s perfect for the clientele I’m looking to impress.
I pick out a gold dress that catches my eye and try it on. Turning back and forth in the dressing room mirror, I can’t decide if it’s too much. The metallic effect fabric isn’t for the shy or anyone who doesn’t want to be noticed. Plus, I’d need tape to keep me in place, but I’ve worn less. I snap a quick photo and send it to Kai.
Do you like gold?
He doesn’t reply right away, but I choose the dress anyway. After paying for the dress and accessories, I head home. The security system on my phone shows I have no unexpected visitors. With them, you never know, and I’m expecting something to come after what happened in the office.
Maybe Dante talked to Abel. Maybe Knox did, but I know it’s not over. And the worst thing is, I know I’ve not earned any more of their trust or respect, and if that’s the case, what the hell have I got to do?
I shower, change into the dress, place the tape in all the right places, and head back to Apartment B. It’s early, but I want to go over the financials with Sasha and get her take on how Lauren has performed. If my first impression is correct, I won’t take Carmen or my brother’s advice on who to bring here as staff. They have their own expertise, and I’d not pretend to know how Carmen breaks the girls who come to her, but I need girls like Jay who’ll perform for the clients and play the role they want. Not have an ego about what they do.
“Hey, Mel.” The gentle giant comes into the tiny room.
“Evening.” The deep rumble vibrates in the confined space.
“Have you seen Sasha?” I ask.
“The bar,” he replies.
Nodding, I squeeze out and head to the bar.
“Evening, boss.”
“Hey. Whatcha got?”
“Busy night. And, a few more repeats from opening night. It’s a good sign they’re willing to come back and drop the cash so soon. We want a hungry appetite in our clients.”
“Great. And Lauren?” She pulls a face. “Enough said. I’ll get rid of her.”
“Oh, and Boss, you have a visitor. He was in here looking for you after opening night, too.” Her eyes flash to behind my head.
“Kai’s here?” I beam and turn around to greet him. Unfortunately, it’s not him. It’s Chance.
“Miss Cortez.”
“Chance.” I greet him with a polite smile.
“I was hoping you’d be here. Drink?”
“What can I do for you this evening?” I switch into professional mode. “Would you like me to find someone more, creative for you tonight?”
“You can let me buy you a drink and listen to my proposal.” Chance leans up against the bar, encroaching but not enough to cause alarm.
“I’ll leave you two to it.” Sasha gives me a knowing look and heads back out onto the floor.
“Okay. I’ll bite. I’ll take a vodka tonic.” Men like Chance are like my brothers, but I’ve been dealing with them for years.
