I stopped and turned around only to find Mr. Oh-so-sexy looking at me with a slight smirk. “You said you did some waitressing for the Brants?”
“I did.”
“Were you any good at it?”
“Actually, I was.”
“Well, our waitresses don’t make as much as our dancers, but they do good... damn good. If you’re interested in giving that a go, then be back here tomorrow at four.”
“Really?”
“It won’t be easy. We get pretty busy, but if you can keep up, the job is yours.”
“Great! I’ll be here.”
He gave me a slight nod, then without saying anything more, he turned and went back to his office. As soon as he was gone, I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I was so sick of being afraid—sick of putting on a brave front. It was only a matter of time before I broke completely. But I was holding on to the fact that I was okay—at least for now. I just had to make it a few more weeks, maybe a month—two at the most, and then I’d have to leave once again. I’d have to leave everything behind and find yet another place to hide.
I continued out the front door and to the parking lot. I’d just gotten into my car and was about to shut the door when I heard someone shout, “Hey, Aubrey! Wait a minute.”
I jumped with a start, and when I whipped around, I spotted Marlowe, the girl from the bar, rushing in my direction. Dread immediately washed over me. This was it. They’d figured out I was a sham, and they were about to send me on my way. I held my breath as I got out of my car. I stood, then let the air slowly slip from my lips before I asked, “Is something wrong?”
“No, not at all. Menace just mentioned that you were looking for a place to stay.”
“Menace?”
“Stilettos’ manager.”
“His name is Menace?”
“Yeah, it’s his club name. It’s something all MCs do.” Marlowe gave me a warm smile as she told me, “I have an apartment that’s available if you’re interested. It’s not much. Just a one bedroom, but you’re welcome to use it if you’d like.”
“Seriously?”
“Well, it’s just sitting there empty, and you need a place, so it makes sense for you to stay there.”
“But you don’t even know me.” I motioned my hand back over to the building “And neither does he.”
“You’re right, we don’t, but Menace is a really good judge of character.” She shrugged. “I don’t really know how he does it, but he has an uncanny way of seeing right through people. Anyway, this whole thing was his idea, so if you need a place, you have one.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I honestly can’t afford to pay rent right now.”
“Rent has already been paid up for the next three months, so you don’t have anything to worry about there.”
“But I can’t just live there for free.”
“Sure you can.” A soft smile crossed her face. “Look, I’ve been in a tough spot before too. It was hard to know who I could trust, but someone gave me a hand and helped me get on my feet. I’d like to do the same for you if you’ll let me?”
“Well...” I hated that I was in such a precarious situation. It would’ve been so much easier if I could’ve remained under witness protection, but after everything that happened in Colorado, it was clear the police couldn’t protect me. I had to find a way to stay alive on my own, which meant handling everything on my own, and so far, I wasn’t doing all that great. What clothes I had were in dire need of laundering, my fake ID was far from flawless, and what little cash I had was running dangerously low. I couldn’t begin to fathom why she or her boss would want to help a complete stranger, but I was in no position to turn them down, so I said, “Yeah, I’d love to use your apartment for a little while. It would really help me out.”
“Great! Just let me grab my purse, and I can take you over to see it.”
Without giving me a chance to respond, she turned and bolted back into the bar. I’d barely had a chance to think over what I was about to do when she came barreling out of the bar and to her car. Before she got in, she shouted, “Just follow me. It’s only a few blocks from here.”
“Okay, I’m coming.”
I got in my car and followed her out of the parking lot. My mind was racing with doubts as we drove the several blocks over to her old apartment. There were times when I still couldn’t believe that I was in this situation. It was crazy how one night, one single moment, could change everything, but it could and it did. That night, my entire world was turned upside down.
“Just go, Parker,” Christina had pushed. “I’ll keep an eye on Mom until you get back.”
“I don’t feel right leaving when she’s so upset.”
My sister had glanced over her shoulder and let out a defeated sigh as she looked at our mother bundled up with her favorite blanket on the sofa. “She’ll be okay. She’s just ticked off at Dad.”
“Yeah, I don’t blame her considering Dad forgot their anniversary.”
A year and a half ago, my father’s law firm had taken on a client they shouldn’t have. My dad had been determined to get the guy off the hook and was spending hours upon hours at the office—and his legal aid, Janice, had been right there with him. Mom had been worried he was having an affair with her, but Christina and I knew he’d never cheat on her. Dad loved her too much for that.
“Well, he’s never forgotten before.”
“Maybe not, but you can understand why Mom is so upset.”
“Yes, but she’s worrying over the wrong thing. He doesn’t have any interest in Janice. He’s just obsessed with winning this case. It’s all he’s been able to think about, and I hate to break it to him, but I’m not sure it can be won. Everyone knows the guy did it.” Then Christina had turned her attention back to me. “But that doesn’t matter right now. You have a date, and if you don’t leave right this second, you’re going to be late.”
“But—”
“I don’t want to hear it, Parker. You haven’t been on a date in months, and you said it yourself that David is a great guy.” She’d crossed her arms and given me one of her looks. “You’ve been looking forward to this all week, and I’m not going to let Dad’s crappy memory ruin your chance to have a great time.”
I’d glanced back at Mom, and my heart ached as I stood there watching her stare at the blank wall. The man she loved most in the world had forgotten about their special day, but I knew Dad would do everything in his power to make it up to her. With that in mind, I’d smiled at my sister and said, “Okay, I’ll go, but I’m coming back early.”
“You really don’t have to.”
“I want to.” I’d rushed over to Mom and given her a big hug. “I’ll be back in a bit.”
“Okay, honey. Have fun.”
I walked out of that house never realizing it would be the last time I’d ever speak to my mother or my sister. I often wondered if things would’ve been different if I’d just skipped my date and stayed home.