Page 75 of Daddy's Pride

"Dad, I told you she didn't seem interested."

"Who wouldn't love you?" Mama asked.

"I'm sure there's plenty. You're just biased. I'm going to take my beer and go home, let you two enjoy your private time."

"Dinner Sunday?" she asked.

"Of course." I closed the distance between us and hugged her and Dad, then headed for the back door.

I stepped into the enclosed atrium that was an oasis in the middle of the city. Flowers and plants, a few scattered pools filled with koi. Dad had created the space for him and Mama to have a sanctuary. The frosted-glass ceiling allowed in light but gave them privacy from the other homes and yards. Twinkle lights ran the perimeter of the ceiling, and then I exited on the other side. I entered my yard which was boring in comparison.

I opened my back door and stepped into my dark kitchen. On the way to the living room, I picked up my phone where I'd left it on the kitchen counter. Taking a sip of my beer, I checked my notifications but saw none that didn't pertain to work or friends inviting me to a dozen different parties.

Yeah, it hurt the old ego a bit, but no matter what my mama thought not everyone found me irresistible. I flopped onto my couch, set my phone on the coffee table and grabbed the remote. Another exciting night in the life of Rogue Barrister, but I couldn't complain—it was the life I chose. I'd just have to wait a little longer for someone to share it with.

Chapter 5

Trinity

Another shift came to an end and me and a few of my co-workers sat at the bar finishing up the side work so we could get out of there. I rolled the last set of silverware, then placed it in the tray to take to the station in back for the private meeting room. With a heavy sigh, I pulled the tie from my hair. I slipped it onto my wrist and then rested my chin in my hands, my elbows balanced on the edge of the bar.

"You're quieter than normal." Janine slid the bus tub with the napkins neatly folded into glasses and leaned forward to look me right in the eyes.

"Have a few things on my mind."

"Anything you want to talk about? Gene is completely useless, but I give spectacular advice."

I chuckled as Gene, a thin man in his early twenties tossed a pen at Janine. We'd gone out for drinks or to grab some greasy diner food after work a few times. I didn't know if I'd consider them good friends, but I enjoyed their company.

"You know Club Q?" I asked.

"Everyone knows Q. It's the place to be no matter your sexuality or identity. It's been a staple for about fifteen years now. My older sister used to try to sneak in all the time. Not to mention the newish owner is really hot."

I rolled my eyes. No wonder Rogue's ego was out of control, but I couldn't disagree that they were beautiful. The longer time passed without answering the texts, I grew insecure and just kept closing it out without hitting send. Over a week had gone by—wouldn't it be weird to text out of the blue? They’d probably used their act on at least a few more women already. I didn't understand why the thought of that made me a little sick to my stomach.

"What do you know about the owner?"

"What most people know. Rogue. Nonbinary. Lover of the ladies. According to social media posts, business and personal, they are very popular. Now, rumor and behind the scenes, nice as hell. Not as romantically active as some assume. Only child to Bruiser and Charlotte Barrister, both staples in the LGBTQ community."

"Bruiser?"

Gene laughed. "And he looks like one. Charlotte is a Trans Activist in the city and he's her personal bodyguard. We're a city, but not a massive one and the LGBTQ community is pretty tight. Especially if you're around the center. Charlotte is a fixture there and she loves bragging about Rogue. She runs a support group for transitioning people. Did you have a run in with Rogue?"

"I met them the other night. Rogue gave me their number. It's been a week and I feel awkward sending a message now."

"I know some ladies who would kill for Rogue's number," Gene said.

"That's the issue, I'm not the hookup type. And they seem really popular." It wasn't as if Rogue had met me at my best moment.

"They are, but, come on, Rogue is nice. What could it hurt to send them one little text?" Janine tapped the tab;e surface right next to my phone. "Do it."

Gene and Janice kept egging me on and I rolled my eyes as I picked up my phone, stroking my thumb over the screen. I pulled up the message that I'd attempted to reply to an embarrassing amount of times. Did I just send a hi or something more? I nibbled on my bottom lip as I looked up from the screen to find them watching me.

Me: Hi, remember me?

I hit send before I went into a full-blown panic attack and set my phone aside. As I started to gather my things and shoved my apron in my backpack, my phone vibrated.

"Read it," Gene hissed at me.