Page 11 of Fifty

“Are you okay?” I ask as my rage bubbles just under the surface.

“I’m good. Believe me, I’ve dealt with much worse than that. But thanks for asking,” she offers a soft smile before finally pulling her hand out from under mine. I slide my wallet from my pocket and pull out the cash to cover my bill.

“Thanks for the suggestion. That omelet is a close second to my pancakes,” I tell her as I stand from my seat, holding out the slip and money for her to take.

“You’ll have to try the French toast next time,” she smiles again.

“Maybe tomorrow,” I offer a wink as I turn towards the door.

“Wait! Your change,” she starts.

“Keep it,” I answer over my shoulder before stepping outside into the fresh morning air. My phone buzzes in my pocket. I lift it and find a message from Kane.

*Meet me at the clubhouse

I type back,*on my way, before straddling my bike and bringing her to life. I will most definitely be back tomorrow.

???

“Where the fuck have you been?” Kane’s attitude meets me at the door.

“At breakfast. What’s up?” I question.

“Nothing. I’m just fuckin’ bored as shit. I thought we could hang, maybe play a game of pool,” he suggests and I feel my eyes roll. I can’t afford to lose another round of pool to Kane. He’s a ruthless motherfucker. Over the years I’ve probably lost thousands to him.

But I can see the look on his face and I know he needs this right now. He was starting to turn a corner, but seeing Ryder propose on Thanksgiving triggered something. And I get it. Afterall, everything that went on with Kane and Ayla only happened a few months ago, and Ryder just happens to be with Ayla’s best friend which adds a whole different element to the fucking equation.

“Fine…fine, but I gotta warn you, I’m having a pretty good morning. I hope you’re ready to get your ass kicked,” I share with a laugh.

“Yeah, I’ll believe that shit when I fuckin’ see it,” he chuckles back.

I follow as Kane moves inside towards the pool tables. He grabs two cues from the wall, handing me one as he starts to chalk his own. I let my hand run over the smooth black felt covering the surface. These tables are perfection, with the Savages insignia etched into the fabric. We paid top dollar for them, but they’re worth every fuckin’ penny.

“I’ll let you break,” Kane grins as if he’s doing me a favor.

“Fuck off,” I reply easily as I line up the cue, sending it across the table. It makes contact, cracking loudly and sending the balls spinning in different directions. I watch as Kane steps up, taking his turn, easily sinking two balls before I get another shot.

“Did you go to Gloria’s for breakfast,” he asks breaking the silence created by my attempt at concentrating on the game.

“You know it. And brother, the new waitress…” I say as the vision of Jade fills my mind.

“What’d you do, eat pancakes then take her out back? Or maybe the girl first and the pancakes came after?” he chuckles, fully aware of my typical moves.

“Nah, but I laid some nice ground work. This one, she isn’t like all the other girls who come around here,” I tell him.

“Be careful with those ones. They’ll fuck with your head,” he warns and I know he’s thinking of Ayla.

“Have you called her yet?” I ask. I know I shouldn’t, but I can tell he’s fucking miserable, despite his attempt at pretending that everything is okay.

“Don’t wanna talk about it,” he offers a clipped response and I know that’s the end of the conversation.

“Timmy! Bring us a couple beers,” I holler over to our newest prospect who’s cleaning behind the bar. It’s early, but I think we could both benefit from a cold refreshment right now.

Seven

Jade

This is definitely not where I want to be spending my holiday week, but alone at my apartment on Thanksgiving last month really wasn’t any fun either. Either way, it’s better than last year, and at least I’m making some money. I honestly can’t believe how busy it is here. You would think it would be empty and these guys would be busy at home, but it’s almost the opposite. This place has been buzzing with horny men almost every night. At least they all seem to be extra generous with the tips.