Page 23 of Fifty

Fifteen

Jade

Ifeel like complete shit. And, no, it’s not just the headache that’s been pounding on the inside of my skull all night. It’s the fact that I can’t get Fifty off my mind. I haven’t seen him since New Year’s. It’s been days and he hasn’t even poked his head into the diner. I think I made a big mistake. I feel so guilty for leaving that morning, but I don’t have his number, so I can’t even try to explain.

Now I’m stuck at the club, dealing with a table of sloppy drunk idiots who are celebrating a bachelor party. This is definitely not where my mind is tonight.

“Hey, sugar,” a balding and somewhat sweaty, red-faced guy hollers in my direction. I step closer, feeling his eyes lingering on my exposed skin.

“What can I get for you?” I ask.

“Bring us another round of Buds,” he requests with a wink.

“Coming right up,” I force a fake smile on my lips and hustle away towards the comfort of the bar.

“What do you need?” Jimmy asks as I slide my drink tray up on the bar.

“Another round for the guys in section twelve,” I answer, pushing out a deep breath.

“You okay?” he questions as he starts to pop the bottles and fill the tray.

“I just really don’t want to be here tonight,” I share.

“I feel ya,” he flashes a grin. And I know he’s trying to be nice, but honestly, he has no idea what it feels like to be out on that floor.

“Jesus Christ. This place is a fucking nightmare tonight,” Kandi huffs as she steps up beside me, giving Jimmy another order to fill.

My tray is already full, but I need another minute to prep myself and get my attitude in check before returning to my party. As much as I don’t want to be here, I can’t afford to lose this job, and if I play my cards right, this group could be a big pay day. Kandi gives me a little practice smile as she lifts her three drinks and disappears back into the private dance area.

“You know, you could just ditch those assholes and spend the rest of your night with me,” a familiar voice offers lightly. I turn, recognizing Shark’s voice as soon as I hear him.

“Don’t you have some sort of bro code or something?” I snark back.

“Whoa. Someone’s got her panties in a bunch tonight,” he grins, taking a seat at the bar.

“You told me he’d be pissed that I left. You said he would come looking for me. It’s been a week and nothing. He’s already forgotten,” I exhale, suddenly feeling full of misplaced emotion.

“Come over here for a second,” Shark requests, but I shake my head.

“I can’t. I’ve gotta get these drinks out,” I tell him.

“Let the fuckers wait,” he grins and I take a step in his direction.

“As much as I’d love to drive a wedge between you and my boy, and keep you all to myself, I can see the way you’re both torturing yourselves and I can’t fuckin’ take seeing you like this,” he starts and I feel my eyebrows pinch with curiosity.

“He was beyond pissed when he woke up and realized that you snuck out. Believe me, I had a little fun with the situation,” he grins wide and his eyes seem to light up at the memory. “But the reason he hasn’t come looking for you is because he got sent out of town on some club business. I’m sure you’ll be his first priority when he gets back,” he explains and I feel my entire body relax in an instant.

“Really?” I breathe out.

“Would I lie? Shit, don’t answer that,” he offers an easy smile.

“So, when is he back?” I start to ask, but a loud and obnoxious voice hits me like a slap in the face.

“Hey, sugar!” he yells across the room, and I know it’s him without even looking. I feel my eyes roll as I turn, plastering a fake smile across my cheeks. “Can we get those beers or what?” he questions loudly.

I hold up my pointer finger, offering him a quick wink in hopes that he’ll ease up. Luckily it works and he offers me a small nod of understanding. Turning back, I find Shark’s eyes dark with aggression clearly building.

“Hey, it’s okay. You know I’ve dealt with a lot worse than that guy. He’s actually not that bad, I’m just really not in the mood to deal with any of this tonight. I’m so done with this place,” I say, finally picking up the tray full of beer before turning and moving back towards my waiting party.