Talk about a bombshell. No judgment, just shocked. “Good for you, man,” he said, clapping him on the back.
Blowing out a relieved breath, Ace tipped his beer to Case, and they toasted silently. “I leave day after tomorrow. So if you need anything, tell me now.”
“Nah, man, I think we’re good. Just have to find this damn sister.”
Evelyn couldn’t believe the gall of some people. Lizzy was new to Hardy’s, so she didn’t realize what her cattiness could do to her reputation, yet. While she, herself, wouldn’t say she was close with any of the other girls other than Pixie, she also knew they wouldn’t do what Lizzy had done and talk down to a customer about another dancer. For Hardy, that was a no-no. He had few rules, but three of his biggest were; no drugs, no sex, and treat everyone with respect. If he had dancers at each other’s throats, then his customers weren’t satisfied because everything turned into a catfight. It was a huge part of the reason she tolerated Hardy half the time. Especially with him pushing her to do private dances lately.
“Hey, Evie,” one of her regulars, Steve, called to her.
Walking towards him, she plastered her fake smile into place. “How you doin’, Stevie?” He loved that she called him that corny nickname. He was a nice enough old man. Never crossed a line, never pushed her for more than she was willing to give. He just loved to talk to a pretty woman, or so he said.
“Good, good,” he said smiling his same smile, but he looked a little sadder today.
“How’s Irene doing?” His wife had been diagnosed with brain cancer six months ago. Shortly after that, he started coming to Hardy’s Dolls. Watching the woman he loved slowly die was hard on the man. Ev could tell of his devotion when they talked about her.
Taking a deep breath, he said, “She slipped into a coma this morning. Won’t be long now.” A lone tear escaped his eye, trailing down his cheek.
Placing her hand on his, Ev squeezed his in support. “I’m sorry to hear that, hon.” She was, too.
Steve was different from a lot of customers that came in. He wasn’t there because he wasn’t getting something at home, or for a good time, or to belittle women. He honestly came for the company. His wife’s cancer accelerated quicker than doctors had anticipated, and he was lonely. One night a week, he had a nurse that would sit with her so he could unwind.
“Always so sweet, Evie. Tell me what’s new with you. You have some pep to your step tonight.”
“Oh…umm…well, I think I found a man.” She smiled, knowing she had, in fact, found a man.
“That’s great!” he exclaimed. “He good to you?”
“Real good. Would you like to meet him?” she asked spontaneously.
“He works here?” the man seemed shocked.
Laughing, she said, “Not at all. He likes to watch me dance. Also, to make sure no one gets out of hand, I think.”
“What does he do then?” Steve wondered.
“He’s a veteran and currently does investigative research for his friend.” A proud smile graced her face as she talked about him.
Warm hands encircled her rib cage. “I see a smile not aimed at me,” Case whispered in her ear.
“Speak of the devil.” She laughed.
“So you’re the man making my Evie’s face light up?” Steve aimed his question to Case.
“Yes, sir, I am.” He stuck his hand out to shake.
Ev felt a blush slowly creep up her chest and into her face. “Casey, this is my favorite customer, Stevie.”
“A pleasure, young man,” he replied completing the handshake.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, hold onto your hats as the showstopper, our very own Evie, takes the stage in five minutes!” The DJ’s voice bounced through the speakers, breaking the moment.
“Well, boys, looks like that’s my cue to get ready.” Bending down, she kissed Steve on the cheek and whispered in his ear, “Give Irene my love.” His watery smile matched her own. She’d never met the woman but felt like she knew her through his words and stories.
“Stay decent,” Case warned her, giving her a light kiss on her neck.
Grinning at him, she winked as she ran backstage to get ready, learning her lesson the last time she got brave. She would never again bare herself so completely.
Pixie greeted her as she entered the dressing room. “You ready for this, girl?”