She is seated at one of the dressing tables applying her lipstick.
“Hey, you got a minute?”
“Hey stranger, sure what’s up?”
“The last night I worked, when you were in the lounge with Tyler, what was that about?”
“Oh, um the meeting. He was talking to a few of us about his being gone for a couple of days and that he didn’t want you here when the other club was in town. Didn’t want his woman entertaining them seedy bastards, was his exact words I think. Why?”
“Just curious. Thanks.”
“Did you and Tyler have a lover’s spat or some shit?”
“He’s not my lover, keep your voice down, there are ears everywhere in here. Do you know when he is coming back?”
“I think he will be here tomorrow night, but I’m not positive. I told you my lips are sealed. Tyler has already talked to me about the importance of your non–relationship staying unknown, until he claims you anyway.” She puts her fingers up making quotations at me. “You missed out on that party. Them boys from Georgia don’t fuck around and they tip well too. One of them even proposed to me.” she laughs. “When is Tyler gonna claim you anyway?”
“Claim me?” I ask with pinched brows and a scrunched up nose.
“Damn, you really are out of the loop, aren’t you? Honey, when Tyler claims you, it will mean you are under his protection and that he will take absolute care of you.”
“Great,” I mumble putting my tail between my legs. I should have thought better of Tyler. He never gave me a reason to doubt him or his feelings for me. And now when he comes back, I get to make an ass of myself by telling him I fucked Brian. Maybe I shouldn’t tell him, but I can’t do that. My lies have only brought me misery. Maybe if I am truthful for once karma will shine down on me. Yea sure, I snort. Fuck, now I am talking to myself.
The night passes by in a blur. I haven’t heard anything from Brian since the other night. Maybe he was only interested in sleeping with me one last time. Not like it matters, now that I know he is drinking, I am determined now more than ever to keep him from Jace.
Later that night, curiosity rears its ugly head so I start Googling Tyler Mathews. Let’s see who you really are.
A few pictures pop up of him playing soccer in college. But the one article that grabs my attention is one about him giving up a chance to play soccer in Brazil. I click on the article and begin reading more:
Standout soccer star, Tyler Mathews, has turned down an opportunity to play in Brazil. When asked why he would give up the chance he stated no comment. Sources close to the athlete speculate that he takes care of his older brother who has muscular dystrophy. The cost of his brother’s care is too great for his parents to afford on their own and he has given up on soccer to work to help pay for his care.
Wow, Tyler is an amazing man. Now I know what he meant about loving someone and not giving up on them. I have ruined my chances with this remarkable guy. When I tell him I slept with Brian, he will walk away. But, I can’t not tell him. One lie only leads to more.
I read a little more about what a standup player he was.
How does a guy like him get mixed up with men like Bender and his club?
**
The next evening, I walk Jace next door to Caroline’s; her grandson is staying the weekend with her. He plays so well with Jace.
Tonight, I get to be up on stage. Dancing is a welcomed distraction. I haven’t been able to get Tyler, or Brian out of my head. I dress in a gold bustier. It coordinates perfectly with my black shorts an
d gold mask. I clasp my pearls around my neck. Pearls always make me feel classy. Trina gives me my cue, and I make my way onto center stage.
The music starts, tonight my song of choice is Damaged by Danity Kane. It fits how I feel about Tyler. I take the strand of pearls between my teeth as I slither my way across the stage. I lock my sights on Tyler, he is behind the bar. He looks so fucking good. I stop dancing when our eyes meet. He looks away and my heart sinks, but I continue my routine. Will he still want me after he learns what I’ve done?
Chapter Thirteen
We haven’t spoken in days and I miss him— Tyler. I miss his smile, his strong arms making me feel like everything will work out. I finish my dance and head to the dancer’s lounge. Tyler follows me, but he doesn’t lock the door.
“Hey.” He gives me a hug. “I am so sorry about your mom. Had I known, I would have tried to cancel my trip to Nashville. I should have known something was wrong when I didn’t hear from you.”
“I know, I’m sorry I was being an idiot. How did your meeting go?” I ask avoiding what I need to tell him. I’m the worst. He was right to not want to get involved with me.
“Great. You are looking at the co-owner of this club. I’m glad you weren’t here during the rally. Things got out of control. If anyone had put their hands on you, I would have ripped them off.” he chuckles, but his eyes tell me he means that.
“That’s great, I am really happy for you.” He leans in to kiss me. My guilt makes me stop him. “Tyler, I have to tell you something.” He looks at me with a curious face. “I did something stupid. The other night when I last saw you…I tried to come into the lounge and the door was locked. I sat at the bar and waited to see who would come through the door and I, uh. I saw Erin walk out and she was wiping her mouth. And well, the point is, you walked out after her, and you were buttoning your sleeves. I thought…”