“Then stop acting like one.”
I bite the inside of my cheek to stop the comments that wants to flow. Talking back would be pointless and make me look more immature. He isn’t the person who deserves my anger.
“Now that we’re on the same page, I want to talk to you about your job.”
My muscles tense. “What about it?” I ask cautiously. Would this become a game of control? Had I escaped one prison and walked willingly into another?
“You like it?”
I shrug. “It pays and the cash spends.”
“But you don’t love it?”
“I don’t think there’s anything to love.”
“You want to do something else?”
“Like what?” I ask, narrowing my eyes. He’s not the type to have a pointless conversation.
“Pres has been after me to start up another legal gig. If you’re willing to work under me, I’d be willing to consider it.”
“Depends on what you
have in mind.”
“A pawn shop that specializes in jewelry.”
I lean back against the washer. “I don’t know anything about jewelry.”
“That’s what school is for. I need someone I can trust to be the face and deal with people. We know I’m not always the best…people person.”
I snicker. That’s an understatement.
I love my co-workers. We’re a tight knit crew, and it’ll be sad to leave them. But I recognize this is a chance for me. With a specialized skill, I’ll feel like I’m doing something with my life. Right now, I’m a boat adrift in a sea, letting the current take me where it will. The concept of more control over my life thrills me. “If you want me to, I’ll do it.”
“Yeah? I’ll grease the wheels and get them in motion. For now, just keep doing your thing. What’s for dinner?”
The abrupt change in conversation tells me the discussion about my father is over. It didn’t bother me the way I thought it might. It doesn’t feel like a dismissal coming from Wizard, just a move to a happier subject. It’s the way he shows me respect, even as he remains firmly in a position of power. There are many different ways to rule and show dominance.
“Chicken enchiladas. They’re in the oven now. I’ll take them out and prep them to eat before I take off for work tonight.”
“Are you avoiding me?”
“What?” I ask, shocked he even noticed. We’re like two ships passing in the night. I thought he preferred it that way.
“I notice you make dinner and bail. I want to know why. Your shift doesn’t start that early. Are you getting cold feet already?”
“No. I just… I’m not sure how to proceed with this. I don’t want to cramp your style, or overstep any boundaries.” I worry the edge of my shirt. “You did something amazing for me. I want to honor your wishes.”
“If I wanted to keep eating alone in silence, or be with someone else, I would. Don’t get all weird on me now, Nevy.”
Relief rushes through me like a river. He drew a clear line in the sand I could work with. There’d be no crazy bitches lying in wait to scratch my eyes out. I’d seen that shit happen one too many times. I’ve been slipping into the house after work, looking for signs of another woman. Now, I know why I never saw anything. “I was just trying to be respectful by making myself scarce.”
“Don’t, I like seeing your face around here.”
His gruff voice makes me smile. He’s not a man who speaks a hell of a lot, but what he does say has merit. “All right.”
I am still thinking about his words as I walk into work. Before opening hours, the club is an entirely different place. With the lights up, the swank black leather couches, round smoky-glass tables, and matching leather chairs could be mistaken for an upper scale dance club. Except for the numerous number of platforms with poles in the center. I wave at Big Todd, the security guard already posted up front to watch who is coming and going. I can’t say every stripper brings drama, but I will say they seem to attract it like metal to a magnet. So, we spare no expense when it comes to keeping our girls and the rest of us here safe.