The Dancer

“Arlene, what the hell is going on? What did she mean you were trying to sleep with your boss?”

“They’re obviously high on something Alvin, I’ve never seen either of them in my life. You know how those people are…”

I made it back to the door on wings and smacked her in the face. “Who the fuck are you calling those people? That woman has more integrity in her little finger than you do in your whole damn body you scheming bitch. You almost got me arrested.”

I turned my attention to her husband who looked like he was about to pass out. “Did you know she came all the way into the city to follow me around a store and drop something in my bag to make it look like I was stealing?”

“Do you want to know where she goes every day when she pretends to be going to work? She stakes out our apartment like the stalking bitch that she is. And she sent that asshole to the restaurant to put his hand up my skirt, and then to the apartment to attack me.”

As I said the words I realized how fucking insane they were. How had Max kept all this away from me? What lengths he must’ve gone to-to keep me in the dark and protected from all this bullshit. Because he knew I already had more on my plate than I could handle.

“Let’s go Sherrie. Sir, I suggest if you don’t want to raise your children alone that you keep her away from me and my man. And by the way, she used your son’s phone to send racy pictures of an escort she paid to set up my boyfriend.”

By now both kids had joined them at the door so I took it down a notch. Now that I was here I was mad as hell, but I still didn’t want to handle things with my fists.

I think I almost didn’t believe that anyone could be behind this mess. Until I saw her face and saw the truth of Sherrie’s words, I might’ve always doubted. “Thanks Sherrie, I needed that.”

“Yeah well you shoulda let me beat that bitch to a pulp. Damn it must me Audrey’s feeding time, my tits are leaking.” For some reason that made us both laugh like crazy as we sped away.

Chapter 39

“Isn’t that Sherrie’s truck?” He leaned on the horn and made an illegal U-turn to pull up behind them on the side of the road. I was out of the car before it came to a complete stop.

I pulled open the passenger door and dragged her out and into my arms. “Oh baby, are you okay?” She started to cry and mumble an apology but I only cared that she was in one piece and there was no blood.

I looked over her head at Sherrie who seemed to be having some kind of attack as she clutched at her chest. “Can we do this later? I’ve got to get back to the city.”

I didn’t want to let my girl go. “I’ll tell you what, why don’t you ride with Tony, and I’ll drive your truck?”

“Sounds good.” She jumped down from the truck like her ass was on fire and hightailed it to the car.

I helped Anna back in and belted her in before walking around to take the wheel. “Baby I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have left the way I did.”

“No, I’m the one who should be apologizing. I should’ve believed you.”

“What happened back there, do I need to find you two a lawyer?”

“No, I kept things calm. This is my problem. I don’t want Sherrie getting into trouble for me, besides she has a baby to take care of.”

“What do you mean your problem? It’s done. I’m going to take it from here.”

“Oh no, now that I know what’s been going on I’m going to take care of that bitch.” Say what now?

“No you’re not, you’re not getting involved any farther.”

“Listen, as far as I can tell she hasn’t broken any laws except for the stunt in the store and we don’t have a clear look at her face so that’s bunk. In other words, she’s going to get away with this mess and that I cannot have.”

“Everything you say is true but it doesn’t negate the fact that if you go anywhere near this shit I’ll tan your ass.” A few weeks with Sherrie and she’s a damn thug.

“Well what do you suggest?”

“Like I said, I’ll handle it.” I grabbed her hand and brought it to my lips. “You’re not wearing your ring, why aren’t you wearing your ring?” If she tells me she still believes that shit I’d drive off a damn cliff.

“I wanted you to put it on for me.” She did that pouty sulk thing and that easily I forgot I was mad at her. “Baby, you have to promise that you’ll never do this shit again. I wasn’t cut out for this shit.”