“Yes, he has a real knack for finding places for a steal, then after a few renovations, he turns around and sells them for three times the buying price.” Kate was practically beaming as she asked, “Isn’t that amazing?”
“It sure is.” I could see by the way she clung to his arm, Kate was really into this guy. I wanted to share in her enthusiasm, but I couldn’t find it in me to care what her fabulous new boyfriend did for a living. Hoping to change the subject, I asked, “How are things with you and school?”
“They couldn’t be better. I’m set to graduate next month, and then I’ll start my internship at Daddy’s firm.” She released her hold on Eric’s arm as she went over and looked out my window. There wasn’t much to the view, just a busy street and a rundown gas station, so I wasn’t surprised when she asked, “What about you? Did you ever graduate?”
“No, but I’m working on it.”
“That’s good to hear. I was a little worried you’d be stuck bartending for the rest of your life, and well ... that would be disappointing.”
“Actually, I do pretty well with it.”
“Um-hmm. Clearly.” She clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth with sass, then sauntered back over to Eric. “So, what about dinner? Eric and I were thinking we could take you out to eat and maybe have a few drinks.”
“That would be great, but I have to work.”
“What time do you get off?”
“It’ll be after one, so we’ll have to do it another time.”
“We could always stop by your work and spend some time with you there.”
I couldn’t believe it. For the first time since they’d arrived, Eric had something to say. Unfortunately, his idea about them coming to the club wasn’t a good one. I could only imagine how Kate would react to being at a strip club. Hoping to quickly squash the idea, I shook my head and replied, “That’s probably not a good idea. It gets a little hectic around there. Might make it difficult to talk.”
“I’m sure we can manage,” Kate sassed.
“Yeah, but I’ve only been working there a few days.” I shrugged. “I wouldn’t want to upset anyone by having friends stop by.”
“I’m sure they would understand. I’m your sister, after all.” Kate rolled her eyes as she murmured, “It’s not like we’re talking about some five-star restaurant here. It’s a bar.”
“Yes, but...” I started to argue but quickly decided against it. “You know what? You’re right. If you two want to stop by for a bit, you should. It would be fun.”
“Great.” Eric smiled, then slipped his arm around Kate’s waist as he said, “I really need to get to my meeting. Would you like me to drop you off at the hotel, or would you rather stay here and visit with your sister for a while?”
Kate’s eyes skirted over to me as she answered, “I think I’ll just go to the hotel. I could really use a shower.”
“Whatever you think, sweetheart.”
“That’s okay with you, isn’t it, Marlie?”
“Of course it is.” I was actually relieved. I needed some time to put my walls back up and guard myself from the onslaught of Kate and her condescending bullshit. “Go take a break, and I’ll see you both later tonight at the club.”
“Okay, that sounds good.”
As they started towards the door, I giggled as I teased them. “Be sure you come with a pocket full of singles.”
“Ugh, Marlie!” Kate gasped with repugnance. “Like we’d ever.”
“You never know.” I wiggled my eyes with a mocking smile. “You might get caught up in the moment.”
“I seriously doubt that.”
With that, they both left, and for the first time since Kate called me, I felt like I could actually breathe. I hated that I’d let myself get so wound up, especially after all this time. I wanted to believe I’d put all the hurt and rejection behind me. I’d come so far. I’d built a new life for myself. I had my own place, my own friends and family, and for the first time, I had a man in my life—a good man. It should’ve been enough, but it was clear from my ever-so-brief visit with Kate those old wounds from my childhood still hadn’t healed. In fact, they seemed just as fresh as the day I left San Antonio.
As I got ready for work, I tried not to think about the knot that was growing in the pit of my stomach. It wasn’t like I didn’t know why it was there. I knew all too well. I could almost feel myself withdrawing as I started getting ready for work. I painted my nails and put on makeup, and if that wasn’t enough, I even curled my hair. I wore my favorite black miniskirt and heels, then grabbed my things and left for Stilettos. Into the darkness I went, and there was no one there to stop me.