Club Endless Fantasy (Haremworld)

“Yeah, I know.” I sighed again and grimaced. “When I first came back home after my father passed away, the last thing I thought I would do was run this place.”

“He was so damn proud of you.” Amy leaned back and wiped away a tear that was trying to roll down her cheek. “I’d come in here after work when I was still waiting tables at Cafe Rue. He’d tell everyone that would listen how his son was going to be some sort of big shot in the business world one day.”

“I’m sure everyone got tired of hearing it.” I chuckled and shook my head. “He never wanted this life for me, that’s for damn sure. He saved money and went without his whole life so I would have enough money to go to college.”

“Do you think you’ll go back now? You could still get your degree.” Amy stood up and wiped another tear as she walked to the bar and grabbed a bottle of whiskey.

“Get a glass for me too.” I definitely needed a drink. “I don’t know about college. The woman that’s going to buy this place offered me a job—a damn good one too.”

“So, even after selling this place, you’re still not going to escape the South Side?” Amy walked over and sat down, immediately pouring two drinks.

“It’s always been my home, even when I left for a while. I just had a feeling I’d be back one day. The money is nice, but I want to do something good with it. I called Charlie’s wife earlier and offered to pay for him to go to rehab if she can talk him into it.” I motioned towards the old man asleep at the bar.

“Fuck, you really are the only decent guy in the South Side.” Amy lifted her drink and took a sip. “I should have scooped you up when I had the chance.”

“I would have broke your heart.” I shook my head and took a drink of whiskey. “I’ve been in a bad place for a long time. You deserve a lot better than me.”

“I’m not going to find it around here. I’ll just end up single and pregnant like all the girls I went to high school with.” Amy sipped her whiskey. “This place was nice, because I didn’t have to pretend the guys were interested in me. I knew they just liked my tits.”

“Yep, a bunch of horny old men that tipped to see them. You had a good gig. I think you made more money than me some nights.” I chuckled and sat my whiskey down on the table.

“Oh, I did. I balance your books, remember?” Amy giggled and sipped her whiskey again.

“If you want, I could talk to Angelina about hiring you when she opens her club. Hell, she mentioned putting me in charge of hiring, so I might be able to do it myself.” I shrugged and leaned back in my chair.

“Maybe.” Amy nodded aimlessly. “So, this thing with Gina is real, huh?”

“Yeah.” I looked at my watch. “But if I don’t go get some sleep, I’ll never make our breakfast date.”

“Well, it isn’t very nice to stand a lady up.” Amy chuckled and reached for her whiskey. “Go on, I’ll see if I can get Charlie out of here before I close up for good.”

“Let him sleep.” I pushed up from the table and stood. “He’s got an intervention soon enough.”

I was going to miss Hal’s Pub, but the offer was way too good to turn down. Even if I had been apprehensive originally, once I saw the figures, my mind was made up. I’d never get an offer like that again. I was pretty sure Angelina was being extremely generous with me because of my relationship with Gina. My father always joked that Hal’s Pub would probably become a parking lot once he was gone. At least some part of it would live on when Club Endless Fantasy was built, even if it would cater to a much different crowd. The South Side was definitely changing, and I was not going to stand in the way of progress. I could live comfortably off what I made from selling the place, and managing Club Endless Fantasy wasn’t going to be a bad gig. I’d even have health insurance for the first time in my life.

“I’m glad you could pull yourself away from work long enough to have a bite to eat with me.” I extended my arms and hugged Gina before planting a firm kiss on her lips.

“That makes it all worth it.” She smiled when our lips were finally separated.

“So I don’t have to buy you any food? That’s a cheap date!” I chuckled and motioned to the table.

“Shut up and order me a burger.” She feigned anger as she took her seat.

My relationship with Gina was going great, and although we had only been hot and heavy for a week, it felt like a lot longer. We didn’t get to see each other every night, and I knew that she was with her other two men when she wasn’t with me, but I did my best to internalize it. It was certainly complicated. I had never shared a woman before. I expected jealousy, but our connection was so strong that I saw past it. I understood that there was more to what we had than two people falling for each other and having a lot of fun in the process. If the relationship was going to move forward, I had to take the next step.

“As much as I love staring at your beautiful face and gorgeous emerald eyes, I did want to talk to you about something.” I leaned back in my chair once our food was ordered.

“Please tell me you’re not going to back out on the sale.” Her eyes reflected fear, dimming the emerald glow. “Once it goes through, I will have officially closed my first account!”

“No, nothing like that.” I waved my hand to dismiss what she said. “I think it’s time for me to meet Erik and Olsen.”

“Really?” The sparkle returned and she grinned. “They’ve been looking forward to meeting you as well! I told them you weren’t ready…”

“I’ve had a lot of time to think about it, and I realize we’re not going to be able to move forward with what we have until I let go of those fears. If they mean as much to you as you’ve said, then it’s time.” I smiled and nodded.

“I’ll set something up! How about tonight?” She batted her eyelashes. “We could have a lot of fun.”

“Let’s start with a meeting.” I chuckled and shook my head. “If it goes well, then maybe none of us will go to bed alone tonight.”