Page 4 of Sin

“Not as bad,” Livia said. “Brim, the president, is a pretty decent guy. They don’t deal dope or guns or traffic women. They own The Pussy Willow and the whorehouse, Belladonna. Adira, are you sure you can work in a place like that?”

Doubt crept into her thoughts. “Do you think I shouldn’t?”

“It’s not about should you or shouldn’t you. It’s about what you feel comfortable with.”

She thought for a moment. If she was truthful to herself, the thought of working in a place like The Pussy Willow scared her. It took her a few minutes to figure out why. Going into a dark room filled with strange men who watched women dance naked on a stage seemed … creepy. Then she remembered the words her father said, and the shocking way he talked. It made her wonder if he’d ever been one of those men.

Her resolve returned.

“The interviews are Thursday,” she said. “I think it’ll be the perfect way to give my parents the finger.”

The women laughed.

“I can drop you off,” Livia told her.

She beamed at her friend. “Thank you.”

While Treat and Livia talked, Adira picked up a photo album full of drawings and sketches, admiring the skill. It made her wish she had artistic talent.

“See anything you’d like?”

Adira looked back at the album. “These are magnificent. How does a person choose just one?”

Treat smiled. “Most people catch the tattoo bug, meaning once they get one, they want more.”

“I see,” Adira said, glancing through the pages. “I suppose it hurts.”

“No more than PMS cramps.”

“Interesting.” She saw a simple heart with a letter built into the lines. “This is pretty.”

Treat walked over to her and glanced down. “It’s a nice design for a lover.”

“I see,” Adira said. “When I get a lover, I’ll come back and get this tattoo.”

“You got it,” Treat said, winking.

Ten minutes later, she took off her gloves to slather some ointment on Livia’s new tattoo and wrap it in cellophane. Her friend stood up and held her arm out.

“How’s it look?” she asked Adira.

It was a monarch butterfly, with bright orange offset by black lines. “It’s gorgeous. Treat, when it’s time for my tattoo, I’m coming to you.”

Treat laughed. “Anytime.”

Livia paid and Adira grabbed her suitcase, waving at Treat.

“This is my truck. Just throw your case in the back.” Moments later, Livia was driving through town. “Cardinal is a great place to live. I love it here. Do you know how long you’ll stay?”

“I don’t know,” she answered truthfully. “I don’t want to go back. Maybe if this job pans out, I can stay for a long time.”

Livia smiled at her. “I’d like that. So, you don’t want to go back?”

Adria sucked in a deep breath. “It’s a place that was nothing but lies. How can I go back to something that wasn’t even real?”

“Well, I meant what I said. You can stay with me as long as possible.”

Adira reached out and gripped her hand. “Thank you. You are the only person I could trust.”

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