Page 19 of Condemned Soul

“I trusted her.” Jimmer shrugs before he takes another drink and laughs at himself. “She was different back then.”

“Mary-Ann has a lot of the club investments in her name, she also knows a lot about the stuff that goes on around here,” Thorne continues.

“I was a fool and I'm payin’ for my mistake. And as much as Mary-Ann’s a bitch, she’s also Hayley’s mom. I won’t have her disrespected.”

“I understand.” I take a seat on his lap and stroke my hand through his hair. “But more importantly, I trust you. If she wants to be more present around your club, it sounds to me like you're gonna have to let her be.”

“Joanne, what are ya sayin’?” Jimmer stares at me like he’s confused by what he’s hearing.

“I’m saying you’re right, you do have to do what she says. But I can’t stand by and watch her act like she owns you. I’m getting shit from my parents about never being around, and it’s only a matter of time before they get suspicious and start looking into where I’m going.”

“Thorne, Tac,” Jimmer dismisses them both with his eyes before he focuses all his attention on me again. “I don’t like what you're sayin’.” He narrows his eyes at me once we’re alone.

“I don’t like it either, but you can’t seriously expect me to be hanging around while she’s calling herself your old lady.” I cock my head at him doubtfully. “We have a few months before the resort is ready for the move, we can make the most of that time like we have been. I like having you all to myself here.” I grab at his collar and lift it up.

“I’ll fix this. This place is gonna be a new start for my club and the beginning of us,” he promises, and I really wish I could believe him.

* * *

I get home from the club in time for dinner, and I’m a little surprised to find Vincent Jackson sitting in our living room when I walk through the door.

“Ahhh, better late than never. Where have you been, sweetheart?” Dad drapes his arm around my shoulder while Vincent stands up and comes toward me with a coy smile on his face. He’s around the same age as Jimmer so I know an age gap isn’t an issue to my parents, I guess it's the millions his family have in the bank, and the law degree he has that makes him the perfect candidate to date their daughter.

“Hey, Vincent. You staying for dinner?” I ask, trying my best to sound welcoming. I really need to improve my skills.

“Oh, better than that. We’re all heading out for dinner,” Mom informs me as she comes down the stairs and slides on her jacket.

“We thought we’d be hip and try out that new diner in town, the one you and Carol always rave about,” Dad tells me as he and Mom step out the door, and Vincent holds it open for me to follow, like the perfect gentleman.

* * *

Mom, Dad, and Vincent all look out of place as they sit in the crowded diner. The music in here is far louder than they’re used to and Mom keeps over-exaggerating her coughs each time a whiff of cigarette smoke blows in our direction. Her eyes keep darting to the table beside us that still hasn’t been cleared since the people who were sitting there ten minutes ago left.

“I’m really looking forward to this hot dog.” She fakes me a smile before throwing a look at my dad. I figured out something must be off the second she suggested we come here. My parents wouldn’t be seen dead in a place like this. The fact they’re being so kind is making me certain they’re about to negotiate something.

“So, Vincent, why don't you tell Joanne about the house you’ve bought?” Mom raises her eyebrows at him like a prompt.

“Oh, it’s just one of the new builds over in Castle Rock,” he tells me, at least acting like he’s playing it down.

“Vincent wants to be a judge,” Mom adds enthusiastically.

“That’s great.” I smile politely and turn rigid when I feel his hand slide onto my thigh under the table. It’s out of character and hardly the gentleman-like behavior I’d expect from him while in my parents' presence. Every single part of me wants to whack it away, but I don’t want to cause a scene so I remain still and listen to Mom talk the guy up.

I forget all about the fact Vincent’s hand is on me when I see the door swing open and Jimmer steps inside with Brian behind him. Everyone around us stares at him, but he doesn't seem to notice. He does a double take when he sees me, then when he starts making his way over like he might just introduce himself, I panic and quickly shake my head.

“Are you okay, sweetheart?” Dad seems to pick up on my mood.

“Yeah, I’m fine. There was just a bug in front of me.” I fake him a smile as I watch Jimmer step down and look disappointed.

“I’m hardly surprised.” Mom screws up her nose and waves her hand in front of her face, while I watch Jimmer and Brian head to the counter from the corner of my eye.

He rests his elbows on it, turning his head, and I can see he isn’t happy with me. I also see that the new angle he’s at allows him to see where Vincent’s hand is. Suddenly, he doesn’t look disappointed anymore. He looks furious. He moves to come toward us and do something about it, and I desperately shake my head at him again, pleading with him with my eyes not to make the scene he’s about to. My chest sags with relief when he backs down for a second time, though the relief doesn’t last for long, not when I see the hurt on his face as he storms out the door, leaving Brian to take the order that the waitress passes over the counter. I’m desperate to chase after him, but the look of warning Brian gives as he follows him out tells me I’m better off staying put.

“Jimmer, when you spoke to those men last night, did they…? Did they say anything about how I…?” I don’t know why I’m asking, it’ll only bring me more shame.

“They told me everythin’.” He lowers his head, and for some reason seeing that disappointment on his face again feels like a kick to the gut.

“I don’t ever want Ella finding out.”

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