Page 53 of Chasing Lynda

Dodge’s voice stops me from turning on my heels and running as far as my feet will take me. “No fucking cops and no hospitals!” He decides. “We’re already dealing with problems because Monroe missed two fire inspections. Obviously the asshole is to blame here too because he sold tickets for ‘dances’ with Lynda. I have enough shit on my plate without this getting to my father’s ears. He’s up for re-election in the fall and—no cops and no hospitals.” He then turns to look at me. “If that’s ok with you, Lynda, of course. If not, we’ll—”

I immediately nod. “No, no. It’s fine. I’m exhausted anyway. If you don’t mind, I’ll go back to my room.”

Dodge grimaces, rubbing his shoulder. “Of course. You go, I’ll—”

“You should ice that fucking shoulder, dude!” Bennett cuts him off. “Last time you were so stupid to overdo it and didn’t ice it afterwards, you were in pain for days.”

Dodge doesn’t look convinced. “Right, whatever. I’ll do it after I check on that motherfucker and his friends downstairs and make sure that they don’t decide to call the cops on us. We should also find the other guests who purchased ‘dances’ from Monroe and issue refunds. This is a fucking shit storm.”

Carter reassures him. “We can deal with all of that. You seriously need to go and ice that shoulder. Now.”

I see Dodge smile for the first time since we had dinner. “Yes, Mom!” He chuckles, rolling his eyes at Carter. “Can I go to my room now or are you coming to tuck me in?”

Carter’s smirk is insolent and adorable at the same time. “Ha! Don’t tempt me.” He then looks at me. “Do you mind checking on him Lynda, and make sure that he does as he’s been told and ices the shoulder rather than drinking a whole bottle of bourbon?”

Dodge shakes his head. “Fuck, I don’t know if your distrust of me should be moving, because you really care, or offensive because you don’t trust me for shit.”

Zane chimes in. I’m starting to think that he’s the peace maker in the group. “We’d trust you with our lives and you know that, Dodge. But you must admit that lately, you haven’t been taking care of yourself like you should. So I’d feel better too if Lynda could make sure you iced that shoulder. I also got you a new painkiller cream and it would probably be a good idea to put some on. So you mind going with him for a second, Lynda?”

I nod, glad to leave the club. I want to thank Dodge anyway. Aside from Kelley and his friends, no one has ever tried to help me before.

13.

Choices

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Dodge

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I WALK TOWARD THE EXIT of the VIP area of the club but stumble as I try to negotiate the stairs that lead down to the general nightclub and sky bar.

It’s hard to keep my balance while I’m clutching my hurt shoulder, using all my energy trying not to pass out from the pain.

“Hey, let me help you.”

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