Page 55 of Firecracker

“Goddamn, do you always spout off like that before a person is done talking? Jesus Christ, Quick picked a fucking great nickname for you. But I need you to shut the fuck up and listen.”

I nod my head, too scared to open my mouth. Shy’s body is tense as his jaw clenches. I have obviously pissed him off.

“What I was saying is, that we’re close and I’ve never seen him this happy. I don’t give a fuck what anyone else said to you. I know my brother, and you make him happy. Whatever you two have going on is between you and don’t let anyone else get involved.” Shy pauses looking over at the group of people dancing. When he looks back down to me his face has softened. “Ruby, you’re special to two of our women and one of my best friends. The main one being my old lady. She’s hell-bent on getting you to move here. I just wanted to tell you that you have my support. If you ever need us, just reach out to us. The MC will never let you down. I know you have to deal with a lot of shit when you get home, but at any time you need us, we are a phone call away.”

Tears fill my eyes as his words hit me hard. The love he has for Ginger and Quick is overwhelming. I reach up wiping a tear away and smile. “Thank you, Shy. That means more to me than you’ll ever know.”

Taking a couple deep breaths, I compose myself before Shy moves to lean back into the couch giving me full view of our crazy group dancing. I’m envious of the bond these people have together. I start to let my mind wander with all my what ifs and I begin to freak out. I start to panic. “Shy, I’m scared. What if I’m not good enough for him? What if I can’t move here? What if he gets hurt? What if-”

Shy stops me, putting his hand up. “Wow, Firecracker. Slow down before you have everyone running over here worried about you. Take a deep breath.” Shy moves to refill our drinks turning toward me again he says with soft eyes. “Ruby, you have a lot of shit going on in that little head of yours, but you need to think, what you can fix right now? What do you have control over right now? Who the fuck knows what tomorrow will bring. You can’t stress out about tomorrow. Quick’s a grown man, and he knows what he wants. He knows your situation. If he wants to dive in with you, then let him. Don’t push people away who want to be there for you. If you do, you’ll always be alone.”

I take a big gulp of my drink and choke when I realize he made me a stiff drink. He tilts his head back with a laugh. I join in after my choking spell ends. As I look at Shy, feeling better, I say, “I’m scared shitless. I’m always scared I’ll make the wrong decision.”

Shy leans forward onto his elbow. “Don’t be scared to live life. Fucking up is the best part.” Shy chuckles, slamming his drink back. “You live, you learn, and you move on to the next thing life throws at you. Being scared is okay because it’s a challenge. Challenges are a way of life. The more you overcome, the better you become.”

Seeing our group make their way back to us he finishes, “Ruby, like I said, we’re always here for you. Let people help you because you need to trust in someone.”

The lump in my throat keeps me from replying to him, so I give him a big smile and nod my thank you.

“Iz is killing it on the decks tonight,” Ginger exclaims as she grabs her drink taking a big sip.

Quick plops down next to me giving me a kiss on the cheek as Maze grabs a water from the bucket.

I smile at everyone taking another drink, trying to hide my facial expression. Ginger, not missing a beat asks, “So what were you two talking about? It looked pretty serious?”

Shy leans forward grabbing Ginger around the waist, pulling her in between his legs. “Just life and making fun of your crazy asses bouncing around.”

I stand up excusing myself saying I need to use the bathroom. I needed a minute to collect my thoughts, letting everything that Shy said sink in and pull myself together. Ginger and Maze say they need to go too and lead the way.

Ginger takes us the bathroom next to the stage that is only used for DJs and performers. Once we’re in the empty bathroom, Ginger turns on me. “Okay, what did Shy say to you that freaked you out. I swear if he was mean to you or-”

I put my hand up stopping her from talking.

“He was very sweet. I was the asshole who interrupted him.” Maze’s face had me pausing to laugh. “Yes, I found out that you don’t interrupt him while he is speaking. I think that was the only time I was freaked out, but he was still nice to me. He let me know I can count on the club if I ever need them.”

Ginger’s face lights up. “Thank God. I was going to cut him off from getting any if he was mean. Now he just earned himself a blowjob.” All of us start to laugh. Ginger gives me a big hug. “Ruby, I really want you to come back here and live. I know you have to deal with some major stuff back home but know we are here.”

I give her a big hug back trying to hold back the tears. “Dammit. I can’t cry. No crying tonight,” I cry out, wiping the tears.

“Okay, are we good? Can we go dance and get fucked up? It's your last night, and I took the night off. Let’s have some fun. No more talk of sad shit,” Maze demands.

We all laugh and go about our business getting freshened up. Opening the door, Quick is pacing in front of the door with Gus standing guard.

“Jesus Christ. I was just about ready to charge in there. You bitches take forever,” Quick ranted, charging over to me.

Seeing Gus standing there looking worried, I panic. “What’s wrong?” I see Gus and freak out something happened to Izzy. “Where is Izzy?”

Gus puts his hand up. “She was worried about ya, so I came to check on ya.”

Relief washes over me. “Thank God. I’m fine. We were just gossiping. All is good.” I turn to Maze, grabbing her hand. “Let’s go dance.” Pulling her and Ginger to the dance floor.

The dance floor is packed like sardines, so we make our way to the front of the VIP booth. Gus makes his way back up to Izzy reporting I’m fine and when she sees us girls dancing she waves. Quick is giving us some space staying idly by watching over us girls.

It feels good just to let go and dance. As I tilt my head up toward the ceiling, I close my eyes and just relax as I move to the beat, letting the music take over my mind, body, and soul. I have forgotten how therapeutic dancing can be, not just on a pole but dancing period. Helps clean the soul, filling it with good energy and happy vibes. Five songs later, I have a sheen of sweat glistening over my body, with all the heat from the bodies dancing together.

“Sexy Bitch” by David Guetta featuring Akon, mixes in as I feel hands slide around my waist. Opening my eyes, I see Eva, Ginger, and Maze dancing in front of me with the men circling around us dancing. I grab Quick’s hand pulling him closer to my back as we move as one. The dance floor has become even more crowded. The men have circled us girls so no one can hit on us, but with the masses of people, it gets hard.

“Damn girl. The way your body moves,” Quick breathes into my ear. I lift both of my arms up behind my head sliding them around his neck as he leans down kissing my collarbone. Quick growls, pressing his cock into my ass as we sway to the song. Forgetting everyone else around us, letting the music take us on a journey.

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