Page 9 of Locke

“Don’t know. He was fine when I was up there.”

“Talkin’ about Arizona?”

“Yeah.”

“You really stepped up for that one. Not many would have done what you did.”

“It’s my job, yeah?”

“Fuck that, Locke. Job or not, not many would have called in some personal shit like that. You really took one for the club.”

“It’s what I do, brother. It’s what I do.”

“I know Prez really appreciated it. We all did.”

“It’s nothin’. Stop talkin’ about it.” I don’t need to hear it. I didn’t save the fucking day. I just did what needed to be done.

“You’re always so pissy. I think you’re right. These girls aren’t doin’ it for you anymore.”

“Fuck off. I’m not pissy.”

“You are pissy. Everyone sees it. I get it. Ever since I’ve known you, this time of the year kicks your ass, but you gotta look at the good shit you have goin’, Locke. You have us, this club. That’s somethin’.”

“And I’m proud as fuck to be a part of this club, Remy. This time of the year just fucks me over.”

“I get that, but come on. You gotta have somethin’ good in your life. Get an old lady and settle down,” he chuckles. I shake my head and glance over at him.

“You get an old lady and settle down. What the fuck?”

“I haven’t found one willin’ to deal with my ass.”

“Me either. You think the good ones just fall from the sky?”

“Don’t I fuckin’ wish. Wouldn’t that be so easy?”

“Life isn’t easy, brother. That’s why we struggle.”

“Heard that. Let’s get a drink. I need somethin’.” With that, the conversation is over. As we walk to the bar, I think about things. I look around and take in everyone, and I know this is home now. It has been for a while it’s just taken me a minute to see it. This is my family now, and that’s all I need.

Chapter 5

Kiki

“Put this on. All you do is hand out the drinks. Don’t try to be something you’re not.” The asshole passes me a skimpy outfit. I can’t believe this is what I have to wear. At least I get to keep my biker boots on.

I take the skimpy outfit and roll my eyes as he leaves the dressing room giving me a little privacy. I repeat in my head that I asked for this job so I don’t lose my fucking mind as I strip out of my clothes and pull this shit on. It’s a half a pair of shorts. No. It’s basically underwear. I’m wearing the equivalent of underwear. At least the shirt covers my nipples, even if my boobs are hanging out.

I sigh as I look at myself in the mirror. I’m not one of those skinny girls who are super thin. I have curves that fill out this little ensemble. I’ve never been ashamed of my body, at least not until Spike.

Pushing thoughts of him out of my head, I walk out of the room, into the main area, and straight to the bar. I glance around for the asshole who manages this place for the club, but I don’t see him anywhere.

Taking a deep breath, I walk over to the bar and lean on the counter.

“Hey. I’m starting tonight. What should I be doing?” I ask over the music. The man behind the bar winks at me and leans in closer.

“Me. You should do me.” Is that a pick-up line? I hope that wasn’t a pick-up line. I open my mouth to tell him where to go when he speaks once more. “I’m kidding. Most of the girls at least smile when I say that.”

“Clearly, I’m not most girls.”

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