Page 16 of Lovers Fate

“Who else knows?”

“No one I know of. My mother would lose her shit if she found out I was bartending at a strip club.”

“I take it she thinks you’re volunteering at the church?”

She laughs. “I wouldn’t say it’s a total lie, but there is no way I could correct her. I don’t think she has caught on that a church doesn’t hire employees to work the night shift.”

“The name helps, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah, I think everyone gets a kick out of it.”

She pulls into the motel’s parking lot. Weeds are growing between the cracks in the asphalt.

“Thanks for the ride.”

“You’re staying here?” she inquires, gazing at the two-story motel. The faint fluorescent lights flicker above the peeling paint.

“Yeah. Where do you live?”

“Dorm. It was the only way I could get out of the house and why I’m saved from going home and dealing with my mother.”

“Strict mother?”

She sighs. “You have no idea.”

“It’s better than one that doesn’t give a shit.”

“I guess so, but at times, she can be overbearing. Controlling is a better word. I mean, I know she means well, but...”

“You feel trapped.”

She nods.

“How come The Church?”

“The name worked out. She doesn’t go to church since my father ran off with another woman.”

“A Randy type?”

She scoffs. “At least Randy goes back home to his wife.”

I snort. “Randy is a liar.”

“Did you mean what you said?”

“Fuck his wife?”

“Yeah?” she says, curiously.

“I’ve never been with a woman,” I confess. “Besides, I’m not sure I’m her type.”

“I haven’t either,” she blurts. I raise my brows. She looks away embarrassed. “My mom wasn’t keen on me dating.”

“I bet she’s the type who would only let you invite girls to come over instead of guys.”

She laughs. “Like it would make a difference.”

“Yeah, imagine her walking in and catching a girl’s face between your thighs. She would lock you inside your room forever.”

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