Page 22 of Bullet

Just as Raleigh promised, I found a dreamless sleep easily.

* * *

That Friday, the girls and I met at Hannah and Meghan's house to get ready for the night.

“So which strip club are we going to?” I asked, applying some mascara to my lashes. “Please don't say my dad's.”

The girls laughed. “We wouldn't subject you to that. We know you don't have the best relationship,” Hannah said. “We're planning to go to Vogue. They have the hottest girls.”

“Thank God. That wouldn't be awkward or anything,” I remarked sarcastically.

“How is it living with him and your brothers again?” Nina asked.

“It's okay. Sometimes they act like I'm still a little girl and want to be all up in my business.” I rolled my eyes. “But at least it's free.”

“How long are you planning on staying there?” Meghan questioned.

I shrugged. “Until I get a job, I guess. Hopefully I'll get a call back soon.”

Nina snapped her fingers. “Oh, that reminds me. My boss was asking all these questions about you, so I'm pretty sure she's going to give you a call.”

I crossed my fingers. “I hope so.”

“If you want to make some good money in the meantime, I got a waitress job at a private poker game. One of the other girls backed out, so they need another waitress if you're interested. Fat tippers,” Nina said.

I needed whatever I could get. “Sure, count me in. When is it?”

“Tomorrow night. We can meet up at my place and get ready—bring your sexiest lingerie.”

“Okay.”

Once we finished getting ready, we went to a late dinner before heading to Vogue. I felt a little out of place going to a female strip club with my two lesbian friends, so I was glad that Nina was with us, too.

I noticed a few bikes out front, and my stomach flipped as I thought about seeing Ford again. Even though I'd told myself I'd stay away, I didn't trust myself to follow through if I actually had to be around him.

We entered and were escorted to a private VIP area. I scanned the room looking for Ford among the bikers and other patrons but didn't see him. Both relief and disappointment washed over me, and I shook the feelings away. Tonight wasn't about Ford, it was about celebrating two of my best friends.

We got settled in the plush seats as a cocktail waitress brought us a bottle of vodka and mixers. Then she prepared each of us a drink of our choice before leaving.

Then a beautiful blonde wearing a set of hot pink lingerie entered the stage. She had huge tits and an ass to die for; even I was turned on, and I was all about the dick. “Damn.”

“Damn is right,” Meghan agreed, licking her lips.

Hannah fanned herself. “My panties are already wet, and she hasn't even started yet.”

I chuckled as the stripper sauntered toward the pole in front of us and hooked her leg around it. Smiling, she winked as she twirled on it. The woman was the epitome of sex, and she did her job very well.

I took a sip of my vodka pineapple as she continued her routine. Hannah and Meghan's eyes were glued to the stripper as Nina poured herself another drink.

I leaned over to talk to her over the music. “They should have a strip club with both men and women.”

She smiled. “All-inclusive.”

“Exactly. I wonder if there are any.”

She sat back and took a sip. “I'm sure there are. Sounds like a gold mine.”

The thought briefly passed through my mind that it would be funny if I opened up a strip club like my father. Just being competition for him would be enough motivation for me. “If it's not, we should do it.”

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