Page 53 of Lucifer's Hounds

Lilly: I’d love to be there but unfortunately the guy I work for left me here to take care of things while he’s out of town.

Mindy is staring at me when I look up from my phone.

“You talking to the boss?”

“Maybe,” I smile.

“Tell him I said he needs to get back so you and I can have a night off. Well, he needs to get backandhire another bartender.”

“No shit. We have the grand opening in three days and it’s just the two of us.”

My phone vibrates again.

Cass: I was starting to think I scared you off. Your boss sounds like a dick; tell him you’re needed in California for two days.

“What’s he got to say? You’re smiling awful big.”

“Probably just a load of bullshit, but it sounds nice.”

I begin typing again.

Lilly: I’d tell him that but there isn’t anyone to cover my shift.

Mindy is wiping down the bar and emptying ashtrays while I clean the tables for her. It’s a routine we are both used to and when we do it together it’s done in twenty minutes. I sigh as I begin lifting the barstools and putting them on top of the tables, starting by the stage and making my way back to the bar. Mindy’s done with everything but her paperwork as I sit down at the last barstool left on the floor. My phone chimes again.

Cass: That can be arranged. Get on the next flight out.

My smile spreads into a laugh. “Mindy, I can’t tell if he’s being serious, but he just told me he will get the shifts covered and for me to get on the next flight to Cali.”

Mindy’s head whips in my direction, stopping her abruptly in her tracks.

“What? Why are you still sitting here?”

“Because I don’t know if he is serious.”

Mindy laughs, throwing her hands up. “Then find out!”

Lilly: Are you serious?

I wait several minutes with no response. My mood begins to diminish, then my phone starts ringing.

“Hello?”

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

“Yes, ma’am I’m serious. Scott has a plane ticket for you. He’s on his way to you now.”

“Really?” I squeak, unable to conceal the excitement in my voice. After all, this is the kind of thing I live for.

“Yes, ma’am. Don’t worry about packing anything. I’ve got you taken care of.”

“Okay. Well, I guess I will see you in a few hours.”

“I can’t wait. Have a safe trip, beautiful.”

I hear the slamming of a truck door outside followed by Scott entering the front door.

---