Page 58 of Lucifer's Hounds

I offer him a small smile.

“I’ve got to get out of here, but Cass told me to leave my number with you in case you need anything while he is working.”

Shorty hands me a piece of paper with his number scrawled on it before walking out the door. As soon as he’s gone, I dump the contents of the bags of clothes onto the bed. Shorty’s wife did great. Wow. I sift through all the items, finding three dresses, two pairs of jeans, and two shirts along with a bottle of perfume.

At least he did something sweet to try to make up for his actions yesterday. Yesterday? What time is it?

I check the clock by the bed. Four o’clock. I’ve only slept part of the day away. If Cass works a regular day, then he shouldbe getting back any minute. But who knows what kind of work day he’s going to have with the way that call went this morning. He said he would be back by the time I woke up and if Shorty wouldn’t have woken me up, I would’ve probably slept for a few more hours.

My stomach grumbles and I realize I’m starving. I wonder if they have a room service menu around here. I find menus for multiple restaurants that deliver here and one for actual hotel room service.

I find a cheeseburger on my stomach’s wish list and call one in. Then I remember that Cass could be back at any moment so I order a second one.

It doesn’t take long for the burgers to make it to the room, and I devour mine in two minutes flat.

Oh shit. I probably have texts and phone calls galore. I scoop it off the night stand and it’s ringing when I pick it up. Mindy’s name flashes across the screen.

“Hello love,” I rasp, my voice thick with sleep.

“Hey! I’ve been trying to get in touch with you since I got up this morning. What have you been doing?” she asks, her voice cheerful.

“Sleeping,” I answer.

“Oh. I forgot that you had been up for forever and a day by the time you actually made it to Cali. Okay, so anyway, to the reason I was calling. The new bartenders are amazing!” Mindy’s happiness explodes through the phone at an octave too high for the amount of awake that I am right now.

“Are they?” I ask.

“Yes! Ryan is doing a phenomenal job at everything. She isn’t a seasoned bartender, but I think that with the right training, she will be just as good as you and me. And Lucy is right on track, too. Make sure you tell Cass thank you for me. He really hashelped by bringing those two in.” Mindy’s bubbly voice makes me smile.

“Will do. Whenever he gets off work. He should be getting here any minute now. I’m so happy the girls are working out.”

I do my best to fake enthusiasm, but I’m not feeling very enthusiastic if we’re being honest. After the way things were when Cass left, I’m confused.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Mindy asks.

“Nothing love, I’m just still a little tired.” Please believe it. Please.

“Oh. Did I wake you up? I didn’t even ask. Damn, I’m so inconsiderate.”

“No, you didn’t wake me up. A Prospect did. Cass sent me clothes.”

“Aw. That’s so sweet!”

Mindy really needs to work on this bubbly shit. It’s morning. At least for me.

“Yes ma’am. I think I’m going back to sleep for a few more hours. I’m still pretty tired.” I’m somehow groggier now than when I first answered the phone.

“Okay, my little drifter. Get some sleep. I’ll keep you posted on any new happenings around the bar. Love you! Have fun and get home safe.”

“Love you, too. Bye.”

I thumb the end call button and set my phone next to the bed. I lay there, eyes closed, contemplating my life. I’m still tired, probably because of the long flight on top of not sleeping for a day. I need a shower, then sleep.

I shower and crawl back into bed with nothing on. There are no clothes for me to sleep in and sleeping naked sounds so comfy and perfect. The bed is huge, making the mattress mold perfectly around me. Before I get too comfortable, I grab my phone and send a text to Cass.

Lilly: When will you be back?

I wait for a few minutes, trying to force my eyes open but finally, I give in to the exhaustion and let sleep take me. The next few hours consist of dreams of Cass and when I open my eyes, it’s pitch black in the hotel room. The only light comes from the alarm clock next to the bed. Twelve-eighteen. It’s after midnight. Wow I can’t believe I slept that long. Where’s Cass? I pat the bed next to me finding it empty.

---