Page 105 of Rhet

“I’m going call Trudy and tell her we can go to the dance tonight,” she says.

End just like that, she’s gone. Aunty Trudy died years ago. I really do wish they’d find a cure for Alzheimer’s.

“Aunty Trudy is gone, mom.”

She looks back at me with that cold vacant stare and I know my mom is gone. “Who are you? Where’s Alphonso?”

I nod, sadly realizing I was given a brief gift. A much needed gift, but a gift nonetheless.

“Let’s go downstairs.” I stand and hold out my hand, hoping she’ll take it.

“Can I have some fruit?”

“Of course.”

Her warm soft hand touches my palm.

“I like fruit.”

I nod. “Me too, Ma. Me too.”

RHET

My club is abuzz with activity, someone is laughing the background. The pink neon light creates a soft glow on stage and a girl dances on stage one. A group of men throw money at her feet. The bar is filled with people, the bartender rolls his sleeve up as if he is getting ready to put on a show. I sit in my booth, smoking my cigar, letting the smoke of my Cuban burn my throat.

“I’m happy you invited me here,” Senator Barrett says, yet his eyes are on Natasha, one of Kozlov’s girls. From the way he’s breathing I know Natasha is working his dick under the table. To believe I thought this man to be the paragon of morality.

I don’t even look in his direction. I look over at the table opposite me. Joe Mackey is getting a lap dance from Diamond, one of my girls. Diamond is a perfect handful of woman.

Joe’s men are all in different booths, receiving the same attention. The way Diamond’s body is undulating in Joe’s lap, I know neither Joe nor Barrett have taken note of Kozlov sitting three booths away from me. Or Julian sitting in the booth near the dancer’s entrance.

The thing about my clubs, they offer world-class privacy. No one will be here watching the senator with his tongue hanging out of his head, panting for anything with a pussy.

Lana Del Rey’s “West Coast” begins to play. A new dancer comes on stage. Her name is Molly she’s one on my veterans. She’s been in the business for a long time, but I have never heard any drama about her. I’m still confused as to why she’s dancing. Four years ago, I paid for her college intuition. I didn’t want anything in return but a degree. She got her degree and a job. She’s smart and loyal. I like that.

For her dancing is more therapeutic. At least that’s what I think.

Molly’s dark red hair shimmers in the light, her skin looks like a porcelain dolls, she has gorgeous breasts and ass. She also has a great personality. If I was the dating type I would have asked her out.

Nonetheless, I stand by my principle you don’t eat where you shit. I don’t date girls who work for me.

“You wanna have sex with Zeeta,”my consciousness shouts.

She doesn’t count. As expected Joey pushes Diamond away and makes his way to the stage.

“We should talk business for a minute, Rhet.” The senator says, he taps his forehead with a handkerchief. Natasha slips her fingers over his glass. The GHB settles slowly at the bottom of the glass. Natasha swirls her finger in it and wipes her hand in a napkin.

“Drink, relax, and enjoy the moment. We can talk later,” I reply, wanting him to remain focused on Natasha only. He looks back at Natasha, smiling like a fool. She passes him the drink and he throws it back and slaps the glass down on the table. This shit is too easy.

After her dance, Molly walks down the stairs and takes Joe’s hand.

“Looks like someone’s about to get lucky?” I mutter loud enough for this jackass to hear.

“Oh shit, she’s gorgeous.” Barrett twists his head to see the direction Joe’s going in.

“Banner, let’s conduct all meetings at your club from now on.” He pulls up his pants by the buckle.

I nod, knowing what’s about to happen. I have no remorse for my actions.

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