Page 11 of Everest

Our turf.

And I’ll be damned if we let it rot under our watch.

4

LONDON

I’m getting ready for work when my cell phone rings. Promise’s name lights up the screen. I answer, placing the call on speaker to finish applying my eyeshadow. “What’s up?”

“I’m calling in for an impromptu girls’ night. Cain is on munchkin duty, and I desperately need a cosmo and a conversation that doesn’t involve potty training or motorcycles. I already talked to Sadie and Ruby, and they're in.”

Fuck. I hate lying to my best friend.“I’m sorry, Promise, but I can’t make it.”

“What? Why? You bailed on us last time, Lon.”

God, I feel like a shit friend.“I know, and I’m sorry. It's just, today drained me.”

“How is your mom?” Promise’s tone changes to one of concern.

I sigh. “Today was a challenge. I hate this, Promise. Two days ago, she was herself. Cracking jokes and asking me about work. Then, today, she was agitated and didn’t remember who I was. Finally, I had to leave so the nurse could get her to settle down.”

“Oh, Lon. I’m so sorry. I wish there was something I could do.”

“Thanks, Promise. Just hearing you say that helps.”

“I’ll always be here for you, Lon. The club too. You’re not alone.”

I stare at my reflection in the mirror and watch as a single tear rolls down my cheek. I’m desperate to ask for help and lean on my friend, but my pride won’t allow it. Not only did I inherit my sassy mouth from my mother, but I also got my strong sense of pride from her. Being raised by an incredibly strong, independent single mom will do that to you. Growing up, it was just Mom and me. My father bailed on his family when I was a baby, so I have no memory of him. In anger, Mom burned every picture of him after he left. When I was five, my kindergarten class was having a daddy-daughter party. That was the first time I asked my mom about my father. She explained things to me the best way she could. Mom also let me ditch school that day and instead took me to the strawberry festival. I may not have grown up with a dad, but I was never made to feel like I was missing out.

“Lon, are you still there?” Promise asks.

I shake my wandering thoughts away. “Yeah. I zoned out a minute there.”

“I’m going to let you go so you can get some rest then. I’ll talk to Ruby and Sadie about rescheduling girls’ night.”

“Don’t do that,” I tell her. “You should go out and have some fun.”

“Yeah, maybe. Or I could ask Piper if she wants to catch a movie. You get some rest, and I’ll see you at the office on Monday. Or if you need me before, call, okay.”

“I will. Thanks, Promise.”

“Anytime, babe.”

I end the call with Promise and note that I only have thirty minutes to be at work. I’ll just have to finish my hair and makeup there. Walking into my closet, I slip my sneakers on and grab myduffle bag. When I walk out of my apartment, I’m relieved to not see the creepy dude who lives across from me. I’ve been living in the same complex for a few years now, and although it’s not in a great part of town, I’ve never really had any trouble with it aside from my neighbor. He doesn’t do anything per se, he just makes it a point to let his beady little eyeballs linger where they shouldn’t. The dude makes my skin crawl.

I can’t help letting my thoughts drift back in time on the drive to work, thinking about how unfair life has been for my mom. She deserved so much better than life has given her. I once asked her why she named me London. She said she’s always dreamed of traveling, and London was number one on her bucket list. For years, I swore I’d take my mom on that dream vacation. That day never came, and now it’s too late. I blame myself, too. I kept putting it off, thinking we had more time. My mother spent her entire life devoted to me, giving me everything and even working two jobs to send me to college so I could achieve my dream of becoming a lawyer.But what about her dreams?

Before I know it, I’m pulling up in front of Pink Paradise. The club is located twenty-five miles outside of New Orleans. I chose this club because I have slim chances of running into anyone I know.

“Hey, London, Tony is looking for you,” Journey tells me the second I breeze through the back door.

“Tell him to keep his pants on. I’ll be there in a minute.” I go to the dressing room and throw my bag in my locker. Behind me, Kimmy struts in, wearing a hot pink thong and head-to-toe body glitter. She has a massive smile on her face. That can only mean one thing. “Good night?”

“You know it. You should get your cute ass out there while the getting is good.”

“I am. I’m going to see what Tony wants first.”

I exit the dressing room, walk down to the end of the hall to Tony’s office, and find him sitting behind his desk. Tony is an older man, and if I had to guess, I would say he’s pushing sixty. He stands at least six feet tall, has broad shoulders, and is a little bit of a gut, but otherwise is in good shape. He keeps his gray hair back in a ponytail and wears god-awful eighties windbreaker tracksuits daily. Tony runs his club with an iron fist and doesn’t stand for any bullshit. He also respects and protects his girls.

---