Page 21 of Digit's Deflection
“Excellent. Well, that was a most productive meeting, lots to deep dive into. Thank you, gentlemen, this meeting is adjourned. You are dismissed,” the commander replies.
The rest of the day flies by as we immerse ourselves in sifting through all we found at the sites and intel we’re receiving from informants. Before I know it, the workday is over and it’s time to meet up with Liora.
I’m torn over meeting her. On one hand, I desperately want to know what happened the night she ran away. On the other, I don’t know if I’m ready to deal with whatever comes out. Before I can change my mind and call it off, I grab my stuff and beat a hasty retreat before one of the guys can get it into their heads to grab a bite to eat or a beer at Aces.
Having the bike instead of the Mustang today gives me the opportunity to ride home past the ocean, to try and clear my head. I suspect this afternoon’s going to be pretty heavy. By the time I’ve ridden past the beach and had a refreshingly cold shower, I’m in a slightly better headspace.
I dash off a quick message to let Liora know I’m on my way and head for the club in the Mustang since I promised her a lift. Having no idea how she feels about bikes since it’s a passion I discovered long after she’d disappeared from my life, I figure the ‘Stang is the safer option. Last thing I need is for her to freak out on the back of the Ducati.
Since it’s still fairly early, the parking lot of The Blue Rose is pretty empty. Just the usual diehards in their regular spots. Taking a few deep breaths, I psych myself up to go on in and face whatever this conversation is going to bring.
“Good afternoon, Master Treven. You doing okay today?” Giovonne, the resident bouncer and doorman, asks.
“Yeah, good, Giovonne. How about you?” We chat for a minute, but my mind is preoccupied, and I suddenly have a driving need to just get this over with. “I’m off to grab a cold one. I’ll see you later.”
“Have fun in there.” He gives me a smile and opens the door for me.
Entering the club is always like stepping into another universe, and it never fails to soothe me, while paradoxically charging me up. It’s my sanctuary, a safe space to leave the world behind and immerse myself in simple pleasures.
The cool, dimmer atmosphere is deliberately created to offer that much-needed respite from the craziness of everyday life. To leave your cares at the door and indulge in a world of your own choosing. To indulge in the fantasies that fulfil a need in you and simply enjoy the pleasure.
There’re two guys sitting at the far end of the bar, otherwise I have the entire space to myself. Taking a seat at the bar counter, I smile at Janet as she heads my way.
“Master Treven, hi. What can I get for you today, Sir?”
“Just a club soda. Thanks, Janet.”
“Coming right up.”
“Have you seen Liora around?” The words pop out my mouth before I think better of it.
“Not in the last half hour, Sir.” She checks her watch. “But her shift ended about ten minutes ago, so she’s probably in the change room. I can run and call her for you if you like?”
Waving a hand, I reply, “Thanks, but that’s not necessary.”
Janet places my glass down in front of me. “There you go, Sir.”
“Thanks,” I repeat. She nods and is just about to step away when she looks up.
“Ah, there she is now, if you need her for anything, Master Treven.” She nods in the direction over my shoulder.
I turn that way, and sure enough, there’s Liora in figure-hugging leggings and an oversized T-shirt. Nothing particularly sexy or seductive about her outfit, but my mouth waters all the same as the leggings showcase the luscious filling to perfection, and the shirt bares a shoulder like a game of peek-a-boo.
When she spots me, she gives me a cautious smile, and it saddens me. I can’t prevent a pang of yearning for the old familiarity. She comes up to the bar. “Hi.”
“Hi,” I reply, returning her smile.
Liora shifts awkwardly from foot to foot. “So, um, did you want to go somewhere to talk, or just back to my place?”
“Honestly? I hadn’t thought that far. What would make you most comfortable?”
“I don’t know.” She shrugs. “I’m open to suggestions.”
Out of the blue, a need to have Liora in my space slams into me, rocking me back on my axis. Not wanting to wait a second longer, I get to my feet. “Let’s get out of here.”
I take Liora’s hand and tow her toward the front door. Feeling resistance, I turn back to her just as she speaks. “Treven, hang on a second. I need to grab my things from my locker.”
“Shit, sorry. Yeah, go ahead. I’ll wait here for you.” I indicate the ornated wooden entrance.
