Page 73 of Joker's Ghost
Rattler was right about that. My old man was the prez of the Raiders back in New York. He was a drunk and an addict and taught me everything not to do by watching him.
“I’m heading out.” I throw them a two-finger salute. “See you tonight.”
“And for fuck’s sake, don’t fall down any stairs this year,” Python calls after me.
Good news—I’d been up and down these basement stairs a few times a day over the past year with all the renovations of the private room, and there’d been no weird noises or vibrations.
Bad news—Python bringing it up jolts my nerves and brings back all the crazy shit from last year.
When I get home, Deana, now six, is sitting on the couch reading one of her princess books, which amazes the shit outta me. Her teacher said she’s reading on a third-grade level even though she’s only in first grade. I contribute it to Daisy reading to her since she was a baby.
In the kitchen, Dakota bangs her spoon against the tray of her highchair as Daisy hustles around getting her dinner ready.
I wrap my arms around her from behind. “Hey, you look a little frazzled.”
“Maybe you can convince your daughter dinner is almost ready. She seems to have an impatient streak just like her father.”
“Why don’t you finish getting dressed for the party, and I’ll take over here?”
“Sounds wonderful.” She touches her hair up in a messy bun. “I still have to shower and do my hair.”
“You always look beautiful to me, babe,” I call after her as she jets out of the kitchen.
Dakota’s banging grows louder, and I think Daisy might be right about her being impatient like me.
Derek enters the kitchen, leans into Dakota’s ear, says something, and she stops banging the spoon.
“You got some kinda magic powers or something,” I joke.
“We have an understanding.” He winks at Dakota. “Right, baby sister?”
It makes me proud how Derek adores and protects his sisters, and I can’t help thinking Daisy and I were a big part of it, but I do feel sorry for the poor sucker who tries to date them in the future.
“Can’t believe I’m going to my first club party tonight,” Derek says.
“First one where you’re invited.” I’m referring to last year when he thought he could get past me by sneaking in.
“Yeah, let’s hope there’s no crazy shit tonight like last year.”
Fuck, the second person to bring up last year. I plate the pasta Daisy prepared for the girls and nod to Derek. “You’re in charge since you seem to have the magic touch.”
I head for the bedroom, kick off my boots and lie down on the bed. I broke my ass at the shop today, and a few minutes of quiet sounds damn good.
The water shuts off in the bathroom, and a few minutes later, Daisy emerges naked, her body flushed from the hot water, and of course my dick notices.
“Don’t get any ideas.” She points her finger at me. “Sheena and I want to get there early to make sure everything’s in place.”
“Shit, fine thing when your woman turns you down for her girlfriend.” I lace my fingers behind my head and just enjoy the show.
Daisy closes the bedroom door and stage-whispers, “Derek is going to be so surprised to get his patch tonight.”
“I know. He thinks he’s able to go to the party ‘cause he’s been a prospect for a year.”
I smile, remembering my patching in with the Serpents. Good times.
Daisy throws on a robe and vanishes into the bathroom again. A few seconds later, I hear the hairdryer. I sure don’t envy women and all the shit they have to do to get ready. My routine consists of taking a shower, then putting on clean jeans and a t-shirt.
An hour later, we enter The Gold Mine through the new side entrance, take the stairs down to a short hall and enter our version of a speakeasy. Tonight is just for the Serpents, some invited guests, and reporters from KLAS and theReview Journal.Never could have enough good publicity—what Rattler called a soft opening to work out any bugs or problems.
