I roll my eyes. “Ugh.”
Apparently, I’m the only one who found that gag-worthy as Ava leans over kissing Jordan. “That’s right, babe. My manly loooove slave.”
Double-eye roll, but this one may be a little out of jealousy. The way they look at each other it’s undeniable…they’re in love.
Within minutes we pull into a large gravel parking lot. There isn’t much around; the area is mostly surrounded by older buildings, some of which are abandoned.
“Okay, the name of this place is quite misleading. You would think with a name like Eller’s house, even for a Gentlemen’s Club, it would still have some sort of standard as to its aesthetic presence,” I mention.
Jordan parks the car. “Velyn, it’s a strip club. The standards set for this place are subpar at best.” He unbuckles opening the door, steps out, then leans back in. “Also, this is one of the good ones...count yourself lucky.”
Ava jumps out of the car, and I follow right behind. Before making my way around to the front, I take a moment gathering my thoughts. I’ve spent the better part of three weeks tracking Dylan down, but I haven’t actually thought about what I’m going to say when I find him; what big speech I’m going to layout to convince him that I’m not a bad person.
I’ve rarely had to explain myself to anyone for either my actions or my character, and lord knows most definitely not to someone like Dylan. But this is for Chase. He’s a good kid and has become a great friend to me. Being an only child, I never got the sibling family thing, but if I had, I’d like to think it would be a lot like the relationship I have with Chase. We just connect, as though we were cut from the same cloth. Although his obsession with classic television is something, I’ll never understand.
“Are we going inside, or do you just want to hang in the parking lot all day?” Jordan lets out. “I’m okay with either, but just so you know they have this place equipped with full out security cameras. If they see us and think we’re just lurking around, they may call the cops.”
I let out a final breath and move ahead. “Nope, I’m good. Let’s go.”
The three of us make our way in, first approaching a rather questionable looking man propped up against a stool.
“Anton, my man, how have you been?” Jordan greets, the two of them knocking fists with a slight pat on the back.
“About the same. I haven’t seen you here in a while. Where have you been hiding?” Anton asks.
Jordan moves to the side, motioning to Ava. “Found me a woman. Anton, this is Ava. Ava, this is Anton.”
Anton produces his hand in greeting. “Never thought there would exist a woman that could tame the likes of this one. You must be one fine lady. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He then looks to me. “And you are?” Involuntarily I freeze—only a light mumble falling from my lips. Anton then turns to Jordan. “If I card her, is it going to pass?”
“Of course,” Jordan replies. “I deal with only the best.”
Anton looks me over one last time, nodding. “Just stay out of trouble, little one.”
Jordan gives him one last pat then motions for Ava and me to move on ahead. When we walk through the swinging door, it’s like entering a completely different world. The music is booming with a slow sensual beat. The lights are dim, creating a much sultrier ambiance, and surprisingly for a weekday in the late afternoon, it’s quite packed in here, which speaks volumes to the alarming statistics on divorce.
Jordan leans in, talking into my ear. “He’ll be in the back. There’s a booth just off to the corner. Like I said, I’m not going over there. Ava and I will be on this side when you’re ready to go.”
I nod my understanding and start on my way. When I reach the other side of the room, I see the booth Jordan had mentioned. It’s tucked away so far in the corner that there’s no view to any part of the room, let alone the stage. For some weird reason, that gives me some comfort in knowing Jordan wasn’t lying when he said they came here just to get away.
I approach slowly, a little hesitant not knowing what I may see. But when I do come to the front of the booth, Dylan’s sitting there alone looking through his phone, a barely touched plate of food and untouched beer off to the side.
“Hey,” I call out.
The music’s loud but he hears me, and as he looks up a slow grin grows. “The diner not paying enough?”
Jerk! He never misses a beat.
“I don’t work here, you ass.”
His brow perks. “Then you’re here for the entertainment...interesting.”
I take a seat in the wrap-around booth, moving in close enough that we don’t have to yell over the bass of the music. “I’m here for you, Dylan. Why do you always have to make things difficult?”
He sits back, his smile gone. “Then let me make this easy. I have no need for you to be here, so leave.”
“Not until you hear me out.”
“What could you possibly have to say that I would want to hear, Velyn?”
“I want to try and reason with you. Dylan, I’m not a bad influence.”
He lets out a laugh. “You do realize you’re sitting in a strip club on a Thursday in the middle of the day? Oh, wait, let’s not forget and underage to boot. Let me guess, a new I.D., compliments of my dear friend Jordan?”
His eyes are locked on mine, and the space between us suddenly seems
