Page 43 of Wrecked By a Devil

“Oh, yeah, it’s pretty common,” Cohen explains. “Married women tend to be quite drawn to this place because of the reputation the club has.”

“It makes them feel safe and protected,” Chloe adds and Cohen nods.

“We all saw how that goes,” I say under my breath. Thankfully no one hears me.

“I just can’t understand why any of them quit,” Chloe continues. “The clients are amazing and the money is even better. Even you saw that and you’ve been here for only a few days.”

“I wouldn’t know,” Cohen returns his attention to the counter, starting to wipe it clean with some products. “Maybe they found something better. Or maybe they just weren’t happy here.”

“I doubt anyone could find something better,” Chloe points out. “The Kavanaghs have made sure this place is a fortress that protects us. Other clubs don’t take things so seriously.”

“Yeah, that’s why I was so surprised to see that ad for a dancer,” Mia joins in. “I didn’t even think twice before signing up.”

“It just doesn’t make sense,” Chloe agrees. “I used to work at different clubs before getting accepted here, and I guarantee you that they don’t put half the effort into the dancers they do here.”

“How long have you been working at the Eden?” I take a sip of my drink.

“It’ll be three years on Halloween,” Chloe smiles as she recalls when she started. “There was this huge Halloween party and one of the main dancers couldn’t make it. Jena was looking for someone to replace her last minute and the two of us knew each other from the studio downtown,” She glances at Cohen who is taking it all in, clearly interested in Chloe’s story. “You remember that night, right?”

“I do,” He nods in response. “I was just starting out as well. I think the dancer got a stomach flu, or something. It was crazy!”

“Probably the craziest night I’ve worked,” Chloe agrees. “And I was wearing a bunny costume, it was great. Anyway, after that I was offered to stay permanently and I said yes.”

“That’s great,” I try to picture it all in my head. “I wonder what Halloween parties at the Eden look like.”

“Oh, you’ll love them!” Chloe nods with enthusiasm. “Just make sure you have your costume ready in advance. No one will offer a hand in all that chaos if you end up needing last minute adjustments.”

“Noted,” I smile.

“But anyway, because I’ve seen what’s out there and I’ve been working here for a decent amount of time, I find it incredibly difficult to believe someone would just quit,” Chloe finishes her drink and places the empty glass back on the bar.

“Yeah, I understand what you mean,” I look away, noticing Cohen playing with his phone. He shut off from our conversation and seems lost in his thoughts.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Mia interrupts him and he forces a smile as he lifts his head to look at her.

“Sorry, I’m just tired,” He leans over the counter and grabs her hand before placing a kiss on her palm.

“It’s cool how your dad doesn’t mind you working here,” I say to Cohen, recalling the conversation I witnessed between him and his clearly rich father.

“What?” He looks at me with a confused look on his face.

“The guy I saw you with the other day,” I explain. “I thought he was your dad, you two looked pretty close and it didn’t seem like you’re in desperate need for money to get a job here. I think your dad is cool for being on board.”

“Oh that,” the look on his face is uneasy. “I guess you can say that.”

“What if we go out one of these days?” Mia asks the three of us. “All of us, but outside of work.”

“That’d be fun,” Cohen leans in again, his eyes not leaving Mia’s.

“I would love to, but I have way too much to study,” I sigh, finishing my own drink. Just thinking about having an entire day off to do nothing but unwind and rest, brings a tear to my eyes.

Soon, Riley. You’ll have that soon.

“I don’t think I can make it either,” Chloe adds. “I’m trying to pursue a painting career and I spend most of my free time in my studio.”

Mia sulks, turning to look at Cohen. “Don’t worry, we can have fun even if it’s just the two of us.”

“Maybe even more so,” Mia laughs leaning over to place a quick peck on his cheek and her handbag drops from her lap, spilling all of her things on the floor. “Damn it!” She curses, jumping to her feet to pick it all up.