Page 2

“Hey, you okay?”

I look over at Stacey and nod. “It’s just been a long week, that’s all.”

“I feel that. At least you’re off tomorrow.”

“I don’t think I’d be coming out if I had to work. I don’t bounce back like I used to. You sure you’ll be okay working tomorrow?”

“I’ll be okay. I don’t drink much anyway. I’ve never been one for going home, passing out and feeling like ass the next day. I’m a two-drink-then-done kind of girl, so I can go home, eat out with my girlfriend, and then do my skin care routine before bed.”

I crack up laughing when the driver starts eyeing Stacey in the rearview mirror. “You have no filter,” I grin, wishing I had half the confidence when I was her age that she does.

She does a little shimmy in her seat. “I’m determined to grow old disgracefully. I want to be one of those old ladies who go to strip clubs and chase idiots in my mobility scooter.”

“It’s good to have goals.”

“I know, right?”

I shake my head and tug my dress down where it’s ridden up. “So, tell me about this place. I’ve heard it mentioned, but not much else.”

“It’s kinda new. Well, sort of. It used to be a pool hall. I remember my dad bringing me there when I was a kid. It was bought out by some bigwigs a few years back. They added an arcade and some other gimmick shit like electro darts and crazy golf. Kids used it during the day, and then it became a bar at night. About a year ago, it was sold again. Now it’s had an upgrade to include another bar and a dance floor.”

“How big is this place?”

“Huge. The pool hall used to be on one floor, the rest were other businesses, but now the owners own the whole lot. I think there are something like five floors. They have a band playing tonight who are supposed to be really good too.”

“Oh wow.”

“I can’t believe you’ve never been there before.”

“You had to pry me into this dress and out the door tonight,” I remind her.

“Okay, good point. But still, I get that shit happened to you, but you’re gorgeous and nice, and you should be out here living your best life, not locked up in your flat, braless, boyfriendless, wearing PJs and eating Ben and Jerry’s.”

“Hey, they’re two men I actually enjoy spending time with.”

“I rest my case.”

2

Lick

Izip up my pants as the woman on her knees in front of me wipes her mouth with the back of her hand.

“Thanks. If you head to the bar with Dixie here, he’ll buy you a drink.” I point to the mammoth of a man leaning against the wall.

She looks from him to me, then pouts. “But I wanted to stay backstage with the band.”

“Why?”

She opens her mouth and then closes it again, before finding the courage to reply. “So, I can get to know the guys?”

I snort. “All due respect, Kitty, there are plenty of girls who can suck cock just as well as you. I don’t need a stage-five clinger hanging around.”

“It’s Kathy.” She stomps her foot like a fucking toddler. You know, coz that shits attractive.

I shake my head and look at Dixie. “Get her out of here.”

“You’ve got it, Lick.”