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She nods, causing a lone tear to fall down her cheek. On instinct, I let go of her hand and lift mine, wiping away the wetness on her cheek. Leaning over, I press my lips to her forehead, she closes her eyes and chokes back a sob. “Please don’t shut me out,” I whisper.
“I won’t,” she meekly whispers and before I have a chance to say anything else, she slips under my arm and I let her open the door. She steps out and closes it behind her. Leaving me standing alone in the VIP room.
When I came here earlier tonight, I’d hoped to see someone like Calliope, but never in a million years did I expect to actually see Calliope-fucking-Fischer, my little ray of sunshine here. After seeing her dressed like that, I’m even more screwed than I was before I entered this place where she’s concerned.
Opening the door, I step out into the hallway and make my way to the exit but after what just happened, I need a drink.
“Scotch, neat,” I tell the scantily clad bar lady as I climb onto a seat at the bar.
She nods and places two shot glasses before me. I lift my gaze to hers. “You look like you need a double.” Nodding at her, I pick up the first glass and shoot it back, wincing at the burn but also savoring it.
My new best friend refills the glass I just finished and leaves me be. Picking up the second one, I shoot it back. Staring at the third, I know if I shoot this, it will knock me on my ass, so I pick up the glass and spin the chair around.
Leaning against the bar, my eyes dart around the club looking for Calliope but unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, I don’t see her. Sipping on my drink, I keep thinking about Calliope and finding her here. The more I think about it, the more I need to speak to her. Pulling my phone out, I send her a text.
KANE:We need to talk
Four words that no one ever wants to hear, but we do need to talk. My eyes are glued to the door where I see other staff come out from but never do I see the blonde I want to see.
The lady who took my booking for the dance earlier glides over to me. She’s smiling and I can tell that she’s the big boss. She commands attention in the way she carries herself.
“I trust you enjoyed yourself with Miss Sunshine?”
“Umm, yeah, sure,” I nonchalantly reply, and I can tell from my reaction that she’s not impressed. The last thing I want to do is get Calliope in trouble. “I couldn’t do it,” I tell her with a shrug.
“Ahhhh, I see.” She nods. “You are aware there’s a no refund policy?”
Shaking my head vehemently, I raise my hand. “No, that’s fine, I understand. I just hope I didn’t upset the young lady.”
“Miss Sunshine is one of my best, I’m sure she’s fine, but I will be sure to let her know that you’re sorry. May I offer you any of the other girls? I was sure with your specifics, matching you with Miss Sunshine would have sufficed your inner wants and desires.”
Miss Sunshine, it’s close to Sunshine, the affectionate name I call Calliope from time to time, and I find myself smiling. Does she think of me when she’s here? Does she imagine me while she’s up on the stage parading around?
“No no, it’s fine. It’s not her, it’s me.” Well, it was both of us, but I can’t tell this lady that I was about to get a private lap dance from my best friend’s daughter, and that if she hadn’t run away like she did, I would have allowed her to grind her sexy little body all over mine.
“Very well.” She waves over the bartender. “This man’s drinks are on the house.”
“Yes, Miss Rhi.” She looks to me. “Another?”
Shaking my head, I cover the glasses on the bar top. “Thanks, I’m fine. I think I’m going to head on out.”
“I hope to see you back here again one day,” the lady I now know as Miss Rhi says.
“We’ll see.” Nodding at her, I take one last look around, hoping to see Calliope but I don’t. Knowing how mortified she is, she’s probably hiding in the back, waiting for me to leave. Maybe I should sit here all night so she doesn’t take that stage again but I know, well I hope, that she doesn’t.
Waving goodbye to the bartender, I head toward the exit. While I’m waiting for a taxi, my phone pings with a text.
CALLIOPE:I know we need to talk but I can’t tonight … I’m mortified right now. I need to process everything
KANE:Take all the time you need, Sunshine. I fly out tomorrow night but I can extend if you need me to.
She doesn’t reply and I begin to wonder if I’ve overstepped the mark, offering to extend my stay, but I need to know why she’s here. What happened to the great marketing job she told us all about? I have so many questions right now, but I’m also fretting about what I tell Garrick. Surely, he isn’t aware that his princess is working in a strip club.
KANE:I’m concerned, Calliope, please don’t shut me out.
CALLIOPE:I’m so embarrassed, Mr. H
Of course she’s embarrassed. Her father’s best friend was her next customer. Just saying that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
