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“He just wasn’t ready to settle down.”
Bear places his hand over Queenie’s, and she presses her lips together in a firm line. “He’s right, Queenie. Hulk treated her like shit.”
“So, now, you’re on board with this bullshit?” she snaps, turning her anger on her husband.
“I’m only interested in what Piper wants, and seeing as she’s not here to tell me herself, this meeting was pointless.” He rises to his feet. “When she stands in front of me, looks me in the eye, and tells me this is what she wanted, I’ll shake your hand. Until then, I won’t accept this marriage.” He heads for the door, and Queenie gives me a smug smile before following him.
I let out a long breath and flop back in my chair. I don’t know if Piper will ever be able to look her father in the eye and deliver the news he wants to hear, but I live in hope.
Chapter Twenty
PIPER
Anton: I’m still alive . . . just. Your mother hates me. Your father seems undecided.
Me: I’d apologise but I feel like this is the least you deserve.
Anton: You should speak to them. Your mother misses you.
I sigh, knowing he’s right, but I don’t have any answers. Mum will be like a dog with a bone, and the second I stumble, she’ll know something’s wrong. I’ve thought about being honest, but they’d never forgive him, and I wouldn’t blame them. I’m having trouble myself, and as sweet as the messages and the dates are, it’s doing nothing to stop the hurt I feel.
Anton: Meet me today?
Why does the thought of seeing him cheer me up?
Me: Why?
Anton: I have a proposition for you.
Anton sends Michael to collect me. We drive in silence through the busy traffic and stop outside Anton’s club, the one that started this entire thing in the first place. I head inside without waiting for Michael.
It seems strange being in here when it’s so empty. There’s still at least seven hours until opening, and the only people around are cleaners and a few dancers practising. As I move through the bar, I spot Anton sitting in a booth, staring intently at his laptop. When I get closer, he spots me and his face lights up into a smile. He stands to greet me, kissing each cheek, then sits, indicating for me to do the same. “This feels very formal,” I say.
“I want to offer you a job.”
I frown. “Oh.”
“I know you’ve always helped at the clubhouse and worked on Ace’s business ventures. But I want to offer you something so you keep your independence.”
“What’s the catch?” I ask.
“There isn’t one. I’m happy for you not to work at all, but I realise it’s your decision.”
“What exactly would I be doing?”
“Helping Ella out running this place,” he says, looking around. “It needs fresh ideas, and I’m too busy. Ella runs the gym as well as this place. We need more help, and I like to keep it in the family.”
“Are you creating this role just to keep me close?” I ask suspiciously.
He shakes his head. “No. If you turn me down, I’ll advertise and hire someone. Lucy was singing your praises, and she told me you could run this place no problem.” I smile. This sort of thing is my dream job, but I don’t tell him that. “You’ll get paid hourly like the other staff. You’ll have a contract and holidays. Everything will be above-board.”
“In that case, yes, I’d love to work here.”
He relaxes, “Great. I’ll let Ella know, and she’ll arrange with you when’s the best time to come in and talk it all over with her.” He then turns his laptop towards me. He presses play and the video of my dancing begins. My smile fades. “I also wanted to make sure you saw me delete this,” he adds. He clicks a button and the video disappears.
The anger I felt all those weeks ago returns. “Right,” I mutter.
“I’m sorry I ever used that against you.”
