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“Only he’s an obnoxious fuck that has no business being with Cheryl.”
“Like I said, Cheryl needed a favor and it was the best deal all around.”
Nick leaned forward. “Everyone’s just a pawn in your little game—even your own daughter.”
“Cynical way to look at it, but I think that’s true of most of us. The way I see it, I took her out of a bad situation. You’ve certainly used people along the way to get where you are.”
Sure, the bastard was right, but he’d never use his own flesh and blood to better himself.
“Cheryl’s not happy.”
“Don’t be so sure. She has a thriving business, a beautiful home, she’s living the good life.”
Of course, Frank believed that because to him personal relationships were a means to an end—the art of the deal. Leverage, checks and balances replaced feelings.
“When I decided to expand the jazz clubs to Vegas I initially worried about you and her seeing each other again—then Ireasoned after all this time you forgot about her.” Long pause. “I hope I’m right and you wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize what we’ve built or stir up new shit with Johnny.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I basically tell him what to do in business, but when it comes to his personal life he can be a loose cannon. Shooting off his mouth and losing his temper.”
“Fuck, don’t tell me he puts hands on her.” Nick’s stomach flipped sideways.
“No, he knows better, but it wouldn’t be smart to provoke him. You’ve done good out here, and I respect that and I’d hate to see all this hard work get trashed.”
“You’re threatening me through him?” Fucked up, for sure.
“I’m just telling you how it is. I don’t think he’d take it out on Cheryl or the kid because of her connection to me, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t tamper with this club.” Frank spread his arms wide. “Or the people who work for you?—”
“Whoa—back the fuck up. She’s got a kid?”
“Yeah, I figured you knew.”
Shit, her and Johnny had a kid. That changed everything. No wonder she was so evasive the other day and wouldn’t answer his questions. He’d have to go about this a whole other way.
“I didn’t build all this to have it ruined over petty bullshit.” He’d back down now for the sake of the bigger picture.
“Smart move.” Frank extended his hand. “I’m going to be in Vegas for another week to make sure it all goes smooth with the new jazz club off of Flamingo.”
Nick stood and the two men shook hands. Each with their own agenda. Each knowing they couldn’t trust the other.
“Stop by, take a look at the place.” Frank turned, left the office and Nick sunk into his seat.
Her having a kid with Johnny switched it up. He’d have to approach it different. He’d let her bring it up, but there was noway Nick would back down when it came to Cheryl, even if he had to go through Johnny and Frank. Game on, motherfuckers.
13
Cheryl sat up waiting for Johnny to come home but when it became obvious he’d be late, she headed up to bed. She’d confront him in the morning when her thoughts were clear. No more living a lie for her or her daughter. She slept soundly for the first time in a long time deriving power and a sense of calm in making her decision. No more backing down and going along.
Cheryl’s mother fell into traps of addiction and depression hurting herself and Cheryl, but the life Cheryl led while more luxurious and less violent still had the stigma of a woman giving up and not fighting for her freedom. She could certainly support her and Portia comfortably knowing she was setting the best example for her daughter as an independent woman.
Cheryl arranged to have Izzy take Portia to school, then dressed and was in the kitchen sipping her coffee a half hour before Johnny appeared. He barely looked her way as he entered the kitchen.
“I want to talk to you,” Cheryl said to his back as he filled his coffee cup.
He turned slowly, his expression bored or impatient. It was hard to tell.
“What?” Definitely impatient.
