Page 76 of Ethan's Sky

Violet called me this afternoon asking if I wanted to go out for drinks at O’Malley’s tonight. I would’ve said no but she sounded like she desperately needed a night out. Since I’m not dancing at the Pearl anymore, I had nothing better to do than sulk alone at home.

So, here I am, pretending to have a good time, trying to keep my mind off a certain biker.

Easier said than done.

“Thank you for coming out tonight. I don’t get to go out unless it’s for work or taking Carter to school. It’s nice to have some adult interaction.” Violet says, rolling her wine glass between her hands.

“I was glad you called. I needed to get out of the house myself. It’s been a long week. A few drinks and some girl time might be exactly what I need too.” I’m surprised she invited me. Violet struggles with being in public, especially around men. The fact she chose O’Malley’s makes me think she’s finally gotten comfortable with the club members at least.

Violet smiles. Her shoulders drop with relief. “How’s our little man doing anyway? Haven’t seen him in a while.”

Violet sips her wine, and smiles. “He’s good. He likes his teacher. Talks non-stop about recess. He’s made a couple of friends. One of the boys, Liam, invited Carter to his birthday party in a couple of weeks. They’re having a videogame truck come out to the house. I didn’t know such a thing existed, but Carter has been looking them up online. He’s been studying cheat codes trying to memorize them before the party. He doesn’t have the newest games to practice on at home. His game console is older, but it was all I could afford.”

“Good for him!” She looks at me confused. “He doesn’t have to have what everyone else has. He found a way to adapt and blend in.”

“I figured he was doing it so they wouldn’t feel sorry for him. I know it’s got to be hard for him when the other kids have two parents, a nice home, and brand name everything while my kid is lucky to have…”

“You.” I cut her off, grabbing her hand in mine. “Carter has you and that’s more than some kids have. You work your ass off to keep a roof over his head, food in his belly, and you bend over backward to be there for all the pivotal moments in his life. It’s not the stuff the boy has that matters, Vi.” We lock eyes, tears are looming in hers. “Don’t ever feel bad for not having what everyone else has, you hear me? Because that little boy has something money can’t buy. A mom who fucking cares.”

She smiles a sad smile, but then she nods. “I think we need something stronger than wine. What do you say? Hey Katie!” She calls.

Katie comes up to the table. “What’ll you lassies like? More wine?”

“Sadie once mentioned Jinx makes a special drink for the Kings women. Can we get a couple of those or is that a ‘members only’ situation?”

Katie smiles wide. “It’s called the Taming of the Shrew. I’ll get you two. Seeing as Skyler here is about to be an ol’ lady, I’m sure Jinx will see fit to serve you a couple.”

What the hell?

“No, I’m not with…” Katie’s gone before I can correct her.

“You’re dating a King?” Violet’s eye damn near bug out of her head with excitement.

As if summoned by the Devil himself, Jake, Hawk, Cash, Declan, Mason, and Ethan all swagger into the bar.

You would think someone scratched a record to get everyone’s attention, the way the noise level drops to a low rumble. Every woman in the bar has stopped what they’re doing to watch and admire the men.

Three women who were sitting at a corner table take notice. I watch as one of the women, a blonde, unbuttons two buttons on her blouse exposing the red lace cups of her bra. The brunette beside her grabs her tits and gives them a good shuffle making them look fuller in what is obviously a push up bra. The third, another blonde, takes a different route, running her finger along the rim of her margarita glass then sucking the salt off her finger drawing attention to her mouth.

Pathetic.

Cash makes eye contact with me, smiling. The asshole. I roll my eyes. He laughs.

I’m tempted to shout, “there are plenty more exactly like you at the clubhouse and they don’t require a drink to suck them off,” but I think better of it. These women probably don’t require one either.

Within minutes, the blonde who was licking her cup is seated on Ethan’s lap. He’s making his point.

Our kiss meant nothing.

Imean nothing.

I try not to let it affect my mood, but I’m struggling.

One of the women walks up to Declan, vying for his attention. I watch as Violet’s face turns a deep shade of pink. Interesting.

“Violet?” She doesn’t look at me, her eyes are glued to the table the men are all sitting at. “You, okay?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah. Sure thing.” She’s so full of shit. The woman is still standing near Declan, inching closer as she tries to strike up conversation. Declan’s focus is on Violet. Vi turns away, looking at the menu like it’s the most interesting thing she’s read in weeks.”

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