Page 35 of Fifty

I tap the screen, and turn it to complete silence before setting back on the side table. I hit the bathroom quickly, then climb back into bed beside my sleeping beauty. I push out a deep breath, trying to calm my now racing thoughts.

“Is everything okay?” her soft sleepy voice meets my ears.

“No,” I give a short answer.

“What’s wrong?” she asks, scooching closer.

“That was Ryder on the phone. I’ve gotta leave for a few days, maybe a week. He needs me on the road,” I share.

“Oh…” her soft breath falls between us, feeling heavier than any weight I’ve ever had to carry before.

Twenty-Three

Jade

Damn. The day shift at the club is brutal. I was only scheduled to cocktail two nights this week, but with Fifty on the road, I’ve been coming in almost every afternoon when I finish at the diner. Since I’ve got some unexpected free time, I figured I might as well spend some of it learning behind the bar. As shitty as it is here, it would be worse sitting at home alone. It would just make me miss Fifty more.

The day crowd is something I’m definitely not used to. There are still plenty of guys hanging around, drinking and taking in the show, but it’s sparse compared to the night crowd. And I hate to even think it, but after seeing the quality of the girls that Charlie has on the stage at this hour, I’m honestly not surprised. Most of them would benefit from some dance lessons. I had never stripped before getting the job here, so I was nervous, but I knew how to dance and that helped get me through my first few shows until I got a little more comfortable. I’m almost tempted to ask Charlie if he wants me to show them a few basic moves.

“So, you probably know this already from serving, but most of the guys who come in here are going to order simple drinks. They’ll want a beer or whiskey, something easy. But every once in a while, you’ll get some prick who’ll order some shit you’ve never heard of before. In that case, we have a handy little Bartender’s Bible back here to reference. Or you can always just Google it on your phone,” Jordan’s voice and easy laugh pull me from my daze.

“Perfect, thanks,” I reply with a small smile. I’d much rather be learning from Jimmy, but Jordan usually covers the day shift and I haven’t really felt like hanging around here at night.

“I still can’t believe you’re here when you don’t have to be,” Jordan observes.

“I know, but I need to learn,” I tell him. I’ve already been here for about an hour, and I don’t plan on staying much longer. I just figured that if Charlie sees that I’m serious about learning, then maybe he’ll start to work me into the rotation and I can make some real money. Cocktailing two days a week isn’t bringing in much cash.

“Well, if I think of anything else, I’ll let you know,” he offers before turning to help an approaching server.

“What do you need?” he asks.

“A bottle of Bud and a Jack Daniels on the rocks,” she answers.

I watch as he grabs a bottle of Budweiser, quickly popping the top and setting it on her tray before reaching for a glass. He adds a small scoop of ice before gripping the bottle of Jack and adding a heavy pour, filling the glass halfway.

“Anything else?” he questions, adding the glass to her tray.

“Nope, that’s it for now. Thanks, Jordy,” she answers, lifting the tray and spinning away from the bar.

The song ends and I see the lights change from bright pink to a deep, purply blue. It must be time for a new dancer to take the stage. Leo’s familiar voice comes through the speaker, announcing a dancer named Honey. I’ve never really spent any time here during the day, so I don’t know any of these girls.

“Alright. I think I’ve had enough for today,” I breathe. “Would you mind pouring me a drink?” I ask with a smile.

“I’d be happy to. What can I get for you?” he asks.

“I’ll take a vodka and cranberry,” I request as I move out from behind the bar and slide into one of the waiting stools.

“Coming right up,” he nods, reaching for a glass.

I turn away for a second, letting my eyes fall on the stage. I cringe. Her moves aren’t all that bad, but she’s way too stiff. She needs to loosen up and at least give the impression that she’s having fun up there. I know it can be nerve wracking, but it always looks better when you’re comfortable. And the music is all wrong. A different song would’ve worked much better with this routine. I definitely need to talk to Charlie.

“Here you are,” Jordan slides a glass in front of me. “Are you coming back in tomorrow?” he asks.

“Nope. My man is coming home tomorrow, so I’ll be catching up with him,” I share, feeling my cheeks flush just at the thought. After a week without Fifty, I can’t wait to feel his arms wrapped around me again.

“Oh, I know what that means. Have fun,” he laughs before sliding down the bar to wait on a few guys who just took a seat at the bar.

I lift my glass and take a small sip. The tart cranberry flavor coats my tongue making my lips pucker.

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