Page 28 of Saving You Losing Me

“What’s this, Atom? You into gossip now?”

She grins and shakes her head. “As it happens, yes. He offered her a job.”

“Doing what?”

She rolls her eyes. “What do you think? It turns out he’s opening his own strip club in town and is recruiting. He asked her to spread the word and I’m considering applying.”

I shake my head. “You should really aim a little higher, sis. This is beneath you.”

“Where else can I earn the money I make? Nice try Atom, but I’m not interested.”

She shrugs, pushing her half eaten plate away.

“I’m giving it a shot. The money is good, and she told me he slipped her five big ones for her trouble.”

“Anything else?”

“He slipped her his dick too, if that’s what you mean.”

I groan. “Spare me the details. No, anything else on the family?”

“He has a son. He told Chrissie he would recommend her to him. You talk about classy, that’s seriously sick.”

“I have heard enough.”

She stands and leaves her plate where it is.

“Anyway, I’m heading into town. Can I fetch you anything?”

“I’m good, but thanks for asking.”

She makes to leave and then hesitates before turning back and smiling wistfully. “You know, Atom, this was nice. We don’t talk enough.”

She doesn’t wait for a reply and heads out, leaving me tripping on her words.

I wonder when we lost touch with one another and our relationship headed south. We were once close and perhaps we could be again. I hate her life, but I kind of understand it too. Tanya was never academic and had none of the opportunities in life Clara had and I suppose is doing what comes naturally for monetary gain. I wonder if it makes her happy, though?

My thoughts immediately turn to the information she gave me and something stirs deep inside. Santobello. That name spells trouble for me and not just because of Clara. It’s as if Tanya opened Pandora’s box and what’s inside will waft across this town like a virus. Something isn’t sitting well with me andright now, in this moment, I don’t know what the fuck to do about it.

CHAPTER 15

CLARA

Michael turns up in a huge SUV, custom-made with blacked-out windows. It has a personalized number plate and leather seats with bespoke stitching.

I’m not impressed. I prefer Atom’s bike over this any day of the week, and as he holds the passenger door open, I refrain from complimenting him on his choices.

He is trying. I’ll give him that. His choice of clothing is black chinos and a white button-down shirt. The leather belt has his initials in the buckle and the tan brogues he is wearing are probably handmade and his dark glasses and wristwatch are expensive. I’m guessing mom is watching from her turret, almost salivating at the prospects this ‘date’ will deliver and I sigh inside. The sooner I get this over with, the better.

“So, you are my guide. Where will we go first?” He smiles pleasantly as he takes his seat behind the wheel.

“The country club, I’m guessing.”

My plan is to hook up with a few friends at the club and try to swing his attention onto one of them. There are enough entitled princesses there to keep him busy for decades.

We sweep out of the driveway and he says amiably, “You have a beautiful home.”

I roll my eyes. “Thank you. I’ll pass on your admiration to my parents.”

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