Page 6 of Just Business

When my dad passed away a few years ago, I took over the studio’s operations. He might have been one of the best in the industry, but he sure as hell didn’t know how to manage the books. I’m pretty sure he glanced at the bank account long enough to check if there was money for his drinks, and when that money dried up, he got desperate.

The foreclosure notice from the bank a week after his funeral was my first indication that the finances had gotten out of control. Dad let the operations of the studio fall through the cracks and in order to pay the bills (and I’m sure to sustain his alcohol addiction), he took out an equity loan against my childhood home—the home I’m currently living in—and I’ve been left scrambling for ways to repay it, pinching every cent that comes my way.

I quickly type out a note, wishing them good luck with the surgery and reminding them I’m always here if they choose to reschedule.

Now I really need that night out. It could always be a cheap night with no drinking. Karaoke Night at Old Town Tavern is always entertaining, for better or worse, and it would get me out of the house. I chew my thumbnail, staring at my reflection in the rearview mirror.Screw this. I’ll go alone.

I climb from my car and head to my room to finish getting ready. My only choice is to pull my hair up into a ponytail since it’s air-dried into a wavy mess. Once I’ve wrangled it up and combed down my flyaways, I dig through my vanity drawer for a bandana to tie around it. Tilting my head to one side, I inspect my reflection. It’s not perfect, but it’ll have to do. Slipping my top over my head, I’m careful not to mess up my hair and I step into my favorite black skinny jeans. They have the perfect lift that makes my ass look great, if I do say so myself. With a swipe of lip gloss, I step back to inspect myself.

“You are a strong, independent woman, Penny Miller. You deserve a night out, and you will have a blast,” I say, jabbing my finger at my reflection.

Once I’ve grabbed my wristlet and keys by the door, I slip into my wedge sandals and drop a quick kiss on top of Honey’s head before heading down the sidewalk toward Main Street. I usually walk everywhere since my house is only a few blocks from the heart of downtown. A red Cardinal lands on the sidewalk in front of me and I smile, thinking about my sweet mama.I see you, mama.

When I approach I notice there aren’t many cars for a Friday night, but that won’t matter. You never really know what you’ll get with a night here. It all depends on the karaoke.

A tall man walks in ahead of me, and I run to catch up while the door is still open, but I’m not quite quick enough and it slams shut in my face.Asshole!Didn’t he see I was right behind him? Taking a deep breath, I open the door for myself because it's the year of our Lord 2025, and I don’t need a man opening a door for me. Making my way to the bar, I notice he’s pulled the brim of his hat down to shield his eyes and claimed the stool on the far end, away from everyone else. Weird.

I’ve known Sheila, the bartender, since I was a kid and she greets me warmly. “Penny! Ya doin’ all right? Haven’t seen you in forever.”

“Couldn’t be better!” I paste on the fake smile I’ve perfected for everyone in town, but it weighs a ton.

“I’ll give you a minute to decide what you want,” she says.

“Oh, no, I’m—” I start, but she’s already moved to Mr. Mysterious in the corner. They chat while she makes two drinks for him. I fix my eyes firmly on the baseball game that’s playing on the TV, but they seem to have a mind of their own. They keep drifting his way, and I have to drag them right back where they belong.

“Whatcha drinking tonight?” Sheila asks once she’s returned.

“I’ll take a soda, please.” I raise one shoulder up and let it fall. “I just needed to get out of the house.”

Sheila eyes me for a second. “If my memory’s correct, I saw on social media that your birthday was the other day. How about a drink of your choice on the house?”

“Well, okay. I’ll take a Cosmo. Thanks, Sheila.”

She smiles, but he interrupts once again, bringing her attention back to him.Rude asshole!

After several more minutes, Sheila finally fixes my drink and hands it over with a wink. “Enjoy!”

It’s delicious, and I sip on it to make it last longer. I’m not much of a drinker, usually opting for a glass of wine with Josie whenever we get together. Plus, I’m a lightweight.

It doesn’t take long for the karaoke to begin. Three girls who look to be in their early twenties step onstage and belt out “Goodbye Earl” by The Chicks. They’re having such a great time that I find my mood lifting ever so slightly.

A low, rumbly chuckle sounds from the far corner and I glance over to see Mr. Mysterious might be as amused by the performance as I am. With only his side profile showing I can’t be certain, but if I’m not mistaken the smallest sliver of a grin is on his face.

My heart kicks up like a snare drum, and I rub my chest in response. A freaking chuckle and one-fourth of a grin coming from someone who’s clearly inconsiderate—and sketchy as fuck, might I add—should not affect my heart rate. Absolutely not.

Also, why is there something oddly familiar about him that I can’t quite put my finger on? I study his profile trying to place him.It can’t be…can it? Surely not.

My flight to Alabama is short, just over two hours, but all the bumps and jolts from turbulence makes it seem like double that. Maybe it’s the tin-can plane I’m on, but, regardless, I’m white-knuckling my armrests the entire trip. Breathing out a sigh of relief, I loosen my death grip as soon as we touch down safely. Despite doing plenty of it, I’ve never loved flying.

The smallest airport I’ve ever laid eyes on comes into view as I lift the shade on the tiny window beside me. Given this town’s size, I’m honestly surprised they even have an airport.

The moment I can switch my phone off airplane mode I tap out a text to Ty.

Made it

Ty

Whatcha think so far?

---