Page 31 of Shar: A Woman Alone

Before the conversation can continue Sharp and Trip walkover to us, and I can see a frown on Sharp’s face. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s going to take some cash to fix up. I reckon it needsgutting. Take everything out, strip it down to bare bones, then refiteverything. That way it’ll last for years, and if anyone fucks it up they canreplace shit,” Sharp grins when he adds the last, obviously just thinking ofthat as he was speaking.

“I think it’s an excellent investment, and will benefitwhoever you put in as manager. I honestly would not lease it because that wouldbring its own set of problems.” I turn and hand my glass back to Chuck, whogives me a wink and a grin.

“Come on, let’s get back to the clubhouse. I’m going to haveto call church and put this all down for the brothers to vote on. I am waitingfor reports on the hardware-come-tech store, too.” Sharp walks away and I watchhim leave with Trip, Brawl and Atlas rushing to keep up.

Turning, I walk over to the woman who is teaching the poledancing. “How are things going?” I ask.

“You know, I think three have genuine talent, the otherswill take more teaching.” She gives me a look that saysif they ever come upto scratch.

“Stella, how do you feel about doing two afternoons a weekrunning lessons for women that want exercise or just fun to get away from theirboring lives?”

Stella gives me a serious look before responding. “I woulddo that, but it would only be viable for me on Monday and Thursday. I have towork at my other job on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. I work Saturday too mostweeks.”

“What other job do you do?”

“I manage a run-down bar three towns over, but I’m lookingfor something better. I moved here nine months ago, and it was all I could findat that time. But the place is a dive and not going to get better anytimesoon.” Stella sighs and I can tell she’s fed up with her situation.

“Let me speak to the Pres, and then I’ll give you a call,Stella. We can set something up.”

“Okay, thank you, Shar. I’ll get these ladies finished, thenget out of here.” Giving me a bright smile as she turns back to the idiot onthe pole. I don’t think Electra is going to be much good at this!

I have an idea that I want to run past Sharp, and if helikes it, then both the strip club and Stella will be set up.

CHAPTER 15

Sharp

I walk into church, which I’ve called early this morning,much to everyone’s annoyance. I don’t want to stop them from getting to theirjobs. Most are working at the strip club, setting up the tattoo shop, watchingover the diner and now getting the garage cleaned out and ready for opening.

I know it’s been a tough time with pulling out of theillegal shit, but the club had enough in the safe to pay a decent payout foreach brother each month. The thing that I had to do was give them purpose, andI hope this time in church will do that.

Taking my seat, I look around and see everyone inattendance. The prospect Cody is outside the door making sure no-one tries toenter and watches over our mobile phones and weapons. Nobody is allowed tobring a phone or weapons into church unless we have a dire reason to do so.

“Okay, brothers, let’s get this meeting started. I calledyou all here as we need to cover some business information I have gathered.Well, the brothers here have gathered for us.” I point to the respectivebrothers, and continue.“Now, let’s start withthe apartment. Some of you have been working on it, and it’s stripped to thebare bones. I want you to get it done as fast as possible. I’ve not decided whoshould manage the place once Shar leaves, but leave it with me and I’ll updateyou later. I want to talk about the salon that Zara wants to purchase. I havelooked the place over, and Trip here,” to which I give a grin, “is tight withthe realtor, Thomas.”

“Fuck you, Pres,” Trip snarls, but only has me chuckling inresponse.

“There’s a story there…” Tin says with a grin plasteredacross his face.

“Okay, back to it. The salon is good, it only needs cleaningand the equipment checked out. We can get the place for less than the askingprice. The realtor has stated the owner just wants rid of it now. Gunner ishappy to put in the largest portion, so Zara is the majority shareholder.But we will get profits for basically making sure theplace stays secure. We’ll put our club badge on the window and on any signs,posters, or paperwork. That way, it will show anyone the place has ourprotection.” I look around when Scribe speaks.

“It used to be a thriving salon. I remember when it was openand most of the women in town would go to that one, rather than the one at theother end of Main Street. But since that’s the only one now, it has gained thatcustomer base. I reckon it would do well if they did some of that fancy nailshit they talk about, too.”

Gunner speaks out next. “Yeah, I heard Zara and Shar talkingabout a nail bar. Whatever the fuck that is? But, you know it’s women’s stuff,so it’s best they deal with it, in my opinion.”

“There isn’t an apartment in that place, is there?” Crocasks.

“No, there isn’t, but that’s not a bad thing because I don’twant Zara leaving as soon as she’s qualified. I’m rebuilding my relationshipwith her, as you all know, and I can’t do that if she’s living away from hereor the house.” Gunner taps his fingers on the table, and we can all see he’sworried about not having Zara around much longer.

“Why don’t you sell that place? It’s not like it has goodmemories attached to it. You could get something else or build here. That way,you and Zara will build something new together, memories and a relationship,”Cord adds, and it is a viable option.

Gunner nods, and I can see he’s storing the thought forlater. I don’t want to have this hanging about too long, so I pick up theconversation again. “Okay. Gunner. What percentage do you want to put into thesalon?” Nothing like getting right down to it.

“I’ll put in sixty percent.” Gunner leans back and folds hisarms across his chest, showing that’s his one and only offer.

“I’m okay with that. What about you all? You know, let’s goright to the vote. Give me ayes if you are okay with the club owning fortypercent of the salon.” Well, it doesn’t surprise me everyone gives me an aye,and nods at Gunner to show they are behind Zara on this business venture.“Okay, we’ll get the place purchased. Trip, you get it for as little as youcan. Play a little with the realtor to see what he can do for us.”

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