Page 29 of Spinner's Luck

“Or you could just ask him if he’s into you,” Tillie suggested, her grin mischievous.

“Tillie!” Brenda snapped, her irritation obvious.

“What?” Tillie grinned wider. “It works. If it’s meant to happen, then age don’t matter.”

Even Amy cracked a tiny smile, though she quickly hid it behind her glass.

Brenda rolled her eyes, taking a slow drag of her cigarette. “Ignore Tillie. Her advice will get you into trouble faster than a bottle of tequila.”

“I’m right here, you know,” Tillie said, feigning offense. “You could stand to take my advice too.”

“Maybe so,” Brenda shot back, though there was a hint of affection in her voice. “But don’t think I don’t know who you’re holdin’ out for.”

For the first time, Tillie’s expression darkened, but she shook it off quickly. “I’m not holdin’ out for anyone. Your imagination’s runnin’ wild.”

“Sure it is,” Brenda chuckled. “But don’t worry, nothin’ will ever come of it.”

Tillie’s eyes hardened briefly, but she masked it with a smile, taking a sip of her drink. The subject was dropped, but the rest of us couldn’t help wondering who had managed to hold Tillie’s heart captive.

The dynamic at the table was a strange one—equal parts tension and camaraderie. Each of them carried their own stories, their own wounds, but together, they created something that felt like a patchwork family. It was messy, sure, but it was real.

“So, Lucy,” Brenda said, her gaze zeroing in on me. “What’s your story?”

“Yeah,” Tillie chimed in, leaning forward with a glint of mischief in her eyes. “What brings you to our lovely little corner of the world?”

I hesitated, swirling the amber liquid in my glass. “Just here for Zeynep,” I said finally.

“Uh-huh,” Brenda replied, clearly unconvinced.

“Bullshit,” Tillie added, her grin widening.

Fiona tilted her head, her gaze steady. “You’ve been through something, haven’t you?”

I stiffened, caught off guard by her kindness. It reminded me too much of who I used to be, before I learned just how cruel the world could be. “Who hasn’t?” I said, forcing a smirk.

Brenda snorted, flicking ash into the tray. “Well, you’re in good company. We’ve all got our baggage. Some of us just carry it better than others.”

“Amen to that,” Tillie said, raising her glass.

I clinked my glass against hers but felt my thoughts drift. Memories tugged at the edges of my mind, memories I refused to entertain. Survival wasn’t about looking back. It was about moving forward.

“Whatever your story is,” Brenda said, her voice softening, “you’re here now. And as long as you’re under this roof, we’ve got your back. Just don’t piss me or Devil off, and we’ll get along fine.”

I smiled despite myself, something warm settling in my chest. “Noted.”

“Ashlynn hates you,” Tillie warned suddenly, her voice breaking through the laughter. “She’s been holdin’ out for Spinner. He’s all she talks about, and him bein’ into you is driving her crazy.”

“I’m not worried about her,” I said, shrugging.

“Just come to me if she starts shit,” Brenda said firmly. “Devil counts on me to keep the peace, and after what happened with those two bitches, I get the feelin’ I might be on thin ice, seein’ how I’m in charge.”

“I already had a run-in with her. We understand each other,” I replied. “No worries.”

“Don’t take them lightly,” Fiona interjected, her soft voice carrying a weight of caution. “Jealousy can take a dangerous turn. I know.”

“Listen to her,” Brenda said, nodding toward Fiona. “I can tell you don’t take any shit, but let me handle it.”

I nodded, though I knew I wouldn’t back down if Ashlynn came at me. It wasn’t in my nature to let anyone walk over me. Still, I hoped it wouldn’t come to that.

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