Page 71 of Slayin Villain
“Neither am I,” Eve said.“Neither is she.”She nodded toward Ember, then patted her belly casually.“We’re a whole damn baby brigade now.”
I blinked.
“Least I know who the daddy is,” she muttered under her breath, motioning toward Ember, and I snorted through the tears.
Ember laughed a bit too, arms crossed.“Congratulations,” she said softly, directed at me.
“Thanks,” I replied, a little stiff, but honest.
Eve clapped her hands.“That’s it.I’ve had it with mopin’ and men and all this damn testosterone.We’re going out tonight.”
I furrowed my brow.“Where?”
“Broadway.”
“Broadway?”Ember and I said at the same time, startled.
“Damn right.We’re goin’ honky tonkin’,” Eve grinned.“I need to scope out some talent, anyway.Ember’s quittin’ the band.”
That made me look up fast.“What?”
Ember cleared her throat.“I’m leaving Royal Road.”
I wasn’t proud of the little flicker of relief that lit inside me.But I didn’t try to hide it either.
Eve gave us both a knowing glance.“There.Now you’re up to speed.I need a fiddle player, so we’re checkin’ out some bars.Y’all are my wing-women.No booze.No fights.Just rhinestones, mocktails, and loud music.”
“I’m not in the mood,” I whispered.
Eve tilted her head.“Darlin’, that’s exactly why you need to come.I’ve buried too many damn tears in this concrete.You got a baby to think about, and cryin’ on dusty floorboards ain’t good for either of you.”
Her words hit something deep.Something sore.
Ember finally spoke.“I’ll go.”
We both looked at her.
“I don’t have anything else keeping me here tonight,” she added, voice brittle but brave.
Eve looped her arms through both of ours.“Then it’s settled.We’re gonna clean up, slap on some lip gloss, and show Nashville that the Ol’ Ladies of Royal Road don’t just cry, they shine.”
I glanced over at Ember.
She looked… small.For the first time, not like the girl who stole someone else's spotlight, but just a woman trying to survive the storm too.
Maybe I hated her a little less in that moment.
Maybe.
“Does Kingpin know about this?”I asked.
“He’s comin’,” Eve grinned.“Can’t leave me unattended with y’all stirring up chaos downtown.”
“Irish too?”Ember asked.
“Him and Cece,” Eve said.“Figure the boys can post up at the bar while we get what we need.”
I nodded slowly.“Okay.”
