Page 76 of Skin In the Game (The BlackWater)

They walked into the bar and Becky glanced at Maddie to see her reaction. It was like some weird American rock place that she didn’t not like but felt was a bit misplaced for the area.

It was packed and as Maddie looked around she realised almost everyone in there worked for BlackWater. This was their bar, where they hung out. She saw a few people she recognised from the gym and from passing in corridors but it felt weird suddenly to be there, around them, like she was one of them. Mentally she shook her head because she was exactly that wasn’t she, she was one of them. She worked for BlackWater. She worked in Brendan Cole’s own team for fuck sake.

“What you drinking?” Becky asked.

“Something strong.” Maddie said because she felt tired and more achy and needed something to pick her up or she’d end up being a right party pooper.

“Whiskey then.” Becky said and Maddie laughed.

“Whiskey?” Maddie repeated.

“We gotta look classy Maddie, with all these guys around us.”

“Becs we work for BlackWater too. We can hold our own.” Maddie stated.

“I know that but still.” Becky replied and Maddie rolled her eyes laughing.

She passed her the glass and sighed before drinking some. It stuck in her throat and she mentally cursed Becky for not choosing vodka.

“Come on let’s find somewhere to perch.” She said looking around and spotting a bar table across the room minus the stools.

“So who’s the guy you’re fucking then?” Becky asked as she sipped her drink.

“It’s complicated.” Maddie said.

“More than that Grant guy?” Becky asked.

“Urgh fuck no. But also yes.” Maddie replied.

“Is the sex at least good this time?” Becky said.

Maddie laughed. “Yeah, yeah the sex is pretty good.”

“Not gonna lie I’m pretty jealous. Feel like I haven’t had a decent shag in ages.” Becky stated.

“That’s because you’re screwing the wrong guys.” Maddie said back.

“You’re hardly one to talk with that Grant guy.” Becky replied.

Maddie laughed. “I know but seriously, you could have anyone of these guys in here, even Aidan, he’d be lucky to have you.”

“Can you tell him that?” Becky joked.

“I’m not sure that’ll help you much.” Maddie replied.

She grinned looking round to where Aidan was chatting to a few other of his team.

“Oh my god Cole’s here.” Becky stated.

“What?” Maddie half scowled.

“Cole Fucking Delicious Black.” Becky said almost dreamily.

“What did you call him?” Maddie asked.

Becky burst out laughing. “Sorry think the whiskey has gone to my head but seriously look he’s there.”

Maddie narrowed her eyes looking round. She’d messaged him, telling him she was out but not where even though she didn’t need too, she didn’t need to let him know what her schedule was but for some reason she had and now he was here, right where she was like fucking magic.

“Fucking hell Brandon is there too. They hardly ever come here.” Becky said.

“Great, just fucking great.” Maddie muttered.

“Why, don’t you like them?” Becky asked confused.

“No, it’s just we spend all day with them, I was kind of hoping for a night off besides Cole’s been in a foul mood all day if you haven’t noticed.” Maddie stated.

“Yeah I think it’s that merger. The other directors are playing hardball with the figures.” Becky said.

“How do you know that?” Maddie asked impressed.

---