“Ride me, cowboy!”
“I wouldn’t mind you tying me up.”
The lines were almost the same every week, but my smile remained as bright as ever as I collected my tips, putting the bills in my hat.
Already one routine down on the stage tonight, but I hadn’t yet gotten a chance to see Harlan. Austin and Rhoades were at the bar and waved to me. I took my time making my way through the crowd, stopping to take pictures and collecting a few extra thank-you tips from regulars. I promised a few tables to come by for lap dances when my break was finished.
“You’re looking hot.”
Austin gave me a kiss and a hug. I missed him so much, I hung on to him for a second.
“I’m glad you came. Miss you.” I let him go and handed my hat over to José, who took out the bills to set aside for me.
“Rhoades and I are gonna have you and Frankie and Aaron over for dinner soon, right?” He looked over at his boyfriend, who smiled at him.
I swear I’d never seen a man as into his boyfriend as Rhoades was with Austin. It was like a laser light shining between them.
“Absolutely. Austin and I have been exceptionally busy, but things should be slowing down some.” Rhoades handed me the beer José had set on the bar.
“Thanks. I’d love to. I still ain’t seen the place, but from the pictures Austin showed me ’n Frankie, it looks pretty.”
“It’s very pretty.” Rhoades’s white smile gleamed.
“Well, where is he?” Austin nudged me, keeping his voice low enough so only the two of us could hear. “Is he here?”
As if on cue, Harlan came through the doors of the kitchen with a tray of glasses in his hands. He gave me a nod but no smile.
“That’s him. See? He’s working and keeping up his end of the bargain.” But as I watched him stack the glasses, then set out fresh bar snacks, I wondered if he was sneaking any liquor. I clamped down on those thoughts. Not my problem. If he wanted to take that chance, it was his business.
“Yeah. Well. I’d still be careful.”
“I know and I am.”
That came out a bit shorter than I intended, and Austin’s eyes widened. “Okay. Just trying to help.”
“I’m not angry. I…I don’t know what to do.”
Perhaps sensing I wanted to speak with Austin more privately, Rhoades had moved over to give us space and now talked with José. Harlan continued to clean the bar of empty glasses and bottles.
“None of the guys from online worked out?” Austin leaned against the bar. “I thought Frankie and I had found some who looked like they’d be a good match.”
“I tried. Really. But they either bragged about their fancy jobs or looked down on me for mine. And that didn’t stop them from thinking I was a slut.”
“I’m sorry. I know. People suck.”
“No. I don’t think so. The people at the bookstore are really nice. Oh, and me ’n Harlan are gonna help out there a few hours a day ’cause the owner hurt his back and he asked us.”
“That’s good.” He cocked his head and took a sip of his drink. “You really love that place, don’t you?”
“Yeah, I do.”
José must’ve asked Harlan to wait on a table or two. I watched him balance a tray with several bottles, glasses, and snacks. The men cheered him when he arrived, and when he handed them their drinks, they pressed money into his hand.
“Okay. He seems to be doing his job. You’re right. Maybe he needed someone to give him a break. If that’s the case, you did a good deed. But,” he said, fixing me with a stern glance, “that doesn’t mean you have to sleep with him.”
“Austin, give Cort a little credit. I’m sure he’s not so foolish.”
Catching me off guard, James appeared at my side.
