“That’s fine. We have some time to find a replacement. I just need you to help with the interview and training process,” I assured her, happy to know that Charlie was finally finding her place, even if that meant leaving the one by my side.
“We should ask Star if she’s interested,” Fiona said, and all eyes shifted to her.
“Star having an issue at Honeys?” Ma asked. Both Seph and Cece took the female employees’ comfort and safety very seriously. They were the most invested in the strip clubs, trying to provide a clean and safe environment for all the women who came through.
“No, nothing like that. She said they treat her great there. She’s just not sure she wants to keep dancing. She mentioned that she was curious about other job opportunities, but was nervous that she wouldn’t qualify, since her only past employment has been at strip clubs,” Fiona clarified.
“If she’s interested, I’m more than happy to give her a shot. Maybe have her shadow Charlie for a week to make sure it’s something she likes and wants to do,” I said, not wanting to replace my sister with someone who was also begrudgingly taking the role.
“That’s a great idea! We can ask her when we all go out Thursday night!” Fee said from beside me, and Charlie nodded enthusiastically.
“What’s Thursday night?” I asked, frowning down at her. She hadn’t mentioned anything before that moment.
“Ladies’ night at Iron Maidens. $5 drinks for girls. Roxie is working the bar, and Charlie, Star, and I are going to go support her,” Fiona said, with a look daring me to tell her no.
“Sounds like fun. I’ll drive you guys and pick you up. That way, none of you have to play DD,” I offered, not liking the idea of Fiona and Charlie drunk and vulnerable, trying to get a ride home without me at their backs.
“Sure, likethat’sthe reason,” Charlie said. I gave her a look. Not backing down, my sister stared at me before continuing. “How about you have Match drop us off? He can even stay to keep an eye on us, but you’re not allowed to come to the bar until we’re ready to go home,” Charlie said, and I ground my teeth, not liking that option. I was trying to give my sister some space,respect her privacy and all that, but I was still wound tight from what had happened with that asshole, Theo.
Charlie had made a lot of changes recently, and I trusted her and her judgment. However, with the addition of Fiona, the idea of them out without any backup left me feeling anxious. Even with Star and Roxie there, I wanted one of my guys nearby, just in case.
“Why can’t Bash drop us off?” Fiona asked, looking adorably confused.
“Because once he sees you all done up, he’s not gonna let you go into the bar without him, and I don’t want to spend the night watching you two try to swallow each other’s tongues.”
“Charlotte!” Ma scolded, but Charlie just shrugged, clearly not regretting her blunt statement. Fiona had turned bright red and was studying me. I did my best to keep my face neutral.
“Okay, that might be a fair point,” she muttered, avoiding making eye contact with my parents before continuing.
“Match can drive us,” Fee countered.
“Match and Danny both go to keep an eye on you. They can sit somewhere else. Doesn’t matter to me. I’ll wait until midnight to come, though,” I replied, already upset at having to stay away from Fiona, even if only for a few hours. Charlie rolled her eyes dramatically before sighing.
“Fine. That doesn’t give you a pass for girls’ night, though. Same rules apply. You get to come by after Fee and I have our time together.” Charlie sat back in her chair, arms crossed.
“Children, Fiona is not a toy the two of you get to fight over,” Ma chided, and both Charlie and I whipped around to look at Fee, making sure we hadn’t upset her.
“Honestly? It’s kind of flattering,” Fiona said, causing Guard to burst out laughing, the rest of us swiftly joining in.
Slinging my arm around Fee’s shoulders, I pulled her into my side so I could press a kiss to her forehead. She looked up at me,her eyes twinkling, and I shook my head. Yeah, I’d fight my own sister for an extra second of alone time with Fiona.
“In that case, I’m calling dibs on Sundays! You are officially ours for family dinner. Invitation is optional for those two, though,” Ma said, eyeing Charlie and me.
I didn’t miss the way Fiona froze, seemingly shocked by my parents’ interest in spending time with her, regardless of my sister or me being present.
“You don’t have to do that,” Fee muttered softly, causing Charlie and me to wear matching frowns. I didn’t miss the mist in her eyes as she looked between all of us.
“Girlie, you are in high demand. If we don’t reserve our time with you now, we may not see you until next year. If Charlie gets you Fridays, and Bash gets you the rest of the time, it’s only fair we at least get Sunday evenings with ya,” Guard replied, his eyes never leaving Fiona.
Sensing that Fiona was getting emotional, Guard shifted the tone of conversation by leaning toward Fee, as if trying to whisper.
“Please, do it for my sake. If I have to listen to these two bicker about the same old shit while trying to digest whatever dish my wife has experimented on that night, I’m gonna keel over,” he said, and I coughed at the reference to Ma’s horrible cooking. Cece rolled her eyes but didn’t disagree with him.
“Okay. I’d like that, as long as I can try to help Cece learn how to cook a few dishes,” Fiona offered, and the rest of us let out groans.
“I’d love that!” Ma replied before we could say any more.
“You can try. Many have come before you and failed, but something tells me you might just be the one to break through my wife’s culinary block.” Ma swiped him over the back of his head, and he smiled at her indulgently.
