“But you have school and all that.”
“Yeah, but now, I don’t work. I like being busy.”
I glance down at Diesel and Jake.
“Vicki doesn’t work on Wednesdays, and Diesel has class. We could use someone cute to take orders.”
She tilts her head. “You think I’m cute?”
I think I’d like to examine every cute inch of her. But I don’t answer, just accept some empty bottles from a passing customer and drop them in the bin.
Celia and Too Fast Freddy emerge from Hookup Heaven. Celia’s face is flushed. “That was fun,” she says to Marietta. “Let’s go tell everybody they should do it.” She links her arm through Marietta’s, pulling her off the stool.
Marietta steps down and picks up her drink. “See you Wednesday,” she says.
I watch her walk away. They shove tables together and sit with the other Wild Hair.
Diesel makes his way back. “I have never seen that look on your face before, brother.”
“Yeah. Something’s brewing.”
“If you get it wrong, how fast will they cut off your dick?” he asks.
“Faster than you get off to your own five fingers,” I tell him.
He wraps his elbow around my neck. “Don’t fuck around with the club,” he says. “I hate funerals.”
“So do I,” I say to him. “Especially mine.”
But fuck me, I’m headed straight toward it if I can’t resist that cherry mouse.
CHAPTER 15
MARIETTA
“You sure you’re all right alone?” I ask Carol as I shimmy into the short leather skirt I borrowed from Celia. Nobody else is here to dress me. I’m choosing on my own.
Carol presses her hands to her belly. “I’m fine. The kids are fed. I can get them to bed.”
It’s not often the clubhouse is as empty as tonight, but Iron Jack called up the entire Wild Hair on a protection gig. Even Betz and Celia went along as scouts. Only Merrick isn’t with them since he has to tend to the bar.
As a house mouse, I don’t do outside work. I’m strictly here for the clubhouse.
But because of that, I get to drive myself to the Leaky Skull to help Merrick for the first time. I know Diesel won’t be there either since he has class. And of course, Vicki’s gone. I’m taking her shift.
So, it will be me and Jake and one of the kitchen workers. Plus customers, if they count.
I think it’s the most alone I can get right now with him.
“I might have a bra that will help you,” Carol says, pushing herself up from her recliner.
“Oh, don’t get up,” I tell her.
“I have to pee anyway.”
She heads to her dresser and rummages through a colorful array of underwear. “Here we go.” She pulls out a small black number. “I haven’t worn this in a decade.” She passes it to me.
It’s a B cup, but half the cup is padded, so everything gets pushed to the top. “I’ll give it a go,” I say.
