“That’s a reckless, controlling disaster, Ty.”
Ty shrugs, “Do you want to stew here? Thinking the worst, ultimately leading to a big fight when you get home, or, show up, show out and control the narrative?”
I run a hand down my face. Fuck. Me. The anxiety of sitting here waiting for a text is crippling me. The thought of action, taking control of this ridiculous situation, is intoxicating.
“We get in, buy the girls the most expensive drinks on the menu, you have your girl sit on your lap. We spend a ludicrous amount of money at this cowboy strip club, and everyone ends up happy.” Ty says.
Everyone but Elle the voice in my head says. But I ignore it as I grab my wallet, leading Ty out the door.
After what seems like the world’s longest ride share. We approach the club’s entrance. The place is marked by a simple neon sign and a velvet rope, currently guarded by a tired-looking bouncer who is arguing with a group of women in matching pink denim.
Ty leads the way preparing to walk through the door when the bouncer grabs his arm. “Hold up, man.You can’t jump the line.”
Ty slips him a few crumpled bills; I know I saw at least two hundreds in there. “You see my friend back there, that’s The Archer Bell and he’s here on behalf of a very intoxicated, very excited bridal party.” He lies smoothly.
The bouncer looks at the money, then at Ty’s face, then at my face. A face he has seen on every sports station for the past month or so. He stares for a moment and his resistance dissolves.
“Go on, then. Don’t touch the dancers.”
I nod a curt acknowledgment, pulling my suit jacket down. We step through the heavy blackout curtains and into the club’s dark interior. Inside, it’s an assault to my senses.
I scan the dark for her. The laser lights provide brief assistance. The air leaves my lungs when I see her. The black sequins of her dress catching the light, Vi sitting next to her in a feathered boa and glittering cowboy hat.
The cowboy, who the MC has dubbed, The Python, stands in front of Elle, he places his hat on her. His arms caging her against her seat. Her head shoots back in laughter, her hair cascading down her back in loose curls.
My control snaps.
I launch myself over the seats and plop myself down on her lap before The Python can start his routine.
My 230 pounds of muscle hits her with the force of a minor collision.
“What- what the fuck?! Archer!” She wheezes.
I adjust my weight so I’m not crushing her and reach into my wallet and hand The Python $200. “I want the dance.” I say, my smile, anything but friendly.
The Python stares at the money, then at my face.
Shrugging he takes the cash, his professional instincts kicking in instantly. He realizes this is entertainment, and he is getting paid handsomely for his role.
“Two hundred buys you a song.” He smirks. He nods to the DJ who instantly springs into Big and Rich’s Save a Horse Ride A Cowboy.
The Python steps closer, immediately starting his routine, focusing his moves right in front of my face. He drops into a slow squat, his abs flexing right at eye level, his eyes locked on mine shooting me a saucy wink.
The Python grabs the brim of my jacket and pulls me forward slightly. As he moves in close, he wrenches my tie off my neck and throws it into the crowd, eliciting loud screams from the women behind us.
The Python finishes off his dance by snatching his hat off Elle and placing it on my head. “Ever heard of the hat rule?” He mocks. I certainly have thanks to Elle’s books. I feel the tips of my ears turn red, but I can’t admit defeat now.
I plaster on a grin before turning to Elle, “Didyou enjoy the dance?”
Elle’s eyes blaze pure fury; I have never seen her so angry before. She’s using what strength she can muster from her position to push me off her.
Ty comes over with fresh drinks for everyone. A peace offering.
“Drink up, ladies! This is a Nashville Trash Can. It’s got five kinds of liquor, and it tastes like regret!” He holds out the tray of drinks to the bridal party. “Vi, congratulations!” He grins.
Vi is still wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. “Ty, you are the best! Thank you!”
Elle still radiates malice as she snatches the cheap cowboy hat off my head and places it firmly on her own head. She takes a drink from Ty. She throws her head back and drinks the entire thing in one go, the massive cocktail disappearing with shocking speed.
