JACK
Once we’re done talking business, Alex and I rejoin the girls. Stepping into the living room and seeing Gracie holding baby Alice does something unfucking natural to me. The kind of thing that makes me want to take her to the nearest room with a lock and ensure she doesn’t leave until I’ve knocked her up.
“Olivia needed the bathroom,” she explains, looking out of her depth, and outnumbered by the two children she’s been left to care for.
“I hope she wasn’t too much trouble?” Olivia appears from behind us, relieving Gracie of her duties when she takes back her little girl and kisses her little head.
“So when should we expect this wedding, Jack?” She looks eagerly towards me.
“Three weeks. I spoke with the priest this morning.”
“Three weeks!?” Gracie’s eyes double in size.
“I asked him for his next available date. I don’t see any use in us delaying.” Moving over to stand beside her, I rest my hand on her shoulder.
“I thought having a date might have been something you mentioned to the bride.” She smiles through her teeth at me.
“It was my intention, but we just keep getting preoccupied.” I lean over her to make a fuss over the baby in Olivia’s arms, who’s starting to stir.
“These two men should never have been allowed to meet.” Olivia rolls her eyes at Gracie. “I’m expecting an invite to this wedding.”
“Oh, I should hope so…I’m Jack’s best man.” Alex perches on the armrest beside his wife.
“This is all…Three weeks?” Gracie looks up at me to check she heard me right.
“Three weeks.” I nod, assuring her that there's nothing wrong with her hearing.
“So, what were you and Alex talking about?” she asks once we’ve pulled away from the Hatherly estate and are on our way home.
“Just normal guy stuff.” I shrug, pulling the sleeves of my quarter-zip jumper up my bicep.
“I’m assuming you inherited the club your father bought from him a few years ago, along with everything else?” She narrows her eyes. “I figured you’d be asking for management tips.”
“More of Selena’s research?” I question, trying not to look unnerved by her knowledge. The fact that she knows so much about things that, up until last month, I was oblivious to, makes me feel at a disadvantage.
“One of the girls used to work there; apparently, things got tough after Alex sold it.” She’s holding something back, I can tell from her nervous hand fiddling.
“I’m hoping all that has been fixed. Alex has recommended someone who can manage the place accordingly and shares my vision,” I answer
“And what exactly is yourvision?” Gracie tests me, crossing her arms and giving me a judgemental glare.
“That all women have a choice; those of them who wish to use their assets to make money should be able to do so in a safe, respectable environment.”
Her mouth moves to speak, but she manages to hold her tongue when she absorbs what I’ve just said. The thought of her ever being in that kind of situation puts a sour taste in my mouth. “I’m nothing like my father or my brother,” I tell her for clarity. “Alex sold The Residence to my father, thinking he would run the place the same way he did. We have both learned that for some, that was a costly mistake. Believe it or not, he feels bad about it. It’s why he’s being so helpful.”
“You know, your brother would force the girls there to do such humiliating things. He used them to entertain his friends without paying them.” I can hear the anger in her words.
“I’ve heard the rumours about Thomas’s behaviour, and I’d be happy to compensate your fri–”
“You can’t compensate for basic human rights.” She talks over me.
“Of course not.” I reach across and take her hand, hoping she believes that I understand.
“What Sophia was doing at that club is no different from what I’m doing here with you.” Her eyes turn tearful as she turns her head to look out the window. “We all do what we have to for a chance of a better life; not everyone was born into money.” She drags her hand from under mine so she can wipe away her tears.
“Hey.” I quickly pull over when I see a gateway, cutting the engine and angling my body towards hers. “I get it.” My hand grabs hers again. “I get that in the majority of cases, the girlsworking in the club don’t have any other options. It’s the whole reason I haven’t closed the damn place down. But, regardless of the situation they are in, it doesn’t mean they deserve to be treated with any less respect. I’m sorry about what your friend went through. And this,” I wave my finger between our bodies, “this isnotthe same.”
“Then what is it?” She stares up at me, looking a little helpless.
