She sucked a drag from her cigarette, scowling. She grabbed her phone, and all Cleo’s hope deflated like a popped balloon.
“I want four on Starr’s for the next few hours. You don’t leave until this twit does, and you follow her ass until she gets on the highway.”
What?
“If she makes one more stop, you run her off the fucking road, drag her ass outta that car, and bring her back to me.” Inez tossed the phone on the counter waving her hand inches from Cleo’s face.
“I promise, just a stop at Starr’s, and then I’ll go straight home.”
“I know you will ’cause if you don’t, I’m gonna beat your ass. And then I’m calling Ace and Wraith.”
“So you won’t tell them?”
Inez slammed her hand on the counter. “You’re getting on my last fucking nerve, fruit cake. Get the fuck out of my apartment.”
Cleo grabbed her bag from the counter and rushed to the front door. She grabbed the handle but stopped. Inez was doing her a favor and she hadn’t even thanked her. Cleo headed back into the kitchen. She poked her head around the wall and caught a sight she’d never seen.I didn’t even know Inez knew how to smile.It was a strange sight. It almost made her soft. Inez stilled then jerked her head. All signs of smiling were long gone, and her glare hardened.
“I forgot to say thank you.”
“Baby girl, if you ain’t gone in two seconds, I’m calling Wraith” —her eyes darkened— “to come retrieve your body ’cause I’m gonna kill you.”
Cleo waved and darted out the door. Did she really think Inezwould kill her? Probably not.But I’m not taking my chances.Inez was not someone whose word should be doubted.
*
Cleo stared up at the battered sign. A swarm of butterflies fluttered in her belly. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d gone out on her own without a companion. This all felt so normal. It shouldn’t be a foreign feeling. But it was. She lifted on her toes, looking through the dirty glass into the bar. From her angle, she could only see a few figures and none recognizable.
She pulled out her phone and sent a quick text.
Cleo: It’s my birthday, Bitches!
The message was read immediately, and she saw the response in the works.
Taryn: I’m all about celebrating you, girl. But your birthday was weeks ago.
Cleo: Cancel the kidnapping. I’m here!!!!
Cleo took a snapshot of herself in front of the door and hit send.
Taryn: Holy shit!!! Get your ass inside, and don’t you dare leave. I’ll be there in ten minutes.
Cleo sent a heart emoji and walked inside. She’d never been in Starr’s before. In fact, aside from Barry’s, she’d never stepped foot in any other bar. Funnily enough, both bars had quite a few similarities.
Regina was behind the bar counting cash.
“How’s it going?”
She smiled at the bartender and noticed Regina glance up quickly, then drop her gaze without any interest. Then she froze, and slowly glanced up.
“What the fuck are you doing here?”
Uh-oh, is she not happy to see me?Cleo stilled. She’d assumed it would be okay to drop in and see Regina. She didn’t have as close of a friendship like she did with Taryn, but she’d checked in onher a lot through messages. Regina had moved out of the apartments at Inez’s. That news was disappointing especially since the older woman had always offered Cleo a place to hang out after their first meeting. Unfortunately, she’d never got a chance to take her up on the offer.
“I was in Lawry and t-thought…”
Regina rounded the bar, strode to her, and spread out her arms. “Get your ass over here.”
Cleo rushed forward and Regina took her in for a hug, giving her a tight squeeze. And Cleo embraced every second of it. When she stepped back, she held onto Cleo’s arms, scanning her face and smiling.
