I nodded my head, not wanting to go further into detail, when we weren’t necessarily in friendly territory.
“There’s a woman upstairs for you, amigo. I made sure it’s the one you always visit when you’re here.” He leaned over and bumped his elbow against mine.
“What am I going to owe you for bringing her?” I asked, playing along. This was the last delivery for the week, and I was tired. Too many runs, not enough quality sleep.
Javier laughed, slapping his hand over his knee. “Gift.” He shook his head. “I brought her for me, but you look like you could use a good lay.” I must have flinched because his smile widened. “Arranged marriage. I don’t care what she does, and she turns a blind eye to my extramarital activities. It’s the perfect marriage, but if I catch wind of the pool boy one more time, she’s going to be missing a toy.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. If Roxy even thought about entertaining one of those dumbass cowboys on the street, I’d put the fear of God into them. I had always been in the mood for easy pussy, but they took it to another level. They walked up and down the street for pay, providing an authentic Old West experience, but they really singled out the wives they thought they could nail. Roxy wasbetter than that, and while I didn’t think she’d ever believe their bullshit, I wasn’t taking any chances.
“How long until dinner?” I asked. I was going to have to pay her a visit, but maybe if I timed this right, I wouldn’t have to pretend I was interested.
“You’ve got about an hour, amigo.” Javier smirked. “Should be enough time for your old ass.”
“Look who’s talking. This old ass saved yours.” I let a smirk settle on my lips, standing up from where I’d been sitting on the cargo. “Send someone for me. You’re cooking steaks. They’re better than anything I could get in the clubhouse.” I heard laughter follow me as I climbed the first couple of stairs, not sure how I was going to get out of the emotionless sex. I was fucking empty, and my dick knew it before I did.
Chapter twelve
No Reason To Say Hello
Roxy
I checked on the family sitting at one of my tables before heading back to the kitchen to grab the next round of food.
The tourists wanted an Old West experience. The food was good, but that wasn’t enough. They wanted the pictures, the atmosphere, and every nuance that came with the saloon. It never stopped, making most of the days feel the same—corset, shorts, and the same questions asking how to get a picture with the actors.
I had heard the other waitresses on the street were bitching about us. Most of the clientele chose the Blue Angel, leaving not much for anyone else. The customers they got weren’t very nice. They wanted to grab a quick meal and go, often not leaving a tip.
“They can bitch all they want,” Lulu had said the first time one of them had tried to start trouble. The low-cut saloon corset fit all our curves, but I swore Lulu had altered hers. She didn’t spill over the top, but I often wondered how she kept it all locked down when she was one good bounce from disaster. Angelica shook her head, telling Lulu she’d pay the fine for indecency if there was one. I couldn’t help but laugh, offering my usual service and saving the money in a plastic bag in my suitcase.
“Don’t look now, but your buddy is about to walk through the door.” Lulu sidled up to me, hooking her arm around mine for a second. “I don’t know how you did it, but damn, girl. This is one of the best summers we’ve ever had.”
“You told me to stay away from the cowboys.” I chuckled at her antics, putting celery garnishes on the sandwiches I was getting ready to serve. “Don’t get used to it. I won’t be here next year, and you’ll have to figure something else out.” I quickly wondered where I would be at this time next year, but my vision went blank.
“Aces will never call you back, and you haven’t gone to the garage to check on your car. I figure you’re avoiding a certain biker, or you want to stay. Either way, I don’t see you leaving Tombstone soon.” She pulled away, bumping me with her hip before she went to greet the men. Doc was in his usual spot, Marshal Wyatt Earp beside him. The excitement was contagious as it buzzed throughout the room. The circus was back in town.
“I give it twenty minutes before every tourist is waiting for a table.” Francene laughed. “Girl, I wish I had seen you.”
“It wasn’t a big deal,” I whispered to her, grabbing the plates and heading for one table in the window. Francene wasn’t exaggerating. The front door was opening every two seconds, and Bri was doing her best to get everyone on a waitlist. I had to give her credit. She was a sweet kid, but she didn’t let anyone try to bully their way around her. We also watched out for her when any of us were near the front door.
“Lunch is served,” I said, approaching the family sitting at the table. “Chicken tenders. Cook made them specially for you.” I always said something directly to the kids. They were innocent, and I enjoyed watching them light up with joy while they still believed in something real.
“Ma’am?” the little boy asked. He still needed to use a booster chair to reach the table.
“Yes, cowboy?” I smiled back at him, laying the cheeseburger in front of his father, before moving around the table.
“Is that Mr. Holliday?” His little voice quivered as if he were in awe.
I served the rest of the food before I circled back around to him. Crouching to make sure we were on the same level, I gave him my full attention. “Yes, that is Mr. Holliday, and he’s sitting next to Marshal Earp.” I hadn’t realized the saloon had gone quiet, listening in on my conversation with this little boy.
“Miss Roxy, would you do me a kindness?” Doc drawled, turning in his chair to face my general direction. I wasn’t sure if he could see me, but it really didn’t matter. This was about the little boy’s curiosity.
“If you expect me to be nice to the Clantons, I will have to decline.” I let my voice take the airy tone I’d used outside. There had already been two shows at the O.K. Corral, so I was pretty sure these people knew who I was talking about. “He forgets to pay his bill and snores at the bar.” The room lit up with laughter.
“I would never subject a lady to such…poor standards.” He smirked, clearly having fun playing to the crowd.
The men who played the Clantons stayed out on the street until it was time for their show, so I had no clue if that statement was even true. However, the room exploded, and I saw a few cell phones recording. It was family-friendly entertainment, and they were just making memories.
“I should probably be the one doing you a favor then.” He smirked. “Would you be so kind as to bring that little cowboy over here? He needs to be deputized, as the marshal is getting old and senile.” Doc knocked the actor playing Wyatt Earp in the arm with his cane.
