KEELEY: And I know a place we can try
Chapter Nineteen
KEELEY
As though stepping into a time warp, we push through the deep-red velvet curtain into another world, and my jaw drops.
I found a quirky bar online that moonlights as a burlesque club during the summer months, and when I sent it to the girls, it was a resounding yes for our night out. Since I hadn’t actually been here before, the images online could have very well been too good to be true, but I’m happy to say, on first impression alone, I don’t think that’s the case.
A circular stage sits prominently in the center of the room, adorned with the same velvet curtains and gold trim. Dancers line the stage with opulent corseted costumes embellished with sequins and lace. In front of the stage is a wooden dance floor, while the rest of the dark room houses three deep mahogany bars, cabaret seating, and burgundy leather sofas.
I’d go as far as to say the picture online did not do it justice.
“Welcome to The Satin Rose. Do you have a reservation?”
The girls all look my way, and I laugh at the concern in their expressions. “I sure do. It’s under Keeley Reynolds. I reserved a booth.”
“Ooh, a booth.” Hayley whistles under her breath. “I love this place.”
The host directs us to our table and lights a dusty-pink candle before handing each of us a menu. “You’ll find all our cocktails here, but if you don’t see a favorite, rest assured, our bar staff are just as talented as our dancers. Have a lovely evening.”
She wanders away and all eyes are on me. “This place is incredible, Keels.”
“Right? I can’t believe we haven’t been here before. Have you been here?” Paige asks, her eyes wide as though I have a secret she doesn’t know about. And I suppose I do. It’s just not this.
“When do I ever go out?”
“You went out a few months back. With my dad.”
“What?” Hayley chokes on thin air, her eyes sparkling with gossipy joy while I stiffen beside her. “You had a date with Daddy D’Angelo? Sorry, Paige.”
“Ugh,” Paige groans. “I really wish you wouldn’t call him that.” She tries to pout but her smile shines through, and I squeeze my leg under the table.
“Why? He’s your dad and he’s a D’Angelo. Daddy D’Angelo. Right, Keeley?” She elbows me in the side but I raise my hands.
“No. Please leave me out of this.”
“Because you’re dating him?”
“No! Jesus. We’re friends who went to a concert together. That’s all. And it wasmonthsago. Despite it being the offseason, I’ve spent all my time between work and home.”
I didn’t know Paige knew about it. Sal and I haven’t spoken about it since. And we definitely haven’t planned round two.
My eyes flash to hers and she smirks back at me. “I should probably let you know that Dad tells me everything.”
My heart seizes for the briefest of seconds, but I hide it behind my smile, ensuring it never once wavers. “I love that. I’m glad the two of you have that relationship now.”
Paige releases a soft laugh, and I’m not sure if it’s because she sees through my attempt to remain calm or she’s about to agree with me. And it’s the longest three seconds of my life before she does.
“I love it too, but he’s also still my dad. I don’t need to knoweverything. And you definitely need to go out more. I didn’t realize it had been that long since the two of you went out.”
Relief fills me when she smiles, and it doesn’t appear to have an underlying connotation. “You’re probably right; either way I haven’t been here. I’m excited for the night.”
“Should we order a cocktail?” Blair asks, having been quiet since we walked in.
“Hell, yes!” Hayley’s quick to respond. “My girl needs alcohol. Her brother’s staying with her and Zane.”
“The two of them are driving me crazy.” Blair frowns. “It was better when they’d stopped being friends. It’s like revisiting my youth.”
