Page 34 of Playboy’s Purgatory

I bite my lip and nod, completely understanding. At least, I want her to think I do.

When her eyes land on the letter, which I’m not even trying to hide, her gaze turns curious. “What’s that?”

“Playboy wrote your mom a letter,” Opal provides, like the damn thing was addressed to her. It was not.

“Oh yeah?” She peers at it but doesn’t try to grab it or read it. My mama heart grows a few sizes bigger. “Does it say anything interesting?” Her eyes light up. “Does he confess is undying love for you?”

I look at her, completely appalled, while Opal laughs so hard she’s damn close to rolling around on the floor.

Opal blurts out, “He offered to tattoo her.”

I glare at her, but she covers her mouth slowly as if she’s trying to take the words back or didn’t mean to say them at all. But I can see the glint in her eye.

Before I can lay into Opal, Vanessa cuts in, “You should do it.” Her voice is so matter of fact, like it’s all so simple, “If you want to get a tattoo, at least. Why not?”

Why not?

The question rolls through my head a few times, picking up speed with every pass. I don’t have an answer. Not a good one. Honestly, not really one at all.

I don’t have a reason not to do it.

“Maybe,” I offer because I’m still not sure. “What would I even get?”

“That is the question,” Vanessa says like she knows I’ve already agreed.

Maybe I have.

Damn it.

CHAPTER 8

PLAYBOY

The moment I step inside Dolly’s Place, I see them. Lara and Vanessa are on opposites sides of a booth with milkshakes they look very pleased about between them. I don’t see anyone else, only them.

How did I not realize I look for her first in every room I enter?

When did it become habit?

It’s amazing I was able to convince myself that it had anything to do with Lola. It was never about that lying bitch. It was always about Lara. Even now, in questionable lighting, she’s magnetic.

I can hardly tear my eyes away from her.

It’s amazing how plans can change in an instant.

Originally, I was just going to grab a piece of orange creamsicle moonshine cake and a cup of coffee. I had been craving the indulgence, which is famous in at least five counties. Stan’s mom, Dolly, made it a staple of the diner.

People will drive a distance to get a piece. And it’s been far too long since I partook of this particular Monroe County delicacy.

It helps that Stan only uses Over the Ridge Moonshine in the cake which makes it feel close to the club. Don’t worry, the alcohol is cooked off. Well, most of it, I think.

Now that plan has gone out the window. Oh, I’ll be getting my cake, that’s not in question. But now I think I’ll slide right into the booth next to Lara and join them.

As I move toward their booth, Vanessa spots me coming. She perks up immediately while Lara’s head whips around so fast that I almost wince on her behalf. The moment she sees me, her eyes narrow into dangerous slits.

I don’t pay her any mind. Instead, I lift a hand when Honey, one of the best waitresses Dolly’s has to offer, sees me and I point toward the booth to let her know I’ll be joining them. She nods, but I can see the questions and confusion written all over her face.

In a place like Dolly’s, I’m sure she’s already heard all sorts of whispers. About how I’ve been a complete piece of shit to Lara. About how no one knew what to do with me and my attitude. About how Lola wrapped herself around me at every opportunity. About how Lara finally shut me and my bullshit down.