Page 32 of Sling’s Awakening

“Well, that’s my cue to leave,” Val says as he slaps his hands on the armrest of the chair and pushes out of it. “Happy digging.”

“Later, brother,” I say as I stand and pull Val in for a one arm hug.

It’s about time my little firecracker came home.

Chapter

Nine

BLAKE

Ishould have taken a shot of tequila before coming in.

Or three.

I even had a bottle in my freezer.

Rookie mistake.

The last thing I wanted to do on one of my only days away from this place was come in. Especially to deal with fucking Russ. But I knew I couldn’t leave Crystal alone. The look on her face when I walked through the door confirmed that.

“Has he come out of hiding?” I ask as I slide up beside her behind the bar.

“No.” Crystal shakes her head. “I haven’t seen him since we opened.”

I scan the room, Big Jack giving me a nod of acknowledgement as my eyes land on him. I give him a small smile in return.

The place is steady today for a Sunday. That’s probably what’s kept him from coming out here. Russ only likes to be seen when he wants to be.

Jinx is on the stage doing her set. I catch her eye as she spins around the pole.

Shit.

This is bad.

“Alright, I’m going back.” I sigh as I push off the counter. “Wish me luck.”

Crystal gives me a sympathetic smile that looks almost pained. “Good luck.”

“Thanks,” I respond sarcastically as I head into the back.

I really hope I don’t regret this.

I poke my head into the dressing room first, seeing who is all here.

“Ginny,” Hex gasps as her eyes widen in the mirror she’s getting ready in. “I’m so glad you’re here!” She jumps up from her seat, running over to hug me.

“I’m here, babe,” I wrap my arms around her. “Crystal called and told me it’s bad.”

“It’s so bad, Ginny,” Hex whispers against me. “Russ has been losing his shit all day. I’ve never seen him lose it like this before. He got mad we had our phones out while getting ready and took them! Can you believe that? He’s such a fucking asshole. Curse left here in tears. Tears. I’ve never seen her cry before. I hope she’s okay. I can’t text her until I leave this hellhole.”

Um, what?

I release my hold as I pull away from her. “Took your phones?”

Hex nods. “He said he doesn’t want us to be recording anything while we’re here and making money on the side with it. It’s such bullshit. He knows I have brand deals with a few makeup companies. If I can’t record myself using their products before I go on stage and how they look after, I’m going to lose everything I’ve worked for,” she rushes out.

“Okay, breathe.” I place my hands on her shoulders in a poor attempt to calm her down. “First of all, that’s illegal as fuck. He can have a no-phone policy at work, but he isn’t allowed to take them. So I’m going to get that back as soon as I leave this room. Second, what happened with Curse? I heard a little from Crystal, but I want your side too before I approach the bear.”