26. Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Five
Sunny
The phone buzzes, vibrating across the nightstand, and I groan, fumbling to answer it. Just seeing Benny’s name on the screen is enough to set my nerves on edge. He of all people should know that there's no way I'd be up this early. Can’t the man give me a break?
“Afternoon Benny,” I say, mustering up a chipper tone, though my body is still craving sleep.
“Angel, darling, you're something else. You know that?” His voice is bright and enthusiastic, which is rare enough that it actually wakes me up a little. “You crushed it last night. I don't know what you did, but they loved you. A lot . They left you a real nice thank-you gift. Wanna guess?"
I yawn and stretch, not really in the mood to play games. I want to get back to sleep. "C'mon Benny, it's too early for games."
"Fine, fine, fine. You'd never guess anyway."
There's a brief pause, and I huff, irritated. "Ben-ny," I say, covering a yawn.
"Ten grand.” When I don't say anything, Benny repeats himself. "Did you hear me, Angel. I said they left you ten grand. I mean they tipped everyone over the top, a lot more than average, but you..."
“What?” I blink, and sit up in bed, speechless. I mean, I know I'm good at my job, but seriously?
“You heard me right, doll. Ten. Thousand. Dollars. Cash." He’s doing his best to sound casual, but there’s no hiding the excitement in his voice. "And to top it off, I've got that guy Zane on the phone. They want to come back again tonight. Said the big boss wants to check out the club. He's practically begging me to make sure you’ll be there. Doubled the fee for the room if I can make it happen."
His voice turns sheepish, cautious. "Now look, I know I said this morning when you were leaving that you could take the next couple days off, but I told them I’d see what I could do.” He pauses only long enough to catch his breath. “So, you in? Same deal as last night.”
A flicker of uncertainty crossing my mind. A VIP repeat with the same men as last night. Plus one. To be honest it wasn't horrible . But ten grand? I can't help but wonder what they're expecting in return—what Zane is expecting in return. That's some serious cash, especially if they tipped out everyone even half as well.
I'd be an idiot to turn it down. “Yeah,” I say slowly, rubbing the back of my neck. “Alright, I’ll do it. I’ll be there.” And then as an afterthought, "But I want Jake and Eddie at the door again."
“You got it!” Benny’s voice booms with satisfaction. “Trust me, sweetheart, just go in there tonight and do whatever it was you did last night. I'll go over all the rules again with them and make sure they understand that the only thing you or any of the girls owe them is a full glass and a couple laughs. That's it.”
I roll my eyes even though he can’t see it. “Yeah, sure, Benny. I'll be there by seven. See you later.”
Hanging up, I find myself with a strange twinge of anticipation under the thin layer of nerves. Last night with those guys was… different. Zane, Z, kept it interesting. Maybe tonight will go just as smooth.
I wake up late and decide to get ready at home. This is the busiest time in the dressing room and I don't feel like fighting for a spot. After my shower I decide it might be fun to amp it up a little. I unzip a garment bag hanging in the closet and take out my newest dress—a virgin white satin number that's really nothing more than a couple scraps of material held together by a few delicate gold chains at the neck and sides. It was way more expensive than it should've been and it barely covers anything, but I love the way it shows off my tattoo.
Once I'm dressed, I throw on a baggy hoodie that comes almost down to my knees, grab my backpack and heels and head out, feeling a small buzz of excitement start. It's probably just the thought of that ridiculous tip, but still—it's been a minute since I've had anything to look forward to. By the time I walk in through the back entrance, the club is already ramping up for the night.
“Angel, honey!” Jade’s voice rings out as soon as she sees me step into the dressing room. She makes her way over, a wide grin lighting up her face. “I'm so glad you decided to come in tonight! Last night was amazing! I heard about your nice little parting gift. I knew you were killing it.”
I laugh, rolling my eyes. “Yeah, well, you had a lot to do with it. It wouldn't have gone half as well without you.”
Jade smirks. “Maybe. I mean, I didn't do much really. I was kind of distracted. My tip was nothing to complain about, but girl, yours was on a whole other level." She nudges me, her green eyes sparkling. "It's you and me tonight again."
I can’t help but laugh, the last bit of nerves melting away. “Thank God. We make a good team. I actually didn't mind last night though, it was kinda fun.”
“Yeah? It looked like you were enjoying the company. Z, right? He seemed pretty into you, and it looked, from where I was sitting, that the feeling might've been a little mutual,” Jade says with a wink. "Don't think I didn't see you take that shot."
I offer up a guilty shrug. She follows me over to my locker and takes a seat on the bench. I open the door and toss the bag in before pulling the hoodie over my head. I toss my head shaking out my hair and adjust my dress. "I know you—"
"Holy hell." Jade looks up at me, her eyes wide with appreciation. "That is some dress."
"You like?" I do a small twirl, laughing at the low whistle she gives me. "Here let me get that for you," I say bending down and pretending to wipe a little drool from the side of her mouth.
Jade watches as I finish slipping into my heels. “Girl, between the two of us, they won't know what hit 'em."
When we step out of the dressing room into the hallway, we stop in front of the mirror just outside the door. She nods approvingly at our reflection. Her dark spiky hair, black leather corset, fishnets and thigh high boots are a perfect contrast to my long blonde, ribbon-tied hair, white satin dress, and stilettos. We definitely make an impression.
Together, we take our time making our way across the club, enjoying the comments and looks of appreciation. Talk about a confidence booster. I don't know about Jade, but on nights like tonight when it all comes together and seems to work, I feel... powerful.
When we reach the VIP entrance, Jade takes a moment and adjusts the top of her boots. I adjust the ribbon in my hair, and smooth down the front of my dress. Jade glances at me, and we share a little nod, both of us pulling our shoulders back and lifting our chins slightly.
Jake and Eddie are standing outside the doors again, and I say a silent 'thank you' to Benny. They do a double take as we approach and Eddie pulls the door open for us. We walk through arm and arm, striding in with swagger and confidence. The lounge is already high energy. Each one of the guys from last night is lounging in one of the plush leather chairs or stretched out along one of the sleek couches. They already have a drink in hand and there seem to be a couple more dancers in here than there was last night. It’s the perfect start to the night,
Jade flashes her best million-watt smile. "Gentlemen,” she drawls, her voice full of silk and honey, “hope you saved some energy for us.”
All eyes turn to take us in. We both bask in the attention, enjoying the stunned expressions. I let go of Jade's arm, kiss her on the cheek and turn to go and take my place behind the bar. I'm not too surprised to see Zane already seated there, instead of sitting with his friends. He stands and watches me cross the room towards him.
“And here I thought there was no way you could ever look more beautiful than you did last night.” Zane says once I'm in front of him.
I laugh, feeling a little of the tension drain away. "Even more charming the second time around, I see."
I step around the back of the bar, but I can feel his gaze follow me. "I'm glad you decided to come tonight, Angel. I was hoping you'd be here."
Moving around to the back of the bar, I start double checking to make sure everything is stocked the way it should be for the night. "Well, what can I say. You made me an offer I couldn't refuse." I chuckle as I reach for his glass. "That was, uh, quite the gift you left for me. Thank you."
"It was from all of us. But, there's no need to say thank you. Last night was exactly what we needed. Honestly, it was less than what you deserve."
A comfortable silence falls between us as we both watch the scene in the lounge. Everyone does seem to be enjoying themselves again tonight and it seems to be a bit more relaxed than it was last night. Most of the same girls are back, dancing and socializing. Jade is firmly planted on the edge of Colt's chair, and while I can't hear what she's whispering to him, I can see it's enough to make him need to adjust his position. More than once. I laugh out loud when she pats him on the head. It seems that Zane isn't the only one with a favorite.
I excuse myself, making my rounds around the room, collecting drink orders, ensuring everyone is comfortable and happy. Zane sticks to his spot at the bar though. His attention seems to be for me, and me alone. His eyes follow me, tracking my every movement. It should be disturbing, being watched like this, but I'm enjoying it. At least as much I did last night, if not more.
Satisfied I've got things handled, I circle back toward the bar. The connection between Zane and I is back, subtle but solid. I’m trying not to let it get to me. He’s leaning on the bar, nursing the drink in front of him with that easy grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.
I reach for a clean glass and a bottle and Zane starts talking—telling me a story about the first time he ever got drunk, and it pulls me in immediately. He’s quicker, funnier, and sharper than I gave him credit for. Before long, I’m laughing without even thinking about it.
I'm busy pulling glasses from under the bar when I hear Zane let out a deep chuckle behind me.
"Hey man! I'm glad you're finally here. We were all starting to think you changed your mind."
There's a pause and hearty laugh. "Yeah, you all look like you're missing me. Can't live without me." I hear the distinct sound of metal scraping on the floor as one of the barstools is pulled out. "So, where is she? Where is this girl? Anyone who can get that kind of reaction outta you is worth meeting."
I smile, feeling my face color slightly as I pretend I didn't hear what I just heard from under the counter.
Zane laughs. "Smooth, man. Real smooth. Thanks a lot. She, um, she's right behind you."
I stand and look up from what I'm doing to see Zane smiling at me sheepishly. The man he was talking to has his back to me, his focus directed towards the center of the room.
"Oh." There's a long pause, and a whispered, "Sorry man," as he turns around.
I look up, with my sweetest, brightest smile ready to greet him. When his eyes land on me, the rest of whatever he was going to say, dies in his throat, and the color drains from his face.
The seconds stretch out into a long, excruciating silence. My eyes stay locked on his. Perfect, endless pools of deep green that I've spent the past seven years trying to forget. Seven years of pretending I couldn't still see them every time I closed my eyes.
"Angel?" He chokes the two syllables out in a barely-there whisper.
His face is harder now, more mature, more angular. More beautiful. The scattered freckles across his nose have faded slightly. The small jagged white scar on his chin he got during his first football game when he was eight still stands out.
It's a face I still know by heart. I know exactly how his skin would feel under my fingertips if I were to reach out and touch him.
My breath is shallow, and I can feel the blood drain from my own face. I stumble back, dizzy, grabbing at the counter behind me for balance as my entire world spins off it's axis. Those gorgeous, brilliant eyes that used to look at me with fierce love and absolute devotion are now staring at me in stunned disbelief and shock. And horror. Mostly horror.
Levi.
I’m rooted to the spot I'm standing in, trapped like a bug—pinned by his gaze, and it’s like the entire room has been stripped away—the music, the people, even the lights—all of it disappears, and it’s just us. Me and him.
…That's what I said. You. Me. We….
My heart thunders painfully in my chest, like it’s trying to claw its way out. My body feels too heavy to move. The air is thick and suffocating and I can't breathe.
Levi's hand falls away from Zane’s shoulder and he takes a step back, knocking over the barstool next to him. His eyes stay locked on mine, unblinking.
“Sunny?” he breathes the name I haven't heard out loud for years. The name I never wanted to hear again. He says it the way I remember him always saying it, like he's reciting a prayer.
My throat closes up, and all I can do is nod, and stand there with tears blurring my vision as the reality of him standing here in front of me, crashes down and threatens to drown me. Everything I've tried so hard to forget for so long comes rushing back. I remember it all—the sweet words, the gentle kisses, the promises. The love. I take a shallow, shaky breath.
I start to tremble as his arm reaches out for me across the bar. There's a haunted look in his eyes that squeezes my heart. My hand lifts in response, reaching out for him the way it used to. The moment our fingers touch, a piece of something inside of me breaks wide open.
I'm crushed under the weight of remembering—overwhelmed by the memory of his leaving—every broken promise, every lie, every tear and every scar. It's too much. The pain is devastating as it barrels over me, and before he has a chance to say anything, I back away, yanking my hand out of reach.
“What the fuck?” Zane’s voice is confused and concerned as he looks from me to Levi and back to me again. His voice cuts through the haze and pulls me back into the present. "Angel? What's wrong? Are you okay?"
I shake my head, but can't look up at him. I am definitely not okay. I have never been less okay. I want to scream it into his face, but I can't. The words are stuck in my throat. I'm frozen in place and I'm not even sure I’m breathing anymore. My fingers shake uncontrollably, and I lose my grip on the bottle I’m holding. It falls to the floor and shatters. The sound is deafening in the silence that’s formed around us.
My body moves before my mind can catch up. I turn on my heel and break for the door. Each step I take vibrates through me and I feel as if I might shatter, but I can’t stop. I have to get out of here—away from the heaviness of his stare. Away from the memories threatening to swallow me, destroy me.
The door is within reach when I glance back. Levi hasn't moved. He’s standing frozen at the edge of the bar, his face a mask of unbearable pain and something impossibly worse. It makes my chest ache in ways I thought I’d never feel again.
Our eyes meet, and the air between us turns electric. My legs nearly buckle, but I force them to keep moving. I push through the door, stumbling out, my heart pounding in my ears. I need out.
I can’t look back again. If I do, I know it will break me.
But before the door swings shut, I hear it—strangled words, broken and raw—ripped from somewhere deep inside of him.
"Sunny! Please!”
The sound follows me, as I run.