32. Dillan
32
DILLAN
A fter leaving the studio and plopping in for a quick but warm hello in the clinic, Isaac and I make our way back home. My staff is now more than double what it was before, which makes managing patients a lot easier. I rarely assist with deliveries unless there are complications, giving me more time for my own family.
With Isaac on my arm, I unlock the door, looking forward to sinking into the couch and going through my emails. That’s when I realize that Lizzie has left her phone by the door. Having the title of “undisputed king” to uphold, I figure I’ll save her the stress of worrying by bringing it to her.
After securing Isaac back in the car, I hop into my seat. Lizzie has already left when I stop by her old place. Just as I’m about to leave, Mrs. Loughty opens her door, peeking out. When I explain to her that Lizzie forgot her phone, she casually provides Lizzie’s work address.
“Here you, go, dear. Tell Elizabeth she’s as forgetful as a goldfish.”
The information is delivered so nonchalantly that, for a few moments, I question whether I’ve imagined Lizzie’s secretiveness about it. Thankfully, Mrs. Loughty is more than willing to watch Isaac so I can run my errand.
I do not expect to find myself driving to a club, more specifically, Sinner’s Lounge.
What a funny coincidence. So that’s where she’s waitressing.
Was that why she’s kept it from me for so long? The place isn’t a shabby disgusting hole she needs to hide from me, despite the club’s shady past. When I pull up outside of the club, I spot Jorge. He has just walked out with a beautiful, dark-skinned woman on his arm, guiding her toward his bike. He nods toward me as I get out of my car.
“Hey there, long time no see. What are you doing here?” he says, climbing onto his bike. “Oh, this is Scarlette, my girl.” The young woman gives me a nod.
“Hey, what’s up?” I ask. “My girl forgot her phone, so I stopped by to bring it to her.”
“Your girl? She works here?” Scarlette asks, settling behind Jorge.
“Sure does. Lizzie.”
Scarlette’s eyes light up. “Oh, you’re lucky. She just went on stage. If you hurry up, you’ll see her dance.”
“On stage?”
“Yeah, better hurry.”
“See ya, bro,” Jorge says before revving the engine.
They ride off, and I turn to the doors of the club, wondering what the hell is going on.