3. Hungover
3
HUNGOVER
GIOVANNA
What the hell? My head! My fucking head! As I slowly stirred from my drunken slumber, the intense sun streaming through the living room windows assaulted my senses. My head throbbed painfully, and I internally cursed myself for not drinking enough water yesterday before we went out. With bleary eyes, I spotted two untouched bottles of water on the coffee table next to me.
Thankfully, I’d thought of grabbing water in my drunken state before I laid down last night. I took one off the coaster and twisted it open, guzzling the entire thing before setting it back in place. Squinting, I scanned the room, then looked down at the decorative blanket draped over me. I ran my fingertips around it, noting it was the first time I’d used it.
“Damn, I really took care of myself last night,” I mused with a half-hearted chuckle before collapsing back onto the sofa, my arm shielding my eyes.
A faint buzzing noise drew my attention, and I lifted my head to scan for my missing phone. It was nowhere in sight. Pushing myself up into a sitting position, I furrowed my brow, squinting even harder at the overwhelming brightness. The vibration continued, and I stumbled toward the foyer, determined to find it.
I stopped short when I saw my shoes neatly lined up by the door and my handbag perched on a nearby table. Picking it up, I fished out my phone to see Kirsten’s face illuminating the screen. Swiping to answer, I brought it up to my ear.
Hey.
Girl, she breathed, thank God you’re fine! Did you and him talk?
What are you talking about? I yanked the phone back from my face, curling my lip up at it before placing it back to my ear. Please use your inside voice.
Are you hungover? She giggled.
Running my hands through my hair, I scuffed back to the living room, pacing between the two sitting areas. I think I’m still drunk right now.
She laughed again. You’re not used to Chance’s bartending skills.
Yeah, I don’t even know what happened.
I do!
I snatched the phone away again. Kirsten , I growled before putting it back to my head, pleaseee.
Sorry, sorry , she apologized. Hey, do you want me to swing by and get you on the way to Chance and Amber’s?
For what?
She and I were going to work on a few things, and I figured you might want to come along too.
For Euphoria or Luxe? I asked, though I wasn’t sure I cared to know.
Which one of those would make you say ‘yes’?
Looking up at the ceiling, I snickered. Neither right now.
Ah, you said right now which means ? —
I didn’t hear another word she said because I spotted a black wad of paper next to a silver mixing bowl beside the couch. With a curious tilt of my head, I meandered toward it and reached down to pick it up. As I unraveled the tightly compacted paper, emerald-green foil letters glinted in the light, spelling out Enigma VIP. I gasped.
What?! She gasped too.
I have to go.
Is everything okay?! She was in a mild panic.
Yeah, I just spilled some water on an electrical outlet . As the words tumbled out of my mouth, I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks at the lie.
Shit, okay . She bought it thank God. Let’s hang tonight, bye.
Okay, bye.
Tyler coming into the bathroom at Enigma. The drive. The girl dying for his attention in the front seat, whose name I didn’t care to remember. It was all flooding back to me, and I sobered immediately. My eyes lowered to the scene in front of me before zipping to the door.
“Did he leave?” I whispered cautiously, now unsure if I was alone. “Did he see me puking?” Appalled, I lifted my gaze to the open, wooden staircase with the glass banister. “Tyler?” I called out, then waited for an answer, regretting my volume.
Shit! Eyes wide, I yanked my shirt up, then turned my head back and forth in the gold wall mirror. If history repeated itself, he’d given me at least three hickeys anywhere on my body. All good . I would’ve checked for panties, but I didn’t wear them except at work. Tyler had been in my home, and now I was overthinking everything. I hadn’t taken care of myself. He’d done it. “I really need some coffee and a shower then I need to pretend none of this happened,” I groaned.
The rest of the weekend seemed to race by, and I prayed that I hadn’t forgotten any important moments from that night. Every passing minute only heightened my worry about what may have happened between Tyler and me, and more importantly, if I’d said or done anything stupid.
Despite Kirsten’s invitation to hang out, I chose to remain at home. As the days passed, I found myself becoming increasingly restless. I’d already read several books, finished some paintings, and my apartment was impeccably clean as always. Yet, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of guilt for abandoning the club and not returning after Luke and I spoke at the cemetery that day. So, on Thursday morning, I decided to address it.
Realizing I owed them all an apology for my absence, I picked up my phone from the kitchen island and scrolled through my contacts until I found Luke’s name. I hesitantly pressed the call button, my heart racing with anticipation. It rang endlessly without an answer. Just when I was about to end the call, a notification buzzed in my ear. Glancing down at my phone screen, I saw a text from him.
In a meeting with Ian right now.
Okay, when you get done, please call me
Are you able to meet somewhere?
Furrowing my brow, I lifted the corner of my lip. “Weird but okay, I’ll play along.”
Sure
I watched the little bubbles dance as he replied.
Central Wharf Plaza in an hour.
Glancing at the time, I sprinted upstairs, changing into a pair of dark blue jeans, a green tank top, and matching sneakers. I grabbed my bag and hurried to the elevator. I hated taking the subway anywhere, but in Boston, the train was the way to go if possible. Knowing I’d be stuck in traffic forever and unfamiliar with parking near the plaza, I had no choice.
Leaving Luke waiting was probably not in my best interest. I was lucky enough that he even agreed to meet with me without me having to beg. I wasn’t a beggar when it came to forgiveness, but I would.
I took the T from Hynes Convention Center Station to the Aquarium, switching trains on the way. Once on the street, I hurried over the crosswalk, past hordes of people on their way to the aquarium and harbor. The view could be breathtaking at times, but being near the water with someone like Luke made me cautious. My father’s favorite form of punishment was drowning those who angered him. And from what I knew, Luke was just as crazy.
When I finally arrived at the plaza where we were supposed to meet, I scanned the area anxiously for any sign of him. People were scattered throughout the square, resting on benches under the shade of trees or chatting with friends.
As I strolled over to a pathway lined with short stone walls on either side, I tried not to let my nerves get the best of me. I leaned back against a wall and crossed my arms over my chest, trying to appear nonchalant as I observed the surroundings behind my oversized sunglasses.
Further down the wall, four children hopped on and off. I stole glances at them from the corner of my eye, a small smile tugging at my lips as they played an intense game of tag. One girl seemed to be in charge, her bossy demeanor reminding me of myself at her age, enforcing whatever rules they had concocted.
There was a time when I wanted to have children more than anything, and maybe a part of me still did. I adored kids and watching them now only reminded me of what I had missed out on and would miss in the future. Despite my fairly young age, that choice was taken from me.
Years ago, I got pregnant. Panicked because of my job, I hid it for a couple of months until I could figure out how to leave Penthouse. I wanted to keep the baby and find a new job with a place to live where my child would be safe.
Before I could make that decision for myself, Ekaterina found a positive pregnancy test in my trash can. She demanded I see a doctor who confirmed her worst nightmare. Her star dancer and paycheck had broken her number one rule. But what was done was done.
Reaching in my bag, I took out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. It wasn’t often that I smoked anymore but I always kept some with me in case. Watching the crowd coming and going from the Aquarium nearby, I craned my neck for any sign of Luke again.
It was then that I spotted him coming out of Brewed Awakening Coffee Bar. It was a cozy little coffee shop across the street with a cute black and white awning and an inviting outdoor seating area. The rich aroma of coffee drifted through the air every time someone opened the door.
Luke was dressed in black slacks and a black buttoned shirt; the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his intricate tattoos. His eyes were hidden behind a pair of gold aviators while he held a black coffee cup with white lids in each hand. A leashed Chocolate Lab yanked against its tight leash, jumping at him as he passed the owner in the middle of the crosswalk.
Mothers quickly ushered their children away from him, scowling in his direction as he approached me. Little did they know, he was one of the greatest dads on the planet. But judging by his intimidating appearance, I would’ve done the same.
Pinning the cigarette between my lips, I took a deep drag and then lowered it to my side. A thick cloud swirled around my head and blew away with the breeze. He came to a stop in front of me on the path, holding out one of the cups. I cocked my head.
“It’s not poisonous, if that’s what you’re worried about,” he half-joked as I took it from him.
Rolling my eyes, I sighed. “Thank you, and I didn’t think it would be.” I glanced around, taking a sip, then set it on the wall next to me. “There’s too many people around for that, and you’re not sloppy.”
He pursed his lips before taking a drink from his own cup.
“Seriously, thanks,” I said when I realized he wasn’t going to joke back.
As he lit a cigarette for himself and perched on the wall opposite me, I tried to gather my thoughts once more before speaking. The crowded street bustled around us, but for a moment we existed in our own little bubble.
He sucked in a breath through his teeth. “So?” he asked, then took turns, lifting the cup to his mouth and smoking as I spoke.
“I’m sorry I haven’t reached out since the cemetery,” I said, my voice low but growing louder. “I needed time to process everything. But leaving the assistant job and the club was a mistake. I always knew my dad’s death would come in some tragic way, but?—”
He held up a hand. “Lower your voice.”
“Sorry,” I hissed. “Anyway, I just… I don’t know. I had this whole speech planned and I don’t think any of it’ll come out the way I want it to.”
He sat silent for a few moments, bobbing his head. “Are you asking to return to the club?”
I shrugged a shoulder, lowering my gaze.
“Gia, look at me.”
I lifted my eyes, puffing on my smoke before snuffing it out on the wall and placing the butt next to me.
“Where’s the confident woman I met in L.A.?”
Shifting my posture, I sat up straight. “I’m here.” I flickered my gaze. “I get you replaced me with whatever her name is.”
A snort escaped him. “Trust me when I say no one’s replaced you. Victoria’s just working there and helping, but I wouldn’t mind someone putting her in her place a little.” Rolling his tongue between his lips, he smirked. “And don’t worry, she’s no real threat to the things you’re interested in.”
“What are you talking about?” My eyes widened. “Like sex?”
Shaking his head, he lifted his brows over the rim of his glasses. “Or certain people.”
I might not have been able to see his eyes, but I could feel them burning a hole through me now. “What?”
Before I could question him further, he stood, disposing of his coffee cup in the nearby garbage can, and stubbed his smoke out on the side of the wall. Folding his arms across his chest, he looked down at me with a small smile. “Be back at work tonight at 6:00 p.m. as my assistant. The confident, sassy-as-fuck assistant that I know you are.” He removed his glasses. “And you’ll also be working for Luxe again, doing what you do best.” He paused, letting his words sink in. “Take that how you want it,” he added with a head tilt. “And you’ll be back on the main stage in Euphoria where you were before. That part’s per Ian, not me.” He slid the glasses back onto the bridge of his nose.
I nodded. “Thank you.”
“I’m a little mad at you, but I’ll get over it.” His lips pressed tightly together in a frown.
Letting out a breath, I nodded again. “Rightfully so, but I promise I won’t fuck up.”
A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he replied, “Oh, I’m certain you won’t.” He turned to walk away, but then stopped and looked back at me. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he added, “Come back pink. And maybe stay away from Chance’s nasty mixed drinks from now on. Tyler might not be around to rescue you all the time.”
My mouth fell open in shock as he walked away, disappearing into the bustling crowd. Instead of chasing after him and demanding answers about what Tyler had told him, I sat there frozen, trying to process everything that had just happened. My mind raced with questions.
Why does he want me there so early? The thought echoed in my mind like a broken record. I finally exhaled a deep breath and reluctantly got up to leave the plaza. Shit .
Club Euphoria
The sign on the front of the building seemed to glare at my absence, judging me for not being here sooner. It wasn’t dark enough for the lights yet, but it was still intimidating. My first introduction to the club had been waltzing in with management at my side. Now, I was on my own, but I wasn’t one to ever back down or shy away from entering the room like I owned it. Thanks to my family and position at Penthouse, I wore confidence most of the time.
I’d chosen to take the train tonight, knowing that the club stayed open long after the subways stopped running. Downtown was mostly full of college students and wealthy people, though in some areas everyone steered clear of once the sun set. Still, I wasn’t afraid of anyone on the street. I dared them to fuck with me.
I squared my shoulders and took in my outfit: a black off-the-shoulder crop top paired with light blue jeans and stylish black Gucci sneakers. My matching handbag and duffle bag hung snugly on my shoulder, and I readjusted the bright pink ponytail on my head. Thanks to a last-minute appointment with my stylist, per Luke’s orders, I was back to my signature neon pink hair.
Parading to the main entrance with confidence, I yanked the door open, instantly spotting Lonnie. Her usually poised demeanor broke into a wide grin as she studied my appearance. Her sapphire blue eyes sparkled under silky black bangs, and her bright red lips curved upward.
“Hi!” I greeted her cheerfully.
“My God,” she exclaimed, “I thought you were gone for good.”
Wrinkling my nose, I shrugged. “I thought so too after my dad… ya know.”
Her face became serious. “Listen, I really am sorry about what happened with him.”
“It’s not your fault,” I reassured her with a caring smile, though it felt strange to be comforting someone else about my father’s death. “I know you liked him, and I’m sure it affected you too.”
“I almost quit after that,” she admitted, placing a hand on her hip. “But then I realized it was never going to work out with him anyway.” She raised a hand in solidarity. “No offense.”
I snorted. “None taken.”
She shifted uneasily, fidgeting with the hem of her skirt as she spoke. “He was just—” The words hung in the air, unfinished. “Anyway, I should hurry and get changed,” she said quickly, trying to change the subject.
“Wait.” I arched my brows, a wide grin on my face. “Are you dancing now?”
She snickered. “Two nights a week, handling body shots and in Blue when needed.”
“Damn, girl!” I giggled. “Good for you.”
She got ready to turn away and held up a finger. “Oh yeah, not sure if you need to speak to any of the guys, but Mr. Knight and Luke are upstairs.”
“Thanks,” I replied as she disappeared down the hallway leading to the dancer’s dressing room. Clearing my throat, I adjusted my posture, giving a small smile to the armed sentry guarding the entrance leading upstairs.
“Good to see you, Gia,” he greeted me, bowing his head as he held the door open.
“Thanks,” I replied, hurrying to the elevator. As soon as I stepped inside and pressed the button for the second floor, time seemed to slow down. I tapped my foot anxiously, waiting for the doors to open again. Once they did, I confidently sashayed toward the double doors leading into the executive lobby. I tugged one open with ease and stepped through.
Mrs. Knight was exiting her office at that moment and stopped in her tracks when she saw me, her face lighting up. “Oh wow! You’re back!”
“Hi!” I replied, matching her tone.
“Ian and Luke didn’t tell me.” Rushing over, she wrapped her arm around my shoulder, placing a warm kiss on my cheek before taking a step back. “You have no idea what coming back means to us.”
“Thank you,” I said, shifting my weight. “I’m a little nervous about what some people might say about my return.” Just Tyler , I said to myself.
“When have you ever cared what people think?” She waved her hand dismissively. “Screw ‘em anyway. We’ve missed you and not just the money you bring in,” she continued. “I actually think you’re really cool and love how well you fit in with us.”
“Truthfully, I’ve missed you all. I just needed some time,” I replied, though my thoughts were swirling in my mind like a hurricane. Would you still feel that way if you knew Tyler paid me thousands of dollars for a wild night?
“I understand,” she sighed, her eyes filled with empathy. “I lost my dad tragically too, so if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here for you.”
“Thank you so much, Mrs. Knight, seriously?—”
“Oh, hell no!” She burst out laughing. “I don’t care what my husband tells you to call me. I’m Jenna or Jen to you. You’ve earned the right to call us by our names. Just don’t call me Jennifer. Chance does that shit sometimes and I hate it.”
Mr. Knight’s office door swung open, and Luke appeared in the doorway, his gaze fixed on us. “Gia, you’re late.”
“Sorry, I?—”
“Luke,” Jenna spoke up, “it was my fault. She’s here and that’s all that matters.”
His expression softened as I mouthed, Thank you , to her.
She winked at me and whispered, “Welcome back. Let’s grab coffee or brunch next week.”
Nodding, I hurried across the room, past Luke, who was holding the office door open for me.
“Hi. Good, you’re pink again,” he stated matter-of-factly, closing the door.
“Hi, of course I am,” I beamed.
Ice Man was seated on the couch and offered me a polite nod. I hadn’t seen him since he got injured and wanted to ask him how he was, but I also didn’t want to bring anything up that Mr. Knight and Luke may not want me saying.
Matching his expression, I gave a small wave before my gaze met Mr. Knight’s. He was dressed impeccably in a sleek black suit, his fingers steepled over his mouth as he raked his piercing gaze over me. It was hard to decipher his thoughts from his unreadable expression.
“Sit,” Luke hissed with a firm grip on my shoulder.
Laying my bag next to me, I perched on the edge of the seat, crossing my knee over the other. Out of respect, I remained silent, mentally preparing for whatever reprimand or instructions Mr. Knight was about to deliver. After all, it was ultimately his decision whether or not to allow me back into the club.
He lowered his hands, folding them on the desk before him, his steely gaze fixed on me. “I understand why you left,” he began in a surprisingly calm tone. “I don’t blame you.”
Wait, is he being nice?
“I have no words about your father,” he continued, “but I do take full responsibility for what happened. Your brother’s mistake played a role, but at the end of the day, I’m ultimately accountable for what happens within this club.” He leaned forward, his expression serious and unyielding. “I don’t play games, and I don’t leave anything to chance. Especially after everything I’ve been through in these past few years.”
Fidgeting with my hands in my lap, I nodded once, unsure of how to respond. I’d prepared myself for him to be angry and condescending, not understanding and remorseful.
“I know there are some people here who missed you,” he added, his gaze softening slightly. “And our customers have certainly been asking about you to a point that it pissed off some of the girls.”
“Thank you for allowing me to return.”
“Family and loyalty are the two most important things to me,” he stated firmly, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms over his chest.
I glimpsed Luke, who stood nearby, watching the exchange with a mix of hesitation and hope in his eyes. “I agree,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
“All I ask is you prove your loyalty to this club and my family.” I opened my mouth to respond, but he lifted a hand. “I’m not calling this a second chance due to our circumstances, but since you’ve been gone a while, I think we need to get reacquainted.”
I bobbed my head. My heart swelled with gratitude at his unexpected show of understanding. “I think that’s fair.”
A small, self-satisfied grin pulled at his mouth, causing a dimple to appear on one cheek. “And just so you know, I don’t like secrets.”
“I—” I glanced at Luke again, who arched a brow, before turning my attention back to Mr. Knight. “Okay. No secrets.” Shit. He knows. But what if he doesn’t? I wasn’t taking any chances. Secrets or not, it wasn’t just mine. There was no way I would throw Tyler under the bus, even if Mr. Knight expected my loyalty. For some reason, I felt the need to protect him.
His sharp gaze bore into me for what felt like an eternity before he finally spoke again, his tone deeper than before. “Good.” He leaned forward in his leather chair and reached across his desk to slide a sleek, black key card toward me. “Go get settled in, and Luke will be down in a bit. We have another business matter to discuss first.”
“Thank you!” Relief washed over me. Eagerly, I reached for the card, my fingers trembling slightly as I picked it up. Confident. Be yourself . Stiffening my posture, I gave him a final nod with a self-assured grin. As I turned to leave, Luke’s voice stopped me in my tracks.
“Jade’s excited to see you again. We’ll discuss the assistant stuff later.”