every whim. I worked while he went to college. I bent over backwards for everything that man ever wanted. And he repaid me for all of it by fucking Mindy… Mindy Mitchell, Cole! Do you remember how mean she was to me in middle school? And now, she’s living with my ex-husband. I don’t know how to feel these days. I have all these misplaced feelings and tonight, if I don’t let off some steam, I’m gonna blow and I really might end up back in jail. Do you want that?” I pause to take a breath and then go in for one last blow. “Besides, I haven’t had any real fun in a long time. After all the shit I’ve been through, I deserve this. Don’t ruin it for me. It’s not like I’m going to apply for a job or dance on the stage.”
After a few seconds, he finally acquiesces. “I’ll be there in five.”
Ten minutes later, Cole is dropping me off at the front door of the bar. The gravel parking lot is full and dark and Cole is scoping out the perimeter, making sure it’s safe before I get out.
Also, he’s probably trying to see who’s witnessing the drop-off. And who’s going to be on the phone to Anna before he can even get back home.
“Cole,” I say, stepping out of the cruiser. “Do yourself a favor and just tell her when you get home. You’ll worry yourself sick over her finding out if you don’t.” Leaning back into the car and reaching across the seat, I give his big, burly arm a squeeze. For such a large guy, he sure is a pussy sometimes. “Tell her it’s my fault and she can come over tomorrow and pray over me or whatever, okay?”
His eyes grow wide as he gives me a look of pure shock, unbelieving I’d give Anna Cassidy permission to unleash her wrath on me. It’s almost worse than God’s.
Finally, he nods. “I’m on patrol all night. Promise me you’ll call when you’re ready to leave. I’ll come pick you up.”
“I will. Thanks, again,” I tell him, leaning over further to kiss his cheek. “And, I’m sorry if I get you in trouble.”
“Wouldn’t be the first time,” he says with a chuckle.
Nope, it wouldn't be the first time and I’m pretty sure it won’t be the last. Cole and I are known for getting in and out of trouble together. When he became a cop, things changed a little, but he’s still the same Cole I grew up with. Except, now he’s an adult who works for the law and is married to the most pious person in the Appalachians.
“Maybe I should go in with you, just to make sure it’s …” His words trail off as he makes hand gestures toward the bar.
“It’s fine. I’m a big girl,” I tell him, smiling as I shut the door and wave over my shoulder.
Chapter 4
Cage
The past couple of weeks have been good, slow but good.
My shoulder is feeling moderately better, my mind is clearer than it’s been in months, and I haven’t had much time to dwell on the demise of my career. All good things.
Hank is letting me live in an apartment he owns above a vacant storefront downtown. It’s quiet and spacious. When he mentioned it to me the day I arrived, I assumed it’d be some rundown space that I’d make do with until I decide what I’m doing with my life, but it’s nothing like that. It’s oddly something I would’ve designed for myself—high ceilings, exposed brick, and old wooden floors. It’s old, but new and it has character in spades.
I found a cool old bedframe at an antique store just a few doors down and bought a new mattress for it at the furniture store. Hank had already furnished the kitchen with stainless steel counters and open shelving. There’s not much in the space right now, except for the few things I brought with me—clothes and few books—along with an old radio I also bought at the antique store.
Every day has been spent at the Pink Pony, learning the business and getting to know everyone. For the most part, it’s an easy job. Hank runs a tight ship—no touching, no drugs, no drama.
There’s been a few guys who’ve gotten a little rowdy, but other than that, I’ve been just standing around keeping an eye on the place, helping bus a few tables from time to time, and filling in where