‘I’m going to be a dad,’ Blaser said. ‘I can’t run a strip club.’
‘You love this place. This place is your baby.’
‘Except now I’m going to have an actual baby,’ Blaser said. ‘I can’t work all hours under the sun anymore. I don’t want to. Now that I have Bri, I have an actual life and finding out that she was pregnant, it put everything into perspective. I can’t explain it, but… the old shit isn’t as important anymore.’
‘Blaser Warner, Family Man,’ Ruger said, trying with no success to supress his amusement. But Blaser didn’t seem to mind the jibe. In fact he stood taller as though he wore the title with pride. ‘Who’d have thought it, huh?’
‘Certainly not me,’ Blaser said. ‘Take your shot.’
‘What does Bri say to you giving up Risqué?’ Ruger asked, lining up a shot.
‘We talked about it… I don’t know. She’ll appreciate me being home nights, I know that.’
‘Are you moving in together? Have you decided?’
‘We’re looking for a place closer to Mom.’
Ruger’s bark of laughter preceded a grin that made his eyes water. ‘I never saw you running home to Mom. Oh, this is gold.’
‘Laugh it up, brother,’ Blaser said. ‘Let’s see how you react when you knock Layla up… not so funny now, is it?’
‘She’s like… sand, you know, I can fill my hands with her, but when I try to take her with me… she slips away.’
‘Poetic,’ Blaser said, moving around the table to examine the pool balls. ‘You want her?’
‘I don’t know what I want,’ he said. ‘The idea of the future… commitment… it doesn’t feel like it fits, you know? But living without her, watching her walk away… I’m not sure I’ll be able to.’
‘Trying to put all the pieces together this early on is impossible. All you’ve got to do is think about her leaving and moving on with another guy… I can’t imagine waking up without Bri. There are times it’s daunting, woman, kids, home, business… but think of the alternative. Is it really worth letting her go just so you can sit around your apartment alone scratching your balls without her bitching at you?’
‘Fatherhood is going to suit you,’ Ruger said. ‘I can tell already… do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?’
‘Bri wants it to be a surprise,’ Blaser said and supported himself on his cue again. ‘So are you going to accept my offer or what?’
‘This place?’ Ruger asked. ‘I don’t know if I see myself in a management position.’
‘Would you rather be someone’s subordinate?’ That made Ruger bob his head as he considered it. ‘Dax has agreed to take on some of the responsibility, but I’d rather it stayed in the family, you know?’
‘So you have something to pass onto Junior?’ Ruger asked, finding his grin again.
‘It’s a good earner. Dax will buy me out and I need the capital. We’re going to open a second garage, somewhere close to Mom’s, since that’s where we’ll be living.’
‘You have this all thought out.’
‘Colt will sell to you, if you want it. I’ve already discussed the whole plan with him.’
‘If you’re moving, that means you won’t be managing the apartments anymore either. How does Mattie feel about that?’
‘Mattie will be the last one to know,’ Blaser said, in reference to their cousin who actually owned the apartment building. ‘I won’t tell him until we’re set up somewhere else.’
‘You know that Mattie has ears everywhere. He’ll figure it out when he finds out about Bri’s condition.’
‘Which is why we’re not telling people about the baby yet,’ Blaser said.
‘Word spreads around here, fast,’ Ruger said, sinking a ball. ‘Mattie would buy this place, if you just want it in the family.’
‘And what would Mattie do with it?’ Blaser asked. ‘I might be walking away for the good of my child, but I’m not throwing Risqué to the dogs.’
‘Have you talked to Dax about that? He’s a fighter and—‘
‘Ivy keeps him in check,’ Blaser said. ‘And Dax is a guy who knows the value of not shitting on your own doorstep.’
‘You really trust the guy.’
‘Without him things might not have worked out in my favour with Bri… You’ve done your checking, you trust him enough to let him deal with your business.’
‘I considered your silent endorsement too, but yeah, he seems like a good guy… all things considered.’
‘It’s easier to trust him when you’ve seen him and Ivy together. She’s got him wrapped around her little finger. It’s funny to see such a capable guy jump for a woman.’
‘You think that’s funny? You should see what you’re like with Bri.’
‘I won’t deny it,’ Blaser said, managing to pot two balls with one shot. ‘Maybe that’s why Colt and me want to see you settle down too.’
‘Don’t push it, and don’t talk like that in front of Layla. She’s dealing with enough shit.’
‘Starting a business and trying to duck assassins, yeah, I guess she’s distracted… might make it easier for you to slip in under the wire though. She cares about you. Anyone can see that.’
‘You’re singing her praises now, you might not be when you hear about how she feels about strip clubs,’ Ruger said. ‘Your offer is interesting, but if I’m with Lay, she won’t be happy about this arrangement.’
‘Interesting,’ Blaser said. ‘Your woman or the family business… I guess Dax will be on his own.’
Ruger had been apologetic when he put her in Colt’s office for a second night running. Layla wasn’t concerned about being here. The environment didn’t matter. She had to finish her planning so that she could get to work. She wanted to open the salon as soon as possible. Her to-do list was stretching longer and longer. Layla didn’t have a lot of disposable cash given her current circumstances and because she was only renting the salon just now, she didn’t want to make too many drastic changes. Doing anything structural might increase the property’s market value, but she would never see that return unless she bought the unit and right now, that wasn’t a sure thing.
Still, she wanted to put her own stamp on the business, so she needed to get some supplies thinking that she could give the place a lick of paint without it costing too much. Such a small alteration shouldn’t upset Ted, providing she didn’t choose anything too vibrant.
There were jobs she wanted to do upstairs in the apartment too, but when she’d spoken to Ruger about re-upholstering the furniture he’d had to rein her in. Ruger’s encouragement and his assistance filled her with confidence and Layla saw herself being ready to open up as soon as next week.
She was tapping her pen on her chin when the office door opened and Colt came in with Lyssa.
‘Hey! How are you doing?’ Lyssa asked.
‘If you guys want to be alone I can go,’ Layla said, gathering up her notebook and pen.
‘No, don’t be silly,’ Lyssa said, seating herself on the couch opposite Layla. Colt continued into the space, but with her back to the room, Layla didn’t see exactly where he went. ‘What are you up to?’
‘Making plans,’ Layla said, waving her notebook in the air.
‘It seems to be going around,’ Lyssa said. ‘Blaser and Ruger are discussing the future too.’
‘We don’t know that,’ Colt said, appearing in the periphery to hand Lyssa a bottle. ‘Do you want a drink, Layla?’ She shook her head and Colt walked off again.
‘You’ve caught the family in a real transition phase,’ Lyssa said. ‘It’s exciting that you’re taking on your own ventures too. I suppose that means you’re part of the transition.’
‘Transition?’ Layla asked.
‘I’m going next door,’ Colt said, passing them and departing.
‘This is like the ladies waiting room,’ Lyssa said. ‘We get planted in here while the men make plans in Blaser’s office.’
‘And you’re ok with that?’
‘I’m only kidding,’ Lyssa said. ‘If I thought Colt was keeping me out of the decision making, or expecting me to defer to him, then I would put him in his place quick-smart. But the brothers need each other and with all the bumps in their relationships, it’s important that they use this bonding time now. So Bri and I try not to get in the way of their man time.’
‘That’s considerate of you.’
‘You’re doing it too, just by letting Ruger leave you here.’
‘It’s not the same,’ Layla said, slipping her notebook and pen back onto the table. ‘I’m not… you know. You and Bri are family, I’m just…’
‘What are you, Layla?’ Lyssa asked, lowering her chin.
Aware that Lyssa’s tone had taken on a curious edge, Layla wondered if she was being analysed now. ‘I’m a distraction.’
‘Do you want to be a part of Ruger’s future?’
‘The future,’ Layla said. Taking a deep breath, she rubbed her fingers across her cheeks. ‘Everyone is obsessed with the future. I don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring, I can’t think about where I’ll be in three months or three years.’
‘Like I said, the family is in a transition phase. I suppose we’re all looking to the future at the moment. Now that Blaser is going to be a father, he’s giving up Risqué and moving to a family home near his parents… as soon as they find it.’
‘That’s sensible, he and Bri have a future. They have a child to think about.’
‘He’s over there right now offering Ruger the position.’
‘The position?’
‘Taking over the management of Risqué,’ Lyssa said and Layla had to laugh. ‘That’s funny?’
‘I passed judgement on Bri when I heard about what Blaser did. I couldn’t imagine any woman being comfortable with her man managing an establishment full of naked women. I said something like that to Ruger.’
‘And now you feel vindicated?’
‘No, oh, no,’ Layla said, sorry that her words had been misconstrued. ‘I don’t think that Bri has forced Blaser out, their circumstances have changed. I laughed because now I’m the woman seeing a man who manages a strip club.’
‘There’s no guarantee that Ruger will accept,’ Lyssa said. ‘If he knows you have a problem with it then he may refuse. Blaser has other options. One of his security men, Dax, he has the ability and the capital to get involved. I know that one of the head dancers, Crystal, she has taken on a lot of management with regards to the dancers. So don’t worry, if you’re uncomfortable with Ruger in the position, he won’t take it.’
‘Family is important to him,’ Layla said. ‘And he should take the position. He would be ideal. He’s personable, comfortable with the women, and it will give him direction, which I know he’s struggled with since giving up his other vocation.’
‘You’re important to him, Layla. Don’t underestimate that. Blaser and Colt know how to prioritise the women in their lives. Ruger may well follow their lead, and his brothers will understand that.’
‘You can’t live your life for another person and make your decision based on their commands.’
‘No, but you can live your life with another person and make your decisions together. You just have to think about how you feel about Ruger managing Risqué and assess what your real objections would be. If it’s an insecurity in your relationship, well… I can help you with that, both of you.’
Layla relaxed into her smile. ‘Ruger would love me for that, if I told him we were going to land on your couch.’
‘I’ve been trying to get Ruger onto my couch for a long time.’
‘You think he’s screwed up?’
‘No,’ Lyssa said. ‘Sometimes people need help and there’s no shame in that. I have skills that can help people, and when I see people I care about suffering, I want to alleviate that.’
‘Do you ever use your skills on Colt in the bedroom?’ Layla asked, widening her smile and Lyssa reciprocated.
‘I’ve taught him a few things,’ Lyssa said, wearing a sly look.
‘I bet you have.’
‘He’s more open-minded now,’ Lyssa said.
‘In bed?’
‘Oh, no, he’s always been happy to try anything there,’ Lyssa said wearing her own smirk. ‘But when it came to people, he could be a bit judgemental. He took issue with Bri and Blaser in the beginning, and when he found out about Ruger and what he did to earn his money… being understanding wasn’t his default position. But I helped him work through it and now he’s more accepting.’
‘But Ruger is giving up that aspect of his life, he’s going straight.’
‘Yes, he is, and I know he’s taking that very seriously. He wants a clean break. His reason for going next door wasn’t to hear Blaser’s offer, it was to make an offer of his own.’
‘An offer?’
‘To Dax, the man who stepped in last night when Padget showed up,’ Lyssa said. ‘Dax has a past and he has connections, so Ruger wants him to clear out the warehouse for a percentage.’
‘You know everything. How do you know all of this?’
‘Colt and Ruger are close, they always have been. Ruger kept what he did a secret and I think it’s something he regrets. He feels like there is ground to gain in regaining Colt’s trust… While Colt feels guilty that his baby brother felt the need to keep the secret in the first place. Yet, Colt knows he would have been too judgemental to accept it before…’
‘Before you?’
‘Not to blow my own trumpet,’ Lyssa said, pulling her feet up onto the couch. ‘I could sit here and pull apart all of their motivations all night. Needless to say, we’re all moving forward now. Ruger wants to get rid of the items in the warehouse he used when he was engaged in illegality. Blaser wants to pass on the mantle of this club to free himself for fatherhood and to give Ruger purpose.’
‘And Colt?’
‘Colt wants his brothers settled. He’s always been the responsible one. He was a cop, married, and believed that he had the respectable life, but he lost it all.’
‘Then he found you.’
‘It’s amazing what love can do to you, Layla, if you’re open to it.’
‘Blaser is learning that too, now that he has Bri and a baby on the way,’ Layla said, not wanting to face the knowing expression the doctor wore. ‘He told me that being together wasn’t a foregone conclusion for him and Bri.’
‘They have a complicated past and have overcome obstacles, but it’s made their relationship stronger.’
‘And how do you feel about the baby and all?’
Displaying no resentment, Lyssa inhaled and lifted her shoulders before she let them fall. ‘It’s no secret that Colt and I have been trying to get pregnant,’ Lyssa said. ‘But I don’t resent Bri and Blaser’s happiness. They deserve it, and it won’t lessen our joy when we are expecting.’
Layla believed the doctor who maintained eye contact and smiled as she spoke. Finding out that someone else had reached her goal must have had some impact on Lyssa’s confidence. Yet, she didn’t show it and Layla could sense that the goodwill was genuine.
Because she didn’t want to poke a sore spot, Layla moved the conversation on. ‘What about the apartments?’ Layla said. ‘Doesn’t Blaser manage the apartment complex he lives in?’
‘At the moment, he does,’ Lyssa said. ‘But the apartments belong to Mattie Warner, a cousin who Blaser hasn't had the best luck with. He won't be sorry to say goodbye to that job.’
‘So he's going to leave his cousin high and dry?’ Even if the men didn't get along, it seemed spiteful to walk out without warning.
‘No! Mattie's brother Gus lives there. He’ll take over the management full time along with Suzette. She lives there too.’
‘In Ruger's apartment. She's your best friend, isn’t she? What does she have to do with it?’
‘Well…’ Lyssa said, her eyes slunk left and right, then she settled her saucy smile on Layla. ‘If you can keep a secret?’
>
It seemed like no one could keep a secret around here. The brothers told each other everything and they shared it with their women. Except Lyssa was a doctor, and she knew when discretion was required. So leaning over the table, Layla nodded her head.
‘I can keep a secret,’ Layla said.
‘Suzette and Gus are seeing each other,’ Lyssa whispered. Layla opened her mouth in an “Ah-ha!” Lyssa clasped her hands, brought her feet from the couch, and bowed to lean closer to Layla. ‘Suzette hasn’t had the best of luck with men. Gus is easy going and I don’t think he’d have the energy to treat her wrong.’
‘How did that happen and why is it a secret?’
‘It started a while ago. They were sleeping together, she told me about it at the time. But neither of us were sure if it would stick or not. Suzette wanted to keep the dalliance a secret in case it all fell apart.’
‘I guess it stuck.’
‘It started when Gus took Suze back to her apartment after a fight she had with her neighbours, Dax and Ivy.’
‘I heard Suzette doesn’t get along with Ivy.’
‘She’s a lot more relaxed now that she’s getting some too,’ Lyssa said. ‘Gus is a good guy. He took her in to calm her down and I guess the sparks flew. Suzette shrugged it off as just sex at first, but now they’re seeing each other almost every night.’
Everyone was pairing off. Layla had seen this before. She’d stayed in so many states and had so many friends, yet it was the same story over and over. Layla had watched friends couple up and settle down. Some bought houses and had kids, others went off to see the world. Sometimes she wanted to know what it was like to have security like that, to have someone watching your back and be there by your side no matter what.
Settling down came with getting older, when people slowed down and assessed where their life was and where they wanted it to go.
Ashamed that she hadn’t managed to establish so much as a fixed abode let alone a romantic partnership, she began to see how she couldn’t go on this way forever. She had to stop, to grow up and take ownership of her destiny.
‘Your mind is wandering,’ Lyssa said. ‘Anything you want to share?’
Game Of Risk (Risqué #3) Page 19
