by Layla Frost
“I’m glad you think this is funny.”
“Fuckin’ hilarious.” His smile faded. “I’m just sayin’, you’re into her, the work is worth it. Yeah?”
Eli laughed. “You’re turning into one of those men who thinks all his friends need to settle down into boring married life, too.”
“You kiddin’ me? Marriage is fuckin’ awesome.”
“You’ve been spending too much time with Piper. You’re even starting to sound like her.”
He leaned back, smiling contently. “No such thing as too much Piper.”
When Jake’s head would lodge itself firmly in his ass, I was the one with the cool logic and hard truths.
When it came to Harlow, that shit flew out the window.
I’d had a slow plan and it’d been working. There’d been progress.
But I couldn’t watch her in that club one more night. Not without coming to fuckin’ blows with one of those douchebags.
Good for you, you selfish fuck. She’s working herself into the ground for some reason, and you just cost her that income ‘cause you’re a jealous prick.
Shaking my head, I drank my beer and half listened as they got off my dick and started talking about the Sox.
I picked up my phone and texted Harlow again.
Kase: At the bar with Jake. Talk to me, or I tell him everything. And you know he’ll go right to Piper.
While I’d never actually do it, I had a feeling the threat would get her to message me back. I was right because my phone buzzed not even a minute later.
Tiny Dancer: Fuck off.
Finishing my drink, I hid my grin.
It’s something.
Chapter Seven
Licorice Pubes and the Tardis
Harlow
“Don’t you think?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah, definitely.”
Piper’s lips tipped up as she finished scraping batter out of a mixing bowl before setting it aside. “So yes you think I should just make a giant dick cake with licorice pubes?”
My eyes widened as my jaw dropped. “What?”
“Kidding.” She smiled before turning serious. “No one likes licorice.”
Like the helpful friend I was, I picked up the bowl and started cleaning it.
With my finger.
Salmonella be damned, cake batter is delicious.
After my dramatic and ridiculous exit from the whole scene at Wicked a few nights before, I vowed to avoid Hyde for a century or so.
I lasted three days.
I wasn’t going to let Kase control my life, no matter how much he was trying to. When the last half of my classes got canceled, I was happy to have time to check on Piper and chill for a while.
Though I wasn’t chill so much as on the edge of my seat, ready to flee if I caught even a glimpse of Kase.
Yup, totally showing him who was boss.
“Why are you making a dick cake?” I asked as I scooped up more batter.
“I’m not. You were so zoned out, I wanted to see if you’d notice.”
“Sorry, sorry. I’m just tired.”
Opening the oven, Piper put the cake pan in. As she wiped her hands off, she studied me. “What else is it?”
“Nothing. Just work and school taking up all my time. You know how it is.”
“You’re a bad liar.”
“Yeah, Kase says the same thing.” As soon as the words were out, I wished I could shove them back in my big mouth. I tried to look innocent as Piper narrowed her eyes.
“When did Kase say that?”
“Last time we all hung out, I think.”
“Why did he say it?”
I shrugged. “I don’t remember.”
“Weird. I don’t remember you two talking… ever.” Her brows lowered as she leaned against the counter. “Do you not get along?”
“We don’t not get along,” I evaded.
Though he got me fired, so he’s pretty high up on my ‘Needs a Junk Punch’ list.
She sighed and turned back to her ingredients. After a silent minute, she spoke again, this time quietly. “You’re one of my best friends.”
“You’re one of mine, too,” I said, just as quiet.
“I’m not gonna force you to talk to me. But I’m here for you when you’re ready.”
The weight pressed in again. Only instead of settling on my chest, it felt like it was pushing up my throat. Like if I opened my mouth, everything would come pouring out.
I bit the inside of my cheeks, working to keep it all in.
I’m gonna choke on unspoken words, or open the floodgates and drown.
Either way, I’m screwed.
“Here.” Piper handed me the frosting bowl to clean using my usual method. “So, I saw the cutest bag at Target. It isn’t quite as big as your current one, so you couldn’t live in it or float across the Atlantic. But it was just your style.”
As she began telling me about the bag, which totally sounded killer, I knew she was changing the subject because she was a good friend. She’d made her point and she wasn’t going to push it.
And now I’m choking on the words and guilt.
*******
“We’re going out tonight.”
I hadn’t seen even a hint of golden, tattooed skin or soft, sexy dreads the whole time I was hanging out with Piper. I’d thought I was in the clear.
I should’ve known better.
Without looking up from digging for my keys, I shook my head. “Nope.”
Kase got closer, his body almost touching mine. “Why?”
“I’m busy.”
I don’t care how killer that purse is, I’m not getting it. I need a small one.
“Doing what?”
“Stuff.” I twisted around to glare at him, though he didn’t move away. “You know, like searching for a new job because you’re an asshole.”
Job-hunting was the plan, but I was at a loss. I’d expended my available options, having spent the previous three nights checking out other clubs. I was less than impressed with what I’d found.
Most of them looked like they belonged in between an airport and a charge by the hour motel. The only one that was clean and did good business had an owner that was hot like Lars but acted like Eddie, only worse.
I wasn’t interested in that headache.
Even though I knew I needed to find something, I wasn’t feeling the frantic push I’d expected to. Between the station and school, my time was filled.
The increase in sleep was an added bonus, too.
A big part of me wanted to enjoy a short break. With almost everything I made dancing going straight into the bank, I had more than enough in savings to get by on.
Spending that money, though, meant it wouldn’t be there if I needed it. And since my brain liked to dream up all sorts of what ifs and worst case scenarios, any deductions from those savings would be cause for major panic and stress.
“You’re right,” he admitted. “That was fucked up—”
“Don’t try to charm your way… Wait, what did you say?”
“It shouldn’t have gone down like that. I’m sorry.”
“Then why? You knew I needed that job, Kase.” I lowered my voice. “More than anyone, you knew.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Come out with me tonight and I’ll explain.”
“No.” I put my hands on my hips. “I’m not going anywhere with you until you tell me what your problem is.”
“My fuckin’ problem?” he asked, his voice deceptively calm.
“Yeah. You lift me up and carry me out of Wicked, get me fired, and then expect me to just follow you around.”
Leaning in, he held my gaze. His blue eyes were brighter, intense. “Because I couldn’t take another fuckin’ night knowing other men were seeing you like that. Touching you. The shit I saw? The shit I heard? Fuck!” He slammed his hands down on my car, his voice harsh.
I flinched, making him inhale deeply.
Slowly exhaling, some
of the tension and anger left his body as he softened his voice. “I wish I could tell you my motives were all selfless, that I was worried about your safety. That you were working yourself too hard. And, yeah, that’s all true. But, bottom fuckin’ line, I couldn’t take another fuckin’ night of that shit. I’ll help you, do whatever I can. But I can’t do that anymore, Harlow. I can’t.”
My mind raced as I tried to play catch-up. He hadn’t given any indication that my job was an issue for him. As much as I hated to admit it, I could see where he was coming from. He was wrong, definitely. If I switched our places, though, I couldn’t say I’d be okay with other women seeing him, let alone him dancing on them.
My stomach clenched and dropped at the thought.
Balls. When did I get so into him?
“I’ll pick you up tonight,” he said.
“I didn’t say yes.”
“You were going to.”
I rolled my eyes. “You have too much confidence.”
“Yeah,” he agreed without hesitation. “What time?”
“What makes you think I want to be around you?”
“‘Cause you’re crazy about me, too.”
“Does it get hard holding that giant, inflated head up? I’ve honestly gotta figure you have insanely high chiropractor bills.”
Kase grinned, bobbing his head around. “They give me a frequent patient discount, so that really saves a lot. Especially when I had to have my shoulder readjusted after lifting your bag.”
“Ha. Ha,” I deadpanned, though I was totally fighting returning his grin.
“You know you wanna see me.”
“What’re the chances you’ll drop it if I say I don’t?” Forcing some distance, I unlocked my door and opened it.
“What’re the chances you wouldn’t be lying?” he shot back.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Anything.”
“Honestly,” I started, my tone showing my serious concern, “don’t you ever worry that your inflated ego will cause your head to explode?”
“Hasn’t happened yet.”
“It’s a miracle. Have any medical journals been in contact to study you?”
Kase pushed in closer, his body pressed to mine. Placing his hands on the car roof on either side of me, he leaned his face in close to mine. “How about from now on, anytime I feel my ego getting out of control, I come see you?” He lowered his voice. “Let you take me down a few notches.”
Fighting the trance I was sure he was trying to put me in, I licked my suddenly dry lips.
His gaze flicked down to watch.
“I, uhh, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I said, my voice breathy.
His eyes locked back with mine. “Why not?”
“I don’t have the availability for that kind of time commitment.”
Wrapping his arms around me, Kase held me close as he laughed.
And, stupid me, I let him.
*******
“Low Low! I ran like a million miles today in gym. And I got four books from the library. And I saw some beetles at the playground, but I didn’t scream or touch them. And…” Hadley stopped and looked at me. “Are you going on a date with Kase?”
“Uh, yeah, guess I am.”
“Susie says that girls always dress extra nice when they go on dates and are in love. Are you in love?”
Scooping her up, I buried my head in her neck and blew raspberries. “Only with you.”
Hadley wiggled free. “I told Miss Lennon you were Kase’s a poo.”
“Ipo, Hadley. Ipo.”
“Ohhh.”
Note to self: Text Joss and explain the Kase thing.
Follow-up note to self: Figure out the Kase thing in order to text Joss.
“You’re silly, Big Mouth Freckle Face.”
Hadley's face scrunched up, her little fists going to her hips. “That’s not my name. I just wanted to make Miss Lennon happy.”
“Is she not happy?” I asked, trying to think of when we last chatted.
“She still smiles and is super nice. But she went on vacation last week and now she’s sad. I can tell.”
“How?”
She looked away and pulled at her skirt, a sure sign she was about to lie. “I just know.”
Setting my makeup brush down on my desk, I turned my chair to face her. “Hadley.”
“I can’t tell you.”
“Why not?”
“Because I wasn’t supposed to hear.”
“Were you listening in on other people’s conversations again?”
“Yeah, but not on purpose. She was crying a little and then she told Mrs. Ramos that she’s not getting married anymore.”
My heart sank for Joss. “Are you sure you heard right?”
Hadley nodded. “And she had a ring, it was really small but it still sparkled a little. But now she doesn’t wear it.”
At her words, my sinking heart broke.
Though we weren’t close in high school, everyone, and I mean everyone, knew about her and Peter. Since their second week of junior year, Joss and Peter were the golden couple. When he’d proposed after graduation, no one had been surprised.
People were, however, shocked when they hadn’t marry shortly thereafter.
When I’d found out Hadley was going to be in Joss’ class, I’d expected her to be married with at least one kid. Instead, she’d told me that they hadn’t even set a date.
With Hadley’s eyes still on me, I smiled as best as I could. “Sometimes things like that happen. I’m sure Miss Lennon will be okay.”
“I know. She’s really nice, and the good princess always gets her prince. Like you have Kase!”
The back of my eyes started to burn as I pulled Hadley in for another hug, much to her dismay.
“No more hugging. Can I have some lipstick instead?”
Letting her go, I picked up two different ones. “Pink or shiny?”
“Hmm.” She looked at each one thoroughly before shaking her head. “Red.”
“Got it.” I grabbed the lip stain and put it on her. “Okay, now out. I’ve gotta finish getting ready.”
Hadley looked in the mirror and grinned. “I’m gonna go show Mama my beautiful lips.”
“Is she awake?”
“Uh huh. We’re gonna read a book soon.” With another smile, Hadley sprinted from the room.
“No running inside!” I called after her.
Glancing at the time, I pushed into overdrive.
If there’s one thing I learned as a stripper, it’s how to get ready quickly.
Well, that, and how to do an inverted pole twirl.
Keeping things light, I brushed on a shimmer eyeshadow, adding just a touch of blue in the crease. I lined my upper lid and swept on a couple of coats of mascara.
When I finished, I changed into a blue long sleeve tee. The scoop neck top was extra fitted, ending an inch above the waistband of my dark wash skinny jeans. Out of habit, I reached for a sweater.
As I put it on, I looked down to see the Doctor Who Tardis buttons. I started to take it off, pausing when I realized what I was doing.
If he wants to hang out, I’m gonna be me, in all my nerdy glory.
It’s not like he can judge… He’s got Star Wars dogs.
With that decision made, I kicked off the plain black canvas shoes I usually wore. Instead, I slipped on white ones that were covered in black mustaches.
I was grabbing my bag when I heard my mom.
“Harlow, Kase is here!”
Since I didn’t have the sexy dress and wind machine to look like someone from a cheesy romance movie, I walked quickly down the stairs. When I reached the bottom, I saw Hadley’s books sitting on a step.
“Were you reading on the stairs?” I asked my mom, glaring at her.
A bogus innocent smile pulled at her lips. “It was a comfortable spot.”
Shaking my head, I looked up at Kase. “This is what I have to put up with. Is your mom this nutso, too
?”
“Hey, I’m not nuts. We just happened to sit on the steps,” my mom claimed, Hadley giggling by her leg. “I didn’t even know Kase was coming over.”
“Yeah, like Big Mouth Freckle Face didn’t blab.”
“That’s not my name,” Hadley said, laughing harder.
I looked up at Kase pleadingly. “Please tell me you’ve got a crazy mom, too. Misery loves company, right?”
Kase’s face softened, his grin fading to a small smile. “My ma passed away, ipo.”
Grief, embarrassment, and small bit of pity hit me hard and fast.
My mom drove me up the wall, but I couldn’t imagine not having her.
I scrunched up my face. I could feel my blush, which I knew made me look like one big freckle, but I didn’t care. “Balls.”
“Harlow, language.” Mom reached up and patted Kase’s cheek. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“It was a long time ago, Mrs. Ganes.”
“I told you, call me Helena. And, long time or not, the pain of losing someone never totally goes away. It’s been years since the girls and I lost their dad, and I know we all still miss him.” As if she hadn’t dropped a big bombshell, my mom smiled and squeezed Kase’s arm. “But I bet your mom would be so proud of you.”
“Mom.” I tried to pretend everything was fine. “You don’t even know him.”
“I know a good person when I see them. Anywho,” she singsonged, “you two go have a good night. Text me if you aren’t coming home, you know I worry.”
Though I wanted to say something snarky, I could tell she was already pushing herself to be up. “I’ll be home tonight.”
“David’s here and Abbey is coming over early tomorrow. Go have fun, sweet girl.”
Some of the apprehension left me. “Fine, fine. If you insist.” I looked up at Kase. “I get the feeling she’s kicking me out again.”
His lips quirked up. “Yup.” Wrapping his arm around my shoulder, he winked at Hadley. “Bye, ladies.”
As we walked to the car, I wasn’t sure how much to say. “Uhh, about your mom—”
“Was over a decade ago, Harlow.”
“I’m still sorry. And I’m sorry I brought it all up—”
“You didn’t know. It’s cool, ipo. Don’t worry, okay?” Kase opened the door for me, shutting it once I was in.
