Page 6 of Real Sexy
I shake my head.“You’re an idiot.He’ll be back, and he’ll shut this place down.”
With a smug look, Brandy picks at her nails.“Good thing it’s none of your business anymore.”
The thought of the Fishbowl being closed for good tugs at my heart, but there’s nothing I can do now.I need to let it go.But how?
“Good luck.You’re going to need it.”I turn to Hope.“Let’s go.”
As I follow her out of the bar, a feeling of finality settles in my bones and tears sting my eyes.
I’m sorry I couldn’t do better, Mama.
I pause in the doorway and take one last look behind me.I memorize the smell, the feel, the pictures of the stars on the walls, and tuck it all deep inside me.
The best and worst moments of my life happened here, and I’m no longer welcome.The thought burns, and I suck in a breath and bite my lip.
I’m not saying good-bye, Mama, because you’re not here anymore.It’s just a building.
When I step outside, the sense of loss threatens to overwhelm me.
Once we’re in the truck, Hope fires up the engine.“You going to be okay?”
“I don’t really have a choice, do I?”
Instead of putting the truck in gear, Hope looks over at me.“For what it’s worth, I think you made the right decision.Your mom would want more for you than to be trapped in that bar under your dad’s thumb.It’s time for you to figure out whatyouwant, Ripley.The world’s a lot bigger than those four walls.”
“I know.”And I do.Hope is speaking the truth, but I haven’t exactly had time to cope with the huge changes in my life, let alone a chance to figure out what I want.
Hope pulls out of the parking lot and points the truck in the direction of her apartment.“What now?”
“Maybe—” My phone vibrates, interrupting me.Law’s name pops up on the screen.
Why would he be calling?
“You gonna answer that?”
I look at Hope as I pick up the call.“Hello?”
“You still with that guy?The one from last night?”Law’s voice is hurried and tense.
“What are you talking about?”
“The country singer.Boone Thrasher.Are you really with him?”
“What does it matter, Law?”It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him there’s no chance we’re ever getting back together, but he keeps talking.
“I got called into work to do some research for a partner tonight.A criminal law partner that represents Boone Thrasher.”
Dread curls in my belly.“What kind of research?”
“Assault and battery.That’s what he got arrested for.You really want to date a woman beater, Rip?”
4
Boone
It’s beena long time since I had my ass shoved in a cell.Back then, I paced the floor, pissed off that I was stupid enough to get caught drinking with my buddies in a building set for demolition the next day, but glad that they’d gotten away, even if I hadn’t.
My dad didn’t speak for most of the ride after he bailed me out a few hours later, but when we got home, he parked the truck in the drive and turned to me.
