Page 21 of Paco
“Nah. The blonde who has the hots for you is married, and her cute brunette friends have boyfriends. I think we’ll get a room at the Starlight Motel. You sure you don’t want to join us?”
“I’ve got work to do.”
“Your loss. I’ll let you know how it goes.” Army went over to the women, and with his arms around the blonde and her friend, they walked out.
“He’s gonna be worse than the club girls when they tell us their stories,” Chains said as he put two sets of gloves on the counter.
Paco laughed. “You good with holding down the store this weekend? Jillian will be here, and Felix said he’d close up on Friday and Saturday. We should be back from Silverado by Sunday night.”
“I’m good, though I may have to figure out where everything is since you changed it all around.”
“Jillian will help you with that. She’s the one who organized the store. I have to admit it looks better and makes more sense the way she did it.”
“Okay, that should work. I’ll see you at the clubhouse later.” Chains walked out as Paco picked up a large box and began opening it.
A few hours later, Jillian came up to him. “Should I lock the front doors? It’s past six.”
Paco glanced at the wall clock: 6:20 p.m. “I didn’t realize it was so late. I’ve been going through inventory and the time escaped me. You should’ve come over sooner.”
“I’m good. I got caught up stocking the shelves. I’m almost done with all the new stuff. I can finish the last three boxes tomorrow.”
“Yeah, sure. Go on, I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Are you doing anything fun tonight?” She slipped her arms through her down jacket.
“Nah, just the usual. What about you?”
Her cheeks colored red. “I’m going out with Carson Stuart. Do you know him?”
He whistled softly. “His dad owns Stuart Construction, right?” She nodded as she put on her gloves. “You’re running around with the big bucks.”
“Are you making fun of me?” She smiled.
“No, I think it’s great. Just watch yourself. I heard his old man is a dick, and sometimes the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. If he messes with you, let me know. I’ll straighten him out.”
Now her entire face was bright red. “I’ll keep that in mind. See you tomorrow,” she said as she walked out of the store.
He watched her as she went to her car parked in front, making sure she took off okay. Ever since she’d told him she’d lost her dad when she was in high school, he’d felt protective of her. Jillian didn’t have a brother, and from what she’d shared with him, it seemed like her mother had fallen apart after Jillian’s father died. Being young and on your own was something he could relate to.
Straightening up, he rubbed the back of his neck and decided to call it quits. He grabbed his jacket, locked up the store, and went out back. Soon he was riding through town on his way to the clubhouse. Most of the stores closed at six o’clock; the only businesses that stayed open were the bars, restaurants, and tattoo parlors.
He stopped by Get Inked and bumped fists with Skull. “How’s business tonight?”
“Slow. Goldie and Tattoo Mike took off, so it’s just me and Jimmy.”
“Where’s Liberty?”
“She’s taking her break. What’re you up to?”
“I wanted to know if you or Goldie wanted to grab a beer at Cuervos before I headed to the club.”
“I’d go, but we like one of the brothers being here at all times. Another time.”
“That’s cool.”
“Why don’t you go over to Lust? Brutus is working tonight, and he told me they got a new dancer that’ll make you hard for a week.” He laughed.
“Maybe I’ll check it out sometime. See you.” He walked out as Liberty came in.
