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Brian has been working at the shipyard for three years now and has never missed a day. He’s the first one here and the last one to leave. He shows up on short notice and never complains.
It helps that he doesn’t have a family to go home to. Working is his life.
He glances around the shipyard. “Alright, I’ll come over, but if the boss complains about the pallets, I’m throwing your ass under the bus.”
“I’ll call him right now and tell him.”
His face pales. “God, no. Don’t do that. There’s no point in interrupting him.”
I laugh. Dad and Alvin are probably three drinks in and shooting the shit right now.
Brian moves the forklift back inside the building and locks up. We walk across the street and head straight to the door, bypassing the long line waiting to get in.
Terry, our new bouncer, gives me a head nod and lets us in, despite several groans from the crowd.
As the door closes behind me, Terry yells at the crowd. “Shut the fuck up or get the hell out of my line. That’s the owner, and he gets priority entrance.”
I chuckle and head straight to the new VIP lounge. The club is empty, with only workers finishing up their last-minute tasks and the caterers setting up the food next to the bar.
We enter the VIP area and are immediately greeted by a cocktail waitress who offers us a private dance.
“I’m good for now, but why don’t you take my good friend Brian to one of the private rooms?”
Brian looks at me wide eyed. “Are you sure? I am just here to enjoy the food, booze, and festivities.”
I reach into my pocket and pull out a wad of cash, handing it to the woman. “Brian, this is part of the festivities. This dance is on me. Make it a good one.”
She pulls Brian to the back of the club, and I head to the bar. “Whiskey neat, please.”
The bartender nods and makes my drink. I hand him a couple of bills, but he refuses. “VIP drinks are on the house, sir.”
“Then take it as a tip to keep my drink full and immediately serve me when I come over.”
The bartender hesitates but eventually takes the cash. “Thank you, sir.”
I wave him off, and head to the lights control panel to dim the lights and turn them a deep dark red instead of the bright white. The darker lights set the erotic mood.
The main door to the club opens and Gage Roberts, Phoenix Young, and Chase Williams head straight for me.
They are all dressed in perfectly tailored suits.
Gage reaches me first. “Hall sends his congratulations for the opening, but his wife is sick and they are unable to make it tonight.”
Easton is the only married player on the team and has children. He’s also the oldest.
“Thanks. I’ll send him a message later. Feel free to look around or get a dance. I’m heading back to the VIP lounge before the doors open.”
Gage follows me as Chase and Phoenix order drinks at the bar.
I grab my phone and type out a quick message to Easton, hoping his wife feels better soon before tucking my phone back in my pocket.
Commotion and loud banging at the front causes me and Gage to jump up and run to the main room of the club.
Spencer and Savannah are sitting at the end of the bar, talking with Chase and Phoenix.
I glance at Gage, who looks just as bewildered as me. “Did we just imagine the banging, or was it them?”
He shrugs. “I’m wondering the same thing.”