Page 12 of Dirty Dealer

“A full month. Which means we could open by Labor Day. But that lobby is going to look pretty disappointing if there’s no artwork.”

“Let me talk with Chance. See if he can’t speed up the deadline.”

“You’re the best, Jude.”

“You know it. I’ll get back to you by tomorrow.”

I glance out the windshield, and watch people move in and out of the different studios. I say good-bye to Darlene and make the call to Chance.

“Hey, mate. Miss me already?”

“Always.”

“How’s it going?”

I reach for my bag of candy and dig out one of the lollipops. “I need a favor.”

“I’m not giving you Adele’s number.”

I chuckle, unwrapping my candy. “It’s not that.”

“Oh? Give up so easily on the hunt for your Cinderella?”

“No, actually.” Instantly I think of Rachel. My lips pull into a smile and I take a lick of the sweet candy, wishing it were her.

“Oh? Please tell me you didn’t take up stalking rest stops.”

“Funny enough, I did pick up a beauty on the side of the freeway.”

“There you go.”

“She might not be the one, but she’s piqued my interest.”

“Right. So, business as usual, then.” Chance is clearly unimpressed.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“You don’t have to take my advice. You’re a grown man. But if this one’s special, then treat her so. Women enjoy the chase as much as men do.” It’s not the worst suggestion. I already know Rachel isn’t a quick lay. I’m not usually one for the long game since it leads to messy feelings and expectations for relationships. That alone should make me wary, but for some reason it doesn’t.

“So, you’re saying to get to know her before getting her in my bed.” I infuse an extra dose of sarcasm into my tone for Chance’s sake.

“Most definitely.” He chuckles and I can almost see him shaking his head. “Maybe stop saying shit like that too.”

“Yeah, I agree to that,” Aubrey says.

“By the way, you’re on speaker.” Chance chuckles.

“Jesus. Warn a man next time. What if I said something to offend your wife?” I run a hand through my locks, retracing the conversation to be sure I haven’t done just that. “And hi, Aubrey.”

“Bring her to dinner,” Aubrey says. “This girl you met on the side of the road.”

“Like a double date?” I like the sound of it, though I don’t exactly think Rachel will be okay with me whisking her off to Hermosa Beach.Yet.“Yeah, okay. Give me a few weeks to work my magic.”

“Good luck, mate.” Chance laughs again. I can’t tell whether it’s at me or because of something he and Aubrey are doing. “So, did you call for relationship advice, or is there something else?”

“How do you feel about getting those mermaids out of your studio early?”

He groans. “How early are we talking?”