Page 32 of Rum & Coke

“Well, it seems like you need to get laid,” she teased. “Release some of that sexual tension.”

While that may be true, it wasn’t the reason I was in a bad mood. “I need to be a better mother.”

“What?” She arched her brow and placed her hands on my shoulders, looking me in the eyes. “You’re the best mother I know besides my own.”

I sighed. “How do you think it will go over when Colt’s in high school and his forty-year-old mother is a stripper?”

“You’re not going to be a stripper that long.”

“I’m not? What will I be doing?” I challenged, crossing my arms over my bikini clad chest and making her drop her arms.

“Um …” She looked past me as though she was thinking, and after a few moments she replied, “What do you want to do?”

“Really? You think I’d be in a bad mood if I knew what I wanted to do with my fucked-up life?”

“Your life isn’t fucked up.”

“Right. It’s been my dream to dance on a stage topless, praying people will actually give me money for my show and not just sit there for free.” That reply made me even angrier because it was true. A lot of people thought they could come in, order a drink, and get a free show, but free shows didn’t pay my bills.

“Then go back to school.” She smiled. “Become a nurse like me.”

“Blood? Gross.” I shuddered.

Melony chuckled. “Well, look online and see if anything sparks your interest. You can do a lot online, and you’ll still be home with Colt.”

I thought for a moment and then nodded. “Yeah, I’ll look into it.”

“Good. Now, unless you want to be on an episode ofStrippers Gone Wild, I suggest you keep your mouth shut about Sommer and Sebastian.”

I groaned. “She was all up inmybusiness when she told me it was none of my business if she gives extras. She’s a hypocrite.”

“She’s your friend.”

I sighed. “You’re right.” We left the bathroom, and when I entered the dressing room, Sommer glared at me. “I’m sorry. I just have a lot on my mind.”

She stood, and her glare turned into a warm smile. Wrapping her arms around me, she said, “Apology accepted. I’m sorry too.”

“Thank you.”

She lowered her voice. “But I want to talk to you about what you know. Come with me.” She grabbed my hand and tugged me to the door I’d just entered through. I looked over my shoulder, and Melony gave me a what-the-hell look. I smiled at her before I continued through the doorway and into the bathroom again.

“What do you know?” Sommer asked as she released my hand.

I shrugged a shoulder. “About?”

She snorted. “You know.”

“About you and Seb—”

“Yes.”

I shrugged again. “I just saw you … on your knees in his office.”

“Oh, God,” she groaned. “When?”

I blinked. “When? It’s been more than once?”

“Ah.” She looked off to the side. “Maybe?”