Page 3 of Shadow

They used their religion as a weapon, so they threw an absolute fit when I decided not to move back home after college. I didn’t want to hear that my Bachelor of Dance degree wouldn’t get me a “good” job. Or how I wasted money and time on “nonsense” instead of getting some kind of business degree like my brothers. So, I moved into a little apartment in Dallas. I worked for a community center and taught dance. However, that still wasn’t good enough for my parents.

They lived in Denton, Texas, which isn’t far from Dallas, so they would often pop up at my place uninvited and unannounced. Finally, because they wouldn’t respect my space or the fact that I was a grown-ass woman, I picked up and moved without telling them where I was going.

Once I told them I was in Vegas, they threw a fit of all fits. They didn’t talk to me for six months. It upset me, but it also made me realize that they would pick their religion over me. No matter how morally wrong it was to stop talking to your child for no good reason.

But now, I have someone that supports me no matter what. I met Trey at the temporary day job I had to get until I landed a dancing gig. He’s one of the Junior Financial Analysts at the firm. He was just my type with his gorgeous clean-cut looks and intelligence. We’ve been dating for the past five months, and I couldn’t be happier.

When I open my apartment door, I’m not surprised that Trey is already here. He has been spending more and more time at my apartment lately. I love having him around, so I’m excited when I see him. However, when I look closer, I notice he doesn’t look like himself.

Trey has dark circles under his eyes and dullness to his usually tanned skin. Even though his suit is still pressed and there’s not a blond lock out of place, I can tell something is wrong.

“Babe? What’s going on?” I ask, growing more worried as I watch Trey pace.

“Nothin, sweetie. I’m just extremely tired. You know how it is at the firm, well you don’t actually know because you’re just a receptionist. But, I’m sure you can imagine.” Trey’s little dig doesn’t go over my head, but I let it slide because I know he’s exhausted.

“I’m sorry that you’re so tired. You work entirely too hard,” I respond, trying to show some empathy.

“Well, if I didn’t work hard, sweetie, I wouldn’t get to where I want to be.”

I nod, “I guess that’s true.” I smile, trying to comfort my ambitious boyfriend.

Trey has been trying to move up at Lisandro and associates since he started working there. And although he’s an analyst and I’m a front desk receptionist, Trey’s name is well known around the office.

“I need you to do me a favor,” Trey says with a charming smile.

“Okay, what do you need me to do?” I return his smile.

“There’s a new club I want to hit up. Will you be my date? I have some friends that I want you to meet. I want to show off my new girlfriend, but it won’t be for a couple of weeks. They won’t be in town until then.”

“I would love to be your date and meet your friends.”

I haven’t really met anyone in Trey’s life since we started dating, but I can’t complain too much cause he hasn’t met anyone in mine either. Not that I have any friends in Vegas, but still. It’s nice to know our relationship might be headed in the right direction.

Two

COLLECTION DAY

SHADOW

“We have a few collections to make for this month, but our books, as usual, are in the black,” Caliber, the secretary of the Sinners, says.

We are closing out a meeting at the clubhouse. If there’s one thing we keep track of, it’s our money. Especially since a few months ago, we were under the scrutiny of the feds.

Well, in actuality, we are always under the scrutiny of law enforcement. The Sin City MC runs shit in Nevada. We are unapologetic about our motherfucking money. Anyone who decides they want to cross us is signing their death warrant.

“I’ve collected a few already, but I have a hundred grand to collect today from the financial analyst.”

I know Trey Everett has been slinking around Vegas pawning any and everything he can get his hands on. Flyboy has been tracking his every move. I’m surprised that the coward hasn’t tried to run yet. But I know the little weasel will.

Not only does Everett owe us money, but he also went and got himself caught up with the Russians. But I don’t know exactly how much he owes them, and I don’t care as long as he has the money he owes us.

“Once you collect, ban his ass from any future games. There’s too much heat on that motherfucker,” Grimm, our president, says.

I nod in agreement. There’s no way he was going to be back anyway. Everett is a shady little shit; he had the money the first time, so we let him play. It was against my better judgment, but I wouldn’t make that mistake again.

“We’ll talk about future prospects and vote on membership the next time I call church. Sinners all.” Grimm knocks the gavel against the table.

“Sinners all, never fall,” we say in unison as we stand.