Page 90 of The Heartbreaker

I didn’t get the sense that Jana agrees with you.

I don’t know, maybe I’m just too far inside my head.

But I was right about her, Ridge, she’s gorgeous.

Me

You’re too far inside your head. She loved you. It’s all good. I promise.

Addison

Good night.

Me

Sweet dreams, baby.

Me

I’m just checking on you this morning and making sure you’re all right.

Addison

I’m all right. Thank you.

Me

Tell me you’re not still inside your head.

Addison

I’m working my way out.

I just worry about everything. Jana seems amazing, and I don’t want to step on any toes, nor do I want this to be messy in any way. Ya know?

Me

It won’t be. We’re going to figure it out together.

I’ll see you at the club tonight?

Addison

You know I’ll be there.

TWENTY-TWO

Addison

Two more weeks, which was four more shifts, counting tonight. That was my estimate of how much longer it would take until I paid off my sister. Of course, that didn’t mean I could stop working here. If I could just get twenty or thirty thousand paid down on my student loans and get caught up on my bills, I could quit.

At least, that was what I kept telling myself every time I walked through the doors at the start of my shift. And every time I got onto the stage. And every time I gave a lap dance.

And every time I was hired to go into a private room.

I could do this for my parents.

And then I could do this for myself.