f tonight, I’m a member.” She showed him her membership card.
His face displayed no emotion. He merely raised an eyebrow as he looked at her card. Damn him. Why couldn’t he show a little of what he was thinking?
“A member? How can you afford that?”
She frowned up at him. “Not that it’s any of your business, but a friend bought it for me.”
His face grew even colder. “Another gift from a friend?”
What was his problem? He had a look of pure disgust on his face as he glared down at her.
“Don’t bother working your shift tonight,” he said. “I’ll find someone more reliable.”
“But I—”
He turned away before she could finish, leaving her gaping after him.
***
“Is it true? You’ve quit?”
Tara turned as Tilly sat beside her on the sofa.
“Yep, it’s true.”
“You don’t look very happy. What’s wrong?”
Tara frowned. What was wrong with her? She’d been sitting here for the last hour moping over Alex’s reaction. Why did she still care what he thought? He’d made it very clear he wasn’t interested in her. It had been over two weeks since she’d been at the club and she’d been looking forward to returning tonight. A few comments from Alex and she found herself sitting in a corner of the room, not talking to anyone.
“If I was you, I’d be ecstatic, no more sore feet, no more long nights on top of long days at work.”
Tara looked over at her. Tilly did look tired. “You don’t enjoy it.”
“No. I do it because there is no way I could afford these fees and this is the best BDSM club in the city. Did you have a fight with Alex?” Tilly asked.
Tara looked over at her sharply. “What makes you say that?”
“Because it’s always about Alex with you, Tara.” Tilly rolled her eyes. “He’s the only one who can make you look that miserable.”
“I didn’t think I was that obvious.”
Tilly took her hand, squeezing it gently. “You could tell him how you feel.”
Tara laughed sadly. “Been there, done that. I think I’ve been humiliated enough. I’ve already asked him out, remember? He made it more than obvious that he wasn’t interested in me that way. In fact, I think he really dislikes me.”
“What are you talking about?”
“When I told him I was now a member he gave me this look of disgust and told me not to bother working tonight. Then before I could say anything he just walked off.”
Tilly frowned. “That doesn’t sound like Alex. He’s usually so polite. To everyone.”
“I think I’m going to just go home.”
Tilly squeezed her hand. “You’re going to let him run you off? Just because he was a bit rude? You belong here, Tara. This is where your friends are. Don’t let him ruin that.”
Tara stared down at her feet for a moment. She loved it here. She shouldn’t let him scare her away.
“You’re right.” She straightened her shoulders. “And after I go tidy myself up, I’m going to tell him just that.”