He responded almost immediately. Busier than I expected.
Is that good?
It is. Taking Dad to lunch before more work later. Did you talk to Charlie again about coming in to PH to talk to the kids?
He’s still thinking about it. I think he will, but I don’t want to push.
That’s understandable. I think he’d do some good, but it’s up to him. Any plans tonight?
I frowned. “What the hell?”
I sent back, I don’t think so? Why?
No worries! I gotta head out. Don’t worry about the cover at the door. Just say you’re with me. ;)
“Motherfucking winky face,” I muttered. “And what are you talking about with a cover? And why are you asking me my plans when you’re going to be at the leather bar where there would be a cover… at… the… door. No. No, no, no.”
He knew.
He knew.
“Fuuuuuck meeeee,” I breathed.
Chapter 9: That Time I Went to a Leather Bar
I BLINKED when the vehicle I was in came to a stop. I looked around to see we were in a parking lot I’d never seen before. “Where are we?”
“Oh thank god,” Paul said. “I thought we were going to have to carry you inside.”
“Carry me inside where?”
Paul and Vince turned around to look at me in the back seat. “Corey,” Vince said slowly. “Do you remember who you are?”
Paul rolled his eyes. “Of course he does.” Then, “Right?”
“No,” I said. “I have no idea.”
Vince’s eyes widened. “He has amnesia, just like on Amor Descarado.”
Paul sighed. “I really don’t understand your obsession with telenovelas.”
“Nana says it’s because I was a conquistador in my past life, and I was in love with the daughter of a powerful mafioso who ended up murdering me.” He scrunched up his face. “But then she said I came back as a ghost, and it got really weird after that.”
“I don’t know why I asked,” Paul muttered. He looked at me again. “We’re at Build-a-Bear Sweat Shop. Sandy and Darren are already here. Charlie’s waiting for us. We found you in your room saying nope over and over again. I had to brush your teeth for you. Please don’t make me do that ever again.”
“What am I wearing?” I demanded, looking down. I had on a leather corset, tight black pants, and killer boots with pointed toes.
“Just be thankful that’s all you have on,” Paul said. “I am trying hard not to point out how the hat I have on looks distinctly from a time period that should not be emulated in any way, shape, or form.”
“I don’t get it,” Vince said.
Paul patted his arm. “It’s better that way.”
“He knows,” I said, eyes widening. “Jeremy knows.”
Paul and Vince glanced at each other before looking back at me. “How do you figure?” Paul asked.
My phone was sitting in my lap. I was thankful they’d thought to bring it along while I was catatonic. I found the text thread and thrust it toward them, their faces illuminated as they read in the semidark.