Phoebe rolled her lips inward, shifting ever so slightly. “I’m sure she’s lovely when she’s not throwing herself at people, but she’s no good for you.”
“Why do you pay for her and other women if you make snide remarks about her?” Faye cocked her head. She knew Phoebe loved the club, but she didn’t understand why. “I mean, you’ve been nothing short of verbally abusive towards her, so why?”
“The club is exactly what it’s supposed to be. A club. Adriaisa stripper. Doing her job. And yeah, she’s fucking amazing at it. But that doesn’t mean I want to see her hurt you. You mean so much to me, Faye…”
Faye’s brows drew together when Phoebe’s voice cracked. Was she upset? Faye wasn’t sure she could trust her again yet, so she wouldn’t delve deeper into Phoebe’s sudden emotion. “But…you don’t know Talia outside the club. And you don’t seem to be prepared to give her a chance.”
“I’ll…try, okay?”
Faye’s brows shot up with surprise as Phoebe turned her back. Still, no matter what happened moving forward, she wouldn’t let Phoebe interfere anymore. She didn’t care for her opinion; she didn’t need to talk it out. She just wanted to get to know Talia…and as she’d discovered this evening, away from anyone who could cause their potential relationship any harm. Because while Phoebe said she was suddenly willing to try, Faye didn’t believe a word.
They took the short walk to the club, but the nearer they got, the more Faye’s nerves grew. “H-how much do I owe you for the reservation?”
“Oh, nothing.”
“No. We agreed that we’d split the cost for Becky’s birthday.”
“I know, and we did, but it doesn’t include you.”
Faye turned to Phoebe as they stopped outside the club. “Why wouldn’t it include me?”
“We didn’t do anything for your fortieth. I’ve covered your chunk of the cost. It’s a gift, okay?”
“You didn’t have to do that. It’s nobody’s fault that I didn’t celebrate.” Faye and Phoebe had gone out to dinner, but with so much going on in Faye’s work life, she hadn’t had the time or the strength to plan anything else. Her friends were arranging parties and get togethers, but Faye had never really gone all out for any of her milestone birthdays. It only reminded her that she was getting older. “But thank you.”
“I just want you and Becky to have a lovely night.” Phoebe linked her arm through Faye’s, guiding her towards the entrance of the club. The security guard gave them both a nod, and they slipped inside. “Is she working tonight?”
“I believe so. She always works on Saturday.”
“I know we haven’t spoken about it since you set me straight the other week, but I want you to know that I’m here if you need to talk.”
“About what?”
“Talia.”
Faye appreciated that, but what was the point? Phoebe would jeopardise it all. “There’s nothing to say. I’m not sure she trusts me with her heart.”
“I don’t trust her with yours, but that’s just my own opinion.”
Faye ignored Phoebe’s comment, exhaling a breath. “I think she had a really bad experience with a relationship in the past. I’ve tried to talk to her about it, but she doesn’t seem keen on the idea.”
“Probably for the best, Faye.”
“Maybe. I don’t know.” They stepped into the open space, greeted with flutes of champagne from a waiter close to the door. “Oh, wow.”
“I told you it was your treat too. Happy belated birthday.” Phoebe kissed Faye’s cheek, offering her a wink as she stepped back and motioned towards the VIP area. Several dancers strode towards them, taking their coats and bags while offering kisses on the cheek.
“Okay, this is…not what I expected.” Faye suddenly felt flustered as she turned to Phoebe. “I thought it would be the same as the night you brought me here. This must have cost a fortune, Phoebe.”
Phoebe lifted a shoulder as she sipped her champagne. “Nothing is too much for my best friend. Now, who do you have your eye on?”
Faye slipped into the circular booth, relaxing into the polished leather. “Huh. I don’t know.”
“I’m taken in a little by that blonde,” Phoebe said, tilting her head towards a tall, slender dancer.
“So long as you don’t have Adria in your lap, I don’t care who appeals to you.”
Phoebe shifted closer to Faye, leaning in. “Would that bother you?”