Phoebe puffed out her cheeks, dragging a seat out and scraping the legs across the floor. She always had loved the dramatics of a fall out, but Faye couldn’t be bothered with it all.
“So, what did you want to see me about?”
“Really? That’s all you’ve got?”
Phoebe snorted. “You’re the one with issues, not me.”
“Issues…”
Phoebe held up a hand. “Look, I was only trying to have a good night when we were at the club. There was no need for you to go off on me how you did. I don’t know how you and I gelled so much when we met because you’re the total opposite to me, but I’m done here with you. You can do as you please. I won’t be made to feel guilty for enjoying a night with a gorgeous woman.”
Faye’s jaw clenched immediately. Phoebe was talking about Talia. It didn’t matter if it was her job, Faye knew Phoebe was trying to rile her up.
“I wasn’t trying to make you feel guilty. But you’re so crass sometimes and it’s not a good look on you. You never used to be like this, but since that club opened, you’re fucking feral, Phoebe.”
“You need to let go a bit. That’s your problem.”
Faye scrubbed a hand down her face. “Anyway, I’m not here to argue with you. I’m here to tell you that I’m dating Talia, and I hope you can be happy for me.”
Phoebe’s eyes widened, and then a disgusted laugh fell from her mouth. “You’re not serious.”
“I am. We’re dating. Like it or don’t, I’m not interested anymore.”
“You’re out of your mind. She’s a stripper. How can you trust that she won’t hurt you? I mean, you genuinely believe she’s not in that room doing whatever she wants to whoever she wants?”
“I’ve heard this all before. You can choose to believe Talia isn’t good for me, but I know different. I see everything nobody else has the chance to see. Why can’t you just be happy for me, Phoebe? Is it really that much of a hardship for you knowing that I’m happy?”
“I don’t care if you’re happy; she’s a fucking stripper!” Phoebe yelled at Faye, startling her. Customers turned and eyed them both. Faye wanted the floor to open up and swallow her. Phoebe knew exactly what she was doing. “You’re pathetic!”
Faye got to her feet, pressing her palms to the table as she leaned down closer to Phoebe. “You’re supposed to be my friend. I’m disappointed you can’t see past who I have in my life. You’re lucky I keptyouin it for so long.”
“Fuck off, Faye.”
“Gladly. But I’m warning you, stay out of her room!”
Phoebe smirked as she got to her feet, tilting her chin. “You know the funny thing is thatyoucan’t stop me. What Adria does at work isn’t your business. If I want to be in that room payingyourgirlfriend to dance for me, then I will. Over and over again. Now just think for one second how ridiculous that sounds and put an end to it all. You’ll only become a laughingstock!”
Phoebe turned on her heel and rushed from the bistro, the door slamming shut behind her.
Faye could only watch her leave, stunned by Phoebe’s reaction even though she shouldn’t be. Over the years, Faye had become fond of Phoebe; she’d been there for her when it mattered most. But this? No, this wasn’t healthy. For the first time in weeks, Faye felt free as she watched Phoebe walk away. Her only wish right now was that Phoebe didn’t change her mind and turn back around.
Faye knew all eyes were on her, burning through her back, but she was all out of caring. These people here didn’t know her or Talia. They didn’t know the relationship they had or how happy Talia made Faye. These people meant nothing to her.
Faye’s phone started to ring on the table, Talia’s name flashing on the screen. She answered immediately, Talia’s voice would soothe her instantly. “Hey!”
“Faye, where are you?”
“I’m at the bistro having a miserable day because you’re not working.” She slid back down into her seat, grinning as Talia released a light chuckle. “Why?”
“So, I’ve spoken to the boss here at Vision. We’ve been friends for years.”
“O…kay.”
“And since it’s just me here today, the other girls are in tomorrow, he said it would be okay if you came over and watched my routine.”
“O-oh.” Talia told her relationships with clients were forbidden. And even though Faye didn’t see herself as a client, she had been to the club on several occasions, making her one whether she liked it or not.
“But you don’t want to. That’s fine.” Talia mistook Faye’s silence as hesitation. That wasn’t the case at all. “Maybe I’ll just come over tonight if you don’t have any plans?”