Page 59 of Cold Hard Cash

Rowena’s jaw dropped, and she glanced at her arm as if to check for goose bumps.

Jimmy blushed all the while, belting out the lyrics with his whole heart, his hand now resting easily on the microphone. He was comfortable now after his humble start, letting the music move him along, and he sang confidently as he went for a big finish.

Dario’s fingers flew across the keys for one last chord. “Hey! Not bad, dude!”

“Not bad? Holy shit, Jimmy! You’re amazing!” Rowena was on her feet, clapping and cheering. She grinned at Dario, promptly instructing him, “You two. Come up with a three-song set for tonight. You’ll go on at eleven. I’m going to make sure Roddy comes. He has got to hear you sing, holy fuck balls.”

Jimmy gulped, eyes wide.

Cold here.

Listening to him sing.

Watching him on stage.

You’d let me fuck you in front of the whole world…

Jimmy shivered.

“I think we can handle that,” Dario said, giving Rowena a firm salute.

She blew him a kiss. “You’re a doll, Dario. Thank you! Remember, keep it cool but fun. I really wanna knock Roddy’s socks off with this.”

“Wow.” Jimmy panted, suddenly out of breath.

He was gonna be singing for Boss Cold.

Tonight.

“But wait!” Jimmy frowned. “He told me I have to be back at midnight.”

“What are you, a fuckin’ pumpkin?” Rowena scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Ugh. Come on. He’ll come to the show, be fuckin’ amazed, and I’m sure he won’t even care about you being a little late for playtime.”

Jimmy was not as certain.

“Now, you boys have a good time,” Rowena cooed, wiggling her fingers in a wave. “Mama’s gotta go do grown-up things. Dario will take good care of you, Jimmy.”

“Right, um.” Jimmy fidgeted. “My mom’s stuff? In your purse?”

“Oh right! I’ll go put it in the safe in Roddy’s office right now, okay?”

“Thank you.” Jimmy sighed in relief. “See you later!”

“Bye, Jimmy!” she called, pausing to offer Dario a smile that was extra sweet. “Bye bye, Dario.”

Dario grinned dopily, a lovestruck expression Jimmy knew all too well, waving at Rowena and watching her every movement until she disappeared into the back. Jimmy tried not to smile, but he couldn’t help it.

It was very clear Dario had quite the crush.

“So, you and Boss Cold?” Dario asked casually, glancing sideways at Jimmy.

“Yeah. It’s complicated.” Jimmy coughed. “Um… So, you and Rowena?”

“Also complicated. As in, I worship her, but I basically don’t exist in her world. She’s the Princess Leia to my Momaw Nadon.”

“Wait, who?” Jimmy’s brow scrunched. “The… hammerhead guy in A New Hope?”

“Exactly,” Dario said sadly. “Not exactly a leading man, you know. He didn’t even have a name when they put out his action figure the first time. That’s me. Plus, I’m kind of terrified of Cold. He doesn’t like any of Rowena’s boyfriends, like, ever, and they never stick around long.”