Page 16 of Lick

Stacey turns to look as I scan the room to see if Lick is here. Maybe the band is performing tonight. When I don’t spot him, I turn back to the table and focus on the pair. Neither of them seems to be interacting with the other. She’s scrolling on her phone, he’s sipping his beer, his eyes scanning the room until they land on me.

“Fuck it.”

I walk over to their table, squaring my shoulders. The guy’s eyes roam all over me, a smile playing at the edge of his lips as he drinks me in. The woman beside him is still oblivious until I step up to the table. “Hi, my name’s Emma. I’m looking for Lick.”

The guy’s face falls. “You and a dozen other women, sweetheart,” he tells me as the woman looks at me and sneers.

“Be that as it may, I still need to talk to him about something.”

“And what would that be?” the woman snaps.

“None of your business,” I tell her, my eyes going back to the man’s. “Look, I’m not trying to cause any trouble. I just need to talk to the man. If you can tell me where I might find him or even just when he’ll be here next, I’ll appreciate it.”

“Listen bitch, he ain’t interested in your old, used-up ass. Now move along before I have security throw you out.”

I don’t let her words bother me. Right now, I feel old and used up. If anyone but Stripperella had pointed it out, maybe the insult would have landed differently. As it stands, it just feels like an annoying bug flitting around my head.

“Well, he sure seemed interested the last time we met. But that’s not what this is about, and honestly, lady, you’re not his mother. The Lick I know is quite capable of handling himself.”

She stands up and makes a move to get to me, but the guy grabs her arm. His gaze falls on my hand, which I had no clue was resting on my stomach. I quickly move it away.

“Leave it, Tash. Like she said, Lick is more than capable of taking care of himself. He won’t like you interfering.”

“That’s my job,” she snaps, yanking her arm free.

“It fucking isn’t, and if you don’t know that, then read your damn contract.”

He turns back to me. “He’s not here tonight. He’s not due back until next week. He got your number?”

“No, but I can leave it for you.”

“You’re not gonna ask me for his?” he asks, curious.

“My friends wouldn’t just give out my number, I wouldn’t expect you to give me his either. I just really need to talk to him. If you could ask him to call or text me, that would be great.”

He opens his cell phone and hands it to me. I start to add my number, but before I can finish, Tash starts screeching. “Are you fucking kidding? Or are you just in the mood to fuck Lick’s cast-offs?”

I swallow, fighting the urge to hide. Not because of what she said as such, but because she shouted it loud enough to draw the attention of those around us. Before I can hand him his phone back, Tash grabs my wrist and yanks me forward. My stomach clips the table, making me cry out.

“What the fuck?” The guy squeezes her wrist until she lets go of me, by which point, Stacey and Jessie are beside me. Stacey wraps her arms around me as Jessie pulls back her fist and lets it fly into Tash’s face.

Tash crumples, which is when security starts to move towards us. Tash starts screaming and trying to launch herself at Jessie, who just glares at her.

“Stay the fuck down.” She turns to look at us. “Stacey, get her out of here.”

Stacey looks worried but nods. “Call me if you get arrested, and I’ll come bail you out. I love you.”

Jessie winks at her. “Love you too.”

“Fucking whore, fucking dyke whore. I’m calling the cops.”

“Do it. I’ll wait,” Jessie says as Stacey leads us out.

We’re met by security, who move to grab me, but Stacey snarls at them. “She’s pregnant, she’s already been attacked once in your bar by that viper. I’d be really fucking careful before you add to your problems.”

He holds his hands up in capitulation, but one of the others behind us mumbles, “What kind of pregnant woman comes to a bar?”

Stacey whirls around. “The kind that didn’t drink. The kind that thought she’d be safe in your establishment. But don’t worry, lesson learned. I’ll be sure to let all my friends and followers know differently.”