just want it to look like the club is a silent partner with twenty-five percent invested. That way, it looks legit. If I get our money going through there, you make the twenty-five percent off top, plus another ten percent of what comes through. I will have no part in your shop. I get the tattoos, I don't give 'em.”
Hanger gives it to Daphne straight, then laughing at his own stupid joke at the end. I look over to her and I can see she is working the numbers in her head.
Daphne plays it cool. Give me some time to think on it before I decide for sure. Is there any chance I could get in trouble for this?
“I'll give you some time, but we need an answer soon or we will be looking into other places. Isn't there always a chance when it involves something illegal? I can tell you that my brothers and I would keep you out of it. On your side, it will all look legal.”
Hanger tries to sell her on the idea some more, but putting pressure on her also. He doesn't know it's not necessary, I can read people like a book and this chick is in.
She gives him a nod as she stands, sticking out her hand for him to shake. I assume they tell each other their goodbyes and that they will be in touch. I stand with them and walk her out and back to the bar. I see Ever still sitting with the kids, but now Bear and Jacey's two are there as well. I walk Daphne to her car and before she gets in, she motions for my pen and paper.
Daphne : She didn't look too happy about me being here.
Writer : Yeah, I noticed. I gotta talk to her. We're in a weird place right now.
Daphne : What do you mean? Does she know about the tattoo?
Writer : I got the bright idea to tell her we could be friends and no, she doesn't know about the tattoo.
Daphne : You're a fucking idiot sometimes, Writer. You could never be just friends with that girl.
Writer : I know. I need to make sure she's alright. I'll see you later.
She hands me back the paper, gets in and shuts her door, then pulls away as I make my way back in to settle this situation. I walk over to Ever and sign, Can I talk to you for a minute?
Nodding her head, she gets up and goes over, letting Crazy Girl know someone needs to sit with the kids. I place my hand on her lower back and guide her to my room. Her stiffness at my touch hasn't gone unnoticed.
After my door is shut, I turn to her and I notice she keeps looking at my bed. I wave my hand in front of her face to get her attention. When I have it, I ask, Are you okay?
Yeah, I'm fine.
She starts fidgeting so I know she is lying. That's one thing about her and Zoey, they are both shit liars.
Don't lie to me. What's wrong?
Fine. I don't know how to do this friend shit with you. Seeing you with other women makes me jealous. Daphne is so much more your type, with her tattoos and piercings. I don't like this. I hate feeling this way. If this is your payback, it worked, okay? I hate being in here. I keep looking at the bed, wondering how many women you have had in it, in our bed. I can't do this anymore. Just let me go and I won't come back to the clubhouse anymore.
Her tears begin to fall. All this shit is making her feel insecure. She used to have confidence like I had never seen before. I don't like this at all.
Hey, Sugar, it's okay, calm down. Her tears fall faster when I use her pet name. I decide to give her the truth. I don't know how to do this friend thing either and as far as types go, I only have one and that's you.
I use my thumb to swipe away the stray tears on her cheeks before continuing. You have nothing to be jealous of. Daphne was here to meet with Hanger about business. She's done all of my tattoos and piercings since you've been gone, and we've become good friends, but that's it. She knows all about you and told me what an idiot I am for suggesting we be friends.
I see the smile taking over now, so I go on. I'm not paying you back for anything. Since we talked, I understand and I wouldn't do that to you. I think we need to take it one