“What is so important that I have to come and meet you right now?” I grate.
“I’m not changing my statement, and if you don’t want Lilly and Harry serving a life sentence then you will pay me five million pounds by tomorrow.” I laugh, a lot. Seriously? When I’ve got control of myself I meet her eyes again. Her nostrils flare as her eyes narrow at me. Well, apparently that pissed her off. I glance at Miles who looks far too serious.
“Why the fuck would I do that?”
“Because they murdered Shaun, and I can prove it.” She grins sadistically.
CHAPTER NINE
LILLY
It’s Friday night, and it’s also Halloween. Hugo is throwing a huge Halloween party at Allure. He’s closed the entire club for the night for an invitation only party. Only Hugo would possibly justify losing a Friday night’s worth of earnings, just so he can watch his array of hot models dress in slutty outfits. These boys have far too much money.
With all the shit that’s been going on lately, I think that a party is just what I need. It’s been a while since I’ve done fancy dress, but Hugo is insisting that everyone dress up. Nobody wants to be the boring person that didn’t bother.
Molly is going as a vampire, the sparkly red eyed type. Yep, she went there. She’s wearing a cheek skimming dress and those infamous thigh high boots. When people say that Halloween is just an excuse for women to dress like sluts, it’s so true. I had a last minute mad dash for a costume and am going as a creepy doll, again, my dress barely covers my arse. George is going as batman, and Harry is the Joker. Don’t ask.
I haven’t seen Theo for a couple of days, and it’s been nearly a week since we’ve slept in the same bed. He never came back when he left on Sunday night. I’ve been limited to brief visits and lunchtime meetings. He didn’t even ask how the lunch meeting with Hardy went, and given his volatile reaction, I expected to be hounded. As it is, Hardy was suspiciously boring. I waited for an ulterior motive, but none came. I told him I couldn’t help him and he accepted it. I think he just wanted me to ask Theo. He wanted Theo to know that he had approached me. Why else would he even ask me to approach Theo. They obviously dislike each other, and Theo was obviously going to say no. Needless to say, I’m not fucking happy about being dragged into their stupid bloody pissing match.
I decided to go and see Cassie again yesterday. She seems much better. They tell me that she’s almost ready for release.
I need to speak to Theo about Cassie. She’s going to need some support, and somewhere to live. I don’t want to push him though. I have no idea what is going on with him, or what has him distancing himself, but if there’s one sure fire way to piss him off, it’s talking about Cassie.
Either way, I’m not going to broach the subject tonight. Lately it always seems to feel like a business meeting when we’re together. There are always issues to be resolved, things we need to discuss. We can never just be. Tonight, I just want to have fun and forget about our ever increasing issues. Theo said he would meet me here, as he had some stuff to catch up on. Usually he would always want to pick me up, but I’m desperately trying not to look too deeply at the distance he keeps putting between us. I’m hoping he’s just tired, but a small insecure voice in my head keeps whispering that maybe he’s just realised that he can’t handle all my shit.
Allure is decorated to the nine’s. There are enough severed limbs, skeletons and cobwebs to create our own horror movie. The dancers are all in fancy dress. Some have on full body skeleton cat suits, whilst another is dressed as the black swan, with her tutu and mask. Considering how big the club is, and the fact that it’s a private party, there are a lot of people here. It’s an open bar, and the drinks are flowing.
“First round is on me.” George shouts.
“Doesn’t count!” I reply. Next time we go out, he’ll say he bought a round. Stingy fucker.
He smiles widely and winks at me. I glance around. I can’t see Theo, but he’s almost always late at the moment. For someone who supposedly doesn’t really run his business he’s putting in a lot of time at the office.
George brings back two pitchers of…something, and two rounds of tequila shots. “Get it down you girls, and dance like you’re being paid for it.” He crotch thrusts at me.
“I will, if you stop thrusting at my eye level.” Molly swats at him as he edges his offending crotch nearer to her. “George! You are gross.” She laughs.
I down the two shots. God, tequila never gets any better, no matter how many times you drink it. It definitely has the desired effect though. The burn tracks down my throat, bringing with it a familiar comfort, the comfort of a guaranteed oblivion. It’s a free one way ticket to a good time. Leave your troubles at the door, along with your dignity.