“We need to talk to Tina. Any chance we could go in the back?”
Again, Hank looked to Beau as though asking permission, prompting my brother to add, “We both need to talk to her. It shouldn’t take longer than a few minutes, twenty at the most.”
Hank nodded. “That’s fine. Y’all can use my office.”
He motioned to one of the bouncers and handed Beau the keys to his office; we shook hands again, then we followed Hank’s employee out of the main lounge and into the back area.
I half listened, but not really, as Beau greeted all the girls we passed, only half heard them coo and flirt with my brother. I had no pleasantries for anybody and was relieved when we finished the gauntlet of barely covered breasts, glitter, and tall hair.
Beau unlocked the office and the bouncer left us, stating he’d bring Tina. Once we were inside, Beau shut the door and walked to the desk. I stood by the door, leaned against the wall, and waited.
Inevitably, my thoughts turned to Jess. Without meaning to, I conjured her face, was entranced by the slant of her mouth, mesmerized by the small freckles on her collarbone. She was a sickness, my sickness.
I decided, once this was over, I was definitely getting drunk. Maybe for a couple days. At least through Monday.
“…you’re going to have to fake it.”
I glanced at my brother, knowing he’d spoken but unsure what he’d said. “What?”
“With Tina. You’re going to have to find some charm and fake it. She’s not interested in me, wouldn’t help me out of a shallow ditch. But she’d do anything for you, if you asked nicely.”
I frowned. “She wouldn’t.”
Beau smirked. “She would. Yeah, like Cletus says, she’s a crazy bitch. But she’s got real feelings for you—as real as she can manage—and you’re going to have to use them if you want her to help us.”
I gathered then released a large breath, wiping my hand over my face. “This was a bad idea.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m no good at bullshitting.”
“Then don’t bullshit. Tell her the truth—or some version of it. You need her help. Tell her that. That’ll make her feel good, important.”
I opened my mouth to respond, but at that moment the door opened and Tina walked in. As soon as she saw me she stopped, her mouth parting in surprise. I straightened away from the wall and crossed to her, reaching around and closing the door.
She swayed toward me, her big eyes made bigger with paint and fake lashes. “Duane…?”
“Tina.” I tried to force some warmth into the word, but I couldn’t. Too many years of drama and stupid shit were between us. I looked at her now and saw nothing but a black hole of aggravation and tedium. Why I put up with her for so long was a mystery.
At my greeting, she stiffened. I heard Beau sigh and saw him drop his head into his hands. Gritting my teeth I shook my head, searching for some inner strength or hidden powers of bullshit.
“What do you want?” she spat.
I studied her for a long moment. She was dressed in tight jeans and a blue halter top, real clothes, like she was on her way out.
“I need your help,” I said simply.
She blinked at me, my words obviously not what she expected.
“You need my help?” Her tone was softer than it had been.
“Yes. I need your help.”
“Oh…I…” Tina appeared to be flustered by my admission; but she rallied after a few seconds, giving me what I recognized as a look meant to entice. “Well, you must need my help, seeing as you’ve been calling me for two weeks and you’re here now. You must need me real bad.”
She strutted toward me and lifted her hand as though to place it on me; I caught her wrist before she could.
“No,” I said.
“No?” I’d surprised her again.
“No.” I shook my head. “Never that. Never again.”
“Then, w…what…” she stuttered, then huffed her impatience. “What could you want me for?”
Beau finally spoke. “Tina, honey, there’s more to you than your snatch. You have a brain upstairs, might be worth dusting it off every once in a while.”
This earned Beau a venomous look and I realized he and I had switched positions. I was now good cop…well, my version of good cop.
“Shut up, Beau, and let me talk to Tina alone.”
“You want me to leave?” Beau straightened from the desk, sounded appropriately surprised.
“Yeah. Give us a minute.”
Tina glanced back to me, her expression curious and uncertain.
Beau made a show of his disgust on his way to the door. “I hope you know what you’re doing, because I told you this was a mistake. We never should have come here. She can’t be trusted, Duane.”