Page 96 of Apex of the Curve
Chapter Twenty-Three
Aspen…
I was in hell, but it was sort of a hell of my own making. I didn’t know what to do. I wanted so badly to keep Fen in my life, but not at the cost of his club pestering or bullying him over it. Yes, I knew he was big, yes, I knew he was strong, but the thought of him fighting someone to defend my honor worried me. Did I worry about him getting hurt? Partially. Did I worry about him hurting someone else? Most definitely, and I didn’t want it to be because of me.
Besides, who was to say things didn’t get out of hand? That weapons didn’t come out or get involved? Fen could be seriously hurt, and for what?
It just wasn’t worth it, but I didn’t know how to talk to him about it, either. So, I threw myself into my work, trying to get as much done as possible considering I was on the precipice of losing it all.
I felt like I was going insane, but I also felt as though I had already relied on Fenris too much.
I needed to figure it out on my own now. Do this for me, as much as for him.
The phone rang, and I picked up. “Clayrity, this is Aspen speaking, how may I help you?”
“Hi, I’d like to book a private paint night for me and my two girlfriends.”
“A private booking for three?” I asked.
“Yeah.”
“I can do that,” I said.
“This week?” she asked.
“Oh, um, when were you thinking?” I asked. Jesus, talk about short notice. Still, a private booking was good. It was listed on my website, three minimum and a minimum of X amount of dollars. I would double check she knew, but I should be able to handle this – even with the short notice. Double-edged sword, the perks of being the boss but also its downfall.
“Any time between tonight and Friday,” she said. “I know it’s short notice, but we really need a break and it sounds so much fun. Cost is no object.”
“I can do tonight,” I said, “It’s really the only time for a private session that I have between now and Friday. I do have regular classes on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Are you sure you don’t want the Thursday night regular class? It’s my least crowded,” I said.
“No, we’re sure, we want a private class, just the three of us.”
“Okay, can I get your name?” I asked.
“Marisol,” she said, and the name tickled my memory but didn’t quite click. It sounded familiar. Maybe if I had a last name?
“Last name?” I asked.
“Vasquez.”
“Okay, Miss Vasquez, I have you and two others down for tonight. Does seven pm work for you?”
“Absolutely.”
“Perfect, I’ll see you then.”
“Uh-huh, sounds good.”
“Bye now!”
“Bye.”
I hung up and let out an explosive breath.
“Shit,” I muttered.
I picked up my phone and texted the truth…
