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remember that whole deal. Poor Frank. He was so sweet too. So you think Z’s girlfriend is doing that to him?”
    “Yeah, I just get that impression. Flynn thinks so too, but Z seems oblivious. They’re always fighting though and she never hangs out with us, which is fine with me. Like I said, she’s annoying!” Melanie said, scrunching her nose.
    “That’s not good.” I really felt bad for Z.
    She nodded in agreement. “Yeah, he’s like a brother type to me. We have a lot of fun. You’ll see how it is with all of us. It’s just like Brad and Mack. We hang out, drink, play cards and pool, but we’re all just good friends.”
    I nodded, thinking about Brad and Mack. Mack was a friend of Brad’s from college, but Brad I’ve known since my first foster home. We somehow were able to stay together and even made sure we went to college together. There were many times he backed me up and saved me, especially when I used to hustle pool. Although, he had reason to do that since I would always split my winnings with him.
    I’ve missed Brad so much, especially lately. We used to be so close until he married Missy. She was constantly jealous of our relationship. It was around the same time that Melanie started dating Allen. “How are they? Have you heard from them lately?” She answered that she hears from them every once in a while, but now that they’re married and working, she doesn’t talk to them that much.
    “I’ll have to give them a call and let ‘em know you’re back in town,” Melanie exclaimed excitedly.
    I shook my head, looking down at the pavement as we walked. “I’m sure Missy and Donna don’t really want us calling them. Maybe we shouldn’t bother.” I still felt sad about the last time I had spoken with Brad. Missy yelled at him to choose between her and me, he had given me a sorry look and chased after her, obviously choosing Missy.
    “Well, maybe just the guys will come to town for a night of fun. I’m sure they can get away for one night of walking down memory lane,” Melanie said in a hopeful manner.
    “I doubt it. We should probably just leave it alone. I don’t think I want to face Brad again after our last exchange.” I’d rather just leave that door closed.
    Melanie rubbed my back and gave me a sad nod, knowing how I had broken down after that had happened. She took a deep breath. “Are you nervous about tonight?” Melanie asked changing the subject.
    “A little. But I’ve kept up on all my bartender skills.” I left out about the parties and that I had to serve drinks in certain outfits to appease HIM for different fantasy scenes. Some of those were pretty fun, but I was trying not to think about anything having to do with HIM. She gave me a quick nod not thinking anything of it.
    After getting home, I washed my new clothes and put them away. I took a shower and sat at the kitchen island to eat a quick dinner before heading over to Allure. As I was eating my salad, Clark came down the stairs wearing a red shirt with the logo for Allure on it. I couldn’t help but graze over his incredible chest. The red shirt was obviously part of Allure’s standard uniform, but he definitely picked one a bit tighter that would emphasize his broad shoulders; it was snug enough to show every chest and ab muscle he had. It reminded me of Z, but Clark’s shirt was much tighter.
    He smiled smugly noticing my gaze, “You like this, don’t ya babe?” He asked, gesturing to his chest.
    I had a couple of witty things come to mind but stopped. Why did I stop? Just like in front of Z and his slutty name comment. I wanted to tease back with him. I used to have really fun comments that would get a quick laugh in a guy’s eyes…but since HIM, I squashed it. Why? Easy. Punishment for speaking out, and not usually the good kind. At first HE seemed to like my quick wit and comebacks. But after the punishments increased the past several months, I began to think HE might not be as into them as I