Love, Hate & Us

by S. P. West

  “Ummm…I don’t know. Thanks, but…”

  “I’d like to be your friend, Brooke,” he says quickly. “I think you could do with one. No offense, Hope.”

  “None taken.”

  “Look, I really appreciate it…” I look between Jake and Hope.

  “But?” Jake asks.

  “But I’m really tired after the drive, and if I’m honest, I don’t feel like celebrating. Probably, won’t for a very long time. I appreciate the offer and all, but I just want to slouch in front of the TV with a pint of ice cream and cry. Like I said, I’ve had a crappy week—”

  “All the more reason to come to the club tonight,” he says brightly.

  “I need to grieve.” I finish.

  “That settles it. WE are going out tonight, my treat. You’ll be our VIP guests.” Jake holds out his hand. “Now give me your keys and I’ll unload the heap of junk that you call a car. You go inside. Do what you need to do. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

  I stand there openmouthed as Hope takes the keys from me and gives them to Jake. He winks at her, puts his shades back on, and jogs toward my car.

  “Come on, B. Looks like we have a date tonight.”

  “He just completely ignored what I said.”

  “He’s like that.”

  “He’s an arrogant ass.” I fume as Brooke drags me by the arm toward her apartment building. “Where does he get off speaking to me like that?” Hope snorts in derision as she guides me through the network of brightly painted doors. “You were no help.”

  “It’s best just to let him get on with it.”

  “Bullying people?”

  “He’s not a bully, Brooke,” she says, stopping at an orange door. “He’s a good guy and he likes you.” She pushes the door open with her shoulder and beckons me inside.

  This is the first time that I’ve seen Hope’s new apartment. It’s compact and cute, much like Hope herself. There’s very little here of Hope’s old life—a few pictures of her and me, some old ones with our parents, but that’s about it. I realize that she left a lot behind when she fled Emmerton last year. After what happened with Cade, she’d disappeared completely. One day she was at my table sobbing because Cade had reduced her life to an international joke, and the next day she was gone. After she’d been missing a few days, I’d filed a missing person report with the police and waited and waited.

  Five months later, I’d received a phone call from her to say she was in Arizona. Hope wouldn’t tell me where exactly she’d gone or what she’d done, but she had told me that she had a new life, and that she was happy. The only thing Hope had asked me was that I didn’t tell Brody where she was. I’ll admit, at the time, I was a bit annoyed that I wasn’t allowed to share that information with him. After all, it was Brody who’d been my one beacon of light in the dark days after her disappearance from our lives. I understood her reasons though. Hope simply didn’t want Cade to find her. She chose to leave everything of her past behind. Seems to be a common theme in our family. Now, it’s my turn not wanting to be found by a McAllister brother, not that he would look for me. I guess he’s already making plans to move Joely in.

  “And, finally, this is the kitchen.” Hope beams proudly as she interrupts my thoughts. I haven’t listened to a word she’s said since I walked in.

  “Nice.”

  “It’s small, but it’ll suit the two of us,” she says, wrapping her arms around me. “You’ll be so happy here, Brooke. Scottsdale is a whole world away from Emmerton, no more cold winters for a start.”

  I give a weak smile at her enthusiasm. Personally, I’m not so convinced.

  “You don’t need to worry about the guys next door,” she continues. “They’re great, you’ll love them, and the best part is the parties.”

  “Hope.” I sigh. “I know what you’re doing and I’m not interested.”

  “You say that now.” She laughs, stepping back to lean against the countertop. “Give it a month or so and you’ll be wanting to tap that.”

  “Hope!”

  “Seriously, they are all H.O.T. Each and every one of them.”

  “Please don’t tell me that you’re sleeping with one of them.”

  “And what if I am? Just because Cade is whoring himself out to anything with a pulse…”

  I hold my hands up in defeat. “If it makes you happy…just make sure you use protection and don’t tell me about it. Ever.”

  “I am careful, big sister, so you don’t need to worry. I’m just having some fun, I think I deserve it, and you do too. No strings attached sex with guys who look like gods could do you a world of good. Forget about Brody. As of now, he’s a mere memory in your world, don’t give him power over you. Don’t miss out on something great all because you’re hung up on the fact that he slept with some skank in your house. Repeat after me,” she says, taking my hands in hers. “He has no power over me.”

  “He has no power over me.”

  “Louder for the people at the back. HE HAS NO POWER OVER ME!”

  “HE HAS NO POWER OVER ME. HE HAS NO POWER OVER ME.”

  “That’s it!” she squeals in delight as I dance around her small kitchen. A loud thump on the wall makes us both jump.

  “Hey, girl power. We get it. He has no power over you, now can you shut the fuck up. I’m tryin’ to watch the game here,” a masculine voice yells from the other side of the wall.

  “Sorry, Louis,” Hope shouts, flipping the wall the bird as she does so.

  “Stop fucking swearing at me and get started baking. I need cupcakes, Cupcake.”

  “Make them yourself,” she yells back.

  “Don’t make me come round there and spank your sexy ass.”

  “My sister is here.”

  “Oh hey, Brooke,” Louis calls. “I don’t mind you watchin’. I’ve done sisters before.”

  Hope makes a face that I think matches my own. What is it with these guys?

  “Pig,” Hope shouts.

  “Cupcakes,” Louis yells back.

  “In your dreams, buddy.”

  Louis lets out a deep sexy laugh. “You know it. Nice to speak to you, Brooke.”

  “You too?” I say to the wall.

  Hope grabs my hands and leads me toward her living room. We look at each other before bursting into laughter.

  “They can’t hear in here.” She smiles.

  “Are they always like that?”

  “You mean are they always alpha assholes? Yep, but they’ve got hearts of gold, so don’t take what they say seriously. Louis is lovely by the way.”

  “Have you…you know?” Hope’s grin is all the confirmation that I need. “Hope!”

  “Brooke.” She smiles.

  “But you were so down about Cade…”

  “Things change, Brooke.”

  “Things being a mysterious voice on the other side of the wall.”

  “Things like having a threesome with your two hot neighbors, if you must know,” she singsongs, and primly sits down on the couch. My jaw drops in astonishment. “Oh close your mouth, Brooke. You’ll catch flies.”

  “I’m trying to comprehend my baby sister having a threesome.”

  “Best cure for a broken heart. You should try it.”

  “Oh. My. God.”

  “Hey, don’t knock it.”

  I throw myself next to her on the couch, mirroring her position by tucking my feet underneath me. “So, are you in a relationship with them now?” Hope leans on her hand and sighs.

  “No, it’s just a friends with benefits deal. I’m not ready for another relationship. Not yet anyway.” A sly smile spreads across her face. “Once you get settled in you could always…I’m sure Jake wouldn’t mind.”

  “They like being treated as sex objects then?” I shake my head. “Not being treated as a person, just sex on tap by lonely women?”

  “They strip for hundreds of adoring women, who want what’s in their pants, every single night. They’re young, sexy as hell, and single. Be
lieve me, none of them want to settle down yet. They just want to have fun, and they want to have that fun with like-minded women.”

  “Sounds…ideal?”

  “Ideal for them. Look, I was the same as you, B, but Jake showed me that I don’t have to spend my life crying over someone. I can have fun as well. Just wait until you meet them all.”

  “There’s more?”

  “Oh yeah.”

  “Don’t tell me you slept with them as well?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Dear God.”

  “Hey. Like I said, I’m just having some fun, and if you got that stick out of your ass, you could too.”

  “I’ve just come out of a very long-term relationship and like I said, I’m not ready to get involved with anyone just yet. Maybe never, and most definitely not just for sex. That’s not my style and I doubt I’ll be changing my mind anytime soon.”

  “I’m sure you’ll change it when you meet the rest of the guys at the club tonight.”

  “I’m not going.”

  “Yes, you are. Besides Liam, Niall, and Zane are really looking forward to meeting you.”

  “What are they, a One Direction tribute act?”

  “No. They’re strippers.”

  “Is there one called Harry as well?

  “Huh?” I may have to disown my sister for her complete disinterest in pop music.

  “Never mind. Why don’t you go? I’ll stay here.”

  “Nope. You are coming with me to MOS whether you want to or not. I wasn’t going to say anything until you met all the guys, but Louis said that they may have an opening for you. His eyes lit up when I told him what you did for a living. I don’t think they like handling the financial side of the business much. Earning the money, yes. Making sure all the accounts tally, not so much.” Hope gets off the couch, and offers me a hand up. “And the best part is, that if they offer you a job and you take it, you’ll be working with me.”

  “Okay.”

  “You’ll at least come to the club then, to meet them I mean?”

  “How can I say no?” I smile as Hope does a happy little jiggle.

  “I promise that you won’t regret it. I swear I’m living the real-life version of Magic Mike.”

  “I’m just going to meet them. Don’t get your hopes up, Hope.” I grin.

  Hope waves her hand in dismissal. “I’m just glad you’re here, Brooke, and working with you would be the frosting on the cake. I’ve missed you so much,” she says, burying her head in my shoulder like she used to do when we were little kids.

  “I missed you too, piglet…I’ve missed you, too.”

  Brooke

  There is a line around the block as we drive past the entrance to MOS in Jake’s Camaro. Hope is riding shotgun up front. I’m in the back, sandwiched between Louis and Harry, sorry Liam, I think. If the car crashed right this moment, I could think of worse ways to die.

  “What time did you say you open?” I ask the blond-haired, blue-eyed man sitting beside me.

  “Doors open at eight.” Louis answers absentmindedly as he takes in the long line.

  “But it’s only just turned six.”

  “We’re popular guys.” He shrugs, on my right Liam’s body shakes as he tries to suppress a laugh. “Looks like we’re going to have a good night.”

  “And all those people are happy to wait outside for another couple of hours to see you?” I blow out a breath. “Wow.”

  “They,” Louis says, making as much of a sweeping gesture as he can within the cramped confines of the car, “know what they like, and they like us.”

  “We’ve got a loyal following across the state,” Liam chips in. “We started small, doing a few gigs here and there. Word spread, we increased our social media presence, and boom, here we are,” he says as Jake pulls into a reserved parking space at the back of the club.

  “Right then,” Jake says, turning in his seat to face us. “Let’s get you in the building, Brooke. I’ll give you a quick tour. Louis can show you the books—see if it’s something you could do, then you can either sit in the VIP booth or off stage so you can watch us. Up to you. That sound good?”

  I nod my head in agreement. Jake flashes me a huge grin, pulls his ever present shades over his eyes, then says, “Show time,” as he opens the car door.

  “Jake!”

  “Hey, baby.”

  “Liam, you never called.”

  “Louis, be my baby daddy.”

  As soon as we exit the car, the boys are surrounded by a large group of scantily clad women. Hope takes a hold of my elbow, pulling me toward the stage door before I’m crushed by the onslaught. It’s a great relief when the door slams shut behind us.

  “Who were they?”

  “Groupies.” Hope shakes her head and continues striding forward into the heart of the venue.

  “They have groupies?”

  “Yeah.” She turns to face me and rolls her eyes. “It’s the reason why they’re all so big-headed.”

  “Heard that,” a gruff voice says behind me, and I turn to see a tall, gorgeous African-American guy with the most stunning green eyes.

  “Hey, Zane.”

  “Hey, Phoenix.” He grins, picking Hope up with ease and spinning her around. “Thought you weren’t working tonight.” He gently puts her down, reaching out with his large hand to brush a random hair away from Hope’s face.

  “I’m showing my sister the ropes.”

  “Sister?” Zane turns, pinning me with his gaze. He studies me for a minute before a huge grin breaks out on his face. “Hi there…”

  “Brooke,” I say, stepping forward to shake his hand. He takes me by surprise by pulling me in for a hug.

  “Girl, you don’t look like a Brooke. You look like a Rogue to me.”

  “He’s obsessed with comic books,” Hope stage whispers. “He likes to give people nicknames based on them.”

  “I sure do. Welcome to the family, Rogue.” He laughs, releasing me from the bone-crunching hug.

  “Thanks.” I grin as the gentle giant gives Hope the same treatment.

  “I’ve gotta get myself oiled up for tonight’s show. If you’re around later, come find me and I’ll buy you a drink.” Zane winks as he places a dazed Hope on the ground.

  As he walks away, I notice Hope staring at his mighty fine ass until he disappears around the corner. Not that I blame her.

  “He was nice.”

  “Yeah.” She sighs, and takes my hand again, leading me in the other direction from where Zane went. “He’s a nice guy. Real gentleman. He’s also off limits.”

  “Oh.” I feel a pang of disappointment, which kind of shocks me. “Who’s the lucky girl?”

  “Guy.” Hope corrects me.

  “Guy?”

  Hope nods her head, and surges forward, down the maze of corridors. I tug hard on her hand, forcing her to stop.

  “Shut up! No way…not that it matters.”

  “I know. I had the same reaction, and for your information, he’s bi.” She looks over her shoulder at me. “Long story, but he and Shane are really happy together. Shame that others can’t be happy for them,” she says cryptically. “Anyway, come on, we’ve got people to see before the shows start.” I struggle to catch up as she strides off.

  There are people everywhere I look, each one of them giving Hope a smile or wave as we walk by. Some of the guys give her fist bumps, which she jokingly returns. I’ve not seen this side of Hope in a long time—the social butterfly who loves everyone and who everyone loves in turn. I thought she’d got lost when Cade…

  “Here we are,” she chirps, not bothering to knock as she flings a door open. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it certainly wasn’t this.

  “Wow.”

  “I know, right?” she says, walking over to the computer sitting on the biggest desk I’ve ever seen. I turn around in circles, trying to take it all in. Masculine and powerful are two words that spring to mind. The walls are painted a dark gray, accent
ed with white, plain except for a single painting of a naked woman that looks like it cost a pretty penny. The wooden furniture complements the color on the walls. Dotted here and there are small, yet tasteful, statues of the human body. Everything looks expensive. Very expensive.

  In the corner of the room is a top of the range coffee machine, but it’s the desk that draws back my attention. There is a bank of computer screens and other high-tech gadgetry, which I find odd, considering that I know what the venue is used for.

  “This must have cost…”

  “A fortune. Yes, it did.”

  “And you say the person who owns this place makes their money solely from?”

  “MOS is a strip club that caters to men and women,” Hope answers absentmindedly.

  “Yeah, but it can’t make that much money. I mean look at all this,” I say, spinning around. “I recognize expensive when I see it, Hope.”

  “Stripping is lucrative,” she says defensively.

  “Please don’t tell me that they’re involved with anything illegal.”

  “They’re not.”

  “How would you know? You’re the bar manager.”

  “I know quite a lot. Believe me, what they do is not illegal.”

  “And believe me, this does not come from just running a club. If I’m not mistaken that little trinket over there”—I point to a sculpture of a male torso—“is worth more than my house and your apartment together.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “It’s from a series of works by Diablo,” I say, picking the statue up and checking the base for the telltale mark of the artist they call the Devil. Sure enough it’s there. “He made five in total and by the looks of it, all five are here.” I carefully replace the statue and step back. “They were bought as a set by a mystery buyer two years ago for twelve million dollars. Before you ask, Doc Barrowman bored me to tears during a physical exam last year. Apparently, he likes to dabble in antiques, alongside taking your blood pressure.”

  “Oh.”

  “As interesting as that was for you, it doesn’t explain how the hell you got caught up with whatever shady shit these guys are into, because,” I say quickly before she can interrupt me, “there is no way on this earth that stripping would make these affordable. However the guy who owns this place makes his money, I’m positive it’s not legal.” Hope doesn’t say a word—she just stares at me, arms folded across her chest. “I don’t like it, Hope. I don’t like the thought of you getting into trouble. Call me old-fashioned, but I don’t want to have to come visit you in jail.”