Gage, Ronna - The Search is Over (Siren Publishing Classic) Read Free Page B

recalling the woman at the party.
    “Who? Oh yeah.” Rafe noticed Jack’s soft smile. “That was two weeks ago.”
    Rafe laughed. That is so typical of Jack Posen. Hopping from one woman to another, no attachments to keep him tied for too long. “Well, while you’re out screwing, I’m looking for a new place to live.”
    Jack looked at Rafe with wide surprised eyes. “Really?”
    Rafe shrugged, exhaled audibly and shook his head. “I need to get away from the old neighborhood. I just can’t stand the drama anymore.”
    “Yeah, I know the feeling. I only stopped by that night because we were supposed to meet Tony there.”
    “I wondered what was so different about the same old crowd I grew up with for so many years, and then it hit me.”
    “What?”
    “I know exactly what changed. I did, not the crowd. That one night at the party was fun. Hell, even the first week was cool. But I’m not a kid anymore. I want something more out of life.”
    “Things change and you just outgrew them.”
    Jack’s understanding gave Rafe the opportunity to vocalize his thoughts. “Yes, but where does that leave me now?”
    The two sat in the stillness of their thoughts and nursed their beers. “I have an idea,” Jack said suddenly, almost excited by the thought. “Why don’t you come out to my place for awhile? It’s not much, but I have an extra room, and you’re more than welcome to it.”
    Rafe’s spirits lifted at the idea. “I could have a new set of friends, new place to live, and maybe a new party scene.” He looked around the bar. “Not that I’d ever give up my new hangout here at the titty bar.”
    Jack laughed. “Good, come by and check it out, see what you think, and make your decision after.”
    “Sounds good.” Rafe felt the weight of the world lift from his shoulders. “I can definitely use a new start.”
    “Could I get you boys another beer?” the bartendress asked, leaning against the bar, flashing her ample breasts which she stuffed in her black leotard.
    Cherry, the lead bartender during the day shift, showed a warm spot for Rafe, and he liked her. She gave him free beers and shots of bourbon for his services with the rowdy customers who groped her as she passed. Her auburn hair hung down her back in a ponytail. Her small waist flared to full hips, and a gold chain encircled the flat tummy, emphasizing her tiny hourglass figure.
    “And they are?” Rafe asked, pointing from one breast to the other.
    Cherry fingered her plunging neckline. “These girls are top-of-the-line and very expensive. Any introductions will cost you more than you make in a week.”
    “Nice purchases,” Jack complimented.
    Rafe looked at Jack. “Cherry, give us a pitcher please. We’re going to celebrate.”
    Her bright smile flashed them with another high-maintenance expense. “What are you celebrating?”
    Rafe lifted his beer. “I propose a toast. Here’s to changes.” Rafe and Jack clanked mugs.
    In the last hour of quiet, Rafe’s mind wondered to the potential benefits of having Jack as a roommate. Hanging out with Jack would be nothing but fun.

Chapter Three

    Candi held the buzzing phone in her hand and stared off into space. The sound of footsteps down the hall penetrated her stupor. She clicked off the phone. “I sensed something different about Jesse before he left on his trip to his mother’s.” She thought back. “He seemed preoccupied and distant, which centered around a mysterious phone call he’d received prior to making the arrangements.”
    “What you doing, kiddo?” Minerva, her roommate, asked from the coffeemaker.
    “I just tried to call Jesse, but he doesn’t answer at this mother’s.” Minerva hung her head and averted looking at her eye to eye. “What’s going on?”
    “Oh, honey.” She walked to the table and sat down. “Come sit with me. I don’t know how to say this, so I’m going straight on with it. I think I should let you in on a family secret.”
    Candi sat down