Chapter 44

Plan Execution Part One

Rhi POV

Confused, I ask, "Why are we going to the show again? We already did this and I'm sure it will be the same as last night. They pretty much all are. You've seen one strip show, you've seen them all."

Ana gives me a funny look. "Rhi, didn't you just say yesterday that you go to strip clubs back home all the time? Isn't that the same thing? I mean, they can't be that different."

Touche.

"That's a valid point, I agree, but each person does something different every time they perform. Not to mention it all depends on what group of people you go with. I go all the time to have fun as well as helping my friends. Stripping is good money. It's not like they strip down to nothing, they're wearing thongs or whatever. Boobs are boobs. If you've seen one you've seen them all." I laugh, shaking mine from side to side for emphasis. Kate and Ana laugh and copy me and we laugh as we're heading to the elevator.

When the elevator opens, we step on and wait as it descends to the casino level. I'm lost in my thoughts of the girls getting me ready. It's a good thing they were dressing me because I'd still be sitting there putting my shoes on. I chuckle remembering what Kate said about leaving her whip at home.

"What are you laughing about, Rhi?" Ana says, peeking around Kate to look at me.

"Nothing, just Kate and her whip. I never knew you had it in you!" I laugh, making a whipping motion with my left hand.

Kate laughs, "You do realize I only said that to get you two moving faster. We were on a time crunch and I know how you two can get distracted."

Ana rolls her eyes, "Absolutely not the truth! You're the ones who get distracted!"

Kate, still laughing, says, "That's fair. I'm not the only one who does though. Come to think of it…"

"WAIT! Don't even say what I think you're going to say! It is not MY fault! Just because I'm the common denominator doesn't mean I'm the one who starts it!" I laugh out. "OK, maybe I AM the one who starts it, most of the time, but not ALL the time!"

I bump shoulders with Kate for emphasis, knocking her into Ana. Ana loses her balance and bounces off the wall of the elevator causing it to shake. I have a slight panic attack and grab Kate's arm in a vice grip, closing my eyes tightly.

"Rhi, it's OK. It'll stop in a second. You're OK." Kate coos in a soothing voice and rubbing my back trying to calm me. "Take some deep breaths."

I hate elevators just as much as I hate small spaces, they bring back horrible memories, especially small spaces. I mutter, "The only good that can come from getting stuck in an elevator are the firemen that show up to rescue the 'damsel in distress."

Ana looks over at me with a concerned look on her face, "Rhi, you're OK. You're safe. Nothing is going to happen. There's no one other than Kate and I in here. They're just bad memories." She walks around Kate and steps on the other side of me rubbing my shoulders.

I'm angry, revengeful, hateful and terrified that this is all happening still. I growl out, "This is ridiculous. I shouldn't have these issues. This isn't fair for me to suffer through all this bullshit because some asshole has a God complex. What is that saying? Something about the weak suffering? That's fucked up. In no way, shape or form am I weak."

Ana sighs, "Rhi, we've talked about this for years now. Jace is gone. He'll never be back. He'll never hurt you again."

I sigh. This shit is really getting old. "I'm trying, I really am."

My eyes roam Kate's face and I watch as it looks like she's trying to keep from saying something. "Say it Kate."

She lets out a burst of laughter, "Yes. You are trying. You really are."

Ana nods her head in agreement, laughing.

"Whatever. I try." I can't keep from laughing along with them, as we step off the elevator when the doors open and head toward the showroom. Luckily it's a short walk and soon the answer to my question will be revealed.

We finally make it to the showroom doors and Kate pulls out her phone and sends a message to someone. Probably Jack since she said he's behind this. I still have no idea what's going on or why. I don't know what to expect and I don't like it. I don't like the unknown. I never have. In fact, the unknown is cause enough for me to drink. My anxiety is through the roof and I can't wait to get a drink or two in me. I know I'm going to need something to take the edge off watching Alex dance tonight. I've got a strange feeling about the whole thing and I don't like it. I'm not really the jealous type so it's never been an issue with me. In my experience, it's always been the other way around, someone else being jealous. There's no reason to get jealous about anything. You're either with someone who's dedicated to you or you're not. Plain and simple. If they're no dedicated to you, and have someone on the side, they're not worth your time. However, that doesn't mean I'm OK with watching someone I just fucked do sexual stuff with other women. I mean, it's not like Alex and I are dating seriously; we're just seeing each other while I'm here. Unfortunately, I've started to feel something and that in itself can be a problem. I'm not sure what to think about all this and to be honest, I really don't want to right now. I'm here on vacation and I'm supposed to be enjoying my time away with my friends. So far it's been nothing but a shit show and I'm over it.

I'm broken out of my thoughts by a sharp pain in my hand that shoots up my arm. I fight to keep my face impassive so I don't give anything away.

Just great. One more reminder of the shitty start to a much needed vacation. I should've stayed home or better yet I should go home early.

I've been sent constant reminders about the issue at hand. Ha ha, that's hilarious. I can guarantee no one would appreciate that joke as much as I do. I find it hard for people to understand my sense of humor because I'm inappropriate most of the time.People just don't 'get' me. Kate and Ana do, to a degree. They still get upset with me when I joke about health issues. Case and point, my hand.

I know everyone wants me to get it checked out immediately but I just can't. Alex made an appointment for the doctor to come to my room but I'm hoping to get out of it tomorrow. I only said I would agree to get everyone off my back. No one understands how deep my need to see my own doctor is. You would think Ana and Kate would but they seem to have forgotten. They are focused on the damage that is NOW, not the damage that WAS. I want to see my own doctor because he's already seen everything and I don't have to give any explanations. This guy has no idea and I don't think anything can prepare him for it.

Then a thought hits me. If he's coming to the room then there won't be any x-rays and I won't have to face the possibility of any questions. He can just wrap it and I can go on with my life. I sigh. Even so, I don't want to do this at all. I can't believe they are making me do this shit. I could say no, like I've been doing, but they pull the guilt trip card and I don't have the energy to argue about it. Whatever. I'll figure out something.

Between the pain in my hand and the sinking feeling in my stomach from my nerves being on edge I could really use a drink. I'm perplexed. I've never had this kind of issue with these types of feelings, which is exactly the reason I don't have relationships. I've always been 'one of the guys.' It's too easy to get feelings involved. I'm not sure I'm ready for that, but it might be too late. Just the thought of it causes my heart to drop into my stomach and it feels like it's doing flip flops.

What I wouldn't do for a bottle of Patron right now.

Just then, Jack walks through the door and smiles when he sees us. "You ladies look beautiful. It's good to see you again." He says with a wink.

I blurt out, "We're not sitting in the front again are we? I don't really want to see him dance with another woman. Not after what we've been through the past two days. Not to mention I don't want to be the center of attention again." I'm rambling but I can't seem to stop myself. My nerves have gotten to me, obviously.

He looks at me and smiles, "It'll be OK, Rhi. Trust me."

I see him look at Kate and Ana and nod. "OK, let's get you guys seated."

We follow him inside and walk down the walkway that weaves through the room. He directs us to the center table, again, and I can't stop myself from rolling my eyes and feel the disappointment run like ice through my veins. Why?

"Hey Jack? Where can we put her bag until the show is over?" Ana asks.

"I'll take it care of it." Jack takes it from her and holds onto it, then nods over his shoulder indicating on the stage behind the curtain.

As we're getting ready to sit, I notice there are drinks already waiting for us at the table. From the looks of it there are three glasses of mixed drinks, a bottle of Patron and six shot glasses.

Why six? Oh well, who am I to question that? It just means more shots to take. Thank GOD for Patron. I wonder if the girls had anything to do with that?

Kate and Ana move faster than me and choose their seats on the ends leaving me to sit between them. As we're getting settled I can't keep the feeling of dread from settling over me like a cloak. I take a deep breath as I look around the showroom.

Kate reaches for the shot glasses and sets them up in front of her. She asks, as she's reaching for the tequila, "Ready for some shots?"

Ana claps, "Hell yeah! Rhi? Do you want some?"

Duh! I'd prefer the bottle but I'm pretty sure they wouldn't like that. Besides, my hand is really killing me right now.

"Most definitely! Line 'em up!" I laugh and give a wicked smile. While I may be miserable I can put on a pretty convincing front. I've learned that over the years. The shit my mother put me through provided enough practice to perfect it. I should get an Oscar.

Oscar... The Original Gangster… The OG... Oscar the Grouch… Daddy… Fuck. Not now. I can't do this again.

I'm pulled out of my thoughts by Kate placing two shots in front of me. "OK ladies! A toast!" Ana raises a shot glass and I raise both of mine, one in each hand.

Curious, Kate asks, "What are you doing Rhi?"

I smile, "Doing a double-shot toast the proper way! Two shots have to be done at the same time. If you don't it's a half-assed toast. Just FYI." I laugh at the petrified looks on their faces. "Oh come on! You guys can do it! Just slam 'em back swallow." They look at each other and slowly nod their heads.

I pull my chair back and Ana scoots hers closer so we're in kind of a huddle. When they get both hands high enough we clink all six glasses together and Kate starts the toast. "To friendships, old and new, may they grow stronger every day." I down both shots and slam them down on the table and watch as Kate and Ana struggle to do one after the other a bit slower.

I laugh at their grimaces, "Don't worry, you guys will get better at it. It just takes practice. Here, have a lime."

Handing them each a slice of lime and laugh again at the grateful looks on their faces when they bite into them to release the tart juice. I never did understand why people did the whole salt and lime thing. All it does is turn the shot into a mouthful of margarita. It defeats the purpose of doing a shot of tequila. I prefer it straight and, depending on the situation, sometimes straight out of the bottle.

"Can I have some more please?" I ask, handing both of my glasses to her. "Just one then I'll drink my rum and coke." For now.

She looks at me, smiles, "Of course. That's why it's here."

I watch as she pours the liquid into the glasses, my mouth watering. I've got to get this pain under control because it's distracting me from spending time with my friends. I down both of them and slam the glasses down on the table once again.

I don't know why I'm so nervous. Maybe it's because I'm here again and I'll see Alex after our fuck session. Maybe it's because I've started to feel something for him? Maybe it's because I know he's going to be dancing with another woman and I don't want him to? I have no idea. Hell, it could be a combination of all of them and I'm not sure what to think or do or how to act now. Fuck, this sucks.

Sighing, I pick up my rum and coke and take a drink. "Mmm, this is amazing. Just as good as the one from last night. I wonder who made it." I say to no one in particular. Just as I am taking another drink, I see Alex walk by on the stage and my breath catches. He looks like he's on a mission and focused on whatever he's doing.

God, there's no way he's not going to see me.

I'm tempted to hide under the table but he glances to the table and turns away, taking two more steps. He stops in his tracks, eyes wide and his mouth drops open a little. I see his eyes sparkle and a huge smile adorns his face. Walking up to the front of the stage, he jumps down and comes over to me and picks me up right out of the chair and pulls me into a huge hug, my feet dangling in the air. Leaning down, he gives me a kiss, and when he pulls away, he wipes my lips to wipe off the smeared lip gloss. Out of the corner of my eye I see Kate and Ana grinning like Cheshire cats and I give them a dirty look.

I'm snapped out of my glare when I hear Alex ask, "What are you doing here? When did you change? You didn't have enough time to go to the hotel and get dressed then get back here." He looks from Ana to Kate.

Kate gives him a huge grin and says, "We planned it all, with the help of Jack. We brought her clothes and dressed her and beautified her. Surprise! We're going out for dinner and drinks afterward too. Just a little something to make you and Rhi happy." She gives him a genuine smile.

Returning her smile, he says, "Thank you Kate." Turning to Ana, he smiles, "Thank you Ana. It means a lot to me. She means a lot to me." He looks down at me, gives me a squeeze and winks. "This is an amazing surprise."

Alex POV

Oh wow! Rhi is here and she looks gorgeous! I'm so happy to see her. When Kate said that Jack helped I looked over at him and he just shrugged and smiled. Suddenly, my heart sinks. She's here and I have to do the last dance. I don't know if I can do that. This is going to be really awkward for me. I have to go talk to him. Maybe he can do the last dance, or anyone for that matter. Anyone but me.

Placing Rhi back on the ground I look at the three of them. "I'll be right back." I say and head off to talk to Jack.

I walk toward the side of the stage and ascend the stairs. "Jack, thank you for setting this up. You're the best brother a guy can have. You've made me the happiest guy in the world. She means a lot to me." I say, trying to appear calm and completely happy but I don't know if I'm pulling it off and making it believable. I sigh, "That being said, I don't know if I can do the last dance with her here. It just doesn't feel right. Especially after what just happened between us. You can look at her and see it's obvious that she's feeling the same way."

"I totally understand Alex, but it will be OK. Just trust me." Jack looks at me and says, "Just do the show like normal and everything will be fine. I promise." He smiles and grabs my shoulder with a squeeze. "You guys are perfect together. Never mind the short amount of time you've known each other. You deserve to be happy, and from what I can tell, she makes you happy. Just take your time and get to know her. Come on, it's almost time to start. You ready?"

I'm shocked. Just a few hours ago he was concerned about my feelings for her so soon after meeting her. Wow. "That means a lot to me Jack. Thank you." I sigh, resigned to my fate. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Give me a minute please. I need to go talk to Rhi. Then we can let everyone else in."

Clapping me on the back he smiles, "OK. Just don't take too long. We're on a schedule." He turns and walks behind the curtain.

As I walk over to the girls I see Kate and Ana are busy chatting away and laughing. Rhi isn't as animated as she usually is. There's an aura around her giving me the impression that her nerves are going haywire. Not to mention, it's written all over her face. Trust me baby, I feel the same way.

I squat down so I'm eye level with her and caress her cheek. "You're beautiful baby. I'm so happy you're here. No matter what happens tonight remember, it's just a job. None of them mean anything to me. YOU are the one I want." I gently run my thumb over her bottom lip and lean in and give her a deep kiss then rest my forehead on hers, looking in her beautiful eyes. "Don't forget that. OK?"

She doesn't say anything, just nods. I can only imagine what she's thinking. I look over at Kate and Ana. "Take care of her, OK? Please? Maybe let her have a couple of shots." I glance at the bottle of Patron and laugh. "Though, by the looks of it she's already had a few." I wink at her.

Kate laughs, "I think we can manage that! Go on, go do your show so you can get back over here to your woman."

That has a nice ring to it. My woman.

"That is definitely my intention." I look at Rhi and smile. "I'll be back soon. Try to enjoy the show." I kiss her again and walk to the stage and, with a last look at her over my shoulder I disappear behind the curtains.

This is going to fucking suck.