Real Vampires: Glory Does Vegas Bartlett, Gerry (good fiction books to read .txt) 📖

“You’ll have to buy from people who need to sell their old clothes. Clothes in good condition. Haunt thrift stores too. You might get lucky and find some good things.” Maggie walked me back to the table. “I wish you could sit down and join us.”

“No, I’ve got to get back to work. I hope you enjoy the show.” I set the glasses down in front of each of them. “Fergus, how did you like the first dance?”

He grinned, carefully keeping his eyes fixed in the vicinity of my eyebrows. “Loved it. Beautiful women and Latin moves? Dom says you choreographed it. Nice job, Glory.”

“Thanks. But the steps were really basic. Nothing compared to what you saw at your hotel. Caro told me you went to a show there last night.” I held my tray in front of me like a shield and I saw Fergus relax.

“Yes, we did. Both had beautiful ladies. We just get to see more of them here.” Fergus leaned away from Maggie as if expecting her to hit him.

“He’s right. You have a smaller stage but we’re closer here.” Maggie pinched her husband on the arm. “Fergus obviously prefers this venue.”

“We can’t compete with the big hotels. But I thought it was a great show.” Dom sipped his drink. “Cold?”

“Maggie requested it.” I nodded toward her.

“Okay then.” Dom smiled. “To a good and profitable association with the Turnbulls.” He held his glass out for a toast.

What was that about? The three of them were smiling as they clinked glasses. Fergus sipped and grinned.

“This is delicious. I will definitely be ordering some of it. Write down the name for me, Dom. As far as the show, Glory, the hotel had fancier costumes and some singer I never heard of, but you gave me bare breasts. Hard to beat that.” Fergus yelped when Maggie pinched him again. “Hey, you know I appreciate women.” He leaned over and nuzzled her neck. “Later I’ll show you how much.”

“If you hope to show me anything later, you’d be wise, Fergus Turnbull, to quit carrying on about breasts and stick to business.” Maggie sipped her drink. “Aye. Six cases of this and six of the Peruvian we had in your office, Dom. We’ll be back for the tasting, of course. I can see that a distributorship might not be a bad thing. Getting synthetics like this at cost for ourselves would be a bonus. And then there are our connections with our customers. Right, Fergus?”

I relaxed. Business with Dom. Vampire business. The Turnbulls could certainly afford to buy a distributorship for the synthetic blood. It would be another money maker for them. How nice.

I said something appropriate then hurried away to take care of my own business. I’d make maybe a hundred bucks tonight while they were throwing around thousands on cases of blood. My old pal Maggie, who had been just as lonely and hungry as I’d been back when I’d met her, now took luxury for granted.

I tried not to let that bother me. I was going to let it motivate me. It was past time for me to make a push to secure my future. Why, even Tiffany, who’d struck me as something of an airhead, was making decent decisions about her life. I was definitely slow in that department. No more excuses. No more “Poor Glory has to be dead all day, no wonder she can’t succeed in anything.” Nope, I had plenty of time each night to get busy. As soon as Jerry and the Turnbulls left, I’d concentrate on making cash and putting together inventory for my shop. Planning.

The lights dimmed. I found a spot to watch the second show and was glad when Caroline joined me. I’d noticed she’d had a word with the bouncers and they also made a point of being seen on the floor when the dancers got photos taken with customers.

“I like the way you’ve been watching out for the girls.” I whispered this when the music started.

“If the customers know there’s security on alert, they will probably act better.” She grinned. “Oh, I love this song. You picked it?”

“Yes, great beat, isn’t it?” I was tapping my toe as the dancers came out in sync for a change. “One more time! Yes, they got it together.” I was happy that even Tiffany managed to fling off her little plaid skirt on the beat.

“Cute number.” Caro stepped away from me as the music ended. “It has the crowd worked up. That could be a problem. Those dancers aren’t wearing a damned thing, Glory.”

“I know. Not my choice. I suggested they put the little skirt back on before they step off the stage. Some do it, some don’t. They make good money when they get photos made with a customer. Tips plus commission.” I picked up my tray when a customer waved at me. “Back to work.”

“You limit drinks on these guys?” She followed me. “You know a drunk won’t show restraint.”

“It’s hard to set a limit. Dom wants to make money. I can’t blame him for that. I do pay attention, though. We call a cab for anyone who tries to drive under the influence. Liability issues.” I smiled at the customer and walked over to take his order. Soon I was too busy to pay attention to Caro.

When Jeremiah walked up behind me and slid his hand around my waist, I almost dropped my tray.

“You should be paying closer attention to what’s going on around you.” He nuzzled my ear.

I stepped away from him. “Don’t touch me. You’ll give the customers the idea that they can get away with stuff like that.”

“Then let’s go.” He took the tray away from me and dropped it on the bar. Glasses clattered and one almost rolled off before he caught it. Vampire reflexes. “Seriously. I’m leaving tomorrow as soon as the sun sets. This is our last night together for a while.”

“Are you trying to start a fight with