Chapter 11

Phillian had completely lost count of how many tequila shots they had taken. All he knew was that they were having the time of their lives, and the night was far from over.

Auntie Romie and two other lively, middle-aged women had joined their table. TeeCay was clearly in her element, refusing to say no to any tequila shots brought over by Mr. Tequila.

Mr. Tequila was the cowboy-themed shot server roaming the club. He was a lean, well-built man in a leather vest, cowboy hat, tight jeans, and boots. Despite his wiry frame, his defined abs and muscular arms drew the eyes of many. Even guests who were not fond of tequila found themselves ordering. There was something captivating about him.

Shawn Shadow’s performance had ended a while ago, followed by two other acts. Now off-stage, he was making rounds across the club, stopping at each table for a quick chat, playful flirting, and the occasional shot with guests. Everyone was tipping him generously. TeeCay was visibly excited as he made his way closer to their group.

“Another shot for my baby girl!” Auntie Romie shouted with infectious energy, waving her hand to summon Mr. Tequila again.

Phillian watched in disbelief as TeeCay tossed back another shot, still holding herself together impressively. For someone drinking for the first time, she was handling the alcohol like a seasoned pro. Most people would have stopped after three shots. TeeCay, however, had already downed more than ten, not counting the apple martinis earlier or the three glasses of red wine they had with dinner.

She was something else entirely. At this point, Phillian was beginning to question whether she was even human.

He gave up trying to stop her. Instead, he allowed himself to laugh and enjoy the moment. TeeCay’s energy was magnetic. Auntie Romie’s widow friends were equally spirited and proved that age was no barrier to having fun.

“Hey, honey-baby-so-sweet, could you please take some photos for us?” TeeCay giggled, handing him her phone. She was now sandwiched between Auntie Romie’s friends, both of whom were visibly tipsy and glowing with mischief.

Phillian accepted the phone and opened the camera app just as Mr. Tequila arrived with another tray. He snapped a few photos as everyone at the table raised their glasses for another round. There were kisses on cheeks, bras proudly flashed for the camera, and playful poses that made Phillian shake his head and grin.

He could only laugh at their antics until something else happened.

“Oh, Shawn! Come here, I want you to meet someone!” Auntie Romie called out with glee as she saw the approaching star of the club.

Now dressed in pants, Shawn Shadow approached with a charismatic smile and kissed Auntie Romie on the cheek.

TeeCay lit up instantly. She quickly fixed her messy hair and smoothed down the wrinkles on her dress, still recovering from her wild poses with the two widows.

Phillian remained seated, watching the introductions unfold. When Auntie Romie introduced him to Shawn, he stood up and shook the man’s hand. The alcohol in his system was starting to make him dizzy. The room seemed to sway slightly, and he told himself to stop drinking. He would need to be alert enough to help TeeCay later.

“This guy is our Baby Girl’s boyfriend,” Auntie Romie said with a teasing tone, “but he’s totally fine if you show her a good time tonight.”

Shawn glanced at Phillian, waiting for confirmation.

Phillian gave a casual shrug and nodded. If this was what would make Jeff’s client happy, then so be it.

But as Shawn moved closer to TeeCay, Phillian felt an unexpected surge of irritation. His smile faded before he could stop it. He wanted to support her. He told himself this was part of the job. But seeing another man getting close to her and making her laugh so easily unsettled him.

He took a deep breath and tried to clear his thoughts. It was probably just the alcohol. People get more sensitive when they are drunk. That had to be it. He convinced himself with that explanation.

Shawn and TeeCay chatted briefly, then Mr. Tequila returned with another tray. They ordered more shots, and seeing TeeCay's face light up again made Phillian relax. She was glowing, laughing like she did not have a care in the world.

A few minutes and two more rounds of tequila shots later, Phillian flinched when Shawn suddenly swept everything off their table.

Without a word, Shawn climbed onto the now-cleared surface, laid back with his hands behind his head, and stretched out his legs.

What in the world is he planning?

Phillian’s question was quickly answered when one of Auntie Romie’s friends picked up a lemon slice and slowly ran it across Shawn’s torso, starting below his chest and dragging it down toward his navel. She then sprinkled salt over the damp trail before returning to her seat.

The other woman passed a shot glass to TeeCay and whispered something in her ear.

TeeCay, clearly amused and intrigued, positioned herself between Shawn’s legs. Her face was lit with mischief. But before following through with the suggestion, she looked at Phillian and gave him a bold, playful grin.

“Record this, honey-baby-so-sweet.”

And Phillian, half entertained and already drawn back into the absurdity of it all, complied.

He recorded as TeeCay took the shot, then bent down to lick the salt and lemon from Shawn's chest. Her lips trailed down toward his navel. The people at their table and even surrounding guests erupted into cheers.

“Body shot! Body shot! Body shot!”

Screams of delight rose higher when Shawn sat up and gently guided TeeCay back to her seat. Then, he began to dance right in front of her.

When Shawn stepped up onto the couch, Phillian’s casual amusement gave way to alarm. He instinctively stood up, along with the two older ladies who had been seated nearby.

The noise in the club peaked as Shawn climbed on top of TeeCay, his legs positioned between hers and his arms braced on either side of her head. He held onto the back of the couch, his body hovering over hers.

TeeCay was now getting a lap dance.

And there was Phillian, still holding the phone, still recording, still smiling in disbelief like a proud but confused parent at an adult version of a school play.