The blonde glanced at the brunette who busied herself strapping on some stilettos. Then she looked at me, “Why?”

“Uh, your doorman said that Ashley roomed with her.”

That got the brunette’s attention. The blonde was all fake, and all boring. The brunette was something else though. Her beauty was real, and deep set. What she was doing in a lousy off the alley strip club in the corner of Shreveport was beyond me. This woman was something else. My jealousy surged at the thought of Ashley being in the same house as this woman. The look in her eyes, the sudden flash of anger, interest and guardianship didn’t make my jealousy feel any better. I wanted Ashley to have friends, sure, I didn’t want them to be this beautiful.

“How do you know Ashley?” ‘Jersey’ asked me bluntly.

“We grew up together.” I replied.

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah. Look, I’m trying to track her down; do you know where I should head to?”

Jersey stared at me. The blonde headed towards the door and then glanced at her friend. An almost imperceptible nod from Jersey and she left.

“Who are you?”

I took a chance. “My name is Spencer.”

And then there was light. It flooded her eyes, an instant notice of recognition. If I thought that would help, I was going to be wrong.

“Of all people on this planet, why would I tell you where she was?”

“Because… because I care.” Well that was simple, and kind of stupid. Sensible Spencer was beating up stupid Spencer inside me, but stupid Spencer kept on winning godamnit.

“Uh huh.” I hadn’t impressed Jersey.

“Because I’ve spent the last five months driving all over the country looking for her and even if you don’t tell me, I won’t give up. Because I will check every phone book, every city, and every bloody site on the internet until I find her. Because I care that much.” I said, even more bluntly. “And because Ashley needs me.”

That earned me a snort. “Yeah. Right.”

So I took a shot in the dark. “You love her?” I watched her jerk a little. “I’m not surprised. I do too believe it or not. I can’t believe she actually mentioned my name but since she did, you know we have history. Ashley’s running from her history because she thinks it’s going to swallow her whole. Whatever else happens, I’m just going to give her a life back. Her life. This makes no sense to you, god I’m rambling.” And apparently I was also saying my inner monologue out loud now.