Gentleman Sinner(119)

‘All set, the first being Friday.’ Callum chucks a file on the desk and opens the sleeve, revealing the betting stats for the anticipated clash between a local boy and one of the top fighters here at the club. ‘Shit,’ I blurt, and immediately scold myself for it, looking down at Lola. She’s oblivious, of course. ‘They’re some seriously hefty figures.’

‘It’s split. Either way, we’re profiting here. Penny’s drafted the dancing schedule and wants your approval.’

Lola starts coughing and I whip the bottle out of her mouth, setting it on the desk and sitting her up on my lap. ‘How many dancers has she got lined up?’ I start gently patting Lola’s back, feeling her little belly inflated under my other palm.

‘Eight.’

‘Eight?’ I question. ‘It’s usually six.’

‘It’ll be a profitable night for the girls. Penny wanted them to share the potential tips.’

‘Because they don’t earn enough already?’ I laugh, just as Lola lets out an almighty belch and literally deflates in my hold.

‘Fucking hell,’ Callum blurts. I shoot him a look, and he immediately apologizes for his bad language. ‘Sorry. But, damn, Theo. How did that noise even come from such a tiny thing?’

‘She’s a greedy girl.’ I smile, so fucking proud. But I have to admit, for such a small, adorable thing, she produces some pretty horrific noises. And don’t get me started on what she evacuates from her body. On that thought, her little face turns bright red and she strains. I sit back, wary, as she stares at me. Then the rippling sounds of an exploding bottom echo around my office.

‘Good God,’ Callum mumbles, prompting me to look up at him. ‘Are you gonna tell me she’s her mother through and through again?’

I laugh under my breath as Lola goes floppy in my hands. ‘That’s my girl.’ I look up when the door of my office swings open and my sister appears, a piece of paper in her hand. She looks all business . . . until she clocks who’s sitting on my lap. ‘Baby girl!’ She tosses the paper she’s holding on my desk and seizes Lola from my arms. ‘Come to Auntie Penny.’

I glare at my sister, annoyed. ‘Be careful with her,’ I mutter, my arms feeling lost without my daughter in them.

‘Oh, be quiet,’ she retorts, not losing her smile. It’s so good to see her looking so well. She’s finally pulled herself around, started caring for herself. I was stunned when she asked me for a change in position at the Playground. Stunned but happy. And, of course, more than willing to do whatever I could to help. And it made sense, since I signed over half of this place to her. My time here is coming to an end. Penny’s settled into managing the girls perfectly, her experience in the job giving her an advantage. She understands them. Between her, Mum, and Callum, this place will be fine.

I grab the paper for something to occupy myself with, scanning the lineup of dancers for Friday. It all looks fine. That’s ten seconds killed. I throw it down on my desk and search for something else to do, struggling to find anything. Everything is always in tiptop order these days – Mum, Penny, and Callum running things smoothly, freeing me up to take care of my girl. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Lola and I have been busy overseeing the new build in the village where I grew up. Only a few more weeks and I’ll be moving my girls out of here to the tranquil green pastures of the countryside. I have my future perfectly mapped out for the first time in my life. A quaint village school, my childhood church, a garden that stretches for acres with no neighbours within a mile radius. Perfect. I smile, falling into a daydream. A daydream that soon won’t be a dream at all.

I watch as Penny fusses over Lola, walking around the room bouncing my baby in her arms. ‘What’s going on with you and Judy?’ I ask, desperate to put that one last grievance to rest.

Penny gives me a tired look. ‘She needs reminding that the girls are my responsibility. Her job is the finance side of things. Tell her to keep her nose out.’

‘Why can’t you get along?’ I ask, for the millionth time. My life would be truly complete if the two of them would stop with the cat snipes.

‘Because, dear brother, I am the bastard child of our dear bastard father.’ She tucks Lola on to her side and gives me a knowing look. ‘She hates me.’

I sigh, exasperated. My sister has a thick skin, and I’m thankful. Not many would stick around to face the daily wrath of my mother. ‘I’ll speak to her.’

‘Again?’ Penny asks, a curve to her lips. She’s right. It’ll make no difference. ‘Don’t sweat it. I can handle her. We have a love-hate thing going on. Keeps us both on our toes.’ She winks at me, and I smile in return. I know they tolerate each other for me. It could be worse, I suppose. Penny’s nose suddenly wrinkles, and she looks at her niece suspiciously. ‘I think someone’s filled her nappy.’

‘Her changing bag’s over there.’ I point across the office, with no faith my hint will be taken.

‘That’s nice,’ Penny quips. ‘You’re an expert these days.’ She heads over to give me back what’s mine, but is interrupted halfway when Mum comes bowling in. My arms hang suspended in the air.

‘Ah, there she is!’ Mum hurries over to Penny. ‘Give her here.’ She claims her granddaughter and smothers her chubby face with kisses.