Security was ushering in a dark-skinned cat dressed in a three-piece suit. Two small boulders dangled from his ears, reflecting rainbows on the sides of his face whenever he moved his head. At first I thought he was just some cat coming to trick a few dollars and get his stunt on like the rest, but from the embarrassed look on Gina’s face, it had to be her husband. Jackie ambled into the spot with an expression that said he knew he was the shit. The two dolled-up broads on his arm had the nerve to throw their noses in the air and look at Gina sideways. I gave her the eye to let her know that I was with her if she wanted to beat their asses and his, but she wouldn’t meet my gaze. I knew then that she was, as I had been, a prisoner of her own heart. I watched the girl who had been so very much like family to me try and raise her head and keep some shred of her dignity, but it was a hard fight. “Hey, baby,” she greeted that piece of shit. She went to kiss him on the lips, but he gave her his cheek.
