Press Your Luck chapter 3

Harlow's stomach flipped and he dropped the phone and felt his body lurch as he lost the small breakfast he had that morning.  "Helloooo?" Marcus' voice sang out as the phone swung back and forth underneath the payphone. "Harlow? Where are ya buddy?"

Harlow coughed and spit before he grabbed the phone, the cement parking lot burning his knees. "Leave my mom alone. Please?" He begged.

"There ya are. And your mother isn't home right now. If you tell us where you are we won't be here either. Cause we'll come pick you up." Marcus let the thought hang in the air a moment before he continued, "So what's it gonna be?"

"... you promise you'll leave her out of this?"

"I do have a code of honor. I don't hurt mommas unless I'm made to."

"....f-fine." Harlow sighed. "I'm at…" images of large men breaking his bones one bone at a time as he screamed and begged flooded his mind. But…the thought of what Marcus might do to his mother if he didn't turn himself over filled him with even more pain. "I'm at-" he stopped as he saw Danny drive up to a pump. "I'm at the Bellagio. I'll be in front of the fountain by the time you get here." Harlow said quickly, feeling his entire nervous system shake and the familiar lurching pain he had to fight against and keep his voice steady.

"That's good. We’ll be right there. Oh and, Harlow, if you’re not there when we get there I’m going to have to be very unkind to your mother. I’d hate to do that."

Harlow swallowed the brick in his throat, “I know.” Harlow slammed the phone on the hook and ran as fast as the heels would allow him through the back of the gas station as it was a more direct route to where Danny would end up. Danny finished filling up his tank and without looking around he climbed into his truck  and pulled out of the pump’s space and prepared to turn onto the street. As soon as he stopped a beautiful woman slammed into his door and climbed into the passenger seat.

“I don’t have any mo-Lucy?”

“No time, we need to go to the texas station and pick up my mom.”

“What? Why?”

“I said no time. Drive and I’ll explain but we need to hurry!” Without further questioning Danny cranked the truck and sped out of the parking lot, his tires squealing as he made the turn onto the road and cut off another driver. ‘I knew there was a reason I remembered this gas station!’ Harlow thought he had stumbled onto the gas station after a bender but it was actually because Danny always filled up here! He took the same route home every day and for once it might have been a good idea.

The little blue Nissan weaved in and out of traffic as fast as it could while Harlow explained what he had done. “So it’ll take them a while to get to the bellagio, a few minutes to figure out I’m not there. That’ll give us enough time to pick her up. And maybe nightfall before they figure out my mom’s not coming back.”

“Okay, but what then?!”

“We get her out of town…she can visit my aunt Linda in Utah.”

“Can we? How?”

“...I just need enough for a one way ticket.”

“You know I can’t do that man, my money’s-”

“Look, I’ll take the blame, do whatever, but it’s my mom!” His voice cracked as he fought back tears, “She’s all I have.”

Danny growled, “Fine but you’re explaining it to Valerie.”

Five minutes later the little Nissan screeched to a halt across two parking spaces. “Stay here.” Danny ordered before rushing out of the truck. Minutes passed as Harlow watched every car that passed on the exposed street. ‘Were there always this many black cars and suvs?’ He thought. Suddenly a black escalade pulled into the parking lot and stopped beside the car.

“Oh fuck!” He swore.

A large man stepped out of the vehicle followed by a second skinnier man. The gun flashed on his hip as the large man wrapped on the passenger side glass and calmly waved for him to roll down the window. Harlow had gambled and lost again! His hand shook as he rolled the window crank down. If he went without a fuss maybe they wouldn’t hurt his mother.

There was a loud crack as the weak door of the bingo hall slammed behind Danny and Harlow’s mother. The skinny man stepped back, reaching out a hand and shouted at Danny. “Don’t move!”

“Quiet rookie!” The large man shouted in a voice that clearly didn’t belong to Marcus. “Sir, is this your vehicle?”

“Uh, yes officer.” Harlow released the breath he had been holding. “I know, I’m parked just…awfully but I promise I wouldn’t have done it if it weren’t a family emergency.” Harlow peered out the window now up at the large man, he was a standard issue cop complete with the standard flattop, vest, and body camera gear.

“Ma’am, do you mind stepping over here for a moment?” The larger man asks calmly as he tried to assess the situation. It was certainly one of the more blatant kidnapping attempts he had seen in his career.

“Of course, dear. And call me Amy.”

“Yes ma’am. You just wait there, miss.”

The large man walked to the rear of the police vehicle while the skinnier man pulled Danny to the front of his still running car. Harlow tried to pay attention to both conversations but that proved difficult. It was only due to the adrenaline still pumping in his system that he caught the few words that he did. “Leg. Car. Utah.”

A few minutes later Harlow was asked to step out of the car by the skinny man he now realized was completely bald and had a nose as sharp as a knife. “Ma’am can you tell us what’s going on?”

“Well…” Harlow cleared his throat stressing his vocal chords to sound more like Lucy, “From what my boyfriend’s told me his friend’s mom…Amy-” He pointed to his mother, “her sister was in a car accident? And I think she broke her leg and since she, like, lives alone She has to go up to Utah to take care of her?”

“Okay.” He scribbled something in shorthand on his small pad. “Can I see your ID?”

Harlow coughed, covering it up quickly with an airy giggle, “I, like, left it at home. I didn’t exactly expect to need it.” Both statements were true enough, he did not expect to need it, and he did leave his ID at home. His home. Where Marcus or Oswald was probably waiting for their return.

“If you don’t mind answering one more question.” The bald officer reached into a back pocket and pulled out a printed out sheet of paper. Harlow’s eyes widened as he unfurled the paper revealing an old arrest photo of Harlow’s. “Have you seen this man?”

Harlow paused for a moment as his chest pounded like a conga drum. Time crawled by as he stared at the photo of himself and the ill-advised goatee he had worn only a few years ago. When he looked back at the officer he saw the lack of recognition on his face, he didn’t know who he was talking to, literally. “Uh…no sir.” He forced himself to speak loud enough that the officer could hear him. “I-is he in trouble?”

“No ma’am. Just a person of interest in another case.”

“Oh…okay?” Harlow shivered, what did the cops want him for?!

He folded the paper and slipped it into his back pocket. Immediately followed by a business card. “If you do, be sure and call me, immediately.” Harlow took the card and forced a smile to his face.

“Mack. Quit flirting. We’ve got work to do.”

“I’m comin’.” He yelled back, “About your license…make sure you have it next time. Just in case.”

“Y-yes officer.”

A few minutes later Danny was given a warning to drive more carefully even in emergencies and they were allowed to leave. As soon as they started out Samantha’s sweet attitude shifted as she lit up a cigarette. “Alright, what sort of trouble has my son gotten into this time?”

Harlow stared out of the window avoiding as much eye contact as possible.

“He’s not in any trouble.”

“Bull-honkey. Who do you think taught him the code word?” Danny looked across the car at Lucy who quietly played with his hair. Samantha had indeed come up with the codeword Utah. She had been an incredibly paranoid woman after what happened to her husband. All her life she had him memorize codewords and phrases in the event of emergencies. He was one of the few kids at his school that actually had a codeword for if his mother sent someone to pick him up. Not that he ever needed it, he always rode the bus with Danny or he’d walk by himself if he could manage to sneak out early enough. Utah meant it was a matter of life or death and it’d be explained later. Samantha was also smart enough to have multiple aliases ready if needed.

“He’s not in any trouble,” Danny said as he focused on the road again, “he just thinks it’s best if you got out of town for a few days…or weeks.”

“Weeks? Do you realize how annoying my sister is? She doesn’t let me smoke inside. Says it’ll smell up the place but I can’t smell anything over her damn cats.” Samantha blew smoke towards the half opened window. For a moment she was silent as she looked at the blonde girl in the front seat. “I’m sorry, I suppose we didn’t get a chance to properly meet. I’m Samantha Elwynn.” Harlow smiled nervously, if he spoke she would surely recognize him. He wanted her to live and never find out what he had to do to survive.

“Ms.Elwynn this is Lucy…my girlfriend.” Harlow gently shook his mother’s hand, thankful for Danny yet again.

“Oh? How long have you kids been dating?”

“A year.” Danny had expected these questions eventually, or Valerie had and sent him a brief text about ‘Crucial details’ about his and Lucy’s relationship during lunch while Harlow had been having his face painted.

“Oh, you kids thinkin’ of gettin’ hitched?”

Harlow coughed and buried his face in his hands, “Wh-no. I mean not..not yet.” Danny sputtered out an answer.

“Too soon, huh? Wanna take things slow?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Well Lucy, you found yourself a good one. He was always a friend to my son even when he shouldn’t have been.”

“Harlow’s a decent guy.”

“See what I mean?” She asked Lucy, “All the fights he got you into because he couldn’t control that mouth of his? You’re okay with that?”

Danny glanced at Lucy and kept driving, “He’s my friend.”

“That night in jail? Just something you do for a friend?”

“In his defense they attacked him over a game of pool.”

“Yeah…” Samantha blew smoke again, “scamming two-hundred bucks out of people tends to piss them off.”

Harlow stared at his hands, interlaced together between his legs.  “Come on, Harlow has his good qualities too.”

“Yeah. I suppose he does. He’s quick on his feet, and he always makes sure we have money for food.” She chuckled lightly for a moment, tilting the cigarette back and forth in her hand, “He doesn’t think I know, but I know he hasn’t been eating lately because he wants to make sure I eat.”

“I didn’t know that.” Again Danny looked at Lucy who glanced at him before turning away.

Silence hung in the air as Samantha’s anger faded into fear for her son. He had his faults but he was still her baby, “Daniel.” She finally asked as the pair stepped out of the car and walked into the sliding doors.

“Ma’am?”

“Be honest…is he going to be okay?” Harlow could only sit and watch from the passenger seat as his best friend and his mother disappeared into the crowded airport.

“I’ll make sure of it.” Danny said softly.

“You’re a good man. Your father would be proud.” Samantha pulled Danny gently down closer to her five foot frame and kissed his cheek before giving him a brief hug. She wanted to hold on longer as if, if she did, everything would indeed be okay. But she released him, knowing bending so low hurt his back and he may need it to protect her son.

“Thank you ma’am.”

Harlow waited another twenty minutes before Danny returned to the car without his mother. “Is she okay?”

“She is. She’ll be in Florida by tonight.”

“Good. Thank you.” Harlow hugged Danny so grateful for a friend like Danny in this moment. Lucy suddenly pulled away, remembering how he was dressed, what people might think, and worst of all…remembering how his lips felt against his own.

The two listened to music and avoided eye contact as they drove back to Danny’s house. Harlow’s stomach dropped when he opened the door and saw Valerie glaring angrily at him. “Where did you go! I was worried sick!”

“Really?”

“Yes! I thought someone got you and then got Danny!”

“Got me? Oh!” Danny took the lifeless phone out of his pocket, “Oh hell, it’s dead again.”

Valerie rolled her eyes, “I was about to call the police, so you better have a good excuse.”

Danny gestured to Lucy as if to say “She’s all yours.” and went to the kitchen for a beer.

The entire retelling took ten minutes, or two beers, with Valerie’s interruptions and leaving out the forced kiss from homeless Johnny.

“Well…I’m glad your mother is safe. I didn’t think they would come after her.” Harlow nodded unsurprised by the fact she didn’t think. “And she didn’t recognize you?”

“Danny did most of the talking but…no. I guess she didn’t get a good look.”

Valerie thought for a moment, she was a little surprised he didn’t try to get on the plane with her somehow. But he was no doubt more concerned about her safety. Harlow always was a momma’s boy. “I guess I can’t be too upset at the last minute plane ticket then. But…you’ve proven today that you can’t keep up the act. So I’m afraid you’ll have to leave.”

“What?!” Harlow and Danny both shouted.

“You heard me. You kept pouting the entire time at the mall and several times I had to remind you to stay in character. So I’m done reminding you. I can’t risk me or Danny if you’re not going to do your part.”

“I played my part!”

“You’re a bubbly cheerful girl! Not the grumpy gcuss you were today.”

“He forgot, it happens!”

“She! She! That’s another thing. I keep having to remind you that she is your girlfriend. If neither of you are even going to try then it’s not worth the risk.”

“You can’t kick me out!” Harlow cleared his throat, forcing himself to return to his Lucy impression, “Please!...Give me one more chance?”

“Yeah, now you remember. But what if someone overheard Harlow shouting, how do we explain that when he hasn’t been here in years?!”

“She’ll-We’ll both do better. You can’t kick her out. It’s only been a day!”

“No, you two have been dating for almost a year now. You’re supposed to be lovey dovey but I have to remind you how you’re supposed to feel about each other and I frankly have too much time for that?” Harlow shook his head, ‘What could she have on her plate besides shopping?’

Danny stood, his imposing height a stark contrast to the wounded puppy dog look on his face, “Please, Val. We’ll do better.”

Valerie shook her head, “Why?”

“What do you mean, why? You know why.”

She rolled her eyes and slapped a hand to her thigh, “I know why you wanted Harlow to stay here, but why do you want Lucy to stay?”

“...because she’s my girlfriend.”

“If I agree, and that’s if, I better not have to correct you again about who she is.”

“You won’t have to.”

“That means doing all the cutesy stuff and going out on dates like a real couple.”

“I’ll remember.”

Valerie looked to Lucy, “And you, if you want to stay that means you are going to be Danny’s perfect girlfriend and you will keep to the terms of our bet. So you do what I tell you with a smile. Even if I tell you to scrub the bathroom floor with a toothbrush you do it with the enthusiasm of a child at disney world!”

“Okay.”

“And it better be believable! I won’t be reminding you again. If you screw up you’re out!” Harlow nodded quickly. “Yeah you’re all smiles now, let’s see how you do at the poker game tonight.”

Harlow’s eyes widened but his forced smile stayed, “I can’t wait!”

“We’ll see about that. Fine. Fine. Lucy,” Valerie forced her own smile to her face, “I think it’s time for you to get ready for the poker game tonight.”

“I-I’d love to!” Harlow shouted, as Lucy, with the same smile as before followed Valerie. “Oh, hold on one second.” He still said with his plastered smile, stopping beside the couch and the now sitting Danny, putting him at almost the same height as Lucy. Danny watched questioning when his friend suddenly kissed him on the lips. Danny wanted to push the feminized man away. Harlow wanted to push the giant away and run. Instead Danny took his outstretched hand and laced his fingers through his friend’s hair and tried to pull his painted lips in even closer. After five seconds the two men separated, both still with their forced smiles. Once he was sure they were both away Danny hurried into the kitchen and gargled with cold water. It was so awkward having to kiss his friend who was in fact a guy, but what made it worse was that Lucy was a great kisser. His mind knew it was all an act…but his stiffening penis didn’t care.

A few minutes later Harlow and Valerie heard the guest shower running in the distance but thought nothing of it as Harlow removed the makeup from his face before he started applying makeup again. ‘This is stupid.’ He thought loudly but outwardly he kept his smile once he had cleaned his face. “Good. Now since we are short on time since someone didn’t want to learn how at the store, I’ll have to do it for you tonight but I expect you to pay attention and do a flawless recreation by tomorrow night.”

“Tomorrow night?” Harlow’s smile changed slightly to a fake bubbly smile to a genuinely nervous one.

“It’s sink or swim time Lucy. I was going to help you before, but after how you acted today…I’m still not sure if it’s worth it. I haven’t made up my mind about you to be honest.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll do better. But…I don’t think I’ll be able to do it by tomorrow night.”

Valerie thought for a moment, “I am willing to take it easy on you if you’re willing to do what I say.”

“Yeah! I’m on board! Obviously!” He pointed to his smile.

“I see your smile. Work on it so it looks more real, in fact tonight you’re going to be your giggly, bubbly, agreeable self and give whatever Danny and his friends ask of you, understand?”

“Okay.”

“And if I catch you slacking once you’re out! No matter how much you make out with Danny.”

Harlow forced himself to continue smiling even though the memory disgusted him. “I will!”

“While I’m getting you ready, why don’t you go over your backstory more. And feel free to add more if the mood strikes ya.”

“Well, when I was a kid I had a puppy named Lucky.”

“Really?”

“Oh yeah, he was a cute little…uh weiner dog.”

“Aw, he sounds cute.”

“He was.” Harlow began at a childhood story he vaguely remembered from an old movie before Valerie decided he was taking too long and kicked him out or worse, asked him more questions about his fictitious relationship with Danny.

“See, I did not know that about my brother’s girlfriend.”

“Yeah…I…love puppies.”

“No wonder you like Danny so much.”

Lucy giggled, “Yup, he’s just a big ol’ puppy.”

The “Girls” talked for the next half hour about Lucy’s childhood with brief intermissions to explain what method she was using to cause what effect with Lucy’s makeup. Finally Lucy was ready to face Danny again. When they walked into the living room Danny was stunned once more. On their ‘date’ Harlow or Lucy had looked positively beautiful like a fashion model but tonight she looked like a college girl on the prowl for sex. “Hello. Danny.” Lucy giggled. Lucy fluttered the thick black eyelashes Valerie had helped her add and curl. He didn’t know how women did this, it felt like each eyelid weighed a pound more than it should! But still he kept his dopey smile on his face. The golden eyeshadow had been exchanged for a deep blue that accentuated his own blue eyes. Lucy’s eyelids and lashes shimmered briefly in the light, the gold flecks made his eyes sparkle but made it incredibly sticky. If he wasn’t careful he would have to pry them open as one or both of them would stick together.

Lucy’s pearly white teeth gleamed next to the dark red of his lipstick that shimmered in the light with the same golden flecks as her eyeshadow.  “H-Lucy…you uh look…uh…” Lucy wore a red wrap bandage dress held up by a single shoulder strap over his right shoulder. “You look great.” Danny finally said, he almost called Lucy sexy but then remembered that Lucy was really his friend Harlow.

“Thank you, Daniel. I hope I’m not too…distracting this evening.” Lucy said breathily as he turned around to give his friend the full view, remembering to keep his smile, the bracelets dangling from his wrists clinked together and risked flying off if he moved too fast. After all this he would have a flawless poker face he reassured himself.

“Why are you talking like Marilyn Monroe?”

“She’s not,” Valerie said, pushing Lucy forward into Danny. “She's talking like Lucy.” Danny wanted to question more, but remembered his sister’s aggressive warning earlier that he was not to forget Lucy was his girlfriend. Without an idea what else to do Danny stared into Lucy’s stunning eyes.

Lucy smiled as he held on to his giant. “Did you shave for me?” He teased but was surprised when his friend actually blushed.

“I figured I should look nice too…fair’s fair.”

Lucy’s smile almost faltered but he heard his tormenter moving to his side. “I think you should shave more often.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, you look…great.” Harlow let go of Danny and followed Valerie into the kitchen remembering to sway his hips as Valerie had taught him. One of the few choices he had been given for his dress were a pair of four inch heels and a pair of five inch heels. Choosing the lesser evil he took the four inch matching red gladiator heels that wrapped around his ankle. The pressure of the criss-crossing pattern gave his ankle a bit of relief. So if nothing else, he had that going for him.

In the kitchen, Harlow nervously tore into a bag of chips. “W-what if they recognize me?”

“I didn’t know you ever met Danny’s friends.”

“You know what I mean…come on.”

Valerie sighed as she took the bag from Harlow and poured the contents into a large chip bowl, “First off no way they will recognize you, they won’t even look at your face thanks to those things.” She pointed a napkin to Harlow’s chest before handing it to him to wipe his hands clean of oils. “And B, not only do you not look like Harlow, you and Harlow act like two different people. Understand?”

A heavy fist slammed into the door multiple times. Harlow jumped out of his skin and ran into the hall out of sight. “Oh yeah. This’ll go great.” Valerie walked to the door.

A man six inches shorter than Danny but no less wide stood on the other side holding a six pack in one hand and a small bottle of wine in the other. “Hey, Val. Thanks again for hosting this week.”

“No problem, Harry.” Harry smiled as he handed her the small bottle before kissing the air

“Danny boy!” He shouted to his oversized friend.

“Harry!” Danny shouted back. Grabbing his friend's hand Danny pulled the smaller large man off of his feet, pulling him into a one arm hug

"Ah you big bastard! Still hitting the gym?" He laughed as he shoved his friend back.

"You know it. Someone's gotta be able to back you up when  some lady's jealous husband comes looking for you."

"Hey, Kisha was a fluke."

"And Naomi?" Danny said, giving his friend a knowing look.

"She was fine as hell." Harry’s body shook slightly as he laughed. It was the type of laugh full of mirth that would reverberate off the walls.

While the two men discussed women Valerie went into the hall and grabbed Harlow. “Lucy!” She whispered. “Come on, you’re a confident woman, you're not the type to hide away.”

“Do I have too? I’ve met Harry.”

“No you haven’t. Harlow has. Just trust me. Greet him with a friendly smile and he won’t look above your neck.” Harlow squeaked audibly but nodded anyway.

"Oh, Daniel, I didn't realize how late it was." Harlow smiled sweetly, remembering to call Danny by his proper name like his past girlfriends always had for some reason. "I'm sorry."

Harry's eyes widened at the bombshell that glided his way. She looked like a walking wet dream wrapped up in a stripper. Immediately he felt his pants tightening as he stared at her chest. "No apologies necessary. Had I known you were here I would have come to find you." The beauty smiled and giggled flirtatiously before wrapping her hand around Danny's and smiled at him.

"Hopefully not too soon.” She laughed.

“Harry. This is Lucy. Lucy, this is my old friend Harry.”

“Shame.” Harry said, delicately taking her offered hand. “If you ever get tired of the giant. Let me know.” He winked unsubtly before kissing her hand softly.

“I’ll…definitely, like, remember that.” She smiled.

“Alright, enough being a whore, Harry.” Danny pushed Harry to the side, herding him into the dining room where he had the small poker table set up. “Everyone else should be here soon. And I can already hear the money in your wallet begging for a new home.”

“Nah cuz, I think you got it backwards.”

Lucy was, thankfully, forgotten by the two men and she hurried into the kitchen to help prepare small snacks for their guests. “Ugh, Harry hit on me.” Harlow squirmed uncomfortably.

“What did you say?”

“I smiled, like you told me and grabbed Danny. But I don’t think it worked like you said it would. He was still obviously flirting with me.”

“You’ll get used to it.” She turned around to grab a bowl from the cabinet so that she could let out the smile that kept trying to force itself to the surface. Harlow the hound has finally met his match in Harry the womanizer. Harry loved to steal “taken” women from other men. She thought for a moment about adding him to her case study but it would have to wait.

“I doubt it.”

“I’m surprised, I figured you would like a cute guy flirting with you.”

Harlow realized quickly that Valerie was warning him not to break the character they had cultivated, “Uh…I do but, like, I’m with your brother. That’s not good…right?”

“Nothing wrong with being friendly. You know how important it is for a girl to impress her boyfriend’s friends right?”

“Yeah…that’s true I guess.”

Valerie smiled and opened a small bottle of beer, “Here, take these to Danny and Harry, and when you give one to Harry just, like, put your hand on him for a few seconds.”

“Why?” Harlow held the cold bottles in his hands.

“Because that’s how girls act when we’re being friendly. Remember?” Valerie giggled. “Sometimes I think you can be a real airhead sometimes.”

“I…forget it.” Instead of arguing and risking being told he’s breaking character Harlow turned and left the kitchen with Valerie following closely behind with a small tv tray and a bag of chips. Harlow placed the bottle in front of Danny, then seeing Valerie making excuses to stay behind and watch him, he had no choice but to hand Harry the bottle to Harry and place his free hand on his smooth wrist. Harry looked up at Harlow and smirked. Unconsciously he smirked back to the horn dog. As Harlow yanked his hand away quickly a pink bracelet flew off of his too small wrist.  “Oh, fuck me!” Harlow swore; turning on his heel was especially difficult in his new shoes, forcing him to get on his hands and knees to reach under the table for his bracelet. Valerie had told him earlier if he lost one then she would consider him out of character and not worth helping. The memory of his old mugshot being shoved in his face frightened him, without Valerie’s help he wouldn’t last long on the streets, even if he did manage to get the breasts and the hair removed.

Harry watched as Danny’s girlfriend blatantly flirted with him. First she caressed his arm, and that little smile she gave? And now. Now she was bent over, showing off her ass and pretending to look for something. “Lucy?” He asked gently.

She turned her head to look back at him over her shoulder. “Yeah?” She was begging for it! She gave him the puppy dog eyes and fuck if she wasn’t careful she’d get it right then and there.

“Find what you wanted?” She giggled and held up her bracelet, obviously pretending that was what she was looking for. “Good.” He smiled.

About the time Lucy and Valerie had finished setting up the snacks for the group the rest of Danny’s friends had finally arrived, and after a few minutes of getting caught up the game finally started. Harlow hung around the edges of the table, bringing the boys beers whenever they got low and giving each of them the practiced smile. Every so often he would find a free moment to sit in the living room with Valerie, but any time he did she would guilt him, saying things like he was a bad girlfriend, or what if they needed something? “Then they’ll call me I guess.” Harlow put his feet up and attempted to open the cold bottle of beer he had snagged from the kitchen.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m thirsty.”

“Girls don’t drink beer.”

“Oh come on! I’ve seen girls at bars.”

“Yes, and we drink cocktails. In fact…come here.” Valerie stood and forced Harlow to join her, grabbing the beer as she did. “Here you go.” She sat the cold bottle down next to Louis, whose drink was almost empty.

“That’s what I call service.” They heard him laugh as the pair entered the kitchen.

Harlow grumbled but watched in annoyance as Valerie took out several bottles before mixing them into a blender and handing the results of that bright and colorful mix to Harlow in a small glass. “Here, try this.”

Harlow looked at it in disgust. “It smells like a fruit salad.”

“It’s supposed to. Drink up.” He grumbled again, “Come on, I thought you were some world class drinker. Don’t pussy out now.”

Harlow cocked his head to the side with more annoyance than before somehow, “I’m not.” Harlow sipped at the drink cautiously, waiting for it to explode in his face. The mix of fruit, bitters, and sweet liquors combined into an exciting and flavorful experience. “Wow…that’s actually good. But it doesn’t taste like there’s any alcohol in it at all.”

“I know, right?” She smiled. “That’s the fun of it. There’s tons of alcohol in it but you don’t taste it. It just…,like, creeps up on ya.” Harlow shrugged and took another heavier pull from the glass. Used to the burning of the alcohol to tell him when to stop he didn’t realize he had finished the glass until it was too late. “Hey, be careful with that. I’m not kidding, it’ll knock you on your ass.”

“I’ll be fine.” Harlow picked up the pitcher and poured the contents into his glass. “But at least there’s a silver lining to all of this.”

“So you’re having fun?”

“Right now? Sure.”

“I guess people would look at a guy weird if he ordered a fruity drink in a bar huh?”

“Definitely.” Harlow emptied half the glass in one breath.

“We should go to this club I know sometime.”

“Me and you?”

“Yeah. Why not?”

“Well…to be real I didn’t think you liked me.”

“Why not? You’re my brother’s girlfriend.”

Harlow rolled his eyes. “You know what I mean.”

“Well. Sometimes. But right now…you’re looking kinda cute.” She sipped at her drink, still on her first, while Harlow coughed up the bit he sucked down his windpipe. “You okay?” She handed him a napkin when he finally finished.

“Yeah…you think I’m cute?”

“You make for a very pretty girl.”

Harlow smiled and slid closer to Valerie. “And you…like that?” He asked softly, careful to keep his voice just in case it was some kind of test.

“Right now? Sure.”

“So why don’t we-”

“Shh.” Valerie hushed, pressing her finger to his lip, her pink painted nail catching in the corner of his eye. “Don’t ruin it. But if you play your part? Maybe we can do something…later.”

“Later’s good…now is better.”

“First you need to prove you’ll be sticking around.”

“Prove it how?”

“Be a good girlfriend to Danny.”

“Aren’t I already?”

She shook her head, no, “You’re in the kitchen with his sister and you haven’t spent any time with him.”

“I’ve been a little busy.” He chuckled.

“Why don’t you spend time with your boyfriend and if you’re still around tomorrow…we can talk about…helping your little friend get some air.” She smiled and ran her fingers across Harlow’s tuck.

Harlow didn't see the look of disgust on Valerie's face as he walked into the dining room. If he hadn’t been so busy thinking with his dick, he might have considered why she had a sudden interest. But he did not, even as he looked for a seat next to Danny and found nothing. “Hey.” Danny mumbled as he stared at his terrible cards.

“Hey…cutie.” Harlow said as he ran a hand through Danny’s hair. He had remembered this one girl in high school loved to run her hand through Danny’s hair.

“That’s funny.” Lucy giggled. Everyone turned to look at her as she made a show of peering at Danny’s cards. “They’re, like, all in order. Is that good?” Lucy looked at the men surrounding the table, digging a nail into Danny’s head when he started to speak up.

“I fold.” Louis said as he slapped the cards facedown on the table and sipped at his beer.

“Yeah, me too.” Collins followed suit. All that remained was Harry who was eying Danny hard, trying to read his face.

Sensing he needed a final push Danny turned to his pretend girlfriend, “You’re not supposed to say what I have out loud.” He whispered low enough that it sounded like he was actually trying to be quiet but loud enough that Harry could hear what he had said.

Harlow quickly hid his smile with a fake pout, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

“It’s okay…baby.” He pulled Harlow closer, wrapping his arm around his waist. Fearing Danny was about to kiss him Harlow did the only thing he could think of to make it impossible. He sat in Danny’s lap. Danny laughed nervously as he held on to his feminized friend, “W-what are you doing?”

“I…needed a seat.” He turned his head to face his friend, smiling nervously. “I can, like,...get up if you want?” Danny tried to think of an excuse as to why she should get up when he saw Valerie peaking through the kitchen door and smiling.

“It’s your seat whenever you want it.” He forced a smile that almost looked genuine. Somehow Harlow’s forced smile remained, even though he wanted to shriek and run away in frustration. ‘Idiot!’ his mind screamed, ‘Why would you say that?!’

“Alright, I fold.”

The faux couple turned and looked at Harry in surprise, “Really?”

“Yeah, if it means you two stop with the goo goo eyes.” Harlow burned with embarrassment.

“Looks like I win then.” Danny cheered as he bent forward grasping the assortment of one dollar bills. Harry dealt the next hand to each of the guys, and Harlow was surprised to see Danny had been given four of a kind. This time Harlow stayed quiet as the bets and calls were made. Because of the size difference in the two and the impracticality of two people trying to occupy the same chair at the same time, Harlow was forced to hook one arm around Danny’s shoulder as he drank more of his fruity cocktail. For a moment, out of the corner of his eyes, Danny saw a cute girl sitting in his lap and having a sex on the beach. Shaking his head, as if to remind himself who she was, Danny placed a five in the pot.

“Fold.” Collins said.

“Chicken.” Danny mocked.

“Call.” Louis dropped a five in with Danny’s.

Harry once again examined Danny’s facial expressions. Lucy was draining her drink nervously now, she looked to be uncomfortable…she knows he’s lying. “Call.” Harry threw in a five of his own.

Flipping the cards over, Louis had a pair of threes, Harry had a pair ace high, but neight of them beat Danny’s four. “Ha ha! Fools.” He mocked, raking in the total of eighteen dollars now. Two more hands passed and every time Danny had winning cards or bluffed enough to convince the other guys to fold. At one point Valerie returned with a couple of drinks for the guys. When Harlow tried to stand up to help her, any excuse to leave his seat, Danny pulled her back into his lap. “Nahuh. You’re my good luck charm, Lucy. Lucky Lucy!” Danny cheered. Being called a good luck charm made Harlow’s mind flashback to when he was ten. His father had brought him to another seedy location where he was playing poker with friends. His father called them friends, but even then Harlow was smart enough to know they were no such thing. Sitting in Danny’s lap Harlow still found himself smiling at the memory of his father messing up his hair, telling him how he was his good luck charm.

The next five hands all continued in Danny’s favor, no matter who dealt the cards. Due to drunkenness or the euphoria of winning but with each hand he won the more familiar he became with Lucy until at one point his free hand was wrapped around Lucy’s waist and his head rested on Harlow’s shoulder. The final straw came when Harlow felt a strange sensation poking him in the butt. At first he thought he was sitting on Danny’s buckle or a weird fold in his pants so he tried to shift his butt away from the strange object. When it grew larger and harder Harlow realized exactly what was going on. “Aah I gotta go!” Harlow pulled himself away from Danny quickly and hurried into the bathroom.

“What was that about?” Harry asked.

“Chicks man,” Collins scoffed, “they’ve got bladders the size of chestnuts.”

In the quiet there came a knocking upon the front door. As Danny stood to see who it was Valerie poked her head out of the kitchen, “Where’s Lucy?” The three men pointed towards the bathroom and she followed.

Danny opened the door and saw Marcus looking up at him, “God damn, son. Did you get taller?”

“What did you want?”

“Stow the attitude, alright? I come bearing gifts.” Danny stared mutely at Marcus. “Right. I ran it by my boss and he agreed, you have some potential. So he’s asked me to reach out and offer you a job.”

“I have a job.”

“This pays better. Besides, it’s some extra cash uncle sam doesn’t need to know about. Everyone could use an extra bit of scratch.”

“What’s up?” Harry asked as he approached the door.

“Just a job offer. One night only. Unless your friend here wants more.”

“I don’t thin-”

“What’s the job?”

“Security at a club.”

“How much?”

“Five hundred for one night’s work. Just a few hours really.”

“Dude take it! That sounds awesome.”

“I told you my terms last time. I’m not interested.” Danny shut the door and walked back to the table.

Harry was stunned and quickly opened the door. “Hey, I can still take the job, right?”

“Nah man. If your friend doesn’t come we’ll have to find someone else.”

“He’ll come, I’ll talk to him.”

“Good luck. He’s as stubborn as a bull.”

“I’ll get it done, don’t worry.”

“Alright. He has my number. Make sure you both have a suit.” Marcus walked away, shaking his head. He was a collector, leg break, not some recruiter.

In the bathroom, Valerie had finally calmed Harlow down enough to explain what happened. “Oh come on, you’ve felt it before.” Valerie scoffed.

“What? Never!”

“Not even when you guys have sex?”

“We never had sex!”

“Really?”

“Ye-you know what I mean. Harlow and Danny have never had sex.”

“I know. That’d be weird. Luckily you’re Lucy.”

Harlow rolled his eyes. “Okay, yeah then I guess Danny and Lucy have had sex. But not for a while.

“Then can you blame him? If you’re not taking care of your man that’s bound to happen with you looking the way you do. Honestly I’m surprised.”

“You-What?!”

“Yeah, it’s kinda weird that you’ve been dating so long and so lovey dovey but you don’t have sex with him? Not the sort of thing a good girlfriend does.”

“...what are you getting at?”

“Hmm? Nothing. Just a weird thought. Come on, let’s get back before the boys start thinking you're sick.”

“Whatever. I’m not sitting in Danny’s lap again.”

When the two returned the boys were trying to convince Danny to take the job. “Come on man, it’s good money!” Collins argued.

“I’m fine on money.” Danny picked up the current wad of thirty-three dollars he had won so far that night.

“Real money.”

“We’re talking five hundred in a night. And me too!”

“Five hundred? For what?” Valerie and Lucy stood at the edge of the conversation.

“Just a security gig.” Harry grabbed Lucy’s wrist and pulled her closer, “Come on, you obviously know how to sweet talk the big dope, five hundred in a couple of hours? Just standing around? Doesn’t that sound like good money?”

“I…guess so?” He said carefully looking towards his frustrated friend.

“That would actually be great. Since we had that unexpected bill earlier.” Valerie picked up one of the beers and sipped on it.

“See! It’s kismet.”

“You guys don’t understand what it’d mean.”

“It doesn’t mean anything, Danny!” Harry yelled. Turning to Harlow he looked up at the sexy woman, “Come on. Would you turn down five hundred dollars just to stand by some door for a couple of hours?”

“I mean…” Harlow looked between Danny and Valerie, he wasn’t sure what they were talking about but knew Danny wasn’t afraid of hard work so whatever it was that they were talking about must be serious. But Harlow was supposed to be an agreeable girl if he wanted se-to stay in their house. “I think…if I had the op-the chance to make that kinda money quickly I would, like, take it.”

Danny sighed and slapped the cards on the table, “Fine.”

Harlow was first surprised by Danny’s reluctant yes, and then he was surprised as Harry yelled and pulled Harlow into his lap. “Ha! I know you could do it!” He smiled. “He’s always been a sucker for a pretty face.”

“Uh…” Harlow blushed nervously.

Valerie could no longer contain herself and started laughing as she hurried into the kitchen. “Val…I’ll come help.”

“You’re not leaving me all sad and alone are you?” Harry did his best to turn on his boyish charm.

Harlow squirmed and tried to right himself so he wasn’t lying across Harry’s lap. “I-well-I was-”

“Lucy?” Collins asked as he shuffled the stack of cards.

“Huh?” He managed to right himself in Harry’s lap but still hadn’t improved his situation.

“You said you were looking for some money?”

“Y-yeah?”

“Well, I know someone looking for a babysitter. It won’t pay five hundred a night but it’s still good money.”

“She’ll take it!” Valerie shouted from the kitchen.

“Fantastic.” He smiled as he passed out the cards.

“Wh-wait.”

“You did say you’d take a job for some quick cash.” Danny smirked and collected his cards.

Harlow growled at Danny from across the table. When he started to stand Harry’s hand slipped between his legs. Immediately Harlow sat back down and grabbed Harry’s hand, pulling it away from his crotch and for the first time thankful for the fact that his penis was still tucked away safely out of view. “Come on, now. The hand’s about to start. I wanna see just how lucky I can get with you.” Harlow pulled at Harry’s hand, but he never was a match for anyone in strength, let alone Harry or Danny. Before he could say anything, Valerie had returned with another glass for Harlow.

“Here. I made this one as sweet as you are.” Valerie forced the cold glass into Harlow’s hand. The look in her eye flashed a warning and a reminder, “Drink up and be merry.” Harlow grumbled. ‘He’ll lose and I can move.’ he thought as he drank the slushie–like cocktail. The first hand dealt to Harry was a full house. Harlow believed a lot in luck and odds but he never considered himself lucky, at least not for himself, but seeing Harry’s next two hands he started to think something was strange.

“Your block, still doing the pool party next week?” Louis asked Danny as he examined his cards.

“Damn girl,” Harry whispered, “you’ve got a fine ass.” Harry didn’t even bother to look at his cards, instead ran his hand up Harlow’s back.

“Yeah. Last day of summer for the families, I guess.” Danny said while chucking in a dollar to the pot.

“I-...Thanks.” Harlow quickly drank half of the glass away, ‘Wait…didn’t I finish this one already?”

“I’ll bring the kids.”

“Did you used to be a cheerleader?” Harry finally asked loudly.

“Yeah.” Harlow downed the rest of the glass.

“For real?” Louis finally looked up from his cards. “Where’d you go?”

“Uh…all over. Kinda-” Harry quickly pinched Harlow’s ass underneath the table. Harlow shrieked for a second which turned into a giggle, remembering he was supposed to be happy and bubbly,

Valerie shook her head, “Boys, still obsessed over the cheerleaders.”

The room fell into a soft disquiet before Collins broke the tension, “So, Lucy. I take it you will be attending the pool party?”

“Oh absolutely. Wait wh-”

“That’s great.” Harry smirked and rubbed Lucy’s thigh. “It’ll give us the chance to see you in a bikini.”

“I. I don’t have a bikini.”

“Hey, we playin’ cards or what?” Danny finally had enough. For a moment Harlow thought he would help him by freeing him from Harry’s increasingly hard lap. But no such luck.

The third hand had turned into a royal flush for Harry, who in his excitement kissed Harlow.

“I knew you were lucky!”

Harlow stood up quickly, too quickly in fact, and stumbled forward. Having to grab the counter to catch himself Harlow turned around and faced Danny who was busy looking at each new card. Harlow grumbled, Danny could be obtuse sometimes. Since Valerie had all but told them Lucy couldn’t disagree with anything the guys wanted, it was up to Danny to step in as “the boyfriend” and at least let them know he wasn’t their plaything. But no, he just stared at his cards.

“Lucy?” Collin asked again.

“Hmm?” Harlow faked a smile, which came off more drunken than anything due to his wobbly legs and the fact he had three doubles in the last ten minutes.

“Can you help me with an experiment?”

“Uh…I’m no scientist.”

Collins chuckled, “No. Just stand over here please? I’m curious.”

Harlow looked to the oblivious Danny who somehow thought if he arranged his cards in the right order he would have a magically better hand. “Sure. Why not.” Harlow walked around the table carefully, placing his hand on Collins’ shoulder for balance. Slowly he looked at his hand with ever widening eyes. A straight flush! Harlow wanted to pitch a fit but kept his fake smile and continued to gently massage Collins’ shoulder.

After the third hand that Collins had somehow miraculously won Harlow insisted on getting in on the action. “You don’t have any money, Lucy.” Valerie reminded Harlow.

“Come on, everyone else gets to use me like some, like, lucky rabbit’s food.”

“Foot.”

“That’s what I said.”

“Tell ya what,” Harry started, “let’s do high card draw. Highest card wins.”

“What does the winner get?”

“The winner gets to choose your seat next.”

“Hah hah.” Harlow mocked drunkenly. “Ya know what. Worth it.”

Harry shuffled the cards three times quickly before slapping the deck in the center of the table. “Lady’s first.” He smiled. Harlow picked up twelve cards, holding them up he had a ten of clubs. “Not bad.” Collins picked up an eight of hearts, Louise a six of spades, and Danny a Jack of diamonds. Finally the turn came to Harry who picked up the rest of the deck and held up a king of hearts. “Looks like I win.” He smiled and dropped the cards into his hand. “So why don’t you come on and sit over here.” He slapped his lap multiple times.

“No, no. Wait….” He really did not want to sit in another man’s lap yet again. “Wait…double or nothin’.”

“What’s double?”

“Whatever you want. Just…come on. One more.”

“Lucy.” Valerie chided from her seated position on the counter.

“Come on. What have you got to lose?” Harlow waved Valerie off.

“Alright.” He smiled confidently and collected the cards, shuffling them again five times to ensure they were good and randomized. “Lady’s first.” He smiled.

Harlow snatched up eight cards finding the queen of spades. “Hah!” Harlow cheered. Louis pulled out a three of hearts, Collins’ another queen of hearts, and finally, Harry, instead of grabbing the twenty remaining cards he picked up five, revealing a king of spades.