X'If you in trouble,' Alain said, 'I might could --'

'I'm not in trouble.' Jade tipped bottles over the drink shaker in rapid succession, then capped it and shook. 'He's been coming in the past few nights. He... ain't the easiest to get rid of, but I don't wnna be the new girl who can't hold her own.' She poured and turned, half-smiling. 'I swear if he gets too much in my business I'll ask the house to shut him down.

'Oui?'

She set the drink down and met his gaze firmly. 'Oui.'

'Well.' Alain sipped, eying her. 'I ain't gonna call a lady a liar. All the same... if you ever change you mind, you need some help... or you just want somebody to talk to... I'll give you my number, oui? You look me up.'

Alain: You look me up anytime.
'Oh.' Jade blinked and took a breath. 'Oh, you are a sweetie. I'd be damn tempted if...' her eyes drifted around the bustling house, summming up the crowd, the bouncers, and the unseen cameras with a wry twist of her mouth.

'If that what worryin' you,' Alain said, 'I know a spot or two where the house ain't listenin' in.'

'You... do?'

'Sure, some of the girls showed me.' He tossed back the rest of his drink. 'If that what you want.'

'Well...' Jade said slowly.

Jade: Well. I think I'm due a break.