"Twice."

"Risky business."

"I seem to remember you fallin’ up in a bunch of places by yourself. So, if I am a cowboy, I learned that shit from you," Nick said.

"I only did that shit when I knew I would be all right. If I thought there was a possibility that shit would get wild, either you or Freeze or Bobby was coming with me."

"You knew that we had your back," Nick said, now proud of the life that he ran away from for years.

"That’s what I can’t get past. What was your boy doin’ up in there without backup?"

"We’ll find her, Black," Nick said, trying to sound reassuring.

"I hope so, Nick. I hope so," Mike said and looked out the window. "It’s still good to see you, Nick."

"It’s good to see you too, Black." Good to be home, Nick thought.

While Mike stared out the window, he recalled the argument he had with Shy the night before. Thinking back on it now, it wasn’t worth it. He knew that all that shit Shy was talking about him and other women was just a smoke screen to mask what was really bothering her. But if he really wanted to be honest with himself, Shy did have a point. If he wanted to, he could do something to discourage women from literally throwing themselves at him. In his mind, he wasn’t doing anything, so there wasn’t a problem. But apparently, Shy had a different perception of what was going on, and after all, perception is reality.

Shy felt like women openly showing their affection for her husband was disrespectful. But to Mike, it was all business, making sure his customers, especially the women, were having a good time. Happy women come back, stay longer, and make men spend more money. Strictly business. Nothing more. Mike loved Shy, and nothing any of those women had to offer was of any interest to him. He knew that, and believed that Shy should know it too. Mike felt like Shy should trust him.