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"Oh, yes! Ivy, this is the bestie I've been telling you about, Naomi,” Selene says, turning to face me. “Naomi, meet Ivy."
"So good to meet you, Naomi,” the woman gushes, holding out her hand for a shake which I take. “I hope you have a great time tonight. I won't keep you, though."
"Are you at the door all night?" Selene asks.
"Nope. The girls are back to rotations. Staying at the door all night sucks.” She rolls her eyes before stepping back to go around the check-in desk. Then she shoos us off. “The others are inside and already got you all set up. Your usual place is reserved. And I think one of the owners dropped off a gift on your table earlier, too."
"Perfect," Selene replies and gives the girl an air kiss. "Okay. I'll see you inside."
"Will do," Ivy says as she takes IDs from the next couple in line. “Bye, Gunnar. Have fun, Naomi!”
Selene grabs me by the hand and leads us through the double doors that are off to the left-hand side. The handles are the same birdcage design as the chandeliers and somehow gleam in the dark light. Down a short hallway, we come out to the main area of the club.
Stepping into The Playground Club is like entering a different dimension, and I stop in my tracks at the sight.
The lights are dimmed to give the space an intimate feel despite the size. It’s still early, but people already fill up the tables and couches that surround a central dance floor.
The whole first floor is a mix of speakeasy and country club vibes with leather couches and chairs along the edges of the room. Low, intimate tables with seating for two at each surround the dance floor, which patrons have already started grouping and clustering around together with other friends.
The bar at the back is buzzing with activity, girls behind the bartop laughing and flirting with the members who come up for their setups.
Looking up through the gap in the ceiling above the dance floor, I can see the second floor of the club and the shadows roaming on that level—the play space, according to Selene.
It’s shocking . . . and stunning.
With the confidence of a woman who feels right at home, Selene saunters across the dance floor to a corner decorated to its limits where several people have already settled in. Gunnar is on her heels, while I have to reboot and trot to catch up with her.
"Selene!" a gorgeous Black woman dressed in a purple lacy bra and boy shorts calls out at Selene's approach.
"Zuri! You made it!" Selene squeals and throws her arms open wide.
"Of course. It's been far too long.” She beams, embracing Selene tightly. “I've had this blocked off on our calendar for weeks now."
"Awe. Well, I'm glad you're here," Selene says, giving the woman a tight hug. "Speaking of which. Everyone, this is Naomi, the friend I've been telling y'all about."
I give a little wave. "Nice to meet y'all."
Introductions to the group happen quickly, and there's no chance in hell that I remember anyone's name at this point.
Without warning, Selene unties her wrap dress and lets it fall down, revealing her own bra and thong set. She tosses the dress over at Gunnar’s face before plopping down on one of the couches with her friends.
"Oh. Okay. That's how we're doing this."
“Where’s Alvaro and Bex?” Gunnar asks.
“They’re upstairs getting set up for their demo. Said they’d be back down in time for cake and Champagne later,” a petite woman—Elsie, I think—says from next to a massive man whose attention is entirely fixed on her.
“Ooh. Okay. We’ll head up there in a minute then,” Selene says, turning to me. “This is a show you’re not going to want to miss, cariña. But first, drinks!”
Chapter 5
Naomi
After a few drinks and more chatting with Selene’s friends, she grabs me by the hand and we slip upstairs to get a seat for “the show,” as she calls it.
The upstairs of the club is just as impressive as the lower level. But here there are two open spaces that flank the entrance looking down on the dance floor below, which are occupied by couches and other equipment, like a St. Andrew’s cross, spanking bench, and more. Behind the open play areas are beds semi-concealed by sheer curtains. Against the wall opposite the expanse of windows looking out onto the property are doors that Selene told me lead to different playrooms.
When I’ve finished taking in my fill, I go to settle on a couch off to the side just as the couple I recognize from the Zoom call, Bex and Alvaro Silva, are finishing setting up their scene.
