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With a quick flick of my finger, I switch on the indicator light and hurry to make my way to the designated spot in the other room. By the time I drop to my knees, my heart is pounding, uncontrollably. Now, I must wait.
I’m in heaven, awaiting my hell.
Chapter Fifteen
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
HONEY
Heart pounding in my chest, I scoop up my money and make my way off the stage. Adrenaline still courses through me, fueled from both the dance and my nightmare earlier. As I return to my station, I spot Magic, the new girl, sitting at the dressing table, nervously chewing at her nails. Why is she this worked up over getting out there for one stupid dance? I guess I’m not sympathetic about this.
I ease down into my seat and lean into the mirror to check on my makeup. I try to ignore her but, for some unexplained reason, I feel compelled to look back over at her.
Turn around and ignore her! This isn’t your problem. New girls come and go all the time. Don’t get involved.
Before I can speak, she turns her body away from me and pretends to be looking for something in her bag. It’s a good try, but she can’t fool me. The way her shoulders are trembling, I know, without a doubt, she’s crying.
“Are you all right?” I don’t know why I’m even asking. It isn’t my job to be these girls’ cheerleader. No one was ever mine. It hadn’t been easy, but I learned to deal; now she needs to do the same. Besides, no one is holding a gun to her head and forcing her to work here.
Magic frantically wipes the tears from her face as she turns to face me.
“No, well… Yes. It’s just… I thought this would get easier, you know?” she sniffs.
Her innocent disposition reminds me so much of Raven. The only difference is that Raven could suck it up and get the job done. I’m afraid this one’s not going to last long here.
Unsympathetic to her complaining, I tighten my robe around me and cross my arms.
“I thought you said you’d done this kind of thing before.”
“Yeah, well, I only danced at the other bar I worked at before. I just can’t get used to the idea of standing out there naked in front of all of them. Earlier, there was a guy who wouldn’t stop touching me when I went out to work the floor. I tried, but I couldn’t stop him.”
I nod, but keep an even expression. It isn’t like I haven’t had the same thing happen a thousand times before. You quickly learn to get tough in this business.
“You want my advice?”
She hesitantly nods and reaches for a tissue.
I divert my eyes towards the doorway.
“You see that door?”
“Yeah?”
“Get dressed, pack your stuff, and walk out of it, while you still can. Believe me, no one here will blame you, if you do.” My words are harsh, but, believe it or not, it’s the best advice she’s going to get at this place. I’m only trying to save her before she gets in too deep.
“I… I can’t. I really need this job.”
I let out a frustrated breath and study her for a moment. I understand those words more than she realizes, but I won’t allow myself to soften. I have to stay tough. It’s how I’ve earned my respect over the years.
“Well, if you won’t listen to my advice on this, then, at least, do yourself one favor. Stay out of Ultimate Climax. No matter how much you might need the money, it isn’t worth it for a girl like you. Got me?”
Blinking rapidly she tilts her head, as if she’s trying to comprehend what I’ve just said.
“Can I ask you something?”
I cringe inwardly at her request. I hate it when people ask me that question because I don’t like getting personal with anyone. Most of the girls here will stab you in the back, the first chance they can.
“Yeah?” I reply, putting up my guard.
“How do you do it?”
The simple question renders me speechless. I have no fucking idea how I do it, I only know why. My reason is three years old and depends on me, but I wasn’t about to tell her that.
“You just learn.” I shrug, cutting my answer short and sweet.
Suddenly, Mike’s deep voice booms from the doorway, thankfully putting an end to our conversation.
“Magic, shake it off and get ready. You’re up in ten. If you can’t go on, let me know and I’ll have one of the girls cover for you.”
What the hell?
He never gives new girls an option like that, or any girl, for that matter. There’s something in the way they look at each other that intrigues me. You can see the deep concern in his eyes when he stares in her direction.
Why is he so different with her?
“Honey, I got a room offer for you. Let me know if you don’t want it.”
Mike steps towards me and hands me the request. From the details of the paper, I immediately recognize it as a regular client, one I always dread.
Ugh. Since I’d been so tense tonight, I was hoping for someone a bit more hardcore, someone new to break in. Whether he likes it or not, I may just have to amp it up a bit, for his good and mine.
“It’s fine, I’ll take it.”
“Good, I’ll have them get the room ready.” Mike slaps the wall behind him to get everyone’s attention. “Look alive, ladies. It’s a full house tonight.”
As I walk to my closet area, I spot Magic hesitantly walking out of the dressing room. Mike’s waiting for her just outside the doorway, which is definitely not normal behavior for him. Yep, something is definitely weird about that one. I only wish I could put my finger on it.
One by one, I slide the hangers across the rack, pushing them aside to access one of my favorite cat suits. I delicately trail my fingers down the slick black vinyl, sending excitement coursing through my veins. When I’m in this, I become a different person. This is my escape from the memories of my disgusting past.
