The music for the “Cha Cha Slide” begins.
I start tapping my foot to the music. He stands a few paces in front of me.
“All right, ladies and gentlemen, let’s get down to the “Cha Cha Slide.”Let me see how smooth those soles are.”
His upbeat tone contrasts with my sour mood.
Matt has the boys again this weekend, unsupervised at his home. It’s all I can do not to spiral, thinking about it, so I’m glad for the distraction of work and line dancing.
The Swing Dance Showdown is less than a month away. I’m not competing, but I’ll be bartending and hopefully making good money from the extra onlookers it’ll bring in.
“You’re a great dancer, girl! Move those hips!” Steve claps with the beat and instructs flawlessly, grinning widely.
He’s wearing a bedazzled red rhinestone cowboy hat and a matching shirt with fringe. He’s always in a great mood, and he’s been a fun addition to Lucky’s team. He brings in a less seedy clientele than we had before with his personality and dance instruction nights.
“All right, that was fun, but I need to get back to it,” I tell him after the third song.
The bar opens in a few minutes, and I know it’s going to be a busy shift.
He pats my shoulder. “Thanks, dear. I really think you should consider competing in the showdown. I bet I could find you a partner.”
I shake my head, walking back to the bar. “I wish, Steve. I have way too much going on.”
The night races by over the next three hours. Scott comes and sits at my bar, making conversation between patrons. I’ve unfortunately realized that I’m not attracted to him. I tried to imagine having sex with him on the front lawn and him using the sprayer to get me off, and it made me cringe.
I don’t bother checking the time, but finally, Harper taps my arm and leans in to myear.
“It’s your break.” Her red pixie cut has fresh dye on it, making it so bright that it’s almost neon in the black light.
“I like the hair.”
“Thanks.” She smiles.
I exit the bar and start walking toward the side door, only to get distracted when I see Duke on the dance floor, Madi Wright spinning out from his hand.
I’m mesmerized for a moment by the sheer smoothness of his moves. I know exactly what those hips look like on top of me, and if I let myself think about it, I know what they feel like too.
“Damn. I’ve heard he’s an absolute monster in the sack. Wish it were my turn.” A female voice speaks to my left.
My eyes flicker over to look at the brunette who spoke.
I’ve seen her around the bar a few times.
I shake my head, spinning around to escape out the back door as a cold wave of jealousy rises inside me.
Duke can do whatever he wants. He can dance with Madi and her perfect, perky boobs that haven’t gone through the physical trauma of breastfeeding.
He can dance with and screw every girl here. I’m dating other people. I told him I didn’t want any type of commitment right now.
And I meant it.
I lift my chin, finding the hallway toward the back of the building.
Do not cry. Do not cry.
I pass by the restroom line and a couple making out in the shadows. I’m reaching for the metal bar to push the door open when someone grabs my hand and pulls me back.
I flip around, slamming into a hard chest.
