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I can’t help but giggle. He’s jealous. He noticed I noticed his brother, and he got jealous.
Ice then looks up at me and says, “We’re your new bosses, dear, and we request you celebrate, ‘cause I am sure it thrilled you to be rid of them as much as we are.”
I look at him dumbfounded, and then he says, “Now go get your pretty little ass up to the bar and get yourself a glass.” I do as he says.
After I take my shot of courage, I ask, “Okay, well, since you boys are my new bosses, don’t you think I should know your names?”
Ace chimes in and says, “I’m Ace.” He points to the sandy-blond boy, next-door looking guy and says, “That’s Ryder,” and continues pointing as he goes around the table. “That’s Hawk, Spike, and of course, Ice.”
“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, boys,” I say, and turn to leave the table.
“Wait!” One of them calls after me.
I look back, and it’s Hawk. “You never told us your name.”
“Samantha, but everyone calls me Sam.” I haven’t used my real name in years. When my parents died, I thought it best to keep it at Sam. Gina DiStefano no longer exists. Susie is the only person who knows my real name.
Hawk whispers something to the table that I really can’t hear. They all nod, and he gets up and walks toward me. “So, Sam, why are you working in a dump like this?”
“Because it pays the bills,” I reply in an “isn’t it obvious” kind of way.
“Well, how would you like to work in a more respectable bar?” he asks.
“Perhaps,” I reply. I don’t want to sound too eager, but anything is better than this dive. And tips are going to go way down with the Satans out of the picture.
I honestly don’t believe these guys intend to hang out in this place. They came in here tonight to stake their claim, and we will probably never see them again. And I want to see them again. I have had no interest in anyone else other than Jamison until tonight. It’s been so many years, and I believe I have finally realized that Jamison and I will never have a future together.
“So, we own this strip club outside of town—”
I don’t let him finish. “And you call that respectable?” I shake my head. “I’m not stripping for you boys or anyone else!”
I’m angry and so disappointed. I thought these guys were different.
I turn to walk away. He gently grabs my arm, and immediately, I am stopped in my tracks. His touch causes my skin to tingle, and I am mesmerized. I haven’t had feelings like this since, well, in a very long time.
“You’ve got it all wrong,” he says apologetically. “I’m sorry if I implied we wanted you to strip.” He then realizes what he just said and backpedals. “That is not the case. I mean, not that you wouldn’t be a good stripper, I mean, you’re hot, and oh shit, I’m making this worse.” He rakes his hands through his hair and gives me a frustrated look.
He thinks I am hot! I stare at him for a minute, and there is this awkward silence between us.
Ryder hollers from the table, “Hawk, what’s taking so long. Just ask her.”
Hawk looks back at his brothers and then at me. “Look, we are looking for a bartender, and we think you would be a good fit. Our place is nice, it’s clean, and we take care of our girls. Most of our girls are working single moms just trying to make a living. They are with their kids during the day and get sitters at night while the kids are asleep. We don’t allow drugs from our employees or our patron. The club is hopping most nights but packed on Friday and Saturdays. You could make some great tips.”
I don’t answer him but walk over to the bar, take off my apron, and lay it on the counter. I turn back toward Hawk and say, “When do I start?”
All his brothers hoot and holler. Hawk walks over to the table, picks up a napkin, and says, “Can I use your pen?”
I hand him the pen, and he writes something down on the napkin. When he’s done, he hands me back my pen and the napkin. “The place is called Kandy’s, and here’s the address. Be there at one tomorrow afternoon, and I’ll introduce you to Callie, and we’ll get you settled.”
I smile. “I’ll be there.”
5
MARCH 2016
Erie, Pennsylvania
I’ve been working at Kandy’s now for almost six months, and I have to say, Hawk was right. My tips have more than tripled, and the atmosphere here is not sleazy. The girls who work here are really strong, hard-working women who are just trying to get by in this world.
