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“I n-need to try to make it work here. Last s-shot.” For her. For Brooks. And for her memories of Joe.
“You need to get inside before you catch pneumonia and Daddy and I have to come get you and force you back home with us.”
“Right.” Good plan. Since parts of her were starting to grow numb and she could feel her nose running.
Not a good look.
“You got this, Effie. Chardonnay said Pinkies is a great place to work. The owner treats the girls well. They make awesome tips.”
Chardonnay was April’s cousin and the only reason that Effie was here right now.
“You can do this. You’re an amazing dancer. And you will knock their socks off. All you’ve gotta do is show a bit of skin.”
Shehadbeen an amazing dancer. Before everything in her life had imploded. Now, the only dancing she did was in the living room of her one-bedroom apartment.
“I’ve never danced while taking off my clothes. What if they don’t like what they see? I’m not as young as I used to be. I have cellulite and my tummy is round rather than flat. What if I’m taking something off, trip and fall, and show everyone my hoo-ha?”
“Then I’m sure you’ll get excellent tips.”
“April, I’m not joking. This is . . . I can’t.”
“Then come here.”
“I . . . I . . .”
“Effie, have you got any other choices?”
April knew she didn’t.
“It’s not nice to be right all the time.”
“Sorry,” April replied, but Effie could tell she was grinning.
“Next time we talk, it’s my turn to be right,” Effie informed her.
“Problem with that is that I’m always right. Have you got your outfit?”
“I’ve got it on under my coat.” There wasn’t much to the outfit, which was part of the reason she was freezing. She hadn’t been able to afford anything new, and so she’d bought material from thrift stores and managed to create it with what she got. It was neon pink, and she thought it looked pretty good.
At least it covered the major things and still showed skin. She just hoped it was enough.
“Done your stretches?”
“Yes.”
“Got Slowly with you?”
“Yep, he’s in my bag.” Hopefully, Slowly the Sloth brought her some good luck. Joe had given him to her years ago, and the stuffed toy was her most prized possession.
“Celebratory jelly beans?”
“Yep.”
“Just pretend you’re acting a part. You used to love acting and dancing.”
She had.
She wished she could find that joy again. She used to always be happy, smiling, seeing the good in life.
