—Melissa
Backstage, I go to put the finishing touches on my makeup. The club sounds busy. Last night the place was a ghost town. When I look up into the mirror I see Uno’s reflection standing behind me.
Our eyes meet and there is something different about him. I don't know what it is, but he seems off. Maybe he feels awkward about that kiss we shared. I don’t want to bring it up and make things weird between us. If I am going to be working here we need to be able to talk without things being tense.
“You look...wow,” he tells me with a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes.
“Thanks” I twist around in my chair to face him. “I hear I have you to thank for the newer car I received today.”
He shrugs with his hands shoved in his pockets.
“Most people would say you’re welcome,” I tease.
“You’re welcome.” He smirks at me. Some of the light returns to his eyes. “About last night…” he trails off.
“What about it?” I move from the chair and step into my shoes. Black peep toe pumps that show off my fresh pedicure. Amber and Shelly insisted on treating me to a mani pedi earlier when they found out I was dancing tonight.
Uno takes a step toward me and pulls some papers out of his cut and hands them to me.
My brows draw inward. “What's this?”
“My divorce papers,” he deadpans.
I suck in a breath. “Uno...that was some kiss we shared, but I hope you didn’t do this for my benefit. I meant what I said. You and me wouldn’t be a good idea.” I hand the papers back to him unsure of what to say.
“I heard you.”
“But are you hearing me now? I just moved here. I don't even have my own place to live. I have Jimmy to worry about.”
“I got you a house.”
“You what?” My eyes bulge as I wonder if I misheard him somehow.
“Sorry that didn’t come out right. I have a house, I received it in the divorce. I don’t want to stay there. I’m going to be using my room at the clubhouse. The house is yours for as long as you need, if you don’t mind my stopping in from time to time to check in on things and use my garage.”
“Are you for real? Why would you want to do that for me? You don’t even know me.”
He shrugs. “If you don’t want to stay in that one, I need a house sitter for my ex-mother-in-law’s place. She has a cat that needs fed and plants that need watered. As long as you pay the utility bills, you could stay there.”
“And she won’t mind you moving some random stripper and her kid into her house.”
“Where she’s going she won’t ever know.”
I touch my chest. “I’m sorry, did she pass away?”
He mutters something that I don’t catch. “Let’s ju
st say she won’t be back anytime soon.”
“Okay…I’ll think about it.”
“Break a leg.”
“Thanks. I think.” Some of the other girls return to the dressing room with drinks in their hands and when I look back to Uno he is gone.
I overhear the other girls chattering. “I’ve not seen the front this packed in months. Even the old ladies came out tonight.”
Shit. Shawn is bound to find out I’m working here. It is only a matter of time before he shows up and makes an ass of himself. The door opens and a woman with the pinkest hair I have ever seen tells me I’m on. I make my way to the side of the stage and wait till I hear my name called. An older AC/DC song plays low and I hear my stage name called. “Ladies and Gentlemen give a warm welcome to the Cherry Room for the first time, Raven.”