They definitely aren’t shy around here. Placing a glittered silver mask in my hand, the woman tells me to go up to the bar and ask for Erin after I take care of my boobs.
Before she turns me loose, she gives me a list of tables and instructs me to memorize it. Being that tonight is my first night they just want me to shadow the Erin chick to get a feel of the club. I won’t get to dance until they deem I am ready.
I swivel my head around the room trying to get a feel for the place. The environment of the club oozes sex. I swear I can smell lust and greed in the air. The lights are dim and the music level is comfortable, not too loud but not too low either.
The booths are lined in red and black leather. The tables are round with black tops. The bar area isn’t that big, most customers seem to flock near the stage.
I glance over the drink menu. They offer every drink you can think of. And there are so many rules! Wow, I don’t know if my mind can hold so much new information when I am so anxious. A giggle escapes my lips. I take in Tyler near the club entrance checking ID’s. He gives me a small wink and returns to his task, he is all business in his suit. Who would think a biker wears a suit, but damn, Tyler makes it look good. The pants cling to him like a second skin, stretching over his thick thighs.
A spotlight shines on the center stage. Katy Perry’s song
, E.T. begins to play over the speakers. A set of three gorgeous women appear on stage wearing coordinating bustiers and panties.
I watch them dance for a moment, while hoping I will have the nerve to get up on stage like they do when the time comes. Those costumes are a bit revealing. I respect them though. Hey, if you got it, flaunt it. This is nothing like dancing in the strip pole class the gym offers. I spot a girl staring in my direction. She must be Erin. I hope she’s friendly. After five years, I still don’t have that many friends here.
Erin seems nice enough. I can’t really tell what she looks like with her face covered partially by her black feathered mask. From what I can tell about her she wears her hair in a short black bob. It’s not like I can see my best right now, wearing this mask will take some getting used to. I spend most of my short shift learning the table sections and what seems like a thousand rules.
The Rules
1.No employee fraternization between club managers or patrons.
2.Mask must be worn at all times; no identities are to be revealed.
3.This is not a brothel; you do not accept money for sexual favors, or offer them.
4.Any employee, or patron caught violating the rules will be escorted from the property immediately.
5.Drugs are not permitted inside this facility.
6.No drinking during your shift. You are not here for a good time; you are here to work.
7.You are not permitted to take club costumes home.
8.Leave your personal problems at the door.
9.We are in the business of providing a fantasy, make the customers happy.
10. Memorize the rules, breathe them in, and abide by them, fully.
The list goes on and on, but I get the point, they want you to keep the fantasy just that, a fantasy. My shift ends fairly quick, but I have to admit my feet are killing me. I am used to spending my days in sneakers. Rule number one has me a little nervous though. Tyler is a manager; does that mean we could lose our jobs because we are friends? Also, he sees me daily at my other job. I will call him later to check. I don’t want him getting into any trouble over me. I did enter into a contract when I took this job, maybe I should have read it a little more before signing, but too late now.
I have a quiet drive home, normally, I would have my stereo blasting, but I have too much running through my mind. As I am turning into the driveway I get a call back from my dad.
“Hey Sis, just seen where you had called. Did little man have a good birthday? Did the clothes I send fit him alright?”
“Yeah, thanks. He is going to look so cute in his jerseys and ball shorts. He had a great time playing with his friends too. But the main reason I called you is Brian is back in town daddy. I know you don’t need me to remind you that he cannot, under any circumstances find out about Jace. If he comes around asking about me, you need to avoid talking about me like the plague.”
“Now Sis, you know I have never been a good liar. But, I will do my best to keep your secret, even if I don’t agree with it. You sure are making it hard on your old man to have a social life. I sure would love to show off them pictures you sent me of you two to the guys on poker night.”
I can just see my daddy scratching his gruff beard like he is deep in thought and it brings a tear to my eye. I miss seeing him so much.
“One day, daddy, you can, just not right now.”
“Well baby girl, it sure was nice to hear your voice. Next time I call, you’ll have to put little man on. Be sure to tell him Pops is missing him and wishes I could have eaten a piece of cake with him.”
“I will daddy, I love you.”
We end our call, and I am thankful that he is trying so hard not to let the cat out of the bag. I head inside and peek in on Jace and Faye, they are both sound asleep. While heating up some leftovers from yesterday’s cookout, I send Tyler a text and tell him we need to talk. He instantly shoots back that he will meet up with me for lunch tomorrow. I text him back and let him know to meet me at the burger joint near work. My breaks are only a half hour, so I can’t go too far from the salon. Most days I pack a little something from home. I finish off my late-night meal and get snuggled into bed. Twenty minutes later I am awakened by a text from Tyler.