“No, it’s fine. I’m not waitressing anymore, remember? I got a new bartending gig, and this job pays a lot better than the restaurant did.” Of course, I don’t tell her that I’m actually bartending at an underground sex club because Lynette would never agree to that. But my mom merely smiles before her lips twist in a grimace.
“No sweetie, I really don’t want to be a burden. I can manage.”
I frown.
“You’re not a burden, Mom. I’ve wanted to do this for a while, and I have the money now, so I’m doing it. Expect a wire transfer later today.”
Lynette smiles gently even as her eyes sheen with tears.
“Thank you, honey. You really are the best daughter a mother could ask for.”
“And you’re the best mom ever. Stay strong because I know you can get through this. I love you. I’ve got to go get ready for work, but I’ll call you later, okay?”
She nods.
“Of course, and I love you too, Sierra. Bye now, sweetheart.”
With that, I flick off my phone and drop my head against the back of the chair with frustration and rage. I close my eyes, squeezing the bridge of my nose with my fingers, willing the pounding at the back of my skull to go away. I haven’t totally lied to my mom because my bartending job does earn way more than waitressing did. It’s just that Club Z isn’t your average bar. But that doesn’t matter because so long as the patrons leave big tips, then I’m happy to whip up any drink that they desire. What they do in the play rooms of Club Z really isn’t my business.
At that moment, the alarm on my phone chimes and I start. Oh damn. My shift begins soon, so I need to get my stuff ready. Quickly, I run to my bedroom and then grab the duffel bag that’s already packed. Taking one last look around, I nod and head out into the night … to where sheer depravity awaits.