“I said, where's the ladies room? I guess I have to be naked to get your attention in here.”
Marcus looked at Carmen and then around the room. “That's not true. You are much better looking than any of these women. They have to walk around naked to compete with you. And even with your clothes on, a lot of these men are looking at you,” Marcus said and continued filling his eyes.
But it's your attention that I want. “Marcus! Where's the ladies room?”
“I don't think there is one, at least not that I've ever seen. Ask one of them,” Marcus said pointing in the direction of the dancers as they passed. Carmen got up and walked up to one of the dancers. “Excuse me, is there a bathroom I can use!”
The dancer led Carmen into the dressing room. Carmen felt comfortable in there. The women reminded her of models getting ready for a show. Which they are.
“Don't I know you?” Peppermint asked Carmen.
“I don't think so,” Carmen smiled.
“You look real familiar, you sure I don't know you?”
“I just have that type of face. People tell me that all the time,” Carmen said walking up to Peppermint. “My name is Carmen Taylor.”
“They call me Peppermint for obvious reasons, but my name is Paula M. Dent.”
“That kinda rhymes with Peppermint.”
“It sorta does,” Peppermint said looking at Carmen. “I don't mean to be rude, but you just don't seem like you’re the type to be up in a spot like this. But who am I to judge.”
“I'm looking for somebody, Peppermint. Do you know somebody named Porsche Temple?”
“Yeah, I know her. She got Misty and Chocolate strung out on her and dancing here in the afternoon.” Peppermint stood up. “But they're gone now,” She said as she walked out of the dressing room. Carmen followed her out and started back to the table. Marcus was smiling, leaning on the table, and enjoying the dancer on stage, while looking around at all the other women walking around and doing table dances.
At least I know he ain't gay.
“Peppermint, how much is a table dance?”
“Five dollars.”
Carmen got a twenty dollar bill out of her purse and handed it to Peppermint. “Do you see that guy there?”
“You mean the one you're with.”
“Yeah, get one of your friends and y'all go dance for him.”
“I'll get Wet.”
“What?”
“Wet, that girl over there. She calls herself Wet,” Peppermint said pointing to a woman who was built like she was; only her skin was dark.
“I'm not even gonna ask you why she calls herself Wet, girlfriend.”
Peppermint put the twenty in the fat bankroll she had spun around her garter and went to get Wet to dance for Marcus. Carmen smiled a devious smile and returned to the table.
“Nobody came to take your drink order yet?” Carmen asked, standing by the table.
“Not yet,” Marcus replied without looking at Carmen.
“I'm going to the bar to order, Hennessy, right?”
“Thank you, Carmen.”
“I wouldn't want to interrupt you,” Carmen said and headed for the bar.