His Stripper (Dance For Me)

“I’m sure you don’t mind covering that for me, sweets. I did take care of you for the last year.”

“Yes, you did a great job taking care of me. Taking the money you get for fostering me to spend on booze while I had to eat expired food that the grocery store throws away.”

“You ate, didn’t you? Only got sick once, so I don’t know what you’re complaining about. I gave you a roof over your head, a futon to sleep on, and food to eat. The least you could do is show some appreciation.”

I open my mouth, ready to tell him how much I didn’t appreciate any of his shit, when the door to the main room opens, and Myles walks in. His eyes fall onto Randy before they ever meet mine.

“Randy. Just on time as always,” Myles greets him like an old friend, and my blood runs cold. Myles knows Randy. They are friends?

“Long time, no see.” Randy nods. “I was just talking to your new hostess.”

“Well, stop talking and get into my office. We have things to discuss.” Only then Myles turns toward me. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” I shake my head frantically. “I-I just need to go pee,” I lie and rush past both men into the main room. I head straight to the bathroom, not paying attention to anything or anyone. All I can think about is getting away.

I’m so frazzled that I don’t even see someone standing in front of the sink. Without stopping, I plow into her full force.

“Oh my god! I’m so sorry,” I yell, quickly realizing that it’s Holly I just ran over. She almost trips over her five-inch heels but manages to gracefully catch herself from falling.

“That was close, girl.” She giggles, straightening her barely-there mini dress. “You have to go pee that bad? Oh, god, you didn’t just pee yourself, did you?”

“What? No, no! Sorry. I just…” I sigh deeply.

“You okay, Hazel? What’s up?”

“Someone I know just walked in,” I explain. “Do you know Randy?”

“Yeah, he is a friend of Myles. Comes by twice a month to have a drink with him in his office, then he stays to watch a few dances. Little handsy at times, and he tips like shit.”

“I can’t believe he is friends with that guy,” I say more to myself.

“Well, I guess that’s part of being a Hale. I’m sure Myles knows all the scum in this city.”

“What do you mean?”

“Myles is one of the Hale brothers. Didn’t you know that?” She looks at me like I should know what she is talking about, but I have absolutely no clue.

“Ace Hale, Myles’s older brother, is the head of the local mob,” she explains.

Suddenly, I’m dizzy. The world spins around me, and I have to hold the sink to stop myself from collapsing.

The mob? The fucking mob?

My first thought is that she is lying. There is no way, but then I remember all the times people acted weird around him, like they were scared. The random calls, doing stuff for his brother, his busted knuckles. Oh my god.

I turn back to Holly. “Sorry again for running you over.”

“No worries, girl.” She waves me off and starts to reapply her lipstick.

I take one more deep breath, realizing that this bathroom doesn’t smell like a bathroom but more of women’s perfume than anything else. Somehow the scent calms my nerves a little.

Holly leaves a moment later, but I remain in the bathroom for another minute before I finally decide what to do.

I can’t stay here. I have to get away… as far as I can.

16

Myles

In my line of business, I’m used to dealing with the scum of society, but Randy is a particular kind of prick I’ve never liked. Lucky for him, he has been a good employee for my family. Brings me a cut of the money he makes from selling drugs twice a month without ever missing it.

We walk up to my office to have a glass of scotch like we do every time. He grabs an envelope of cash from the inside of his pocket and throws it on my desk before sitting down. I pour us both a glass, hoping he leaves quickly so I can get back to Hazel.

“Sales are good this week. You are going to be very pleased with your cut.” Randy smiles at me as I hand him his glass, flashing me his yellow teeth in the process.

“Glad to hear that.” I take my seat behind my desk and grab the envelope. It seems the same size as it’s always been, so maybe Randy and I have different visions of what a good cut looks like. I pull out the bills and start counting. “A hundred more than normal.”

Randy grins like he’s expecting a gold medal, and I almost roll my eyes at him.