Page 84 of Taint My Soul

“You don’t knock?” Her nostrils flare with frustration.

“I’m sorry, I wanted to know what I’ll be doing tonight.”

“Waiting tables. Now get the fuck out!”

I give her a stiff nod and turn around, leaving the office and walking to my locker. I put on my leather shorts and straps, too self-aware of the scars on my skin. Madame wouldn’t be happy if she saw how much I’ve ruined myself. But it really wasn’t my fault.

Saint floods my thoughts, destroying all the progress I’ve made to keep him out of my mind. I hope he isn’t here tonight cause as much as I miss him, I don’t want to see him. The farther away he is from me, the better. I don’t want to worry about how my breath changes when he is around, how my thoughts relax when he’s near.

Madame appears through the doors of her office just as Tiff enters the dressing room in black leggings and an oversized sweater. She still has that glare on her features, and it stiffens even more when she sees Tiff. Everyone gathers around in the center of the space. She snaps her manicured nails. “Alright, girls. It’s going to be a big night. I need y’all to bring them dollars in. Big bills, okay!” She announces with enthusiasm.

The group cheers unevenly.

“Alright.” Her gaze hovers over us all. “Tiff, what are you still doing dressed like that?” Her words come out clipped, laced with admonishment.

“Sorry, ma’am. I ran a bit late.”

“Well, hurry. You’re getting up on the pole tonight.” She says nonchalantly. “And before I forget, tonight is Cash’s last dance.” She murmurs even though she doesn’t seem too happy about it. “Go out there and shine, and get me some good money.”

One by one, other workers slip out through the door, voices and the click of heels fading down the corridor. The rest finish up with their makeup and hair before they spill through the exit.

I sigh with discomfort, joining the queue as we head onto the dance floor. I reach the end of the corridor and slip through the curtains, past the corridor to the main floor and dance area, the space already buzzing with music.

The DJ booth overlooks everything, slightly elevated in the left corner. Purple and pink strobe lights slice across the tightly packed tables.

Men sprawl on cushions and several straight-backed chairs, elbows planted against round tables, eyes tracking the dancers on the stage platform.

The space erupts with loud, hungry, and relentless cheers. Hands lift in sync with the music. Bills flash in the air like confetti.

Beside the DJ booth, a shirtless younger man stands at the workstation. Behind him, bottles of liquor glow under neon lights. I move toward him, and he smiles at me and slowly pushes a tray of shots, pointing at the group of men in the corner. I deliver the drinks and return to him.

“Have I seen you here before?” He asks with a nice smile.

“I used to work at the suite, but I’m here tonight.”

“Alright.”

“Orders flood in every night, and it’s going to be double since it’s Cash’s last dance on the pole.” He explains and wipes the counter with his towel.

“What’s a last dance?”

“After tonight, he’s not coming back again. I’ve heard rumors he’s getting married to some rich, powerful guy.” The young man leans in and whispers to me.

“I will be sure to keep that secret.” I respond.

The night starts slow. I spend the first few hours delivering drinks to men ready to spend big bills. More patrons pour in through the entrance, taking up spaces on the open seats. Even though there’s a club on the first floor of the building, this place remains unbeatable in profits, as it’s where the real deal happens.

The DJ switches up the music, and the crowd erupts into a chaotic ovation just as Cash and Tiff strut onto the stage. I raise my hands and cheer at the top of my lungs.

Being here has made me forget everything at stake. Here, I can exist without worrying about the Godfather beating down my door or David watching me.

The tension I have been holding in all day has somehow loosened with walking around and serving the patrons in the club.

Then Cash makes his entrance. His big moment. He moves like liquid light, spinning graciously around the pole. Muscles flex. Lean body stretches taut, glowing spectacularly beneath the deep purple and pink lights. He arches and twists with effortless control, body moving in harmony with the bass that rattles the walls of the dance floor.

Then Tiff joins in shortly after. She holds herself against the pole, arms steady, both legs stretched outward. She twists around the pole, gripping the metal surface with her hips, then letting herself go so that her body hangs upside down and her legs form a knot around the pole.

Flawless.