“Except custom has dropped off. This is the perfect time to change things up. You’ll attract more hen’s nights if it’s burlesque. Go for it and switch to burlesque. It will be a point of difference to your competitors. You’d be targeting a different set of customers.”
Julia nodded. Christina’s summation, stated so succinctly, helped her decide. She nodded again, more categorically. “You’re right. We’ll take the burlesque path.”
“Good. That will make the costuming easier and challenging too. A suggestion. Your dancers should wear masks. It will make your dancers mysterious and will work to your advantage. Even if you can’t hire enough dancers before opening day your existing ones will look different by changing masks and costumes and wearing wigs. The audience will never realize you’ve only got four or five girls dancing because each set and costume change will make them appear different.”
A delighted laugh escaped Julia. “So simple. Yes, that’s perfect. I can dance myself if necessary.”
“If you agree to the masks, I can dance too—if I’m good enough. I wasn’t about to agree to stripping in front of everyone.”
“You’d still be stripping off a few layers,” Julia warned, touched by her friend’s offer.
“But my bare body wouldn’t be out there for everyone to see,” Christina said. “Believe me, that’s not a sight for enticing customers. The idea of the tease and seduction sounds heaps better.”
Julia grinned. “Agreed. Show me what you’ve got for costume ideas.”
They spent the next half hour discussing fabrics, fans and feathers with Christina feverishly jotting down notes.
“I can put these costumes together with no trouble,” Christina said. “It won’t cost much either.”
“Come and see what Mum has upstairs in the flat. She has an entire room of costumes. We might be able to use some of the props at least. Most of the stuff is skimpy though.”
“I might fit skimpy if I keep up with the amount of exercise I’ve done during the last couple of days.”
Julia led the way up to her mother’s flat. “We’re here to check out the costumes,” she said when they popped in on Elise and Janet.
Elise smiled, but Julia could see her mother forced it. Her pale features told of her poor night of sleep. “You know where they are.”
Julia hesitated before deciding to tell her mother of her plans. “I’ve decided to take the burlesque angle rather than straight stripping. I’m hoping the point of difference will bring in more customers—some new ones who wouldn’t have otherwise come to the club.”
Elise gave a throaty laugh of surprise. “Did you know that originally we did burlesque rather than stripping? My grandparents probably spun in their graves when my father changed things to attract the customers.”
“Then you don’t mind?”
“Of course I don’t. You have a good head on your shoulders. The business is in your veins after all. Check the suitcases right at the back of the wardrobe. I packed the old costumes in there a few years ago. They might smell of mothballs, but there are some wonderful outfits. They might be just what you’re looking for.”
Julia kissed her mother’s cheek. “Thanks. You try and catch more sleep. Are you still seeing the specialist later?”
“Yes. Janet is taking me.”
“Okay.” Julia smiled her thanks at Janet. “Just shout if either of you need anything.”
Julia and Christina walked into the large room. Costumes hung from freestanding racks, each outfit covered with plastic.
“Where do we start?” Christina asked.
Julia strode over to the wardrobe door, wheeling a rack out of her way to clear her path. She opened the door and pulled out two large suitcases. “These are the ones Mum meant. Can I leave you to it while I take care of stuff downstairs? I intend to have an earlier dance practice today because the painters are coming at three. Connor arranged for most of his rugby team to come and help.”
Christina opened the first suitcase and waved her away. “I’ll shout if I need you.”
The rest of the day passed rapidly. Dance practice worked well and the progress pleased Julia. The guys arrived and soon the place smelled of fresh paint. Three hours later, she stood in the middle of the club and turned slowly, surveying the walls. The midnight blue color was perfect. Excitement did a slow burn inside her stomach. For the second time today goose bumps pebbled her skin—in a good way.
There were still details to arrange, but opening day couldn’t come soon enough. Yes, there was some of the Maxwell businessman welling up inside her now.
“Man, I’m beat,” Ryan said when they caught the lift to her apartment.
“Me too,” Julia said with a yawn. “I feel as if we’re making progress though. It’s a good sensation. Do you want first shower?”
“Thanks.” Ryan took the keys from her and opened the door because she was carrying a load of costumes in plastic wrapping.
