Chapter Three
Susan stared at the blank computer screen then glanced at the written instructions provided by Jennifer’s harried assistant.
“What are you doing?” Maggie halted beside Susan’s desk in the office atMaxwell’s.
“I’m trying to decide what to put on my blog. I was going to go ahead with the post on burlesque, but I checked out the posts written by other entrants and they’ve all written introductory posts about themselves and their interests.”
“So?” Maggie said.
Julia popped her head into the office. “Susan, it’s only half an hour before you’re due on stage.”
Susan glanced at the clock on her screen. “Bother. I’m on my way to the dressing room.”
“Connor brought his camera. We’ll get some shots tonight. I thought we’d take a few of you getting ready, if that’s okay.”
“Sure,” Susan said, already shifting to show-mode. “I’ll take care of this later.”
It was almost three when Susan unlocked the front door of the apartment she shared with Christina. Although the first day of filming had taken place two days before, her mind still whirled with astonishment. Nolan Penrith was playing games and doing it in a public arena. How to react—that was the problem.
The answer popped into her mind like a magical genie.
Act like herself.
If Nolan didn’t like the person she was, that was his problem. No way did she intend to change her natural personality to please a man. Been there and hadn’t liked the T-shirt.
She powered up her laptop. Time to write her post and stop stressing about the contents. No sheep behavior for her. Yes, she’d do her own thing. She took a deep breath and started writing.
Last year, I worked for an inner city accounting firm. My best friends worked there too, but now we’ve gone on to do other things. Julia took over the management ofMaxwell’swhen her mother’s health deteriorated. All of us helped her while she rebranded the club and reopened. That was when I discovered I have a talent for dancing. I not only enjoy performing, but it helped me to climb out of the deep rut I’d fallen into. It turns out dancing and physical exercise is character building too, and I think I’ve changed for the better.
A win-win situation all the way around.
Yes, I’m a burlesque dancer. Yes, I wear skimpy costumes and sometimes I take off my clothes. Some people will call what I do stripping. Their problem, not mine.
Burlesque has been around for a long time with some saying the art goes back to Greek times. During the 19th century, dancers performed burlesque for the lower classes, and the management and choreographers used the form of expression to poke fun at those in the upper classes. Nothing like thumbing your nose at the rich and getting paid for it! When audience numbers dwindled, the women donned skimpy costumes to attract a larger crowd. Really controversial during staid Victorian times where even chair and piano legs were covered so as to avoid offense, although it made good business sense.
Give the men something they don’t get at home. A simple demand and supply situation.
Susan’s computer let out a beep, indicating the arrival of an email. She clicked the icon and spotted a message from Maggie. Her friend had attached several of the photos Connor had snapped during the night. A slow grin spread across her face. The pictures were perfect and a step up from the cat and dog photos the other participants had posted on their blogs.
Susan resized a photo of her in the dressing room, applying her stage makeup and another of her onstage. Connor had caught her saucy smile as she looked over the top of her feather fans.
It’s no secret thatMaxwell’s,in its former guise ofThe Last Frontier,used to be a strip club, but what most people don’t realize is that originally, the club offered burlesque performances, and Julia Maxwell, the manager ofMaxwell’s,has taken things full circle to the beginning.
We still do pole dancing, but I challenge you to come and watch our show. There is nothing tacky about the acts.Maxwell’sis class all the way. The pole dancing is very popular for hen’s parties, and everyone joins in, learning the basics and having a lot of fun.
Maxwell’sis a place where both sexes come to relax, have a few drinks and enjoy the nightly entertainment.
At first, I was dubious about dancing, but most of you wouldn’t recognize me on stage. You could pass me on the street and not see me as the woman who danced in front of you the previous evening. Well…that is until I appeared on national television. I figure you might notice me now.
I started dancing to help my friend save her mother’s club. I did it out of friendship and because I know she’d help me if ever I needed her. Julia is a stern taskmaster. Every muscle in my body ached the day after our first practice session. I walked like a duck for a week before finally, my muscles adapted to the exercise and my fitness levels increased. Slowly, dancing began to feel like second nature.
These days I find burlesque an excellent form of stress release. I’m fitter, healthier and a dress size smaller than I used to be. Score! But I’m also happy. I’ve found my niche at the club. Some people might judge me—believe me, in the past I would have numbered amongst you—but I’ve grown during the last year. I’ve learned doing something that makes you happy is just as important as finding someone to share your happiness.
One of my friends took some photos for me to include with my post. The first photo is of me getting ready to perform. The makeup and costume is a huge part of burlesque, and after much practice, I’ve managed to become an expert. The second photo shows me in action on stage, doing a fan dance. I dare you to tell me this picture is disgusting.
The next step in theFarmer Seeks a Wifecompetition will prove interesting. I sent in my application because I was lonely and wanted to find a man who accepted me and my quirks.
Despite my occupation, I’m pretty ordinary. I enjoy moonlit walks, days at the beach and dinners out. Expensive meals aren’t necessary, since fish and chips on the beach can be just as enjoyable as the most expensive five-star meal at a top restaurant. Togetherness and common interests are important, and that’s what I’m looking for in a husband. I want a man to make me laugh, to hold me when I’m sad and to support me in everything I do. In return, I’ll look after him, shower him with love and honesty. I’ll give my everything.
