Chapter Thirteen
“It’s a full house,” Julia said with satisfaction. “We have a line of customers outside the club, waiting to get inside. On a Wednesday night!”
Susan checked her watch and continued to enter figures into the computer. “Already?”
“Thanks to you.”
The slow roll of trepidation through Susan left her feeling nauseous. “Is it safe to show my face out there?”
Julia cocked her head to the side and considered her closely. “Ryan said you should wear a mask all night. In fact, he suggested the employees all wear masks to throw off the reporters in the audience.”
“Reporters?” Susan didn’t like the idea of more harassment.
“They’re demanding a statement.”
“I’ve signed a contract. I can’t give them statements. They need to contact Jennifer or her assistant.”
“Should I tell them that during my welcoming speech?”
“Yes, please.”
Susan continued hiding in her office and mentally flip-flopped about wearing a mask.Darn it!She wasn’t going to hide. If this publicity helpedMaxwell’sflourish, all the better. She finished adding the last few invoices to the cashbook, saved her work and closed down the computer.
When she walked into the dressing room to change into her costume, the dancers fell silent. “I can’t comment on the story in the newspaper or the final show,” she said in a crisp voice.
“I saw that guy Tyler here in the club. He was with you and the rest of your friends,” one of the girls said with a smile.
“Teasing won’t work,” Susan said. “I know nothing.”
“What about bribes?” someone said.
“Yeah, we’ll whip around a hat. Where’s my top hat?” another dancer said.
“No bribes either,” Susan said.
“What about sex?” another dancer piped up. “Would you like to take a walk on the wild side?”
Susan chuckled. “Thanks for the offer, but I want a man.”
“Yeah, but which man?”
“Give us a hint.”
“We promise we won’t tell.”
“Good try,” Susan said and made a buttoning motion at her lips.
Christina poked her head into the dressing room. “Ladies, you’re on in five.”
Susan let out a yelp and started tearing at her clothes. “Where’s my mask?”
“I’m wearing a mask if you are,” one of the other dancers said. “Let the reporters think I’m Susan. Give me my ten minutes of fame.”
Five minutes later, mask in place, Susan took her position with the other dancers.
The lights came on, spotlighting each of the dancers. Instead of the normal cheers, the audience remained silent.
“Which one is Susan?” someone shouted from the rear.
