“Does he agree, or is it just you?”
“He agrees. We wouldn’t be right for each other.”
“You never know.” What did she know? She had no clue when it came to relationships or even trying to set up a friends-with-benefits situation. She didn’t need to be friends with Dante. She wasn’t sure if she liked him as a person. But as a booty call, she was all in.
“I know. Congrats on your headliner position.”
“Thanks.” Madison shrugged and looked back at her menu. “It’s just for three months.”
“Still.” Zoe reached a hand out to cover up Madison’s menu. “That’s a big gig. Everyone is talking. I didn’t even know you had applied.”
“I didn’t. Why is everyone concerned with it? I didn’t think it was that big a deal.” Well, maybe it was with everyone mentioning it. Had Dante just given her the position because they had slept together instead of just putting her on the schedule?
“It is a big deal. il Signore hasn’t had a headliner for a while. It’s been recent that they opened up the idea of having one. I was there when auditions happened. The girls tried every trick in the book. I think a couple tried to sleep with them.”
“Them?”
“Dante and his cousins. They auditioned the girls for the position. You weren’t there though. What happened that you got the offer?”
“They liked what I did and asked me to do it, and I took the chance.” Madison shrugged.
“You mean, Dante liked what you did.”
Madison’s face heated at her words, and she hoped Zoe just believed it was the heat outside. Had Dante slept with the other strippers as well? She realized it was less special and the moment didn’t mean as much as it had before. She knew it wasn’t love, but there had been something between them that she hadn’t been conscious of before. Maybe he had and it wasn’t something just between the two of them.
Was it just another day for him? He had made it seem like there was something between them. She had sensed it even if she wouldn’t admit it to him. Was that a line he had thrown at her to get in her pants? She had zero experience with the opposite sex thanks to her mother.
“I’m not surprised though. You’re one of the best dancers we have.”
“Aw, thanks.” Madison tried to smile. She hoped it didn’t look as forced as it was. Her mind was still stuck on Dante having slept with the other strippers.
“It’s true and the reason why the other girls are going to be even more catty with you.”
“I know, but I’m so over it.” Madison looked back at her menu. She wished it was as easy to ignore what the others said.
The waitress arrived and took their orders; they both got a burger and fries.
“I know you are, but I just want to make sure you keep watching your back.”
Madison’s head popped up. “I will, but is there another reason?” Madison wasn’t sure if people had found out she had slept with Dante.
“Well, I know Sabrina is your friend and who introduced you to the club right?”
“She’s my friend outside of work. We grew up together, and we both know Enzo. She worked at il Signore before me. I didn’t like the rules.”
“Yeah. I don’t know why Dante has those rules in regards to what the girls wear. Well, I guess I do, it brings the money in. But the rumor was Sabrina had the headliner position in the bag.”
“I know. We met, and she told me. I had no idea.” Were Sabrina and Dante sleeping together too?
The waitress returned with their food.
Madison knew Sabrina had a thing for Enzo, but he didn’t seem to return the affection.
“Yeah, I get that it brings in the money and the customers, but it’s still disgusting.”
“Do you have to follow the rules as headliner?” Zoe took a sip of her drink.
“No.” Madison pulled a fry through the ketchup on her plate.
