“I have cameras set up at every doorway and monitor them, but I can’t watch every screen. When I saw what was happening I headed right over, but you had already taken care of the situation quite nicely.” A gleam entered his eyes. “Good shot.”
“I hope his dick doesn’t work for a month.”
“But I also heard about it from someone who saw it happen.”
Immediately my senses zinged to high alert. “Oh? Would this be the man who sent me the gifts I told you about?”
James requested we tell him about any presents the men gave us so he could keep track in case the behavior turned from admiring to stalkerish. He had everything worked out to a science.
At his nod, it was my turn to ask some questions. “Who is he? What’s his name?”
James shook his head. “He’s requested to remain anonymous. I will say I’ve never seen him so captivated by anyone. He’s only interested in coming here if you’re dancing.” I thought James sounded a bit regretful, but I could’ve been mistaken. “But rest assured, he’s safe. He’d never hurt you.”
I’ve heard that before, I thought bitterly but forced a smile. “I always wanted to have a mystery lover.”
“You’re too young to be so cynical.”
Considering I hadn’t felt young in a quite a while, that remark brought a real smile. “See you later, James.” I pushed off the doorjamb and wiggled my fingers at him, then started my trek down the hallway to the dressing room.
“He’ll be here tonight. I’m sure he’ll want a dance.”
Without turning, I put my thumb up in the air as acknowledgment.
So my mysterious man watched out for me, huh? A warm feeling settled inside me despite my blasé attitude. Something tugged at my memory from the week before. My mystery man arguing with James. Now I wondered what it was about, but there was no time for me to have my head in the clouds when I entered the dressing room. It was its usual scene of banging music, guys in various states of undress, and costumes scattered all around. The scent of aftershave, body spray, and whatever the hell else permeated the air.
“Yo, Austin. ’Bout time you got your ass in here. Gimme a kiss.”
Already holding a drink, Frankie bounced over to me and planted one on my lips. His breath smelled of the tequila he was drinking.
“How much have you had?” I tipped my head to the side. “You need to keep a straight head when you dance, and you know James doesn’t like us drinking too much.”
“Who are you, my mother? I’m fine, see?” He held out a hand. His fingers trembled slightly.
“What’s wrong? Why’re you so wound up?” I pulled him over to an empty dressing table and pushed him into the chair, taking the other at his side. “Is something wrong?”
“What could be wrong? Oh, yeah. My ex got outta jail, but it’s okay, right?” Frankie’s lips stretched out in a grimace. “He wouldn’t dare come near me. I got a restraining order on him and everything.”
Fuck.“Frankie, man. I’m sorry.”
Ignoring my words, Frankie babbled on. “Remember that guy Ed from last week? He said he’s gonna be here again tonight.” He pulled me close to whisper in my ear. “I got a hundred-dollar tip, and I didn’t even have to blow him or anything. All he wanted was for me to sit on his lap, give him a handjob, and call him Daddy.”
That was what I hated. Frankie deserved better than back-room sex; we all did. But he didn’t think he was worthy of it, and it killed me.
I hugged him tight. “It’s gonna be okay. I promise.”
“Yeah?” For a moment he clung to me, then pushed me away. “Sure it will. ’Specially if I keep getting tips like that.” He laughed, but the normal sparkle failed to brighten his eyes. They remained dull and flat, and I shivered. “I got your sandwich right here. Eat.” He jumped up and crossed the few feet of the room to grab a bag from the table opposite me and returned to thrust it into my hands. “You gotta get dressed and ready in less than half an hour.”
“Thanks.”
I couldn’t help Frankie, I pondered as I ate my sandwich in quick, tasteless bites. I could barely help myself. But I vowed to watch him carefully and make sure he didn’t act too recklessly. Finished, I stood and shed my clothes, folded them, and shoved them into my gym bag, then removed the jock and gold-glitter shorts I’d chosen for tonight.
“Here. Put this in your hair.” Frankie sprayed some shit over my head, making me cough.
“What the fuck is that?” I asked, waving the haze out of my face.
“Hair glitter. It’ll make your hair look amazing when you dance under the lights.”
“I hate that shit. It’s a pain in the ass to get out.” I peered into the mirror and fluffed out my waves. I had to admit the glitter added a nice touch. “Whatever. Thanks.” I picked up my makeup case, pulled out my black eye pencil, and began to line the rim of my eyes. I didn’t wear blush or anything else. Just some shiny gloss on my lips and the thin line of black to make my blue eyes pop against my pale skin.
