Chapter Fifteen
FRANKIE
After seven straightnights of dancing at Man Up and three days of teaching the kids at Tyler’s dance studio, my tank was running on empty. Now I understood why Austin couldn’t continue at the punishing pace he’d set. The money coming in was too good to refuse, not when the alarming emptiness of my bank account kept me up at night.
My exhaustion left me unable to stifle a huge yawn when I walked into Man Up, and James, in his usual place at the front, beckoned me over.
“Why so tired? You look like you haven’t been sleeping.”
I relayed my stock-market saga to him and waited, expecting a lecture.
“Well, I can’t say I’m surprised, but you’ve handled it in the best possible manner.”
“Thanks for not giving me the ‘I told you so’ lecture.”
A twinkle lit James’s eyes, startling me. Normally impassive to the point of seeming aloof and disconnected, James surprised me lately with his personal chats and unsolicited advice.
“I never said I wasn’t going to say ‘I told you so.’ It’s a hard lesson to learn, and I’m sorry you lost all your money. Is that why you’re working here every night?”
“Here and at Tyler’s dance studio.”
His eyes widened. “You went back? How many hours are you putting in weekly?”
My feet throbbed. “Too many,” I admitted. “But I need to earn more money than what I’m earning here, despite the tips. And I like Ty, and he’s cool with giving me as much work as I can take.”
“The plans for Sparks are moving along nicely.”
“Oh, uh, that’s good.” Confused by the sudden change in topic, I gave James a half-hearted smile. “Well, I’d better go get ready.”
As if he didn’t hear me, James continued speaking and walked back to the small table where his laptop sat open. “I may take what you said into consideration.”
“What did I say?” I could barely remember what I ate for dinner the night before.
“About hiring a host for the guests. Plus, I need a way to connect both clubs.”
I rubbed my chin, my mind awakened and racing with possibilities. “Hmm, but they’re two different types of places, as I see it. Sparks is a dance club where you have charity events and parties. Your go-go dancers are simply that. Dancers. Don’t take offense at what I say, but Sparks has a classier vibe. And that’s coming from someone who works here.”
“Point taken, and I’m not offended.” James’s eyes danced with amusement. “This is fascinating. Please go on.”
“I think you’ve recently upped the level of quality here with your guests, which is great, and the tips have reflected that. So perhaps all you need to do is advertising, linking the two clubs together. Push Man Up for those who want a ‘more intimate’ experience.”
A genuine smile brightened James’s face. “That’s brilliant.”
I gave him a two-fingered salute. “Feel free to use it. No charge for my services.” I winked and waved good-bye. I walked to the back of the club and pushed open the door to the dressing room.
“Frankie. Baby.” Cort bounded over, and I couldn’t help but laugh. With his sparkling eyes and golden hair and skin, he looked like a frisky golden retriever. “I had such a great time with you and Austin when we went out.”
“Yeah, me too. We gotta do it again soon.” I kissed his cheek, and he gave me a bear hug.
I sat at my dressing table and pulled my makeup kit out of my bag. “You’re all bouncy. Care to share? Did you get laid or something?”
“He’s back. The guy, Harlan, from the bookstore. He said he was looking for a job—that’s why he was gone.” Happiness shone on Cort’s face, and while I was glad the man returned, I was a bit uneasy at how attached Cort had become to someone he knew nothing about.
“Oh?” I’d put some foundation on since I looked a little pale, and was now brushing on some blush to pink up my cheeks. I blinked at my reflection in the mirror. “Did he get one?”
“He was at a job fair and filled out a ton of applications. He needed an address, so he decided to go to a shelter and register there.”
I finished lining my eyes with a gold pencil, deciding not to use any shadow or mascara, then answered, “Shelters can be dangerous places. Austin was telling me about the terrible conditions of the one in the building Rhoades bought that he’s renovating.”
