I unfold my dresses. Maybe these.
I find the bin filled with my favorite velvet hangers. When all the dresses are spaced evenly in the closet, I’m glad I did it. It’s my little space.
But what to put on?
It will be a long shift at the bar. I find a pair of suede ankle boots with a low heel. Jeans will be good with them.
For a top, I’m not sure what to do. I know the sexy stuff made Merrick crazy before. But now? Would I even be interesting since we’ve already done it?
I pull out the push-up bra. This, definitely.
With a sweater?
No, I want cleavage.
I hunt around until I locate a wrap shirt that ties at the bottom. Perfect. I cross one side over the other and make a bow. Maybe he’ll imagine untying it.
A lot of my chest is showing, so I make it more dramatic by pulling my hair up and crafting an oversized messy bun with tendrils on either side of my forehead.
Then a long necklace with a teardrop that falls right between my boobs. That’ll draw his eye.
Will we stay late? Will I dance for him again? Could we actually have sex on the stage this time?
I don’t know. The Wild Hair might stay with us longer due to the conflict.
Even so, I switch to an electric blue thong, which would be fun to dance in.
Just thinking about it sends a rush through me. I’m already not sore anymore.
I want to do it again.
I open the drawer where the condoms were last night. The remaining string is still there. I fold them up and tuck them into my purse. Maybe Merrick is prepared, maybe not.
But I sure will be.
The roar of a motorcycle filters in from outside.
I hurry to the window. It faces the front of the club.
Sure enough, it’s Merrick.
I’d rather meet him out there and not get noticed by the others.
I close the door to the room and race to the front of the house.
Betz sits in the living room. “Where are you off to?”
I halt. “Merrick needs me at the bar.”
“Does he?” She sits up on the chair like she’s going to say something about it. “Who said you could do that?”
“I told her to go.”
We turn to see Iron Jack in the doorway. “Go along,” he says. “Merrick will watch out for you. I’m sure some other Wild Hair will be up there later.”
He doesn’t have to tell me twice. I scurry out the door.
Merrick has only just stepped off the bike. When he sees me, he throws his leg back over. “You ready?”
