I laughed aloud and typed a reply.
MAX: You’re alright. I’ll see you later.
???
The day passed slowly, but I distracted myself with films on Netflix until it was time to get ready, and before I knew it, I was in a taxi on my way to the strip club.
I glanced at my phone for the thousandth time. I hadn’t heard from Rowan all day, but I supposed that was to be expected. There was, however, a message from Teegan. I opened it up.
TEEGAN: I’m bored. What’re you up to? Have you got any plans for Valentine’s?
I hesitated before tapping out a reply.
MAX: Nah, just on my way to meet up with some friends.
TEEGAN: Cool, going anywhere nice?
Somehow, I didn’t think being truthful and telling Teegan I was on my way to a strip club would be appropriate.
MAX: A friend of a friend is putting on a show. Never been to the place before.
There, nice and vague. It was nearly eleven. I wondered what Rowan was up to. Clearly Teegan was still awake, but was she in her room or maybe in that lifeless shell they called a living room? Maybe she was sitting next to Rowan right now as he relaxed, flicking through the TV with a steaming cup of tea at his side. Was he still fully dressed or in comfortable loungewear? Was he thinking about me? I was suddenly filled with sadness, wishing I could be there instead of in a freezing cold taxi on my way to a strip club.
Teegan replied, but I didn’t get a chance to look at the message as the taxi driver pulled into a bus stop to drop me off. I passed a ten-pound note through the hatch and hopped out onto the dark, bustling street. A bright neon sign blazed above me. ‘Pink’. A burly door attendant stood at the entrance, arms folded and eyeing me with suspicion as I loitered around outside, looking up and down the street for any sign of Louise and Jackie.
“Max!” a familiar voice shouted, and I turned to see the girls crossing the road towards me. Another girl I’d never met followed beside them but judging by her heavy stage make-up and elaborate hairstyle, I guessed she was the friend who was due to perform tonight.
Louise hugged me, then Jackie. I looked to the stranger expectantly.
“Max, this is Tori. Tori, Max.”
“Hey.” I half-waved. “You look amazing. Have you performed here before?”
“Lovely to meet you and yeah, I work here most nights.” She smiled, dark lips opening to reveal bright teeth. That was a smile to be proud of. I wondered if they were veneers…
“Awesome.” I nodded, unsure how to respond. Would it be a compliment to tell Tori she didn’t look like a stripper? I wasn’t sure.
Tori looked me up and down, long false lashes fluttering. “You’re super cute. Can you dance?”
I gaped, floundering for a moment. “Fuck, no. I—”
“That’s a lie, Max, and you know it!” Louise screeched. “Get a few drinks in him and he’s a regular Magic Mike.”
“I am not!” I hissed, cheeks flushing. “Don’t listen to her.”
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Tori turned to Louise and Jackie with a wolfish grin.
“Oh my god, yes!” Louise’s eyes sparkled. “Max, youmustagree to let Tori pull you up on stage.”
Before I could respond, Tori stepped forward to rub her hand up and down my arm. “No pressure, I promise. Ignore that pair. Idoneed a partner for one of my acts tonight – the guy I usually pull up is sick – but I can just take a risk on the audience if you’re not up for it.”
“I’m not up for it,” I replied quickly, ignoring the whines and protesting of Louise and Jackie. “Please, count me out.”
“Oh, Max! You spoilsport,” Louise teased. She winked at Tori. “Come on, let’s get inside and get a drink. Perhaps if we ply Max with enough alcohol, he might change his mind.”
“I absolutely will not!” I spluttered.
Tori strode to the door attendant and greeted him, he bent to kiss her cheek and stepped aside to let us enter. Inside was dark and music thumped loudly. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting from a strip club, but it was somehow exactly as I’d imagined. Two smaller stages flanked one large one, several chrome poles lined up along its length. Semi-naked women trotted around the place, some serving drinks, others chatting up the clientele and a few were up on stage, dancing and spinning on the poles.
