I slip it on and look in the mirror. The old schoolgirl routine. I used it when I first started in the business. It’s especially good for lap dances, and it used to make me a ton of money. Hopefully, it’ll be lucky for me tonight.
Changing out of it, I put it back on the hanger and return it to the locker, then go across the hall.
Marnie is tapping on her keyboard.
“Hey, the outfit is fine,” I say, and she turns.
“Good. I would wish you good luck tonight, but I have a feeling you aren’t going to need it.”
“Thanks.”
“If Ronnie hires you, and assuming he does, I’m the one you’ll be dealing with. I’m the club mother, so to speak.”
“Yes, we had one of those at Cowboys.”
“Did you get along with her?”
“To be honest, she was a bitch.”
“Well, I can be one, too, but I’d rather we all get along. Anything I need to know about you?”
“I have a son. He’s turning five in a few months.”
She leans in her chair and cocks her head. “You know anybody in California? Family or friends?”
I shake my head.
“You runnin’ from something?”
“A man. A customer who got possessive and violent.”
She frowns. “And the club you worked at didn’t do anything to help you?”
I shake my head.
“That won’t happen here. The boys take care of us, and they don’t take any crap from customers.” She narrows her eyes. “Ronnie tell you who owns the place?”
“Yes, ma’am. I mean, Marnie.”
“You cool with that?”
I nod.
“What about the kid’s father? He in the picture?”
“I’m a widow.”
“Sorry about that. What do you plan to do with your kid when you’re dancing?”
“I haven’t figured that out yet. If I get the job, I’ll need to hire someone.”
“I may be able to help you out. We’ll talk after Ronnie makes his decision.”
“Thank you.”
“See ya, honey.”
I walk down the hall and find Tucker laughing with the bartender.
