They step into the apartment, and Mrs. Harding pulls off her shawl.
“Something smells good.”
“Thanks. I made my mother’s chicken casserole recipe. It’s Tucker’s favorite. I just took it out of the oven. It’s cooling on the stove. I hope you like it. I’ve really got to run.”
“Okay, dear. Drive carefully.”
I kiss Tucker. “I’ll be home when you wake in the morning, baby. I love you.”
“Love you, Mom.”
I hug him, and then he runs off to tug on Mrs. Harding’s hand. “Come on, let’s play Candyland. I already set it up.”
Closing the door, I smile and thank God for Mrs. Harding.
*****
It’s almost midnight when Ronnie catches me in the hall and motions me into his office.
I take the chair across from his desk.
He shuffles some paperwork to the side, then meets my eyes. “Got a new girl on the day shift. She’s good on the pole, but her skills out on the floor are shit. I want you to sit with her tomorrow. Give her some tips. I think with a little help, she could do fine.”
“Sure. I could try to come up early tomorrow. When’s her shift?”
“Noon to four. She’s like you. Got a kid. ‘Bout the same age as yours, I think. He’s in daycare now, but starts school in the fall. She’s a sweet girl. You two have a lot in common.”
“What’s her name?”
“Jackie, but she goes by Sparkle.”
“Okay. I’ll talk to her. Anything else?” I’m about to stand and leave.
“Yeah.” He leans back in his chair and studies me. “You seem to get along with most of the girls. That’s rare in this business.”
“Well, except for Velvet, I suppose.”
He grins. “Yeah, except for Velvet. Can’t blame her, though. You took her spot on the marquee. But don’t feel guilty. This is just business.”
“For her, it's money.”
He nods. “Look, Marnie has been wanting to take some time off for a trip. I haven’t felt I could spare her.”
“A trip?”
“Yeah. Wants to go to New Orleans and visit an old friend. I’ve put her off for six months now, but she needs a break.”
I stare at him, wondering what this has to do with me. “I suppose we’ll manage without her.”
“I was thinking you could fill in for her. I’d make up what you lose on the floor.”
“You want your headliner to not dance?”
“I’d still want you to dance, but also come in early and do the schedule and handle any problems the girls have.”
“I don’t know about coming in early. I’d have to see if I can get my sitter to cover that. When do you need me?”
“Next week, if possible. I could cover opening, but you’d need to be here two hours earlier each day. See what you can do and let me know. I won’t give her an answer until it's decided. That’s all.”
