He shakes his head.
“What’s your name?” I ask.
“Louis.”
“I’m Ginger. Well, Louis, do you know how this works?”
“Not really.”
I place his hands on the armrests. “First off, there’s no touching, so it’s best to keep your hands right there.”
“Okay.”
“Tonight, we’re running a twenty-dollar dance special that takes place right here in your seat. I leave my top on for lap dances on the floor, or we can go against the wall back there; those are forty dollars. We also have private VIP rooms where the dances are way more intimate; we allow touching in those, and they’re really fun. Which do you think you’d want to do with me, sweetie?”
“Think maybe we could just talk for a while?”
“Sure, honey. I’d love to talk with you.”
“Can I buy you a shot?”
“I’d love that, thank you.” I motion the waitress over, and he places his order.
I glide my hand up his neck and toy with his ear. “Tell me about your week. What do you do?”
“I’m a manager at a storage facility.”
“That sounds interesting. I’ve watched that show where they auction off units when people don’t pay. Does that really happen?”
“Sure does, but it’s usually never as exciting as it is on tv. Mostly it's old junk. But one time this guy did find a complete Beatles album collection, and two of them were autographed by John Lennon. “
“Wow. How cool is that?”
“I like talking with you, Ginger. You’re sweet.”
“I can be even sweeter. How ’bout we go somewhere more private, like one of the VIP rooms? I really want to be alone with you.”
“You do?” His brow lifts in surprise.
“I do. I could get one of the girls to bring us a bottle of champagne. What’s your favorite brand?”
Just then, Tiny taps me on the shoulder and looks at the guy. “Sorry, sir. I’ve got to steal her away for a few minutes, but Ruby here would love to take her place.”
I frown, because I’ve never had this happen before, and I was just about to close a deal. I’m kind of pissed off, and I feel bad for Louis because he looks uncomfortable with the new girl who’s already climbing on his lap.
“Sorry, Louis. I’ll try to come find you later, okay?”
“Okay. That would be great.”
I follow Tiny to the bar. “What’s this about? I was about to get him into a VIP room.” I can’t hide my annoyance or the edge in my voice.
“Sorry, Ginger, but we had a special request, and we don’t say no to these guys.”
Everything in me stills, because there can only be one table who drives that kind of power.
Tiny lifts his chin toward the back wall. “They requested you. One of ‘em is having a birthday. They came in to celebrate.”
“Of course,” I reply, because really, do I have a choice? I move toward their table, taking in their faces as I approach. At least they’re all on the young side and not some gross old men with beer guts and missing teeth. These guys are all fit and attractive.
