“Thanks, Dave. I can always count on you to bring me back to reality. My drink order? Maybe if I get dough boy soused enough he’ll start pinching Mr. Moreno’s behind instead of mine. Let’s see howhelikes it.”
Dave filled her tray with glasses and bottles. “Hopefully, you’ll get a big tip. He enjoys throwing money away.”
She laughed. “That’s why the boss likes him so much. He loses big time. But he’ll only give me a good tip if he can shove it in my top. I can’t guarantee I won’t hurl on him if he does.”
Balancing the overloaded tray, she maneuvered her way through the crowded tables. No easy task in three-inch wedge-heeled sandals. Stupidest footwear ever for a waitress. Mr. Moreno said they accentuated a woman’s legs, bringing in more customers. Yeah, walking around half dressed didn’t hurt either. This nightclub was one of the hottest on the strip yet the waitresses looked like strippers. Could be why so many people came here.
Her working smile pasted on her face, she set the tray on the edge of the table. “Your drinks, gentlemen.”
Her biggest smile went to dough boy as she leaned over to place napkins in front of the customers. His eyes flew straight to her chest. She better get a damn good tip for this.
“Put this on your tab, Mr. Barone?”
“I want to putyouon my tab, sweet cheeks,” the man slurred, taking a last peek before she straightened up.
“Sorry, I’m not on the menu tonight.” She might crack a tooth with how hard she was gritting her teeth.
“I’d make it worth your while.” His eyebrows rose in his attempt at seduction. It looked like a facial tick.
“Better save your money for the game later. You are planning on playing?”
“Of course I am darlin’ and I want you to serve my drinks. You’re my good luck charm.”
Meg giggled, the silly one he liked, trying not to gag. The man didn’t haveanygood luck at all whether she was there or not. If it got her off her feet for a while, she was more than happy to sit in the back room allowing the men to leer at her. It’s not like they wouldn’t do it in the front room anyway.
She wrinkled her nose, grinning. “Oh, Mr. Barone, you are too sweet.”
“Don’t forget your tip, darlin’.” Barone leered, reaching out a pudgy hand to tuck a bill in her shirt. She leaned over waiting, then ripped the money from his hand before it met its mark. Another big smile before she sauntered away, making sure to swing her hips a bit more than usual. Like Dave said, she couldn’t afford to piss off the customers.
She glanced around the glitzy nightclub, lights flashing, music from the dance floor echoing in her head, people gyrating to the staccato rhythm. Her tables were set for now but her feet already hurt. Yet she didn’t dare tell her toes they still had six hours to go before she could begin the long walk to her dingy rented room.
Waves of despair swallowed her up like a drowning man and moisture filled her eyes. She’d been here what seemed forever, yet leaving this life never got any closer. She closed her eyes and allowed her head to drop for a second.
Snap out of it!Standing here crying wasn’t going to get her anywhere. If she wanted good tips, she had to go and shake her groove thing for another few horny businessmen or vacation-goers.
Placing her tray on the bar, she grinned at Dave. “I played nice and check this out.” She held up the twenty dollar bill Barone had tried to stuff down her shirt. The bartender gave her a thumbs-up, mixing a round of drinks for another waitress.
The door swung open and Meg’s eyes were drawn to it. She hoped it wasn’t Mr. Moreno coming in early. He expected everyone to be here on time but often staggered in only after nine, once the crowd was hopping. Her heart raced as she caught sight of her rescuer from the hotel this afternoon. What washedoing here?
* * * *
It took a second for Chris’s eyes to adjust to the dim lighting in the club. Chrome and marble shimmered as people laughed and danced under the colored spotlights. Tonight was simply hanging out, becoming familiar. He wanted in on the back room poker games but those were only for regulars and friends of Moreno. Most people didn’t even know they were there. He meant to become one of those who knew the room intimately, whatever it took.
He looked around, his eyes coming to rest on the beautiful enigma from this afternoon. She was merely serving drinks. What did he expect? That she’d be draped over some john? Moreno was never that obvious in his setups. His shoulders sagged in relief. Why did it matter to him what she did for Moreno? She stared at him, at first smiling, then her eyes grew distrustful and suspicious. He didn’t like the glare she aimed at him but viewing the drunken customers of the club, it wasn’t completely unexpected.
He nodded, then headed for the bar.Focus on your goal, not the cute brunette. The bartender, Dave, had been working here undercover for close to two years. He was trusted by Moreno and was a great source of information. Chris had met him a few times before.
He ordered a beer, noting his damsel was with a group of rowdy guys. He could barely hear them above the music.
“Come on, baby, sit with us for a while. You can check out my lap right now and try it on for size. I’ll bet it’s the perfect fit.”
Her gaze roamed to the jerk’s crotch and her face twisted comically. “Sorry, Papa Bear, I’m not Goldilocks andthatlooks much too soft.”
Laughter exploded among the group. She set the drinks down then walked away, swinging her hips. The men ogled her as she left.
A sad expression crossed her face. Resignation? Desolation? She shook it off moving toward the bar.
“Why are you here? Are you following me?”
