It’s the perfect introduction. The music starts, and the girls on the rings above me begin their routine. I slowly walk to the stage with the song beat—It’s timeby Steve Aioki.Circling the pole with a slight bounce, I look up to the new balcony and VIP section.
Claudi renovated the entire stage, adding three poles that extend from the stage to the ceiling. I look out to the crowd, hopeful that I might see Efren. Instead, I’m met with unrecognizable faces and bright lights that blind me.
I bounce around the pole a few more times, my back to the audience as I shake my ass. With a deep breath, I began the prestigious climb I’ve practiced all week. Hand over hand, I pull my body up the pole. The crowd screams, and adrenaline courses through my veins as the song begins a countdown.
10
9
8
I move quickly up the two-story pole.
7
6
Hand over hand as thecrowd screams louder.
5
I reach the top of the pole, hook both legs around it, then stabilize my core and move my upper body back and forth. Looking down, I can see the crowd going wild, and my adrenaline increases.
4
3
2
1
My body moves to the beat, but the moment I hear the one I’m waiting for, I fly down the pole, stopping right before I hit the stage.Dollar bills fly all around me. A small laugh escapes me before I catch my breath.
The atmosphere is its own brand of high, I can’t turn down. The excitement. The rush. It’s everything to me. Turning upside down, I spread my legs and bounce my ass to the beat. It’s one that has your body moving long before your mind has caught up.
There’s few words, but the melody carries the song as sirens play in the background, causing a collective rush ofenergy vibrating throughout La Cuevita.Penny and anothergirl join me on stage, climbing the poles as I work the crowd.
Sweat drips down my body as I crawl backward to the edge of the stage. Seeing all the loose bills encourages me to keep going. I’ve been working on this routine, pouring everything into it to distract me from Efren’s absence this last week.
Stripping has become more than just money for me. Over time, it’s become a creative outlet. One that’s beginning to wear and tear on my body. I have no doubt there’ll be a strain on my arms tomorrow after climbing up and down the pole all week to perfect my timing.
By the time the music has faded and the lights lower, I’m out of breath. The crew comes out and sweeps up the cash, filling a garbage bag with dollar bills.
I’m in the middle of counting my tips as the club continues to roar in the background. The night is coming to an end. In the next twenty minutes, they will have last call. It’s too late to offer any private dances, but I’m confident I’ll still get offers after that performance.
“You killed that shit!” Penny exclaims.
“That’s why she’s a crowd favorite!” Claudi agrees, clapping as he enters the dressing room.
I smile at him, but then I notice a flicker of hesitation in his posture.
“No,” I say. I know that look on his face. “Not tonight. I’m tired.”
“I know. I know. But this guy’s persistent. I told him he’d have to make it worth your while.” Claudi tilts his head to the side. “The guy’s willing to pay $2,000 for an hour of your time.”
Shit.
“$2,000 dollars! Bitch if you don’t take it, I will!” Penny shrieks.
