Paige nods. “I grew up in the suburbs.”
The waitress arrives with our drinks and sets one in front of each of us.
“I’m originally from Oregon. I moved up here after my baby daddy decided he wasn’t into the whole parent thing,” Renee says. “Figured there were better job prospects here than where I’m from.”
I frown. “He just left you and your son?”
“Yup. Went to work one day and never came back. Piece of shit.”
I pick up my drink and take a small sip, prepared to have to school my expression at how bad the cooler tastes, but it’s actually really yummy.
“I’m sorry that happened to you.” I don’t know Renee well, but I feel terrible for her. She must have been so scared.
She shrugs in an “it is what it is” way.
I take another sip of my cooler as Paige says, “I started when I was in college. My family couldn’t afford to help me financially, and it seemed like a good option. I didn’t want to leave school saddled with debt. After I graduated, the money was better at the club than it would have been in the field I studied in, so I decidedto stick around.” She brings her drink to her lips. “I can’t do it forever, obviously, but I have my degree now. I can always fall back on that.”
“What did you take in school?”
“English and creative writing. I wanted to be a reporter.”
When the waitress arrives to deliver our bowls and asks if anyone would like another drink, I realize that I’ve finished mine. That’s probably why I feel so light and happy right now.
Renee holds up her hand. “One-drink limit when we’re on the clock, but you go ahead, Hattie.”
The waitress turns to look at me. I should probably say no, but… “Yes, another one please.”
She nods and goes to check on another table.
“Is the one-drink limit your rule?” I ask.
Paige shakes her head. “Bastion’s. There’s a strict no drinking or drugs policy while you’re working, which I understand. Before I landed at The Black Orchid, I worked with some girls who could only get out on stage if they were fucked up.”
My head tilts. “Do you guys ever feel self-conscious when you’re out there?”
“I used to,” Renee says. “Then you realize pretty quickly that women are their own biggest critics, and most men are just happy to see a naked woman—doesn’t matter the size or shape.”
“I could never do it. I don’t have the same level of self-confidence that you guys do.” I laugh, and I think it might be a little too loud because a few of the guests at surrounding tables turn to look.
The waitress returns with my drink and our meal. We thank her and dig into our food.
“You could totally do it. You’ve got that doe-eyed innocent thing going on. Men love that.” Renee spoons the contents of her bowl.
“Agreed. You’d clean up out there,” Paige says with a smile.
“No way.” I shake my head and pick up my drink for another sip.
“How do you like working for Bastion?” Renee asks.
Is she asking because she knows something? My eyes widen, and I look at my bowl, shoving some food into my mouth to buy myself some time.
When I’m done chewing, I look back at them. “He’s easy to work for.” I pick up my drink and down a couple of gulps as more nerves set in.
“He’s easy to look at,” Paige says, and she and Renee devolve into a fit of giggles.
“C’mon, Hattie, don’t tell us you haven’t noticed,” Renee says.
I shrug. “I mean, I guess.”
