“I don’t know how I feel about having a man in our inner circle conversations. He knows too much. We simply can’t plot against men whilst he’s here being all rational and shit.” Sara huffs out a breath before laughing.
“It is true, though. You women always think men have to put the effort in first. When maybe, just maybe, he’s wanting a little effort from you, too.”
“Ugh. He’s wrecking our vibes now. How can we hate on men after hearing that?” I ask, slumping down onto my folded arms resting on the table. “So, what do I do? Should I message him?”
“Maybe not right now. We're having too much fun.” Sara says.
“And you have had one too many Sambuca shots,” Riley adds.
“Both very good points. I have to agree.” I laugh, loving this night far too much.
“What are your plans now, Sugar? Are you still looking for work closer to home? Or are you going to dance again?” Sara asks, leaning over the table on her elbows.
Ugh, I knew she wouldn’t let this drop. She knows how tight money is right now. If only there were auditions closer to home.
“Honestly, I don’t know. I need a job, but something that’s easy money to tide me over until I can leave again.” I say, my body sagging at the thought.
“You could easily get a job anywhere! You’re amazing!” Sara scolds.
“How come you’re struggling to find work?” Riley wonders, gazing at me with concern in his eyes.
“It’s not that I can’t get work. More that I don’t want to leave my family right now, and all the jobs I’m trained for are in big cities.” I say with a shrug.
He continues to stare at me, frowning slightly as if deep in thought.
“Come and work for me.” He states.
“Ooh, doing what?” Sara asks, but I know exactly what it would be doing.
“Ah, I don’t know if I could. Also, isn’t your place in London?” I wonder, but also not completely put off by the thought of it. It is something I’ve always loved the thought of.
“Hellooooo. What’s the job?” Sara complains, waving her hands in front of our faces.
“A strip club.” I say at the same time Riley says, “Exotic dancers.”
“Holy shit! You would be amazing at that and think of how much money you’d make. Especially with a body like yours!” Sara exclaims, jumping up and down in her seat.
“You really should think about it. I own a bar on the outside of Worcester city centre. That’s close to you, isn’t it?” He asks.
Yeah, maybe a little too close. Especially since I have been staying at Tommy's place.
“Can I think about it?” I ask, worrying my bottom lip.
“Of course you can, I will always have a spot for you, even if it's just a few weeks to bring some money in until you find what you want to do.”
“Ah, Riley. You are the best.” Sara beams. You would think she was the one offered the job, not me.
“You really are,” I say, leaning my head on his shoulder in thanks.
“Right, come on, you two. Let’s take some photos to remember such a good night.” Sara says.
We take turns posing, pulling funny faces and laughing nonstop as we pass the phone around. There’s even a gross one of Riley licking my face! What you didn’t see in the photo was me stamping on his foot to get him to stop.
“I don’t think I could eat or drink another thing,” Sara complains, rubbing her stomach. “I think I have a food baby.”
“Me too,” I say, flopping back on my seat. “Thank you for such a good night tonight,” I say to both of them, the smile still never leaving my lips.
“No, thank you, my lovely ladies. I really needed a night like this.” Riley says as he pulls me in for a side hug. “You two are like the little stepsisters I never had.”
“Be careful.” Sara giggles. “She likes to do bad things with her stepbrother.”
