Page 7 of Judge Me Not

"I don't think it is," I whisper.

"I don't like the sounds of this," Cee Cee warns in a disapproving voice.

"I think it's a strip club or something of the sort," I admit.

"What gave you that impression?"

"She took me over to the lingerie section but told me she wasn't a prostitute."

"I don't like this," she repeats.

"What do you want me to do? Hmm? I'm never going to have five grand by the hospital's deadline. Do you want..." I close my eyes and can't continue.

Cee Cee puts her hand on mine. Her voice softens. "I'm not judging you. I'm sorry, you're right. Let's check this out, whatever it is. But I'm coming with you."

"No. You can't. Stay here with the girls."

"No way. Maribel can watch Abby. And Opal is home for the night. I'll have her come stay with the girls." Opal is our retired neighbor. She loves both girls and helps out from time to time.

"Cee Cee—"

"It's decided." She rises. "What do we wear to this place?"

"Ummm…" I swallow hard. "I don't know."

"Text your friend."

"She's not my friend. I just met her."

Cee Cee smirks. "Your pimp then. Text your pimp."

I slap her arm. "Stop it."

"Text her."

I groan and remove the card from my pocket. I send her a text.

Me:It's Jasmine...the girl from Claudio's. What should we wear tonight?

Star:We?

Me:My cousin Cee Cee won't let me come by myself.

Star:Cee Cee is female?

Me:Yes.

There's a pause, and I get nervous she might tell me to no longer come.

Star:She can come but no one else. And boyfriends, husbands, whatevers, are never allowed.

Me:What about my B.O.B.?

As soon as I send it, I regret it.

Me:Sorry. I shouldn't have written that.

Star: We have those here. It's high-end. Wear your best club dress.