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“He knows, Maria,” I say through tears. “Paolo knows I’m pregnant. We have to go.”
Maria looks stressed.
“Mierda! Okay, leave it with me. Let me see if I can move our plans forward.”
“I’m sorry, Maria. I haven’t eaten much in the last few months, but the baby is starting to show anyway.”
“It’s okay, Emily. Don’t cry. I’ll sort something out.”
“Thank you, my friend,” I whisper, hugging her closely.
* * *
“Tonight,” Maria whispers as we pass each other in the hall of the rundown apartment block where all the strippers are supposed to play house. “Meet me in my room after your shift.”
I nod and keep walking. My stomach is in a knot at the thought of getting out of here and the possible shitstorm that lies ahead for Maria and me if we’re caught. But it’s too far down the track now to turn back. I imagine Maria has gone out on a very shaky limb to arrange this. I truly hope that all will go smoothly.
I’m distracted while I dance. Who can focus when your life is literally on the line? I know I’m struggling to keep a poker face. I can only imagine what poor Maria is feeling right now.
The minute hand is taking its sweet time ticking its way around the face of the clock. Ugh! If only I wasn’t pregnant. I could do with a stiff drink right about now to settle my nerves.
Paolo is watching me. Fuck, I hate those bug eyes of his. Is he walking over to talk to me or the girl next to me? Please let it not be me. Shit! He’s coming over to me. I keep dancing, hoping he’ll change direction and leave me in hell alone.
“Emily,” he says, waiting for me to look at him.
I nod.
“Our VIP is back. He wants to see you later tonight. Don’t disappear after your shift.”
My legs go a little lame. Oh, no! I can’t do this. Why tonight of all nights? Shit!
I look over to where poor Maria is fending off a drunkard’s unwelcome advances. Did she see Paolo talking to me? Damned place!
It’s 2 p.m. when we finally get our break. I rush over to Maria and share my news with her.
“We have to go now, Maria. I don’t want to be in the same room as Vince Gallo. He is a bad man. I just know it. Please, we have to leave right now.”
“Okay. Just give me five minutes.”
Maria disappears from the break room while I try my best not to run for the front door, screaming like a banshee. I check the clock on the wall. Maria’s been gone for what feels like a lifetime. What is she doing? I can’t wait much longer. It’s now or never. Come on, Maria! Where are you?
“Let’s go,” she says, rushing back into the room.
“I need to collect my cash from the room,” I say.
“No time. I have enough for both of us.”
“Oh, okay.”
“Here,” she says, handing me a set of clothes and sneakers. “Put this on. Come on. Follow me. Stay close and be quiet. Don’t talk, no matter what. You got me?”
“Uhm, okay.”
“I mean it. Not a word!”
“Okay.”
Maria takes my hand and walks so fast I can barely keep up. We walk into a part of the club I’ve never seen before, then out through the kitchen and into a car that is waiting for us. As soon as we’re inside, the driver speeds off.