Page 16 of Rum & Coke

We stared at each other for several moments.

“Do you think that’s how he got Sommer on her knees?” I asked.

Melony shook her head slightly and blinked a few times as though she was still thinking. “Maybe. I mean, it’s not like she’s straight like us.”

“I can’t,” I breathed, knowing thatstraightmeant we didn’t do extras. Melony and I never crossed over a line with anyone at the club. Of course, there were those who only saw dollar signs and wanted to do the extra stuff. I couldn’t. And with our boss? No way.

“You shouldn’t have to.”

“But what if? I can’t get fired. I need the money.”

She took a sip of her water. “If he does, tell Honey or something.”

I went to the fridge for my own water. “You think she’d do something?”

“I don’t know, but he can’t expect that from us.”

I moved back to my chair and sat down. “It’s a strip club. People think we’re whores already. What makes you think he’s any different?”

“Because he knows we’re not.”

I wasn’t sure if that was true. We had rules at the club, and if a customer tried to touch us or anything, we got Honey or a bouncer. Anything under clothes wasn’t permitted, and I knew Melony and I stuck to that. Not all of the other girls did because they’d get more money for other things. That wasn’t me.

“You’ll let me know if he tries anything with you?” I asked.

“Of course. He may be decent for a guy in his forties, but he’s not my type.”

He wasn’t mine either.

Vinny:Remember Paul?

I smiled as I read the text from Vinny. I’d been thinking about him a lot, but I’d never tell him that. My heart did a little flutter, and I typed back:Yeah?

He texted back right away:He’s in love.

My mouth hung open.

Me:Seriously?

Vinny:Well, maybe not in love, but he has a girl roommate he can’t stop talking about.

Me:Is that a new thing?

Vinny:Yeah, she works for S&R too.

I paused before replying. Did that mean that Paul and his roommate had sex all the time or not at all because they were too tired after working all day by having sex with clients?

Me:Maybe you’ll need to hire me again for his bachelor party?

Vinny:I wouldn’t mind seeing your tits again ;)

Me:You know where to find me ;)

Vinny found me the next night during my second set. I was dancing to “Me & U” by Cassie when our eyes locked. Each set, I danced to the same songs and did the same routine more or less depending on how many people were wanting to stick dollars in my G-string. We each did at least five sets. Each set was once an hour or so depending on how many girls were working. The rest of the time we worked the floor and did private dances—or in some cases, girls did extras.

Usually, I tuned out the words of the song because it was on endless repeat for me, but as Vinny and I smiled at each other, the lyrics became clear as day. It was as though Ihadbeen waiting for him. The look in his eyes and the smile on his face told me he wanted me just like the song was saying.

I worked the stage, taking off my top and teasing everyone sitting nearby. My gaze met Vinny’s again just as the words talked about me making a move, that it would be a secret we could keep between the two of us. We stared at each other, never breaking eye contact, and I wondered if he heard the same words—if he thought the same thing—if he wanted the same thing. If I didn’t have Colton, I was sure I wouldn’t hesitate to tell Vinny how I really felt because I did want him. It had been over a month now since we’d met, and every time I saw his name on my phone or his chocolate eyes, my belly dipped. He had that effect on me.