Page 2 of Shadow

“Flyboy,” I call over a prospect on security duty tonight.

Flyboy comes over quickly, “what’s up, Shadow?”

“I need you to keep an eye on Trey Everett. That bitch is down a hundred grand.”

Flyboy nods with a whistle. “Some of these fuckers never learn.”

“Good thing they don’t, or we would be out of business,” I respond, and Flyboy chuckles as he walks off in the same direction as Everett.

Flyboy will make a great addition to our club. The kid is about his business, and he doesn’t fuck around. I took him under my wing because he was quick to jump into a fight that had nothing to do with him. However, he had my back, and we whooped some serious ass that night. As long as he keeps on the right track, he’ll be a patched member within no time.

I frown as I see another asshole who owes us money walk in. If he doesn’t have our money, I’m about to collect it out of his ass.

One

LIVING THE DREAM

TEAGAN

I stretch my legs and try my best to get into the zone. This audition means the world to me, and I’ve been waiting to catch this break since I moved here from Texas.

I’ve worked as a receptionist at a financial planning firm, which is just a temporary job to make ends meet. I’ve always dreamed of being a professional hip-hop dancer. My body isn’t built for ballet, I would’ve had to starve myself, and I still wouldn’t have fit their very unrealistic body goals, and to be honest, being a ballerina seemed boring to me.

However, I’ve always been a performer and wanted to be like Beyoncé and Janet Jackson. But since I can’t sing, dancing was my go to. I just need my big break.

“You got this, Teagan. You’re the best. You are living your dream come true,” I mumble the affirmations.

There have been a lot of obstacles to even getting this far, and I can’t mess it up. Second chances don’t come around often in Vegas. I’ve been here for sixteen months, and this is my first serious audition.

The famous popstar, Bianca, is starting her residency at the Aria Hotel. Her team held open auditions, which is unheard of for a show as big as this one. So, I knew I had to take a chance and come to this audition.

“Numbers 121 through 131, step forward,” the main choreographer calls out to the large crowd.

I take a deep breath and straighten from my stretching position. I straighten number 130 that’s pinned to my shirt. The choreographer quickly begins giving the group an eight count. We go through the moves a few times before we’re expected to execute them for critique.

I don’t want to be overconfident, but I know I’m going to absolutely kill this routine. Dancing is second nature to me. The absolute joy I feel while dancing is like nothing I’ve ever felt. There’s something about how music talks to my soul that makes my body instinctively want to move. As crazy as it sounds, it’s a spiritual experience for me.

My dancing has always been the way I express myself. In my daily life, I’m quiet. Most people take that to mean that I’m shy. I’m not. I just don’t have a lot to say to people I don’t know.

The music starts, and I dance my heart out. I’m not breathing as hard as the other dancers, but I know I gave that eight count my all.

“Great work, guys! I need numbers 125, 126, 129, and 130 to stay. Thank you to the rest of you,” the choreographer says with a bright smile.

The other dancers leave, and I do my best not to jump up and down in celebration. It’s just the first round, and we have a long day full of cuts. I can’t get too excited, but dammit, if I made it this far, there’s no reason I can’t kill this audition.

“Congratulations, ladies and gentlemen, you’ve made it to the next round. You all can wait in the hall until we call your number.”

I let out a deep breath because my dream will be realized after a few more rounds!

Pulling into my apartment complex, I finally let go of the built-up excitement. I did it! I booked my first job! I was overjoyed when my number was called as a finalist, but when Teagan Walker was announced as booking the job… I was shocked.

I knew I could do it, but to accomplish what many naysayers said I couldn’t made me prouder than I have ever been in my life.

I couldn’t wait to tell my boyfriend my good news. He’s the only support system I have here in Vegas. But unfortunately, my parents and siblings are still back in Texas, convinced I’m out here stripping or working at the Bunny Ranch as a prostitute.

I have never had to strip or hook, so that’s good news. I actually found my receptionist position a few weeks after I got here. I didn’t even have to dip into my meager savings or call my parents. Which I think they were more upset about than me not having to strip. They were against me moving to “Sin City” because of their church.

My parent’s religious beliefs are the main reason I chose to leave for college. I had to get away from the choking effects of having religion stuffed down my throat whenever I disagreed or did something my parents didn’t agree with.