Chapter 5

Makynzee

I’d seen Kalil pissed and going ballistic on a few people, but tonight surprised me. He’d never hit anyone and the thought of him getting arrested because of me was downright terrifying. If he weren’t around, where would I go?

I still had no clue why I needed to close tonight. Cari was still here, so she could have easily closed. I shook my head and tried not to let my mind wonder. I watched the stage wondering how hard it would be to do an upside-down split on one of the poles. The stage was shaped like a ‘T’, with a pole at the center and two on the side tips. The chrome shined like mirror, with plush black velvet that should’ve looked trashy, but gave off a classy vibe. I could do a lot on those poles. I heard Cari calling my name and I look back at her.

“Can you actually dance?” she asked.

I nodded and went to a table to wipe it down.

“You stare at that stage like it’s calling out to you. Why don’t you just ask Kalil to let you dance?”

“I did, that’s what I wanted to do in the beginning. He told me no.”

“That’s only because he wants you for himself,” she said with a shrug as though this is common knowledge and not an epic revelation.

“Sure he does.” I went for nonchalance, but wasn’t sure I pulled it off.

“I’ve never seen him get that mad when guys are bothering any of the other girls.”

I wanted her to stop talking about it. Kalil should’ve been the last thing on my mind. I didn’t respond to her and I think she got the hint.

“You should try it out. I’ll tell you if anybody’s coming.”

I glanced up at the stage then back at her. She already had my headphones in her hand and was walking to me.

“Show me what you got, if you’re any good you’ll be dancing in no time.”

Cari

            I watched as Minx slowly walked over to the pole at the far left of the stage. She rotated her neck a few times as she chose a song on her phone then started to dance. And holy shit, the girl was good! She’d be pissed, but the guys wouldn’t believe me unless they saw it. I ran to Kalil’s office. Thankfully him, Chino, and Bruce are already headed our way.

“You should seriously reconsider letting Minx dance,” I gushed, excitement vibrating through me.

He glared and asked, “Why?”

“Because she was good! Better than good!”

“And you know this how?”

“Go see for yourself, she was onstage now.”

He actually seemed upset. What the hell?

Makynzee

            Dancing was easy for me. A lifetime of gymnastics and dance classes made it that way. I actually tried that upside-down split. My arms weren’t as strong as they used to be, but I could still support the weight of my body. I flipped myself back over and slowly slid down the pole. I felt like a fireman and the thought made me laugh a little. I squatted for a few seconds at the bottom of the pole before leaning my back against it and snaking my way up to standing. I turned to face the pole and wrapped one leg around it before grabbing it with one hand and spinning around it. The song began to fade and I finally opened my eyes. I looked up to smile at Cari and see what she thought and my heart dropped.

Cari was still behind the bar, giving me two thumbs up, but she wasn’t alone. What happened to her being a lookout?! I wondered how long they’d been standing there. Chino and Bruce look amazed. They both had these goofy grins on their faces. Then there was him. Of course, he was scowling…again. I wasn’t sure if he was actually mad or just confused. I needed someone to said something so I could make my feet move.

Cari ran from behind the bar and yelled that I did great. I quickly came down from the stage and made my way behind the bar. He was staring at me. I expected him to said something, but he didn’t. He stayed silent. Bruce was the first of them to speak.

“What the hell was that Minx?!”

I attempted to said “nothing,” but Chino drowned me out.

“One hell of an audition, right boss?”

He slapped Kalil on his back. I risked a glance to see if he still glared. He did. I quickly looked away and occupied myself by getting my stuff from the safe. I couldn’t figure out why he hadn’t said anything yet.

“Kalil, she a bad bitch or what?!” Cari exclaimed.

Her voice was laced with excitement. Kalil didn’t answer. This actually scared me. I didn’t want him to be mad.

“I’ll see y’all next week. Bruce can you walk me to my car?” I headed for the door, but Cari grabbed my arm.

“Minx, wait a minute.”

I tried to pull away from her, but she tightened her grip and forced me to turn back to them.

“What you think, Kalil? We got a new dancer or what?”

I didn’t look at him. I knew this wouldn’t end well.

“No.”

He turned and headed toward his office. I was obviously the only one in the bunch that wasn’t surprised.

“But she was better than the majority of the dancers we have!”

Cari was determined to have me dance. I was pretty sure I was better than all of them, but I kept that to myself.

“I said no, go home,” Kalil responded.

He didn’t even look back. I smiled at Cari and shrugged my shoulders before heading to the door with Bruce.

“I’ll talk to him over the weekend, Minx,” Cari called.

I waved at her, but kept walking.