The stage lights turn on, blinding me, but I can’t mess this up; we need this. I begin to shake my hips to the music as I unbutton my dress jacket, but I don’t have any rhythm. I only took ballet in preschool and fell off the stage at my first recital.
The memory makes me wince- I hate stages!
Mike watches me from a chair in front of the stage, he claps, but my heart is racing- I think I might have a heart attack.
Is he going to make me take it ALL off? I mean, why haven’t I been concerned about this part till right now? If I get this job, I will take my clothes off for strangers every night.
My palms begin to sweat, and I feel a little faint as I unclasp the last button, throwing the jacket at Mike. “Hell, yeah! Goodie-Too-Shoes-Science girl! Wahoo!!” he commends me, but I can’t help but think he might be pranking me at the same time.
Will men be yelling at me like this every night?
I smile but am holding down the stomach acid that I want to vomit. I didn’t eat breakfast, and now I am so thankful- Mike would definitely not hire me if I spewed pot-tart all over him.
I reach for the bottom of my shirt and grab the ends, slowly lifting it and then letting it fall as Mike grins from ear to ear; I think I am doing something right. I finally pull it over my head and reveal my red lacy bra. My nipples are hard, and Mike licks his lips.
If I wasn’t so terrified and nervous right now, I might actually be turned on. I don’t know how to be sexy, but I am trying so hard.
“Yeah! Keep going, Science girl!”Ugh, I hate that he keeps calling me that! I thought him knowing me would be my way in, but I was the nerd in school. I can’t tell if he is actually enjoying this or if we are reverting to our old high school bully days.
I reach for my skirt next, but there’s a zipper in the back. I didn’t think I would need to take off my clothes for the interview; silly me. I sway my hips faster as I reach behind me, trying to unzip it, but my hands are shaking and sweaty, giving the zipper no leeway.
Fuck.
No, it’s okay. I have an idea. Maybe this is better. Since I can’t get the skirt zipper, I reach underneath and grab my red lacy thong that matches my bra. I pull it off and instantly throw it at Mike like a bad stripper movie. He catches it and smiles, and I grab the pole in the middle of the stage and spin myself around it, but soon, I am too dizzy, and the stomach acid catches up to me.
I stand up slowly, holding the pole to balance my dizzy self. I feel so sick and hold my stomach as Mike stands up, “Hey, it’s okay. Take a breath,” he tells me reassuringly, but I feel like I can’t breathe, and soon I am in a full-blown panic attack.
I watch as Mike’s face becomes overly concerned, and he shouts toward the office, “Damon! Get out here!!” But Damon doesn’t come out; instead, a woman not wearing anything but a black thong appears from his office, and she runs toward us quickly.
“Hey sugar, calm down,” she coos to me. Her boobs fall in my face as she bends down, and now I’m really mortified- how come I can’t be this confident when naked?
“Get a paper bag, Mike.” She urges him. He nods, running off to retrieve one, and she smiles at me.
“First time?” she asks, and I nod as she grabs my hand, putting it on her naked chest between her breasts, “Feel how I breathe? Calm down; it’s okay.” I nod, my breathing becoming more even, and Mike appears with the paper bag. He hands it to her, and she fluffs it, giving it to me, “Here, breath in and out.” I take the bag and do what she tells me, and soon, I can’t breathe again, but now I hold back tears.
I really screwed this up.
“I’m sorry,” I say, looking up at Mike, and he smiles reassuringly.
“It’s okay; it happens.” But I can tell that’s a lie, and he’s just trying to make me feel better. I watch as he gathers my clothes, all but my thong, and he hands them to me, and the almost naked woman helps me stand up.
“I’m Mindy,” she says, smiling, and I smile back nervously.
“Jessica.”
“Well, I better get ready. We are going to open soon. It was nice meeting you, Jessica.” Mindy tells me as she begins to prance off.
“Likewise,” I say, smiling, and she nods, walking back to Damon’s office, leaving Mike and me alone.
“I really am sorry,” I begin, and he pats my shoulder.
“It’s okay. Get dressed. You know, this kind of work isn’t for everyone.”
There it is.
“I just really need the money, Mike; I’m desperate.” He sighs sympathetically, and I put my clothes back on. I want to ask about my underwear, but I have embarrassed myself enough already.
Mike walks me to the door, and I sigh as he unlocks it, “See you around, Science girl,” he says, grinning, and I shake my head.
“No, I don’t think you will,” I say sadly, walking out. He closes the door behind me, and I begin my trek back to the bus stop, feeling humiliated and stupid.
Why did I think I could do this job? I am not sexy! In fact, I have only had sex once, and it was terrible. A drunken night at prom. The type of- let’s just get this over with. It was sloppy and messy and nothing I have ever wanted to try again.
But I have applied at so many places and now I can add this to the list of failures. Tears well in my eyes as I reach the bus stop and sit down. What am I going to do? I told Julie the house would be stocked with food when she got home.
I am failing them.
I sigh as my cell phone rings and a number pops up that I don’t recognize, “Hello?”
“Hey, Science girl, it’s Mike.”
Wait! What?
“I know you weren’t expecting my call, but we want you to start work tonight. Can you be here at seven?”
“Seven?” I ask, completely floored.
“Yes, seven. You will begin as a waitress. No, taking off your clothes just yet, only a sexy outfit. Do you think you can handle that?” I nod, my excitement building.
“Yes, I’ll see you at seven.”
“Great, see you then!” The phone clicks off, and I gasp as the bus pulls up.
What the hell just happened!?
DamonI chuckle, shaking my head as I walk back into my office. Her meek voice fading behind me. I already know this girl doesn’t have what it takes to work here, but I know my buddy Mikey always wants to see ANY hot girl naked. I didn’t ask for her name, but that girl was a straight 9.8 but with anger issues; I try to stay away from those types these days, though. I have enough issues running this laundering business. I had witnessed her tumble backward and fall, but what happened next was pure comedy. And the fact she hit me with her heel? I have never wanted to laugh harder in my entire laugh when I saw her face of shock, but I held it in, making her sweat. That’s what I do, though. Everyone who knows who I truly am in the crime world knows not to fuck with me.Sure, Billionaire by day and in the public eye but by night, Mafia Lord. I turn back around after closing the door and continue the task at hand, “An interview?” Mindy asks me as she places another stack of hundred-dolla
JessicaThe bus pulls up, and the driver smiles at me when he sees how much my mood has changed. I am downright happy! No! Ecstatic! “I take it you had a change of luck?” he asks me as I climb the steps, not hiding my glee. I smile back,” Yes, I start my new job tonight.” I say proudly. He nods approvingly at me, and I drop my money in the toll as I walk to a seat and begin scrolling on my phone, applying for multiple credit cards. I will not falter on my promise; the kitchen will be fully stocked when Julie gets home, but between my student loan debt and the many credit cards already in past due balance, I am only approved for five hundred dollars, but this is enough. I don’t care what I must do tonight; I will make great tips and begin paying down the debt I have accumulated. This is the start of a new life. I break the heel off my other shoe so they match, but I hope to buy flip-flops when I shop. The bus approaches the street where the grocery store is located, and I pull th
DamonI’m sitting in my office about four hours before opening when there’s a knock on the door, “Come in,” I call, and the door slowly opens. Mikey is standing there with a broken plunger that is dripping water all over the floor, and I stare at him in disbelief. “Dude, what the hell?” I ask, pointing at that disgusting thing. “Why is THAT in my office?”“The woman’s toilet is clogged. I think they were flushing tampons again,” Mikey says with his face full of disgust. “Okay?” I question, frustrated. “Did you get it unclogged?” he nods but eyes the broken plunger.“The other two are clogged as well, and now I don’t know how I am going to fix them. Do you want me to call a plumber?” He asks, and my eyes widen.“Oh, sure, let’s just give the FEDS a personal invite into my business, Mikey!” Mikey’s mouth gapes, “Damn, that’s not what I meant. My cousin is a plumber. I can call him.” he suggests, and I shake my head, grumbling. “No, I’ll go hit the store and grab another one. There’s
JessicaDamon is quiet as we drive, and I look at the thong he placed in my lap- why did he have this? Where did he find this? Has this been in his pocket all day? I have so many questions. Why did the God have MY underwear in his pocket?“I found them behind the bar. I was going to give them back to you tonight, but now is fine too. You can slip them back on if you want,” he says, not even glancing at me. “Here? Like right now?” I ask, and I watch a slight smirk curl on his lips.“It’s up to you. I won’t tell anyone you aren’t wearing panties,” he eyes me, “Well unless you want me to.” He says, with his eyebrows raised. My cheeks burn red with embarrassment as I feel the lacey fabric and untangle it, reaching down for my ankles. I glance at him as I reach them and nervously place the panties around each of my feet, “I won’t watch. I promise.” He says in a serious tone, and his eyes return to the road.My eyes don’t leave him as I pull them on as quickly as I can, but his eyes remain
DamonI watch as Ms. Kale’s face falls as I threaten her, and I grin internally, knowing I have already won. Jessica has no idea who I am but has also been away at college for two years. Most people in this town either know me as the billionaire or the mafia lord. Either way, it doesn’t matter- they both hold power.“You really think the news would care about something like this?” she asks me, and I watch Jessica’s face out of the corner of my eye. I recognize the terror on her face. I think she’s afraid I will get her sister expelled, but this Charter school snobby bitch has no idea what she is up against.“I do, actually. I know the head reporter, Molly Campbell. She and I are very close, and she always loves when I bring her stories. You may remember the most recent one,” I say, raising my eyebrows, “Lilly’s pet store.”Ms. Kale gasps at the mention of one of the biggest new stories that has ever been broken in this town. Lilly’s wasn’t a real pet store, no. She was selling and bre
JessicaJulie is absolutely smitten with Damon, and I sigh as he unlocks his car- I know she is going to be my annoying little sister, the one who has no filter. I know she is going to ask all sorts of questions, but I bet if I told her he was my boss and not my friend, she might shut up.Too bad I would then have to tell her where my new job was and what I will be doing there; that is definitely not happening. “You should tell Jessica about money. We can barely pay our bills,” she blurts out.The words resonate in my head as I lean my head against the cold glass window. I don’t even feel embarrassed that she told Damn- he already knows. She doesn’t even know that we have groceries in the trunk that our probably melting as we drive to his house so his PERSONAL doctor can give her stitches.I will never be able to provide for her like this. It doesn’t matter if I take off my clothes every night or even become a doctor; I would never be a billionaire.Damon turns onto a dirt road, and
Damon“Wow! Look at all this stuff!” Julie gasps as she wanders around our triage area. I chuckle as I glance at Jessica, but her eyes are on Dr. Tabby Hostel, and if looks could kill, Tabby would be dead, but why? Is it because this was her dream?Well, maybe not to work for a Mob family but to be a doctor? Is this bringing up some pain for her?“Julie, come over here, please!” Jessica’s tone is irritated, and Julie sighs as she walks back over, “You are being rude.” She loudly whispers into her ear. Julie frowns as I look at Tabby.“Tabby, this is Jessica and her little sister, Julie. Julie needs stitches after she got into a fight at school.” Tabby sighs as she walks toward Julie, and Julie reluctantly holds out her arm, “Here, let’s take you over here.” Tabby says with a smile on her face. Julie looks at Jessica, and she nods at her to follow, and we all walk to the exam table. Tabby puts on gloves and then pulls the bloody rag away. Jessica’s face twists as she sees the wound, a
JessicaTabby!? What kind of name is that? I feel like I should meow at her. Worst of all, she is all over Damon like a damn cat in heat!I don’t know what is wrong with me, but I don’t like it! It’s not like he is mine, but there is something here! Jessica! What are you thinking? He is your new boss and looks at you like a charity case! No, No, No! I scold myself, but as I watch Tabby *eye-roll” run her fingers down his bulging bicep, something snaps inside me.“Damon, are you coming?” I call to him, and Julie glances at me, a look of amusement on her face. Crap- if she can see it, Dr. Prowl and Damon will be able to as well. Keep it cool, Jessica.“Yeah, I’m coming, Jessica. Let’s get the groceries unpacked before they melt.” He says, but he grabs Tabby’s hand momentarily, and my heart sinks.Why would I assume that she wasn’t his girlfriend? Obviously, she is. I sigh, and Julie opens the hospital door, but Damon is right behind us. He pushes by us and looks down the hallway- I as
EricI can’t believe it’s been five years since I have seen her, but as she opens the exam room door, my entire world is made right once again. She looks the same but even more beautiful- if that’s even possible.She wraps her arms around me and hugs me tight as she sobs into my shoulder, “I thought you were out tomorrow,” she whispers, her tears wetting my shoulder, and I smile, holding her tighter.“He let me go a day early,” I respond, looking back into her eyes.These last five years have been hard, but I knew they would be worth it once this moment came. It felt like the years went by too slowly, but now that this day has arrived, I know it was all worth it.Turning on Marcus was difficult. His goons even came after me, but they failed to kill me. Agent Latter agreed he would leave my family alone if I did this, but really, I knew he had no evidence to prosecute them. We always ensured we were careful where Marcus liked to throw his power around like a drunk emperor.Saying goodb
JessicaMy whole body shakes as I sit in an interrogation room; what the hell is happening? I was only able to hug Damo briefly before they put us in separate cars and took us here. Even after everything Marcus has told me, I still want to be with Damon.I want to hear his side; I want to know what truly happened.The door finally opens, and Agent Latter appears; he has a can of soda with him and a sandwich. I watch as he walks inside the room and places them down on the table in front of me, “Please, eat and have a drink. We have a lot to talk about.”I shake my head, my stomach still in knots, and he sighs before I speak, “You knew my parents?” I ask, and he nods, sitting up straighter.“Yes, I was in charge of them,” he states, now sitting back. “Your parents were in a lot of debt, and I had made a deal with them.”My eyebrows raise, “A deal?”“Yes, if they could gather info on Macrus Lovoto and testify against him in court, then your family would go into witness protection, and yo
JessicaTonight has been like a weird dream, but the kind you don’t want to wake up from. I am finally with Damon, and it feels right. The way he was so gentle with me when we made love. The way he knew it was a big deal to me but also didn’t push it or made sure it was truly what I wanted was everything.He is mine.My heart flutters at every glance he gives me as we clean up the club, and I can’t wait to go to breakfast with him; I can’t wait to see what this will become.End game.He said the words, not me. He means those words, and I agree. I know it seems quick, and I know it seems crazy, but our future is bright- I just know it.I grab the last trash bag and tie it, sneaking glances at Damon while my heart flutters with anticipation…. I have fallen in love with him. Everything has led me here…to him. I wave at Damon as I open the back door and walk outside toward the large dumpster with a smile on my face. After this, it will be just the two of us, and we can talk and begin to t
DamonHer hands wrap around my neck, and my heart instantly races. Things have been so weird between us since the funeral, but I am not giving up on us- not yet.She pulls back from me, her eyes meeting mine, and I can’t help but see just how beautiful she truly is. My hand goes to her cheek, and I touch her soft skin as she stares at me, my head coming closer to hers as my lips push against hers. I can feel her stiffen momentarily, but she doesn’t pull away. She returns the kiss, and my whole being shudders with pure delight- this has been what I have always wanted, but why did I try to deny it for so long?She pulls back away from me, her eyes showing fear. My fingers trace her soft lips, the essence of what she tastes like still on my tongue. She tries to get up, but I pull her back to me, “Jessica,” I say as I look deeply into her eyes, “This,” I pause, “This what was always meant to be,” I say softly, though I am pleading as I speak the truth.This has been a nonstop dance for b
JessicaIt’s been two weeks since Mike’s funeral, and it still doesn’t feel real. I took an Uber here to work tonight, but Mindy has been picking me up. I cried the entire way here; I miss him so much. Nothing will ever be the same again. Damon offered me a ride, but he isn’t in the suitable head space right now, and I couldn’t allow it. He is hanging onto me as a link to Mike. He thinks I don’t see it, but I do.There was always that tension between us, but how can I just throw myself into him now? It wouldn’t be right or fair to Mike.“Jessica, table six needs more shots,” Mindy smiles, and I nod, walking to the bar.“No problem, we only have three tables tonight; I am on it,” I giggle, and she nods, walking to the other. The club has been pretty much dead since we re-opened; people are afraid to come here…. not that I blame them.What happened here still haunts my dreams, but the evidence no longer remains of what happened to Mike at this club, thankfully. Damon made sure to redo
TabbyEverything comes down to this moment, this exact one that I am, but it didn’t have to. If only Damon hadn’t tried to play me as a fool. If only he hadn’t treated me so poorly…maybe I wouldn’t be destroying his family…. or her.When I dropped off that envelope to Jessica, I did it because I hated the way they looked at one another. The way he looked at her was the way I wished he would always look at me, but he never noticed me. He never wanted me, not like that.He looks at Jessica like she’s made of some sort of fragile, expensive glass. He acts like he’s afraid to break her, but I see the desire in both their eyes and the way they long for one another.I thought that by asking him to be my fake boyfriend, he would finally see my value. See me more than just a plaything or something he fucked, but that couldn’t happen, not with her around.The pictures were supposed to tell her to back off. I was hoping she would hate that Damon’s dad slept with her mother. I was hoping that sh
DamonThe service was nice, and even though that speech was hard to make, it was what Mikey deserved. Everything I said about him was true. Each story that every person shared was a beautiful reminder of who he truly was.Jackson’s story was the one that surprised me the most, though. I know it can’t be easy going to two funerals in such a short amount of time. Mikey had only been in Jessica’s sibling’s life for such a short time, but he made a mark and a positive impact on them- that’s just what he did.I sit on the couch at Clody’s house, and there is still crying but also laughter as everyone talks about him. More memories are shared, but I sit there in a daze. - how can this be real?“Damon, would you like a slice of cake?” Mindy asks me, and I shake my head.“No, I am not really hungry,” I sigh as I look up at her, but she hands me the plate anyway.“It’s marble…his favorite. Have a slice for him at least,” she pauses, “Plus, I haven’t seen you eat a single thing today. You might
JessicaI can’t believe how many people are here. Mike was popular in high school, but I went away to college. I had no idea he was this popular in the entire town. I see some of our old peers from high school standing among the large group, but I also see cashiers from the grocery store and even restaurant owners along with their staff. So many people have shown up today because Mike was that type of person; he was loved. The crowd is so diverse, showing that, and my heart aches…..“Now, Damon Ricci, Mikey’s best friend, would like to make a speech.” The preacher announces, and I hear Damon inhale deeply beside me. My eyes widen as Damon stands- I am unsure if he is in any condition to make a speech, but if anyone should, it should be him. He and Mike have been friends for many years now; BEST FRIENDS.Damon carefully watches his footing as he walks toward the podium where the preacher stood. His eyes stay on the ground till he arrives at the wood stand. He then turns around slowly
DamonMy whole world was shattered in one moment. One minute Mikey was talking to me, and the next, he was flatlining. It still doesn’t feel real, and sometimes I even forget he is gone. I have even tried to call him a few times before I remember he will never answer.My heart hurts so much sometimes that I don’t know how to breathe. He made me promise I would take care of Jessica and her siblings, but right now, I can barely take care of myself. Mindy has been making sure I eat and bathe. She has been staying with me at night while I have my breakdowns; she is a true best friend…but she can never replace him.My father hasn’t let me near Marcus since he found out Mikey died. He says that Marcus needs to suffer, and if he lets me near him, I’ll kill him in a fit of rage. He isn’t wrong- I would probably kill him as soon as my eyes saw him.He doesn’t deserve mercy, and that’s what a swift death would be.I will say his screams coming from the basement have given me some relief…. he de