Afterglow ❃ l.m.j

• chapter twenty eight •

"Okay," V mumbled. Her hands were on ten and two on the steering wheel and she seemed extremely focused. Stefanie sat next to her. "Peach, are you okay? You prepared for today?"

I nodded. "Rosé, I've had shifts with her since then, I can behave. It's her we should be worrying about."

"Yeah, well, I dare that bitch to say something to you." Stef mumbled, looking out of the window grumpily. She never seemed to recover from her anger - and justifiably so.

Even though we tabled the conversation for the night and didn't talk about it again, I knew it still bothered her. And knowing her temper, she'd definitely say something given the chance. I made a silent prayer that nothing would pop off tonight that warranted anyone's arrest.

The rest of the ride was smooth and we filed out of the car with our duffels and heads held high. When we walked into Heaven's Door a few minutes later, it was as if the party itself showed up. We were all smiles and waves, both to clientele and staff alike, one walking behind the other. And when we approached the bar to get to the quarters, that familiar head of blonde hair passed us. I saw Rosé stiffen. I'm sure all of our faces held different expressions. Mine was blank.

Cherry eyed the three of us, beginning with Stefanie and ending with me. From my line of sight, I could see Stef staring her back down. The shorter woman snorted, turning her head and walking up to the bar with a sway. Valencia put a hand on Stef's arm, mumbling a few words to her before ushering her forward. I followed in tow.

Stefanie, whose hair was an ocean blue today, had a temporary scowl. "That stupid bitch." I heard her mumble to herself. She crossed the threshold of the stripper's quarters and beelined to her locker. The rest of us did the same. I did my best to shake off all the anger and anxieties of the past two days. I had a set to perform and it wasn't solo, so I definitely needed to get in the right headspace. I placed all of my essentials away into my locker and grabbed today's outfit. Nothing too crazy, but it was something new to me; a two piece that was shorter than usual. After hearing it from several different people, I wanted to take the advice at face value. It was all just in high school, right? No one cares what I look like or what's in my pants. It was a little nerve wracking to even think about, much less try on but I was determined. Maybe it was time to finally shake the table.

I settled myself into the nearest bathroom with a deep breath and shaky hands. Forgoing my gaff at all in a club environment felt weird. I don't think I've ever gone a shift without it. I stripped from my day clothes, looking down at the thong I wore to match with tonight's outfit. It was now or never. It was so pretty I almost forgot what motivated me to not wear it.

I stared at the jewels on the front for a second. Really took time to breathe and wholeheartedly make my decision. Then I pulled the skirt up my legs and over my abdomen. It was tight and stopping just at the swell of my ass. I wasn't hanging out or anything which was great. But if I spread my legs, it may or may not look questionable. I shut my eyes, willing myself to just be okay with it. Don't turn back, I told myself. We can do this. It's like everyone said, there's nothing wrong with me. And like Rosé said, it isn't about me personally. If anyone says anything, they're just repeating what they were taught. It's not a personal slight on me.

I opened my eyes slowly, looking back down at the skirt again. It'll just have to do. Nervous or not, I refused to change.

I took my sweater off, leaving me in the matching bra. Then I pulled my boots onto my feet.