Changing Seasons

Twenty-Eight

****

The two couples arrived at the club at seven, in time for Jeordie to take his position in the DJ booth and relieve the daytime DJ. Krist wasn't to start for an hour, so he had time to show Atira around and introduce her to the other doormen and some girls.

Bryanna had already started working for the night. Still, she introduced herself to Atira, letting her know how much she'd heard about her.

Krist showed Atira to a booth where Erika was seated, sipping a soda. He introduced the two women, kissed Atira, and then left to clock in for his shift.

That night was busy, so much so that they had to tell patrons they could leave or wait in line until others left. Atira occasionally approached him as he worked to tell him how much fun she was having and to give him hugs. She'd been drinking but was in good spirits.

When Krist had free moments, he would peek over at her. She appeared to be enjoying herself with Erika and Cami. She was even putting dollars on the stage rails as the girls danced, delighted and in awe over their pole tricks.

"Your girlfriend is seriously the sweetest," Bryanna told Krist when she stopped for a smoke break. "I really like her for you."

Krist grinned. "Thank you. I have no idea what she sees in me." He laughed.

"Oh, shut up!" Bryanna teased, putting her cigarette out with the bottom of her platform shoes. She laughed, turning to go back into the club.

The night began to wind down as Last Call approached. Krist saw Atira order another round of drinks for herself and her newfound friends. He was happy that she was having a good time.

The club closed for the night. The dancers retreated to the dressing room to dress down and count their money. The lights came on, and Krist began to help the bartenders and servers clean tables and collect empty glasses.

Bryanna was the first dancer to exit the dressing room. She was carrying a duffel bag and wore an oversized tye-dye shirt with nude-colored leggings with maroon Toms shoes. She wore various wigs when she danced, but her hair was a short, brown pixie cut.

She was cute in a hippy fairy type of way. Looking at her in street clothes, one would never expect her to be an exotic dancer.

Atira, Erika, and Cami were hella drunk, laughing and talking loudly. Bryanna smiled broadly at Krist, "They are so cute," she told him, "Look at them, having so much fun." Krist smiled, nodding in agreement.

Once the dancers had been walked to their cars, Krist and his two friends collected their respective partners to head home for the night.

Atira was clearly very intoxicated. Krist talked to her like a toddler, hoping she wouldn't be too hungover in the morning.

"Krist, I want Muchas." She slurred, trying to reach for his crotch as he drove.

He gently moved her hand away, keeping his eyes on the road. "We'll get you Muchas."

Krist stopped at the Muchas Gracias drive-through, ordering Atira a carne asada burrito with churros and a Diet Pepsi. He ordered himself the Al Pastor burrito and a horchata.

Atira wanted to eat in the car. Krist didn't let Rocco eat in the car and felt his inebriated girlfriend would be significantly more messy. He convinced her to wait until they were home.

He helped her into the elevator and up to his apartment, sitting her at the table. Krist encouraged her to take a few Tylenol and drink a bottle of water to help with her future hangover.

"Oh my god, babe, those girls! Oh my god, when they were on the pole! It was so crazy!" She told him, picking apart her burrito.

Krist nodded, "Yeah, they do some crazy shit up there," he agreed.