Here i was... In my red-colored lingerie, in front of this huge, lit mirror. I was in the dressing room with the other strippers. My hair and make-up were done, I was ready to go on stage and do my job. I was waiting for Carlos, my boss, to give me the sign that I was next. Carlos, is just that typical fat, short-haired, lazy Mexican man who's obsessed with seks and money. He's married and has four kids but it doesn't seem like he even cares about his family. I hate him.
My name is Amber. I'm 22 years old and I'm a stripper in Los Angeles. Do I love my job? No. I hate it and i'm ashamed of myself, but it's a way to survive my fucked up life. I've never touched a cigarette, i don't have seks with unknown people, i don't have crazy ass kids running around, and i'm Christian. My mother died two years ago. I never knew my dad. My grandmother, who's the only person in my family I do know, has cancer. I have a lot of bills to pay, no friends and my ex is in jail. So tell me...Can my life be more fucked up ?
I heard the people out in the club clap and yell, sounding quite excited and roused. Then, I heard Carlos' voice. That's my que, thought. I stood up, put my stuff in my locker and closed it. I took a deep breath and walked as elegant and sexy as i could towards the little, black stage. I felt all those unknown eyes of men on my body, but i pretended I didn't care. But on the inside, i was hurting.
As the music started, I began to move around and on the strip pole that was placed in the middle of the stage. All kind of men: big, tall, ugly, hot, rich, and even old were throwing money my way. Some of them were no doubt married. I pretended like i didn't give a damn, like i even enjoyed it, but i cried inside. I hated it.
I didn't deserve this life. But on the other hand, i was healthy and breathing, so i never really dared to complain. I always told myself that there are people out there that might have it worse then i did. What i had to do, was to keep working here so that i could keep paying my bills.
The music ended. I picked up every dollar I could see on the stage. As i was counting, I tried not to break down in front of the public and Carlos ,who's eyes i felt on me. I picked up the bra I had taken off and thrown away during the show and quickly disappeared into the dressing room.
"Get dressed. You have work to do at the bar. Nora is sick, you'll have to fill in for her." I heard Carlos bark from the hall as I cleared my face of all the make-up I'd been wearing.
"But...I only had to work until 2AM tonight. You promised me yesterday! I should be getting off in five minutes." I replied, glancing at the hour my phone indicated.
"And i'm telling you, you aren't done yet! You either stay or go, but when you go, you won't have a job to come back to! It's up to you." He yelled.
"I'll be there in 10 minutes." I said, feeling utterly defeated.
I went to the bar, after dressing and refreshing. At the bar, I noticed a tall man that came here at least twice a week. Usually he came with a friend, but this time he was alone. I tied on my apron and started to clean up around the bar. I glanced at the man and asked him if he would like a drink.
Blake's mind : ...
Blake sat at the bar, sipping on the glass of Redbull-Whiskey that Amber had just served him. He tried to ogle her discretely as she was doing her job. The way she moved her body, the way she smiled shyly, the way she served the clients in the joint. There was just something so special about this girl, but Blake didn't know what that was. Her light, slit-shaped eyes? Her juicy lips? Her dark-brown, curly hair? Or was it her beautiful, caramel skin? He didn't know, but he knew he liked her.
This wasn't Blake's first time at the famous stripclub. Usually he came here with some of his teammates, or some friends. Nothing serious, just for fun. But today, he came alone. He had broken up with his now ex-girlfriend Brynn, who had been with for a year. Going to a stripclub, was according to him a good way to make him change his mind. He didn't have to train in the morning, so he enjoyed his time as a now-single man.
"So...working here...do you like it?" Blake asked Amber as he took a sip of his drink.
"Do I like it? Well, let's just say I don't really have a choice." She replied with a smile.
"What do you mean 'you have no choice'? Everything is possible in life you know?"
"Of course. But...let's just say it's complicated." She replied again with the same smile plastered on her lips. He knew the smile was fake, he could tell she didn't feel comfortable, answering his questions. He took another sip of his drink and asked her if she'd like a drink.
"Are you seriously asking me if i'd like a drink? I'm working." Amber exclaimed with a laugh.
"Well...yes. Why are you laughing?" Blake asked with a smile.
"Uh... I don't really know. You tell me?" She asked looking him straight in the eyes.
"Well, there's nothing weird about the fact that a nice-looking guy like me would like to ask a sweet girl in front of him, such as yourself, if she wanted a drink. Right?" Blake joked. Amber started to laugh. Blake was definitely flirting with her. She moved her hair over one shoulder and pulled off the apron, placing it behind the bar.
"Alright, if you insist." ...
Blake ordered a bottle of champagne before they moved upstairs to a more comfortable area that was bare of people. Blake opened the bottle and served them both a glass.
"There you go young lady." Blake said as he gave Amber her glass.
"Thank you. So uh...What's your name?" She asked shyly, feeling embarrassed.
"Blake. You?"
"My name's Amber. Nice to meet you Blake." Amber said with a smile.
"The pleasure is all mine. So i guess we can toast to our meeting, don't you think?" Blake said with a boy-ish grin.
"Sounds good to me Blake."
They both toasted and started to drink and talk. Blake felt good with her, but didn't really get a chance to learn more about her. She was such a mysterious girl. Very discreet and despite her line of work, shy.
In fact, Blake couldn't understand how this girl was a stripper. She was quiet, adorable, beautiful and smart. She could have every well-paying job she wanted. So what was she doing in this disgusting world? He wanted to ask questions. He wanted to know more about her but Amber didn't give way.
"I have to go. I'm sure my boss is searching for me." Amber said while searching for her boss from upstairs.
"I'm sure your boss wouldn't mind." Blake said, hoping she would stay.
"Trust me, he would. But hey, i had a nice time. But i really, really have to go if i wanna keep my job. Thanks a lot." She said while picking up the bottle and two glasses. She left the room, not even giving Blake a chance to say something more.
Amber's mind : ...
I finished my last hours of work and waited for Carlos to come give me my money. I counted, having made 250 dollars for the whole night. Not a lot, but at least i had something i could buy food with. I went to my locker and grabbed my things. I left the club and headed home, which wasn't so far from work.
As i walked, I noticed a huge, black car drive beside me slowly. The windows were tinted, so i couldn't see who was inside but i continued to walk. I walked faster as the car continued to follow me. The windows were rolled down, and i saw no one other than Blake.
