I Lost Control

3. Breakfast or Something

SUNMER

"Hey, Roman!" I call out as I jog to catch up with my boss before he heads out of the dressing area.

"Yeah?" The tall, tattooed Italian turns around and gives me a look as if he's busy and has much more important places to be.

"What are the chances that I could bartend tonight?" I ask nervously as I adjust the strap of my gym bag on my shoulder.

"Why would you want to do that?" He cocks an eyebrow at me with curiosity. Everyone knows you make three times the money dancing than pouring.

"I've just been having some issues with a few of our customers. I thought maybe I could take a little break from dancing to see if they lose interest." Roman ponders my question for a moment before answering.

"Only if you can get Dallas to take your place on stage. If she won't do that, then you have to be up there." A smile pulls at the corners of my lips and I want to hug him, but think better of it. I know I can convince Dallas to dance tonight if she knows that Matt confronted me outside of the club while I was with Landon.

"Thank you so much, Roman. You have no idea how much you're helping me out."

"Just keep in mind this isn't permanent. I want you back out there as soon as possible."

"Yes, sir." I hurry out of the dressing room, my bag still over my shoulder, and try to search out Dallas through the early evening crowd. I spot her red hair in the distance and rush over in her direction.

"Dallas!" I shout out over the music. She stops in her tracks and turns to see who is calling her name.

"Hey, baby." She greets as I make my way over to her.

"I have a huge favor to ask of you and I will owe you so huge." She scrunches her eyebrows in confusion and waits for me to continue. "I need you to take my place on stage tonight."

"What the hell for?"

"You know the guy I was in the booth with last night?" She nods her head as she thinks back to the night before.

"The hottie with the dimples?"

"Yeah, him. He's been harassing me. He confronted me at the grocery store while I was shopping with my son. He's going to be here tonight and I just need to keep my distance from him as much as possible."

"Then of course. You know I have your back."

"Thank you! I'm going to go change really quick and then head to the bar." I head back to the dressing room to change into something more appropriate for bartending. I pull on a pair of high waist denim shorts and a cropped tank top that shows off my flat stomach. Instead of heels like I'd wear on stage, I slip my feet into a pair of lace up combat boots.

I run my fingers through my hair once more and spray some hairspray in it to give it a tousled look. I finish up with a few swipes of bright red lipstick and give myself an approving once over in the mirror.

When I make it back out to the bar, I see Melissa serving up drink after drink to the men eagerly waiting. I head back there with her and start serving drinks as fast as I can to keep the guys from getting too rowdy.

Bartending is second nature to me because it's what I started out doing. I never expected to be the one up on stage one day, but that's exactly what happened. The money was too good to turn down when Roman offered. I had a baby at home and no one to help, so I did what I had to do to keep a roof over his head.

Just as always, the music is pumping and the mood inside the club is upbeat. Every guy that comes along the bar tries striking up conversation and laughing with Melissa and me, which is something I don't mind. It's nice to get to know your customers when they spend a lot of time and money in here. It helps with the tips.