Twists of Fate

Dani

I woke up to the blaring sound of my alarm. Groaning, I got out of bed, jumped in the shower, and started packing my duffle bag with a variety of dance outfits—I wasn't sure which one I'd wear tonight. As I grabbed my phone, I noticed 20 missed calls and 15 unread texts, all from Derek.

Derek: Sleep well?
Derek: Text me when you wake up, Ari.
Derek: I miss you.
Derek: Hurry up and wake up.
Derek: Bae?
Derek: It's 10:30 pm—you should be up by now.
Derek: Are you ignoring me?
Derek: Ari?
Derek: Text me back, please...
Derek: I'm sorry.

I decided not to reply. Things with Derek were moving way too fast, and I just wasn't ready for a relationship. He was a nice guy, but emotionally, I needed space. I put my phone on Do Not Disturb, grabbed my bag, and headed out to work.

When I arrived, the club was already packed, which meant tonight would be a good money night. The bouncer greeted me at the door, giving me a wink. "Save me a table dance later," he said with a grin as I headed back to the dressing room.

Inside, my friend Egypt was already getting dressed. "WASSUP, GIRL!" she shouted, pulling me in for a hug.

"Hey, girl," I replied, hugging her back. "Ready to make some money?"

"Yeah, but I'm so tired," I sighed. "It's been a long day."

Egypt laughed, "Awww, someone's been getting some," she teased.

I rolled my eyes, laughing. "Hell no. My love life sucks."

I rummaged through my duffle bag, settling on a black crystal-studded bra and panty set for my stage routine. The front-of-house manager, Jerry, called out, "Dani, you're up next!"

"But I usually go second to last!" I protested.

"Stop whining," Jerry replied. "We've got a full house tonight, and a famous fighter's out there. I need my best on stage to keep him entertained."

"Fine," I said, rolling my eyes. "Can you ask the DJ to play 'Money' by Cardi B?"

Jerry nodded. "Consider it done."

As the DJ announced my name, I took a deep breath, hearing, "Alright, y'all, break out your wallets because next up is the queen of the pole—my girl, Dani!"

The music pulsed through the speakers as I took to the stage, giving it my all. The crowd was packed with big spenders, and soon, money was raining down on me—mostly hundred-dollar bills. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Summer at the edge of the stage, cheering and tossing twenties my way. I made my way toward the biggest spender, hoping to give him a little extra attention. When I got close, I realized it was Derek. My heart skipped a beat, embarrassed that he'd come to the club and seen me like this.

I tried to play it cool and kept dancing. When the song ended, Egypt handed me a trash bag to scoop up my tips.

Derek's POV

Ever since I met Areanna, I couldn't get her out of my head. She was such a beautiful, independent woman with a positive outlook on life. I wanted to be part of her world. After some sleuthing on her social media, I found out where she worked and decided to surprise her. Watching her on stage, her body moving effortlessly, I was captivated. But I hated that other men were watching her. All I wanted was for her to be mine.

Areanna's POV

After my set, I changed into a red two-piece, showing it off to Egypt, who whistled. "Damn, girl, you look good!" she said, grinning.

Before I could respond, Stacy, one of the other dancers, intentionally bumped into me. "Excuse me," she sneered.

I pushed back. "Excuse YOU."

"What's her problem?" Egypt asked, glaring at Stacy.

"No clue," I replied, rolling my eyes.

Stacy turned back around, yelling, "You want to know what my problem is? Some of us don't get special treatment just because we're cozy with the manager."

"Fooling around with the manager?" I shot back. "Girl, maybe if you stopped pocket-watching, you'd make boss moves too."

Just then, Jerry walked in. "Ladies, ladies—what's going on here?"

"Nothing," I muttered, shooting a glare at Stacy.

I didn't have time for her drama. I still had work to do, so I brushed it off and headed to the floor for VIP dances. I spotted Summer and her boyfriend Meek at a table, devouring wings. I made my way over, grateful for a familiar face.

"What's up, chica? You look sexy tonight," Summer said, leaning in to kiss my cheek.

Meek gave me a hug. "You killed it out there."

"Thanks," I said, grabbing a wing. In this line of work, you have to eat when you can.

Summer winked at me. "Who's the guy throwing all those hundreds on you?"

"Oh, just some guy I met last night," I said, trying to sound casual.

"Girl, keep him," she laughed, and we both burst out laughing.

I didn't want to go back out, especially knowing Derek was here. As I walked back to the floor, I spotted him getting a lap dance from—of all people—Stacy. Our eyes met briefly, and I turned away, fighting back the sting of jealousy.

Eventually, Derek came over to the bar. "Wassup, Ari. Why didn't you return any of my texts?"

"I was busy," I replied, trying to keep it casual.

He sighed. "Look, I'm not trying to pressure you. I just really like you and want to get to know you better."

"I get it, Derek. But sometimes, I just need space," I said, feeling torn.

He put a hand on my thigh. "Alright. I'll back off, but just... give me a chance."

Before I could answer, Stacy appeared. "Excuse me," she said with a smirk. "I think I owe someone a VIP tour."

Rolling my eyes, I got up from the bar. "Knock yourself out," I muttered, giving Derek a sarcastic smile as he left with Stacy.

After a draining night, I decided to leave early. I wasn't feeling it anymore, especially with Derek and Stacy flaunting themselves. Just as I was about to head out, Jerry stopped me. "Where do you think you're going?"

"Home. I'm exhausted, and I need to rest."

"Well, someone requested you in VIP," he said, clearly annoyed.

"Let someone else handle it."

"No," he insisted. "You're my best. Now go out there and do your job."

With a sigh, I went to the VIP section, trying to shake off my frustration. My VIP client was an older man named Roger, who, as it turned out, was incredibly polite. He asked about my goals and even talked to me like I was more than just a dancer. After the hour, he tipped me an extra $2,000, telling me to take care of myself.

When I returned to the dressing room, Stacy was there, bragging loudly. "Derek gave me $2,500 and his number. He's a professional boxer, you know."

I threw my things into my bag with a bit too much force, catching Egypt's attention. "Girl, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," I muttered. I wasn't about to let Stacy or Derek get to me.

As I walked out to my car, I glanced at my phone, which was dead. The clock on my dashboard read 3:30 a.m. I needed to get home and recharge—for tomorrow and for myself.