The Painted Lady

A Painted Lady

I made sure the sign read Cripple Creek before I hand the driver the last bit of my coins. My small coin bag flops pathetically with a sense of airiness, revealing the last of my funds.
"Thank you" I murmur to the older man before walking to the tall building that stood before me.

"Pearl's Fantasy Parlor"

The sign flashes brightly, dispelling any hesitancy I had at an incorrect location almost instantly. It was an unmistakable building, one of the tallest in the bustling city. Tall french windows were wedged into each corner of the structure while a bright coat of red paint engulfed each wall. It was a pretty thing to look at; no one could mistake the luxury exuding from every inch. Madam Pearl was tactful in choosing bold colors and intricate designs.

HOOOOT! HOOOT!

The vulgar whistles and hissing sounds above the bustle of the tepid city.

"I guess this is it" I whisper to myself, clinging onto any last hope of sanity or pride that remained. Both were gone in an instant. A deep breath fills my lungs before pressing a nervous palm against the wooden doors of the lively saloon. The loud cheers and laughter of men permeate against my ear drums.

My eyes adjust to the darkness of the room. I was eager to take in every feature but a thick air of smoke clogged the spacious parlor.
A fit of heavy coughs greeter my throat as I try to see through the thick smut.
Surely, I could find Ms. De Verde in the crowds?

A few moments pass before I deem my efforts hopeless. The crowd was too chaotic. A group of 5 girls dressed in the skimpiest apparel were huddled in a corner pouring small glasses of booze and whiskey down some men's' throats.

Another group of women danced on the raised stage, kicking and flashing each leg high. I suppose they did a special show each hour.

"My..my! Youe..mightyEE mighty prettyyyyy" a voice dragged behind me. I turned around to meet the sound and see the tall figure of a boozy cowboy. He was obviously slurred in wine.

I try my best to ignore him, pushing past him but his overbearing presence lingered. "Aye! Little laddie" he grabbed my arm but I immediately snatch my arm away, trying to rid myself of his presence.

"Let go!"

"No" He gripped my arm harder before another guy punched him away.  I held my chest with fear, backing away before tipping over a another woman behind me.
"AHHHHH!" she screams. Her tray of whiskey crashed to the floor making all eyes glue onto the scene.

"I'm so sorry!" I explained trying to help her up.

"Look what you've done! You stupid klutz" her eyes were red with anger.

"I am so so sorry" I say again, reaching for a napkin to wipe her dress.

"You're gonna pay for that!" She seethed stepping up to face me. Just before she had a chance to grab by my shoulder, the long end of a walking stick intercepts us both.

"Lacyee. I do hope you are no initiating a fight with a customer?"

"No Ms. Pearl, of course not"

"Of course? You use of course when a point is obvious and it's obvious you were? You calling me stupid?

"No mam. Ths customer just spilled all my whiskey
which you know is my only source of income." She flips her strawberry blonde curls behind her back.

"Oh ...bummer" she frowned. "Well you can take it out of your pay"

"But Ms. Pearl!" The fussy woman groans.