Real Vampires: Glory Does Vegas

By Gerry Bartlett

Gambling on her future in Las Vegas

You'd think four-hundred-year-old vampire Glory St. Clair would have her act together by now. She loves her too handsome and always arrogant sire, Jeremiah Campbell. Now she wants to take charge of her own life and not just be known as Jeremiah's "woman".

She's been drifting along all these years

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dragon Lady Publishing
• Release date: May 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9781087876962

Gerry Bartlett

Gerry Bartlett is a native Texan and former teacher with more than twenty published novels. She lives near Houston, Texas. Visit her at www.gerrybartlett.com.

Book preview

1

I got fired from another one, Valdez. I tried to slam the glass door but it gently glided shut. Just like everything in Las Vegas, it was customer friendly. If I don’t find something soon, we’ll be living in the car again.

What did you do this time? Valdez hopped into the passenger seat. He winced when I did slam the car door. Really? Did you have to do that? You almost caught my tail. He studied it for injury. Jeez, Glory, I didn’t do anything.

You didn’t help. Lying on the sidewalk, staring inside like you were starving. I turned the key, pumping the gas until the engine caught. It was acting up and that was all I needed—car trouble.

"I am starving. You forgot to feed me when you started your shift. He added a soulful look in case I didn’t believe him. Gloriana St. Clair, arrested for animal cruelty. Oops, make that Gloria Simpson this week."

Give me a break. Are you telling me you didn’t eat while I was sleeping? I’m a vampire. It’s summer and I’m dead for the long, long daylight hours. This guy’s a shape-shifter stuck in a cute Labradoodle’s body. He’s supposed to be my bodyguard, but he can certainly manage to feed himself while watching over me. It’s not like I lock up the snacks.

Have you looked in the pantry lately, woman? Or how about the fridge? A mouse would starve. He lay on the seat with a sigh. Thanks to your run-ins with the master, my contract says I’m stuck in this dog body. So how am I going to get to the local Stop and Shop? Huh? If some of the folks at the diner didn’t take pity and slip me a piece of bacon from time to time, I’d fade away.

Jeremiah is being unreasonable. But then, what’s new? I checked my side mirror and eased into traffic. I felt like crying. It had been hard enough finding the job as a waitress, but to lose it so fast… That’s my life. I have few marketable skills, thanks to being a four-hundred-year-old woman in a body that looks twenty-one. I just don’t get computers and, honestly, don’t want to understand technology. What education I have has been sketchy at best. I learn on the job, you could say.

I like things the old-fashioned way. On paper. But that hadn’t been why I’d been fired. No, it was the handsy boss who’d wanted to get personal in the break room. I’d said No and here we were. I could file a complaint with someone official but then they might take a hard look at my papers. I’d gotten the social security card, driver’s license and birth certificate from a member of the vampire network in my new name. It had cost me my savings. I sure couldn’t afford to burn through another one if it proved less than perfect. I swear the next one I got, I was going back to Gloriana St. Clair, the first name I could remember, long story.

You’re awfully quiet. What did that asshole do? Valdez sat up. Go back. I’ll show him how to treat you.

Forget it. He also needed me to work a day shift. I couldn’t do it. You know how it goes. I sighed and turned into the parking lot of the apartment complex where I’d been lucky enough to find a place with a roommate who also worked nights. She wasn’t thrilled about the dog, but as long as I paid my share of the rent, she put up with Valdez.

Jeremiah, who now called himself Jeremy Blade, is my sire. You know, in the vampire world, he’s the one who turned me vampire. I was so in love with him back then that I asked him to do it. I’m not sorry. Hey, I’ve lived through some pretty amazing years. Some not so amazing, like two world wars, but I survived them. Our relationship got rocky and I finally insisted we take a break. He insisted I take a bodyguard with me.

He meant well, I know that, but how can I have a life, a real life with dating and maybe a serious relationship, if I’m saddled with a bodyguard? My guards used to be hot guys from the Valdez family. It just happened in the beginning and I liked it that way, at first. But when I went out on my own, I realized the man was a liability and put my foot down. Jerry insisted and it was definitely reassuring, having someone watch out for me during my death sleep each day. You know, vampires literally die from sunrise to sunset. We finally figured out that the shape-shifters could stay with me but in another form. What form? Why not man’s best friend?

This Valdez had shown up a year ago as a black Labradoodle. He’s cute and cuddly-looking. But don’t be fooled. He can take off an arm with those sharp teeth. He also comes with an attitude. I actually enjoy our banter. At least he makes me feel safe. There’s nothing scarier than lying down for your death sleep in a strange place without protection. Valdez takes that part of his job seriously.

He talks to me when we’re alone. Out loud. Yes, it’s pretty freaky to see a dog talk. When other people are around, he sends me messages in my mind. I answer that way too. Yes, whole conversations go on and the mortals around us have no idea. The V-man is good at playing the dumb dog. But he’s anything but dumb.

I opened the apartment door and walked in on an argument. My roommate screamed at her boyfriend while he gripped her arm in a very unfriendly way.

Valdez growled and showed his teeth.

You’d better let go of her, Sid. My dog is trained to attack any man who hurts a woman. I dropped my purse on the sagging couch. I didn’t tell the guy that I was trained too. I could break his arm with a kick placed just right.

I moved closer. I mean it, let her go.

Since when is this your business? He did release her and eyed Valdez. He didn’t seem concerned about me. Big mistake. Misty is supposed to be at the Velvet Slipper and she won’t go. What do you think about that?

I studied Misty, who had tears ruining her mascara. I think that’s up to Misty. I’ll give her a ride if she decides to go. Take off. I threw open the door. Valdez growled and moved in on him.

Fine. Whatever. Maybe she don’t need the paycheck. He detoured around Valdez and stormed out of the apartment.

Thanks, Gloria. Misty took the tissue I handed her. He’s too rough. But he’s wrong. I do need the paycheck. Let me fix my face and then I’ll take that ride.

Wait. I put my hand on her arm. Why wouldn’t you go with him?

Business has been bad so the Velvet Slipper decided to go topless tonight. Put our flyers and everything. I don’t want to do it. She sniffled and dabbed under her eyes. What would my mama say?

That she’s got the tits for it. Valdez stared at her.

I glared at him, glad Misty couldn’t hear him. He’s a typical male but he was right. Misty has a great figure. She’s a dancer at the showroom and has long legs as well as that shapely upper body.

Are they giving you a bonus for dancing topless? That seemed only right to me.

I don’t know. I didn’t ask. But rent’s coming due. You got your part? She glanced at the clock. You’re home early.

Fired. The boss wanted his own bonus, if you know what I mean. I’m not putting out for a lousy waitress job in a coffee shop. The tips were horrible. That dump was where the people who lost money in the casinos came to sober up. I sat on the couch. I may have to move out at the end of the month. I’ve slept in my car before.

Oh, wow. If you move out then I’m stuck. Come with me. Maybe they’ll have an opening at the Slipper. She looked me over. You willing to do the topless gig?

The master would stroke out if you did. Valdez hopped up on the couch, all ears. Not that you don’t have… He gave me a doggy grin.

I ignored that. Yes, I had an impressive bust line. Too bad I had the hips to match. I don’t know. I’ve danced before, but I’m not tall like you are. That’s usually the deal breaker in Vegas. I tried the showrooms when I first got here. It was clear to me that my five foot five was too short for a class act.

I’m sorry, Gloria, but you’re right. Misty was almost six feet tall.

Yeah, add the headdress and you can see the dancers from the back row of the balcony. Me? I’m lost in the crowd.

You’re right. They like ̕̕em tall. But you could waitress. You said that’s what you were doing before. Tips for the cocktail waitresses are pretty good. She pulled out her compact and went to work on her makeup. But they might want them topless too. The place has become pretty sleezy. It’s not on the Strip so Dominic had to do something to pull in the crowds.

Why don’t you go somewhere else, Misty? I stayed well away from her mirror. If a mortal realizes you don’t reflect? Well, then you have to mesmerize them and make them forget the whole thing. What a pain.

You have to be a really good dancer to make it on the Strip. I thought I was okay at the Velvet Slipper. Then there are the casinos. I… well, never mind. Her eyes filled again and she sniffed. Damn it, I can’t cry!

What about the casinos? This was interesting. The casinos are everything in Vegas.

That’s my business. She waved a hand around the apartment. I have to get up my nerve and try the topless gig. I’ll ask for a bonus. This isn’t a great apartment and I’ve been dancing in Vegas for five years. I should be able to afford better. You think I want to live like this?

I looked around. Okay, so it wasn’t the Ritz-Carlton. The apartment was small but had two bedrooms and the roof didn’t leak, not much of a factor in the desert. I’d stayed in much worse. It did look like she’d furnished it with pieces she’d found on the curb. I saw Valdez scratch. Fleas. Well, that was a problem. My bed probably wasn’t comfortable but since I died once I was on it, I didn’t complain. Misty hadn’t asked any questions when I’d answered her ad for a roommate in the Free Press, that was all I’d cared about.

This place is fine. If you’ve changed your mind, I’d love to try for the waitress job there. Are you sure you’re willing to dance topless?

Misty bit her lip. What choice do I have? Like I said, rent’s due. She took a deep breath that made Valdez’s eyes pop. Let’s go.

Good. I can waitress or tend bar. Topless? I looked down at my t-shirt. Andy’s Pancake Heaven. I’d stolen it. Too bad. It strained over my double D’s. Was I willing to show them off for real? If it meant staying here in air-conditioned comfort instead of the summer heat of my car, you’d better believe it.

2

Misty was right. The Velvet Slipper was off the famous Strip, way off it. Making the dancers topless was obviously a last-ditch effort to keep the club afloat. It had flashing neon signs and a cute purple slipper above the door. A workman was on a ladder, just finishing adding Topless to the sign when we parked in front.

Misty, go around back, you know the drill. A man watching the sign maker chewed on his cigar and glared at her.

I was hoping to catch you, Manny. This is my roommate, Gloria. She needs a job. Misty tucked in my t-shirt. Cocktail waitress. What do you think?

Manny took his cigar out of his mouth and looked me over. Here we go again. He zeroed in on the one requirement here. The sign maker up on a ladder stopped what he was doing and looked too.

Nice jugs. Hire her, Manny. Waitresses going to be topless too? Ladder guy chuckled. Blondie, you can bring me my scotch on the rocks, any time.

When can you start? Manny dropped his cigar on the ground when Valdez moved in. What the fuck is this? You come with a dog? Leave him at home.

He goes where I go. He can wait in the break room. I smiled at Manny. You didn’t answer Mr. Smooth on the ladder. Are the waitresses topless?

One thing at a time. Bikini tops tonight. Let the dancers start it. We’ll see how it goes. Uniforms are skimpy, but you’ll be okay. I got all sizes. I lost one to the Strip last night, damned casinos. He frowned at Valdez, who looked up at him with a friendly tail wag. Shit, the girls are goin’ to love this pooch. I don’t mind dogs myself as long as he stays away from the kitchen. Health inspector would have a fit.

Right, got it. I can start tonight. I had to admit, I was relieved I wasn’t going to have to show off my jugs just yet. I was pretty sure that bikini top was going to be tiny, but I could deal with it if the tips were big enough. A job!

We’ll fill out paperwork later. Like I said, I need someone now. Manny looked me over again. You got experience, I hope.

Sure, food and cocktail. Thanks. I’ll move the car around back. What time do we open? I scanned the empty parking lot. It was almost nine and most places like this had at least a few customers by now.

We’re already open for cocktails. Show’s at eleven. Go on and get settled. Mae will get you fitted and show you around. Misty, I’m sorry to spring this on you, honey. The topless thing. You okay? Manny took her elbow and walked her inside. Where’s that asshole Sid?

I watched them disappear inside. Interesting the way Manny leaned in, showed concern for my roomie. I held the car door for Valdez then started the engine again. A light came on that I ignored. Check engine. Yeah, right. When bats fly out of my butt.

Vampires and bats. That’s a cliché. I’m not interested in lurking in dark alleys with a Dracula cape. I’m into blending with everyone else who might be blonde and blue-eyed. The only difference is my liquid diet and allergy to the sun. I needed some cash fast so I could pay rent and buy some of the synthetic blood available on the vamp black market. It was pricey so the tips here had better be good.

Looks like your new boss may have a thing for Misty. Valdez hung his head out the window as I drove around the building. Hope he’s better than that asshole Sid.

Anyone would be better than that jerk. I sighed. At least I got the job. Manny was cool about having you around. This looks promising."

Sure. No customers. You’re so far off the Vegas Strip you’re practically lost in the desert, but, yeah, real promising. Valdez chuffed when I finally parked next to a slick looking Jaguar. Someone here has figured out a way to make some money.

If Jeremiah had his way, I’d be driving something like that and living with him in the lap of luxury. I took a moment to think about that. Why didn’t I give in and go back to him? That lap of luxury these days was somewhere in Louisiana. He’d built hotels and then casinos after we’d come to the United States back when it was still little more than colonies. It had been an adventure then, arriving in one of his ships. But he’d never lost his urge to control me. And I’d never lost my need to be independent. Sigh.

Are we going to bake our brains in this hot car while you stroll down memory lane? Or can we go inside and see what tiny outfit they plan to make you wear to serve drinks here? Valdez scratched at the car door. I can’t tell you how much I hate not having opposable thumbs.

Yes, I know. You’ve said that a few hundred times. I opened the car door, almost knocked down when he leaped out over me. He ran behind a bush. Being in a dog body made him have to do his business just like a dog. No wonder he hated it. He trotted back and stood next to me, daring me to say something. I didn’t. I just grabbed my purse. Another new job. I dreaded it.

But Mae Chen was a dynamo who didn’t care that my papers were surprisingly new looking. Yes, this round I was Gloria Simpson, age 22, from Bakersfield, California. I prayed no one asked me any questions about Bakersfield. But I was ready. My mother had me in that town then moved on. No, never had been back. Didn’t know a thing about it. Mae didn’t ask anything. Except my bra size. Then she whipped out a rhinestone trimmed bikini top and matching short shorts.

Red, I think. If you can’t get the shorts on over that ass, we can always pull out some black ones. But you’ll look cuter in the set. She pushed me into a curtained alcove. Try them on. I have to talk to this good-looking fella here. She leaned down and put her lips on Valdez’s nose. Who’s my big boy? Hmm? Oh, you are just the sweetest thing, aren’t you? She carried on in that way, making love to Valdez until I wanted to gag.

I need the black shorts. I stuck my hand out of the curtains.

Let me see! Mae threw back the curtains. Top looks good. She frowned at my hips. Yeah, you should lose a few pounds, honey. But here’s the black ones. They’ll still be snug. You want my special cabbage soup recipe? Guaranteed to help you drop ten pounds in a month.

Valdez raised an eyebrow. He smirked as he looked at me in my sad bikini panties.

Thanks, Mae, but these hips are here to stay. Trust me, I’ve tried everything. I glared at Valdez. He knew he wasn’t supposed to be looking at me undressed. Then again, if I ended up topless, he’d see a lot more of me. I knew he reported to Jeremiah. How? Who knew? I guess he could leave him messages on his phone during the day, hitting speed dial on my phone with his paw. Whatever, I refused money from my former lover, so it’s not like I cared what he thought. Right?

Misty came by to check on me. She had on a sequined outfit that left little to the imagination below the waist. She carried her plumed headdress in front of her, trying to shield her bare breasts.

Mae taking care of you, Gloria? She flushed when Mae jerked the headdress out of her hands and looked her over.

You know I am. How you holding up, girl? You think I don’t know you’re shy? Mae picked up a makeup kit and went to work airbrushing base across Misty’s perfect breasts. Here. Think of this as your costume. You are wearing a layer of tan number 9. See how it makes your tits shine? I sprinkle some stardust on you. She added some glitter with a brush. So pretty. The men fall out of their chairs. They’ll want pictures with you. Forty bucks a shot. You get half. Big money coming your way. You’ll see. She grinned. Feel better yet?

Thanks, Mae. Misty started to hug the wardrobe mistress. But Mae put up her hands.

No hugs. You’ll ruin the look. It has to dry. Now run along. Manny has a new routine for you girls. He sent a couple of guys to paper the strip with flyers this afternoon. I expect a good crowd. Knock ̕em dead, girlfriend. Mae grinned and shooed her out of the room.

I’m fine, by the way. Thanks for the job! I shouted this after Misty as she hurried out of the room, her five-inch heels making her hips sway. I’d have fallen on my ass.

Oh, I have her headdress. Mae hurried after her.

You can close your mouth now. I admonished Valdez. It didn’t take a mind reader to see he hadn’t taken his eyes off of Misty since she’d walked into the room. Once she’d exposed her breasts? Valdez is a guy. Enough said.

I’m in love. He sighed and put his head on his paws.

Right. I went back into the dressing room, squeezed into size fourteen short shorts that cut into my ass. Then I realized there were rows of high heels I was supposed to wear. Oh, no. At least at the pancake house we’d been allowed to keep on our own sneakers. My choice here was a modest four-inch heel. I crammed my foot into a pair my size and sighed. Some genius, and I gave credit to Mae, had lined the shoes with insoles. They were bearable.

Come on out. We’ve got customers. Let me go over the way we do checks here. Mae was a drill sergeant when it came to money and how to take orders. Luckily, I’d done this kind of work before and we were through with the training in record time. Because the place was filling up. I picked up a tray and moved into the showroom, ready for action.

Hours later, I cursed those four-inch demons from hell. My feet ached, my back ached and my face hurt from fake smiling for all those hours. I’d thought my former boss was handsy? Wearing a tiny top and shorts that let my ass hang out invited creepy comments and stupid tricks like moving an empty glass farther away so I’d have to lean in to pick it up. Then there was the long look down my top. I’d snatched quite a few twenties out of my cleavages after that trick. What could I do about it? Laugh it off. What else?

It was a good thing Valdez was locked in the break room. He’d chafed at it, but had no choice. He knew I needed to work for a living and he wasn’t allowed to shift into human form to protect me. The deal I made with him was that I’d call for him, mentally, if I needed him. Since that seemed to satisfy the terms of his contract, he stayed put. We tested whether he could hear me from the showroom. Once he was sure he could, he settled down. The showgirls loved him. He wasn’t unhappy back there with bare-breasted women playing with his floppy ears.

Manny was on the sidelines, watching my every move. I was the new girl. If I didn’t make the customers happy, I’d be gone. I knew that, so I kept the orders straight, slapped away hands with good humor, and kept my temper when one guy decided that Blondie should come home with him. At that, Manny moved in. He wasn’t just window dressing. He had two giant bouncers who took the drunk out of there.

You’re doing fine. Keep it up. He looked me over. Bill’s right. Nice jugs. Show’s about to start. Make sure everyone’s got a full drink before the curtain comes up. He strolled away, hands in his pocket.

I tried not to notice the way his trousers hugged his taut butt. How long since I’d had a boyfriend? A year, two? Time flew when you weren’t having fun, but just trying to make a living. I had to admit Manny was my type, tall, dark and masculine in a take-charge kind of way. No, not happening, Misty had seen him first. But then Sid walked in and took a spot at the bar. Too bad my roomie seemed to like her men brutal and thuggish.

In a few minutes the lights went down except for a few spots on the floor that helped me wend my way through the tables to deliver a few more drinks. The show was about to start. My heart went out to Misty. I know how nervous she was about performing topless. When Manny jumped on the stage and took the microphone, I swear my heart pounded as hard as if it was me about to perform.

Ladies and… He peered at the darkened room. Hell, there’s no ladies here. Okay, gents, the show’s about to start. We’ve got some beautiful women about to perform for you. After the show, they’ll circulate among you. Want a picture, just ask. For a price, our professional photographer will take it and you’ll have a great souvenir to take home and show off to the jealous jerks back home. Look but don’t touch. Eat your hearts out, assholes!

Loud, pulsating music started and the curtains opened. I gasped when I saw the dozen women in their costumes move to the music. It was beautiful. They stepped together perfectly, balancing their huge headdresses while wearing practically nothing. Oh, yeah, their bodies gleamed from Mae’s body paint and stardust. I saw Misty stumble for a moment. Her eyes widened. She must have seen Sid. She knew he didn’t care if she danced. He’d pushed her to do it. She found her feet and continued to move with the rest of the women, dipping and swaying, their hips making suggestive movements that had the men in the audience leaning forward.

I was leaning forward too when the dancers turned and you could see their perfect butts in their G-strings. Oh, my, I would never put on a costume like that. I had way too much ass. If only I’d known before Jerry had turned me vampire that I’d be stuck like this forever, I’d have laid off the roast beef and chocolate. Sticky buns! All those treats Jerry had bought for me because he’d found me starving. What had been a kindness had made me gain weight that I now regretted. Which was useless. I was stuck. Mae’s talk of a cabbage soup diet was wasted on me. Vampires don’t change. Believe me, I’ve tried.

I fingered the tips in my pocket. I’d heard there was a new synthetic blood that was supposed to be dietetic. Very expensive though. Out of my budget. Tomorrow night I might have time to run by the dealer and pick up some. He claimed to have testimonials. I could hear Valdez laughing about it now.

I was dreaming about a perfect body like Misty’s when I felt a hand on my ass. I’m an ancient vampire, remember? So can you blame me if my first instinct is kill?

3

Itook a breath and turned slowly. Remove your hand or you’re going to be wearing this tray as a hat, bud. I wasn’t surprised to recognize Sid attached to that hand. I couldn’t miss the cologne he bathed in, even in the dense fog of smoke and testosterone surrounding me.

He grinned and stepped back. Relax, Gloria. Just being friendly. He winked. Nice to catch you without that damned dog around.

That damned dog has good instincts. I picked up an empty glass and smiled at a customer. You’re Misty’s boyfriend, last I checked. You have no business making a move on me. Sid was still following me, too close.

We’re not married or nothing like that. I can hit on anyone I want. You’re hot. Misty says you ain’t seeing anyone. Thought you might be lonely. Sid slid a finger under my bra strap. I can fix that.

I’d have to be desperate to hurt my roommate that way. I faced Sid. Sorry, but I just can’t take a chance that she’d throw me out. Understand? I straightened his tie. No way was I making him mad. He wasn’t going away and I didn’t need the drama. I poked him in the stomach a little harder than necessary, smiling when he winced. Thanks for the offer. I backed away and ran right into Manny.

This creep bothering you? Sid, take a hike. Manny looked him over. We don’t comp drinks here. Pay up and go.

It’s okay. I can handle Sid. But thanks, Manny. I brushed past him and cleared another table, taking another drink order. I glanced back. Sid obviously didn’t like the idea that I’d handled him. Too bad. The show was winding down. It hadn’t been very interesting, just a series of bumps and grinds and seductive walks around the stage. As the music came to an end, Manny rushed back up to the stage.

Wow, I know that got my juices flowing. How about a hand for the ladies? He led the loud applause and wolf whistles. Now they’re going to walk around the showroom and you can buy them a drink or get your picture taken with them. But I mean it—look, don’t touch. I promised my fair ladies you’d respect them. Don’t make me have to get my enforcers in here to put anyone outside. With that Manny waved his hand and the dancers spread out, stepping carefully off the raised stage in those high, high heels.

I knew there had been a heavy cover charge, so being escorted out was an effective threat. At least the women moving closer got the drink orders flowing in and I was busy, hurrying to the bar to pick up the special champagne the dancers ordered. I knew from Mae’s instructions that it was sparkling cider. She didn’t want her ladies under the influence while they were working. I was pleased to see that Misty was popular and the photographer Manny had hired was busy taking photos and collecting fees for all of the dancers. It seemed like the topless thing was working, until it all went to hell.

Lap dances? This ain’t no strip club, asshole. A red-headed dancer with serious attitude threw her drink in a man’s face and stomped away from him, her jiggling boobs making it clear she was naturally well endowed.

Donna, slow your roll. Manny caught her arm before she got to the door leading to the dressing rooms. Let the bouncers handle jerks like that.

Let me go, Manny. She pulled away from him, her headdress falling off and landing on a candle in the middle of one of the tables. Whoosh! It went up in flames. Meantime, the jerk/asshole was shouting that he’d paid for her to have champagne and he could swear it was pure apple juice he was licking off his face.

Mutters of displeasure went through the room. I happened to know that these guys were being charged twenty bucks a pop for the bubbly. I’d be pissed too if I found out it was cider.

Hey, Blondie, get over here and give me change. I ain’t paying for some high dollar drink if that’s what they’re sipping. The man I’d served before had just handed me a hundred-dollar bill for drinks for himself and Misty.

Sure, on my way! I dug in my fanny pack for change while trying to stay away from the fire. Beautiful ostrich feathers were going up fast. Donna was wailing, clearly afraid she’d have to pay for her headdress. Manny had found a fire extinguisher and was shooting foam at the table, hitting the men who’d been sitting there and making them mad. Why hadn’t they moved?

Here’s your change. I threw it at him then hurried to the bar, dodging hands on the way. Misty followed me. I was relieved Valdez hadn’t heard Sid hassling me. All we needed was an angry dog in the mix.

I’ve got to get out of here. It’s one thing to dance, but to walk around here with my boobs on display is just… She shook her head then snatched a paper napkin off my tray. She tore it in half then stuck one piece on each boob. Apparently Tan Number Nine worked like glue because they didn’t move once they were on there. Misty’s boobs might be awesome, but they were clearly the result of some plastic surgery. They hadn’t wobbled once as she walked.

I can’t take another minute of it, Glory. I’ve made a couple of hundred, that’s it for the night. She saw Sid and hurried to him. After a little conversation she ran toward the dressing rooms, dodging the cleanup crew and Manny, who was trying to soothe the irate customers hit by the mess when he’d put out the fire. Donna followed her, her scorched feather headdress in her hands.

Manny grabbed the microphone. Relax, folks. There’s another show in thirty minutes. You like Hawaii? You should see these gals shake their hips to island music wearing nothing but a flower lei. Did I say lay? Now my head is spinning. Manny nodded to the rest of the women to leave the showroom. Drinks are half price until the show starts. How’s that for a deal? He put down the microphone.

I just stood there. That announcement meant I was going to be busy. My feet were killing me and I exchanged looks with the only other cocktail waitress. Compared to the topless dancers, we were looking like bank clerks in our bra tops, short shorts, and rhinestone covered fanny packs. Didn’t matter. The atmosphere was raunchy and every guy there obviously thought they could play Grab Ass with us. It was exhausting.

The Hula dance was just as boring as the first number. The only difference was the music and the flower leis. No headdresses this time. Also, no Donna or Misty. The women who were left did their best to look seductive as they did a dirty dancing version of a hula. Sad, really. The half price drinks had done the trick though. Drunk customers wanted photos once the dance was over and the dancers made a ton of money posing with them. I even got some requests. I checked with Manny and he made a deal with me to split the money.

I thought the night would never end. Finally, the last dance was done and the dawn was only a little more than an hour away. I knew I had to get out of there. Thankfully, the customers were leaving once the half-naked women were gone. I counted my money, settled up with the bartender and realized I’d made some really good tips. I headed for