by Summer Rose
I am ready. I know I can have a good relationship with the right person. Well, I’ll just go shopping for now, that always make me feel better.
Later that day, I went to Sissy’s to find a new outfit for work.One of the girls told me about the store most of the dancers shopped at for their outfits.
Now that I had a better idea of what to wear, I was excited about shopping, and I had money in my pocket.
I tried on several outfits; mini dresses, long gowns, pants sets, everything! I didn’t realize there were so many clothes for a stripper! The owner, Sissy helped me pick out some hot outfits.
I went home after picking out new clothes and decided to have a good dinner and get some sleep. I was still tired from the previous night and only had about 2 hours of sleep. Just when I made it home, my phone rang.
“What’s up girl?” a strange voice asked. “It’s Cookie.”
“Hi girl. I just made it in from shopping for new work clothes.”
“Oh, you should’ve told me. I would’ve loaned and even given you some things to get you started. I have a bunch of shit that I don’t even wear anymore.”
“Well, I could still use some more stuff.”
“Ok, I’ll bring some things to work for you. Have you eaten yet?”
“Not yet, I was ab…”
“Cool” she interrupted. “Let’s meet up and grab a bite at Zio’s, my treat.”
“I-I, ok what time?” I gave in.
“In an hour, see you there. Bye.” She hung up before I could ask which location. There were two locations and I had no idea which one. I chose the one near work since it seemed to make more sense. I changed my clothes and headed out.
Zio’s is an Italian restaurant with the best food for the price. I didn’t eat much Italian food, but it was okay every now and then. The atmosphere was relaxing, and the wait was never too long.
In addition, you always see a familiar face and have many laughs after a few drinks.
I made it there just in time to see Cookie pull up, and put her blunt out. She sprayed perfume and put a piece of gum in her mouth, as if all of that was going to work.
People can still smell that shit.
“Hey girl, you look good.” Cookie said, giving me a hug, and kissing me on my cheek.
“Thank you. You too.”
I couldn’t help but check her out. She was hot, and she knew it.
She pointed in the direction of the patio. “Let’s sit on the patio and order our drinks, then I want to talk to you about something.”
I followed her as if I were a puppy, “Ok.”
We ordered our second round of margaritas. That’s when Cookie asked me the unthinkable.
“Have you ever been with a woman?”
“No! What?”
I choked on my drink and looked around to see if anybody had heard us.
“Why would you ask me that?” I whispered. I instantly felt uncomfortable, yet intrigued.
“Chill girl, the only reason I asked you that was because there was a girl at the club who wanted a table dance from you last night.”
“A girl? Can we do that? Is she gay? Does she think I’m gay?”
I couldn’t stop the questions, nor was I giving Cookie a chance to answer any of them. I was offended, but curious, yet still intrigued.
“Slow down, baby. I told her you were busy with other dances and that you would be back.”
“How did you know I would be back? I wasn’t even hired yet.”
“Yes you were. You just didn’t know it, but I did.”
I was confused at that point. “What do you mean?”
“Look in the mirror girl. You are beautiful! As soon as James’ saw your fine ass you were hired!”
“So why did he make me do an audition?”
“That’s policy. They want to make sure you can handle being on stage by yourself. Some people just can’t handle that shit. They get stage fright and puke. I even saw a girl pee on herself.”
“No, I had no clue. It’s scary at first, but I got over the fear after my first dance.”
“Good, so are you ready for Tuesday?” she raised her drawn on brow.
I shook my head in doubt. “I guess so, it’s still kinda scary.”
“You’ll get used to it after a month or two. I’ve been doing this shit for years and it’s like fucking to me.”
Confused again, “How?”
“Once you learn it, you never forget how to do it. It’s kind of like riding a bike.”
Cookie had a way of making every aspect of her life a cliché.
She leaned her head to the side. “Speaking of fucking, are you seeing anyone?”
“No, I’m single.”
“Are you looking? I mean for a relationship?”
“I don’t know, haven’t thought much about a relationship until just today.”
“It’s gonna be hard to have a man in this business!” she snapped.
“Why is that?”
“No man wants a woman that other men can see whenever they want. Then at worst, they see his woman nude, grinding on their dicks for money. Like the saying goes, you can’t turn a hoe into a housewife.”
“But it’s for the money, nothing else.”
“They don’t look at it like that. They look at you as just another hoe.”
“Damn, that’s cold.”
I shuddered at the fact that I would be thought of as a hoe. I didn’t want to be portrayed by men that I was just like every other dancer. All dancers aren’t alike and I hated when men made those types of comments about us.
“Do you have a man, Cookie?”
“Hell no! I’m not even sure I want a man! They demand too much!” She sounded angry. “They’re just a waste of my time. They don’t do shit for me that I can’t do for myself!”
“I know that’s right.” I agreed.
“Besides, what do we need a man for girl? We got each other, right?”
At that moment, she put her hand over mine and gentle rubbed it for a few seconds.
“What do you mean?” I was nervous, but intrigued as I looked down at her hand.
“Friends, we have friendship. Check please.” She quickly motioned the waiter.
We finished our dinner and I went home. On my way home, I couldn’t stop thinking of what Cookie asked me about being with a woman.
I couldn’t shake the fact of why that intrigued me so much. I couldn’t get out of my mind that she said we didn’t need a man because we had each other.
What did that mean?
I made it home and took a long hot shower. Once again, my mind started wondering about the questions Cookie had asked me. I thought about the woman in the club that wanted a table dance from me.
Who is she? Why did she want a dance from me?
Didn’t she know that a table dance is an intimate act of affection?
Did she want intimacy from me?
What would she be thinking about as I’m dancing for her practically nude?
Would she enjoy it? Would she not be offended by me grabbing my breasts in her face? Would she
like me grinding on her lap as if I were trying to get her off?
Would she like it when I rub my pussy, or lick my finger, and make gestures of us making love right then and there?
Would she like it when I take her head, rub it between my breasts, and put my nipple by her mouth?
Would she like it when I stand up beside her and rub my body all over hers as if we were one?
Would she like it? Would she like it? Would she like it?
“Awwwwww,” I screamed as I came.
What the hell?
Chapter 4
Curiosity Kills More Than the Cat!
Damn, funny how time flies when you’re having fun. Not just a popular Janet Jackson song, but also the truth.
Days had gone by and it was Tuesday already. It was the day for me to work again at the club. I went to school as usual and the day was going smoothly. I didn’t m
eet up with Cookie before work as planned but I told her I would see her there.
I needed to focus and get ready in my own way before I went to do a job like that.
I went to a nearby bar and had a quick bite and a couple of drinks to get my mind right for this shit. By the time I finished, it was time for me to go get ready.
I made it to the club an hour early, which bought me time to come down a little from my buzz. I didn’t want to go out there giving drunk table dances.
One girl who was there my first night came in early too.
“You’re the new girl from the other night, right?”
“Yeah, I’m Luscious.” I extended my hand to her.
“I’m Passion, nice to meet you.” She kissed my hand and smiled.
I didn’t know why she kissed my hand, but it didn’t offend me. I was starting to appreciate the appreciation of my beauty.
I’d never had so many women come on to me before and sometimes it was more flattering than from the men.
“How long have you been here?”
She curled up her lips, “Too long.”
“Do you like it here?”
“It’s okay. I’m thinking about going over to Panties. You should try out over there. I think you will do a whole lot better than here. You’re too classy for this place.” She winked and turned back to the mirror to finish putting on her make-up.
“Thank you for the compliment and the referral. That’s good looking out.”
“We have to stick together in this business,” she warned.
I wasn’t sure what she meant by that so I just nodded.
I was dressed and ready for my shift in about 45 minutes. I was happy about my outfit and couldn’t wait to show it off.
I picked out a pink mini dress with rhinestones lined across the top near my breasts and matching bottoms.
My shoes were clear with a six inch heel, which made my five-foot two body look five-foot eight.
“Damn, bitch, you look hot!” Cookie said as she entered the dressing room. “Is that new?”
Adopting the same slang term, “Yes it is and thank you, bitch.”
“Oh, I brought you the extra clothes I promised, put them in your locker.”
“Thank you, baby.” I ran and hugged her. “I need these, I only have two outfits.”
“I keep telling you to thank me later.”
Not knowing what I was promising, I agreed. “I will thank you later my friend.”
“You sure will.” Passion rolled her eyes.
Cookie walked toward Passion. “You say something?”
Passion kept walking and told me she would see me out on the floor.
I left the dressing room too; I had work to do and money to make.
I gave dance after dance and had about $400 and some change, after tip out. I decided to have a couple of drinks and prop my feet up.
I can definitely do this.
The money was getting better, and better. I was getting hooked more, and more yet didn’t know it.
I even met a few of the other dancers, who turned out to be some really cool people. That made work a lot easier to do and made time go by faster.
I finished my shift, and got dressed. I wanted to rush home to get some rest. I was still a little tired from the lack of sleep I had been getting every since I started working at the club.
“Bye baby,” Cookie waved.
“I’ll see you Thursday. Have a good night.”
She looked up and licked her lips. “I would if you joined me.”
“What? Join you where?”
I was curious and wanted to see where she was going with that comment.
“Join me at my house to have a drink and chill. I just need someone to talk to.”
“What’s wrong, sweetie? My curiosity turned into concern. You look sad.”
Bawling out of control, she cried, “I’m just tired of this shit! I’m tired of everything!” she was crying so hard, I felt obligated to make sure she got home.
“Yeah sure, I can come over for a while, but I have to leave in an hour so I can get some rest for school.”
“Ok, that’s all I need.” she promised.
I really didn’t want to go, but Cookie had been so nice to me. I felt bad for her and wanted to help. We drove for about twenty minutes to her condo on the SW side. It was very cozy and her sense of style was nice.
There were various types of sculptures and vases with faux feathers and flowers. She also had several pictures of African art and books of the African culture lined across the bookshelf.
I couldn’t help but be impressed. She had interests that no one would know about unless you knew her, other than the club.
She invited me to sit on the couch while she made us drinks and checked her messages. I could barely keep my eyes open, but managed to force myself to stay awake.
“You okay?” she asked, as she reset her answering machine.
“Yes, just a little tired. I have a test tomorrow and I can’t miss it.”
Cookie came over and sat next to me on the couch. She had changed her clothes and put on a baby blue nightshirt with the matching shorts.
“That looks comfortable; I need to buy me one like that.”
“I will buy one for you; they’re on sale at Wal-Mart for $10.”
I shook my head. “Oh no, you don’t have too. I just thought it was cute.”
“I want to.”
She bit her lip and looked up at me.
“Luscious, what do you think about me? Be honest, ok?”
“I think you’re cool as hell.”
She started bawling, again. “Then why can’t I find someone to love me?”
“You will, honey. Is that why you’re so upset?”
“I’m just tired of the same thing day in and day out! I go to work, then party and come back home to this empty ass house!”
I tried to comfort her the best way I knew how. I put my hand on her leg and gently began to pat.
“Cookie, it’s going to be alright. You will find somebody that sees what I see and they are going to love you.”
She sat straight up and stopped crying. “Do you love me?”
I cleared my throat. “Huh?”
“How do you know someone else will love me, unless you love me too?”
“I-I—I love the person that I know so far.” I hoped I had answered that right.
I guess that in Cookie’s mind I did answer right, because at that moment she leaned over and kissed me. She kissed me so hard and passionately that I couldn’t push her away. I don’t know if I wanted to push her away.
After the kiss, she sat back and apologized.
“I am so sorry, Luscious. I don’t know what came over me. Please forgive me.” She pleaded.
I was frozen. I couldn’t say anything. I didn’t know what to say.
All I knew is that I needed another drink and fast!
I grabbed the bottle of Tequila on the table and poured myself a shot.
I sat there in silence for what seemed like forever and finally asked her what the kiss was about.
“I’m sorry, I just couldn’t stop myself. I was so attracted to you from the moment I saw you. Then when I talked to you, I felt something more. You are a beautiful person, inside out.”
“Oh, thank you. It’s okay; it just surprised me that you would do something like that. I have to go.”
I hurried out as if my ass was on fire! I wasn’t sure I liked what just happened.
What the hell?
I was tripping now. I sped home and thought about calling my best friend, Ki-ki.
Her real name is Keisha and we’ve been friends since we were in high school. We shared everything with each other. She knew all my deep dark secrets and I knew all of hers.
How can I tell my friend a woman kissed me? Forget it. I told myself.
I got into bed and thought about my day. Why couldn’t I get Cookie out of my mind?
I tossed and turned, but could
n’t sleep. I couldn’t stop thinking about that damn kiss!
Did I enjoy be kissed by a woman or did I enjoy being kissed by Cookie?
I got out of bed and went to the kitchen to get something ice cold to drink.
Much better. Now maybe I can get some sleep.
At that moment, my phone rang. It was Cookie.
“Hello.”
“Did I wake you?” she asked in a lower than usual voice.
“No, I’m still up. I’m having a hard time falling asleep.”
“I can’t sleep either. I wanted to apologize again to you for what happened. You ran out of the house so fast, I didn’t get the chance to.”
“I know… Cookie?”
“Vanessa. My real name is Vanessa. Vanessa Bell.”
“I like that better. My name is Nina. Nina Waltz. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You too. I think we’ve earned the right to real names now.”
“I agree but I need to get to bed. I have to get up early for school. We can talk at work tomorrow, ok?”
“Okay, I won’t hold you up. I just wanted to
apologize for stepping out of bound.”
“We’re cool. I’ll see you later.”
I hung up the phone before she could even say bye. I wasn’t mad at her or anything. I was just confused about everything that lead up to the kiss.
Did I send off some kind of vibe? Was my friendliness portrayed as flirting? I am a flirt, but I’ve never flirted with women.
Have I?
I shook it off and finally dosed off to sleep.
Chapter 5
She’s a Man-Eater
The next few weeks were about the same ole, same ole. I went to school and worked my three days a week. The money was okay at Bottoms, but I was considering going to Panties as Passion suggested.
Passion was really cool. We became close working together at the club. We would do table dances together and hang out from time to time at work.
I would see Cookie at work, but didn’t hang out as much since the kiss. I avoided her because I didn’t want to give her the wrong idea about us.
We still had fun at work though, laughing, drinking, eating, and talking about people.
I didn’t know how she felt about Passion; I just knew that every time Passion came around, Cookie seemed to leave. She would say she had to do a dance or something.