by Layla Arts
Suddenly, my phone started to ring loudly. However, I had slightly forgotten where my phone could possibly be. So I became increasingly anxious as I searched for it. Clearly, I managed to lose my valuable stuff when I needed it the most. When I found it under a bunch of pillows which were resting on my couch, I pressed the phone against my ear. “Vicky,” I answered, bluntly. I took the opportunity to let myself fall on the couch again, as I listened to the person on the other end of the line.
“Vicky West.” I heard a raspy voice breathe into the phone.
I sat up, it was creepy hearing someone – a stranger – pronounce my name in such a sensual manner. I wasn’t familiar with the sound whatsoever, and wondered who this could be. Even so, I secretly worshipped how my name rolled off the person's tongue in a smooth and relaxed way. I bit my bottom lip, not knowing how I should respond to the person, after he spoke my name so sexually. It was an unrecognizable voice for me, but it definitely sent a shiver down my spine.
“Can I help you?” I asked when I finally had the balls to say something.
“Be at the Empire main entrance tomorrow at three.”
Was all he said before I heard a click, and the line went dead.
***
“How was the audition, Vicks?”
“Awful.” I hissed annoyingly.
I never thought just one single audition could make me hate people so much. I still loved the Empire, I did. I just hated the fact that they weren’t getting to know us on a personal level. I always thought it would be filled with wonderful people there who had a passion for their work, like I did, and who wanted to know why we wanted to be here. However, everything became clear when I did the audition.
It may sound harsh; I expected more, but I got less. I knew life could often let you down – every one of us has witnessed disappointments. Yet, I couldn’t fathom the thought of the Empire being different than I expected it to be.
“You failed?” Clarity asked me in shock.
“That's the point – I don't know,” I told her irritably. “I performed everything perfectly, but I just heard nothing from the judges. They didn't say ‘well this could be better’ or ‘you did a great job’. They just dismissed me like I was a failure. And then when I came back home, I got a call a couple of hours later. I don't know who called, but this person wants me to be there at three pm.”
“Today?” she questioned me.
“Yes,” I told her. “I just don't know what I should expect.”
“You remember that time I saw you dancing and singing in the café?” Clarity asked me with a giggle at the end. I nodded and felt my cheeks turning red. It was an awkward moment when I realized Clarity was watching me from the kitchen. I didn't know she had to work at that time. “You were unbelievable, and I really loved the performance. They cannot let you go. You belong there.”
I tugged pieces of my black hair behind my ear. I'd always been the type of person who couldn't properly reply to someone when I got a compliment. So I muttered a thank you before I went back to work. I walked to the cashier where Veronica was waiting for me to get the tray with drinks for table four.
I brought the order to the table and informed them that if they wanted to have the menu, they could call one of the waiters for it. I looked over at the clock hanging above the milkshake machine and realized I was almost done with work. At this point, I didn't really know if I preferred ever working at the Empire or at V's café.
“Tomorrow, you start at nine am,” Veronica informed me.
Sighing, I tossed my apron in the laundry basket. The only thing I needed to do now was grab lunch and head to the Empire. I waved Veronica goodbye, making it clear I would make it onto work easily at nine. This was the only job that made sure I could pay my rent, so I couldn't afford to lose it.
***
When I got home, I pushed the door open and ran straight to my bedroom. I shoved the closet open to pick out a decent outfit for the occasion. I wouldn't be able to dress classy since there was only a short amount of time until I was supposed to be there. So I stripped down my work clothes and changed into a pair of Levi’s jeans and a black t-shirt. My shoes were already laying in my bedroom, so I put them on before I headed outside.
I could’ve chosen to wear a dress, but I wanted to feel comfortable if this was going to be a significant conversation. And by wearing a dress, I didn’t feel like myself.
I got into my Mini-Cooper and drove away from my house, almost crashing into a small worker’s truck amidst my hurry. He shook his fist at me as I speed passed and all I could offer him was a polite wave before turning the next corner.
As I felt my stomach rumbling, I decided that I needed to eat something. Maybe the bar at the Empire was already opened, and they definitely served food. But when I arrived there, it was completely empty. The only thing that made it seem alive was the name board - shining neon and vibrant in the mid-afternoon sun. There was seriously no one there, expect from an old hobo sitting on the sidewalk at the opposite of the Empire.
How lovely, my subconscious spoke.
I parked my car, locking it for good measure. Cars drove by briskly while I stood there, staring at the club in admiration. Yesterday, I couldn't really appreciate how it looked like from the in and outside. Everything went by so quickly that there was not even a simple chance to take it all in. So I gazed up at it for a couple of seconds before heading inside.
Inwardly, I wondered which dancers had been called too, like me. I prayed it was someone I could get along with; Red would be a perfect colleague.
Knocking a few times, I blinked as the small window next to the front door went open. A salesman, for sure, was looking at me curiously through the opening. “Can I help you with something, Miss?” he asked me, rather eagerly. I guess he didn't want anyone to bother him right now. Looking down, I noticed that he was having lunch - seeing the two hamburgers perched on his desk.
“I have an appointment at three,” I told him.
“ID?” he asked impatiently.
I searched for my identity card and handed it to him. “Here you go, sir.”
“Vicky West?” he asked.
“Yes,” I spoke matter-of-factly. I wouldn’t show a fake ID in front of a closed club.
“All right, come in,” he instructed me.
He gave me my ID back before he swung the door open, and so I was instructed to walk inside. The loud sound of the entrance shutting behind me made my heart beat faster. It was dark inside. The bar was on the opposite of the stage and was casting light out onto the floor. Small red decoration lights were placed around the whole area, illuminating the stage. My eyes followed the line of red lights, and they landed eventually on a body standing on the balcony. I held my breath immediately
“Vicky West,” The man spoke powerfully. He was wearing a decent grey suit that hugged his body nicely. I stayed silent after he called my name. He was still standing on the balcony, not moving a bit. I, on the other hand, was glued on the floor. “You're very talented,” he added. I felt my breath catch in my throat.
“Thank you,” I said politely. “How do you know that, sir?” I questioned him.
He opened the jacket of his suit with his left hand. “I watched you,” he informed me suddenly with an attitude. Slowly but surely, I began to realize that I recognized his voice; he was the one who called me last night. I held my hands behind my back, rubbing them together due to them getting sweaty. The atmosphere was making me nervous. Everything, basically, made me nervous - his presence was most definitely one of them.
“Watched me?” I asked him apprehensively, quite taken aback by his words.
“Yesterday, number 70. You had a tremendous performance, may I add.” He motioned to me. “Quite intimidating, if you ask me.” A soft chuckle fell from his lips as he walked to the stairs that let you down close to the spot I was still standing. I heard his shoes touching the metal spiral staircase, and my heartbeat smacked heavier into my chest.
�
�Thank you, again. I guess,” I mumbled uneasily.
“Don't thank me, thank your parents.” He made it clear. I frowned at his sudden statement. Why in the name of God should I thank my parents for my audition? ”They made one hell of a good artist.” He reached the ground I was standing on, and slowly walked over to me. He was studying my face.
“I'll tell them you said that.” I lied convincingly. I was never going to mention this conversation to my parents. I preferred to skip the awkward conversations. “Why do I need to be here?” I asked him curiously. I wanted to know why I was actually dragged here at three o'clock in the afternoon. “And where are the other dancers?” I prodded, as I looked around.
He started to laugh. But it didn’t sound nice. His laugh reminded me of someone who’s making fun of others. I looked down, feeling slightly intimidated now. His tall body was standing straight, very close to mine. I picked my nails anxiously. My sweaty hands were still a fact.
“You're alone,” he spoke and narrowed his gaze.
Just in one second, his voice was serious. No hint of pleasure, humor, or politeness was there. I closed my eyes when I felt his index finger touching the bottom of my spine, delicately going up. I didn't move, I just let this him touch me. His finger stopped at my neck, and he wrapped his hand around it. My head was pushed closer towards his, and he leaned down slightly.
“Work for me,” he breathed out against my ear.
I clenched my jaw when his warm breath came in contact with my ear. His big hand was still wrapped around my neck, and I didn't know what I needed to do – how to get out of this predicament.
I was breathing heavily – my heartbeat was thundering inside my chest. He was obviously Hadrian Smith. I could already smell his attitude over here. He offered me the job I always wanted to have. I could be a part of the Empire for the first time in my life. I couldn't let this opportunity pass me by.
“Sure,” I said nonchalantly.
It wasn't like I was shaking horribly and on the verge of losing myself.
He loosened the grip on my neck, and carefully placed his hand in his pocket. I saw him closing his jacket from the corner of my eye, and tried to look away like I wasn’t looking for any more attention from him. His cologne was strong, maybe too strong. It was coming into my nostrils over and over again. Still, it smelled so good.
“You’ll have your first practice tomorrow. I expect you to be here at eight am. Same place. You'll see who you're going to be working with. I want you to wear the clothes that reveal the most skin, since we need to see how you look when you're dancing. You'll be dismissed again by four,” Hadrian Smith informed me. I met his gaze, and he looked beyond austere.
“I-I'm already working at that time,” I told him. I was feeling rather leery about his upcoming response.
“Where?” He didn’t look amused.
I swallowed the lump in my throat. He was, in fact, very intimidating to be around. His eyes were scanning out every part of my body, and there was a lot of inclination in his eyes; like he wanted something from me he couldn't actually have. His lips were in a sharp line, and he had a strong, unreadable facial expression.
“V's Café,” I said finally.
“Never heard of it, so it isn't that important.” He scoffed.
“Excuse me,” I said, feeling hurt.
This café was mostly the only thing that has welcomed me with their arms wide open, instead of this man here. My colleagues were lovely, not to mention really supportive and helpful. His employees could certainly learn from them, I thought.
“I beg your pardon?” He immediately spoke resentfully. “You are not going to speak against me, Vicky.” He was looking at me horrendously. I tried to look away, but he jerked my face back, holding my chin harshly. “If I say you're going to be here at eight fucking am, you're going to be here, whether you like it or not. You wanted this job, I chose you, so you’ll be here.”
“But-”
“End of the fucking discussion,” he said through gritted teeth.
He stepped away, turned on his heel, and walked towards a door. He disappeared out of my sight before he yelled the words “Eight am! Be on time.”
He was dead serious about me showing up in the Empire. And from what I'd witnessed, he was definitely an asshole.
***
As I walked back to my car, I wanted to go back and slap him on the face. He needed to understand what being polite was like. I thought that I wouldn't even reply back, but I did. And it felt way too good.
He wasn't going to put me down out of nowhere. He had no right to stand above me. He might've been my boss from now on, but I wasn't his little doll. I was slightly mad at myself for not standing my ground at the end. I pulled the door of the car shut loudly. I groaned out of frustration. Someone should kick common sense into his brain.
I really didn't want to call Veronica and tell her I couldn't make it tomorrow, but I had to. I wanted to dance, sing, and just perform for people in general. I would work with talented girls, who could help me learn more about dancing. I just only had to spend maybe a tad more time with Hadrian – asshole – Smith, and if that meant money and pleasure, I would take this opportunity. I just hated to let Veronica down, since she hadn’t done anything wrong to me.
“So you really can’t make it tomorrow?” Veronica asked me. She was this sweet elderly woman, who still worked with happiness in her café. And now I was bringing her mood down because an absolute arse couldn't accept the fact that I had another job as well. How could one person be loathed so easily?
“No, I'm sorry.” I apologized. “I can work from five till ten instead, if that's possible?”
“We’ve got a spot left then! I will see you tomorrow at five. Good luck with whatever you're doing, dear,” Veronica said. I thanked her politely and went back to the things I needed to do right now. That wasn't cleaning up the mess, but searching for a proper outfit in which I could dance tomorrow.
I stood in front of my closet, but most of my clothes were already laying everywhere in my apartment.
“I want you to wear the clothes that reveal the most skin.”
It was as if that one stupid sentence was following me everywhere I went. I better show this Hadrian that I am hundred percent going to stay there. I opened my MacBook and went to YouTube. I could calm myself down with music at this moment. I played one of my favorite songs.
I would show him how much skin I could reveal for a simple dance practice. If he was going to treat me like dirt, I was going to tease him in every way I was able to make him feel things he wanted to have.
I was ready to play with Hadrian Smith as much as he thought he could play with me.
02
Vicky West
When I heard the sound of my alarm going off, I actually felt excited which was the weirdest feeling I could have regarding this day. Slipping on my flip-flops, I walked over to the bathroom happily - practically skipping; I was so blissful. Excitement was streaming through my veins when the thought of standing on stage in an hour was coming into my mind. I was going to show them how Vicky West would blow them away - I was ready to kick butt.
I stepped into the warm shower, letting the water fall down over my bare skin. I scrubbed my body, washed my hair, and dried it afterward. With a towel wrapped around my body, I walked over to the mirror in my bedroom. My makeup was spread out on the ground, so I could just sit down in front of it and stare at my own reflection. I wanted to come across as someone who was perfectly made for this job.
I added a sharp line of black eyeliner on my eyelids. My lips had a red stain, and a pair of false eyelashes were glued onto my lash line. I stood up, grabbed my bag with supplies for today, and prepared to leave. I brought a bottle of water with me because it would be an exhausting day at work.
I quickly ate a banana while picking up my clothes for today. I smirked at it when I scanned my outfit with my eyes. It was perfect. Throwing the towel in the hamper, I slipped into my new fresh clothe
s. I made sure I was wearing my black yoga pants as a cover-up, with my simple white t-shirt. He would think I'd arrived in an outfit that wouldn’t reveal anything – he would be surprised.
I was wearing my Converse and made sure my black heels were in the bag. They'd come in handy for later. Grabbing my keys, wallet, phone, and lip balm, I finally got out of my apartment. As I walked happily toward my car, I hummed and opened the trunk to put my bag away, and then got in the drivers' seat.
Music was blasting through the stereo, and I wasn't planning to keep my singing abilities for myself early in the morning.
I stared at the man that was driving this Audi next to me. I could care less at this moment that he saw me singing dramatically. I needed a warming-up, and this was a great way to prepare myself for a song. I leaned further against the steering wheel while I was singing. He looked at me, very pleased. This is what’s so beautiful about the whole teasing part. You give them the idea that you want them, when in fact, you don't want anything to do with them.
Since I had enough fun for now, I promptly stepped out of the car when it was parked in the lot. A few cars were parked out there as well, which made me excited. Who would I be working with? Would they be mean or kind? Would they like me or despise me? I was thinking this as I got my bag and stepped to the front entrance of the Empire. Once again, I gave my name up to the man who was behind the window like the day before, and I thanked him nicely.
Two steps later, I finally entered the club.
The sound of girls dancing on high heels was noticeable throughout the Empire. I placed my bag on an empty table and saw someone familiar stretching her body on the stage. I gasped and hurriedly ran toward her. I patted on her shoulder a few times before she turned around and gasped loudly.
“You made it too!” She yelled out of excitement.
We hugged each other tightly, and I was happy to see someone I had met before. Red was wearing black tights, and surprisingly, a leather corset. It wasn’t anything like the outfit she wore during the audition. But it suited her after all. It was absolutely perfect for the Empire.