Page 50 of Beautiful Scars

“Afternoon Benny,” I say, mustering up a chipper tone, though my body is still craving sleep.

“Angel, darling, you're something else. You know that?” His voice is bright and enthusiastic, which is rare enough that it actually wakes me up a little. “You crushed it last night. I don't know what you did, but they loved you.A lot. They left you a real nice thank-you gift. Wanna guess?"

I yawn and stretch, not really in the mood to play games. I want to get back to sleep. "C'mon Benny, it's too early for games."

"Fine, fine, fine. You'd never guess anyway."

There's a brief pause, and I huff, irritated. "Ben-ny," I say, covering a yawn.

"Ten grand.” When I don't say anything, Benny repeats himself. "Did you hear me, Angel. I said they left you ten grand. I mean they tipped everyone over the top, a lot more than average, but you..."

“What?” I blink, and sit up in bed, speechless. I mean, I know I'm good at my job, but seriously?

“You heard me right, doll. Ten. Thousand. Dollars. Cash." He’s doing his best to sound casual, but there’s no hiding the excitement in his voice. "And to top it off, I've got that guy Zane on the phone. They want to come back again tonight. Said the big boss wants to check out the club. He's practically begging me to make sure you’ll be there. Doubled the fee for the room if I can make it happen."

His voice turns sheepish, cautious. "Now look, I know I said this morning when you were leaving that you could take the next couple days off, but I told them I’d see what I could do.” He pauses only long enough to catch his breath. “So, you in? Same deal as last night.”

A flicker of uncertainty crossing my mind. A VIP repeat with the same men as last night. Plus one. To be honest it wasn'thorrible. But ten grand? I can't help but wonder what they're expecting in return—whatZaneis expecting in return. That's some serious cash, especially if they tipped out everyone even half as well.

I'd be an idiot to turn it down. “Yeah,” I say slowly, rubbing the back of my neck. “Alright, I’ll do it. I’ll be there.” And then as an afterthought, "But I want Jake and Eddie at the door again."

“You got it!” Benny’s voice booms with satisfaction. “Trust me, sweetheart, just go in there tonight and do whatever it was you did last night. I'll go over all the rules again with them and make sure they understand that the only thing you or any of the girls owe them is a full glass and a couple laughs. That's it.”

I roll my eyes even though he can’t see it. “Yeah, sure, Benny. I'll be there by seven. See you later.”

Hanging up, I find myself with a strange twinge of anticipation under the thin layer of nerves. Last night with those guys was… different. Zane, Z, kept it interesting. Maybe tonight will go just as smooth.

I wake up late and decide to get ready at home. This is the busiest time in the dressing room and I don't feel like fighting for a spot. After my shower I decide it might be fun to amp it up a little. I unzip a garment bag hanging in the closet and take out my newest dress—a virgin white satin number that's really nothing more than a couple scraps of material held together by a few delicate gold chains at the neck and sides. It was way more expensive than it should've been and it barely covers anything, but I love the way it shows off my tattoo.

Once I'm dressed, I throw on a baggy hoodie that comes almost down to my knees, grab my backpack and heels and head out, feeling a small buzz of excitement start. It's probably just the thought of that ridiculous tip, but still—it's been a minute since I've had anything to look forward to. By the time I walk in through the back entrance, the club is already ramping up for the night.

“Angel, honey!” Jade’s voice rings out as soon as she sees me step into the dressing room. She makes her way over, a wide grin lighting up her face. “I'm so glad you decided to come in tonight! Last night was amazing! I heard about your nice little parting gift. I knew you were killing it.”

I laugh, rolling my eyes. “Yeah, well, you had a lot to do with it. It wouldn't have gone half as well without you.”

Jade smirks. “Maybe. I mean, I didn't do much really. I was kind of distracted. My tip was nothing to complain about, but girl, yours was on a whole other level." She nudges me, her green eyes sparkling. "It's you and me tonight again."

I can’t help but laugh, the last bit of nerves melting away. “Thank God. We make a good team. I actually didn't mind last night though, it was kinda fun.”

“Yeah? It looked like you were enjoying the company. Z, right? He seemed pretty into you, and it looked, from where I was sitting, that the feeling might've been a little mutual,” Jade says with a wink. "Don't think I didn't see you take that shot."

I offer up a guilty shrug. She follows me over to my locker and takes a seat on the bench. I open the door and toss the bag in before pulling the hoodie over my head. I toss my head shaking out my hair and adjust my dress. "I know you—"

"Holy hell." Jade looks up at me, her eyes wide with appreciation. "That is some dress."

"You like?" I do a small twirl, laughing at the low whistle she gives me. "Here let me get that for you," I say bending down and pretending to wipe a little drool from the side of her mouth.

Jade watches as I finish slipping into my heels. “Girl, between the two of us, they won't know what hit 'em."

When we step out of the dressing room into the hallway, we stop in front of the mirror just outside the door. She nods approvingly at our reflection. Her dark spiky hair, black leather corset, fishnets and thigh high boots are a perfect contrast to my long blonde, ribbon-tied hair, white satin dress, and stilettos. We definitely make an impression.

Together, we take our time making our way across the club, enjoying the comments and looks of appreciation. Talk about a confidence booster. I don't know about Jade, but on nights like tonight when it all comes together and seems to work, I feel... powerful.

When we reach the VIP entrance, Jade takes a moment and adjusts the top of her boots. I adjust the ribbon in my hair, and smooth down the front of my dress. Jade glances at me, and we share a little nod, both of us pulling our shoulders back and lifting our chins slightly.

Jake and Eddie are standing outside the doors again, and I say a silent 'thank you' to Benny. They do a double take as we approach and Eddie pulls the door open for us. We walk through arm and arm, striding in with swagger and confidence. The lounge is already high energy. Each one of the guys from last night is lounging in one of the plush leather chairs or stretched out along one of the sleek couches. They already have a drink in hand and there seem to be a couple more dancers in here than there was last night. It’s the perfect start to the night,

Jade flashes her best million-watt smile. "Gentlemen,” she drawls, her voice full of silk and honey, “hope you saved some energy for us.”

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