Page 9 of Dance Dirty With Me

As we walk towards the dining hall, I let Lisa and Mum walk on ahead, and I fall into step with my dad.

“May I have some money please Dad?” It’s not a totally unusual request. If I’ve needed any money before I’ve asked. I don’t have a lot of money myself, and I didn’t get a summer job as my mum wanted me at home as much as possible. I’m hoping I can find something in Cambridge to work around my studies.

“How much do you need?”

“A hundred.” I try to say it casually but I know how much it is. Dad stops and turns to me, his face both puzzled and concerned.

“That’s a lot of money, Baby.”

I just nod in agreement.

“What do you need it for?”

“I can’t tell you,” I reply, worrying at my bottom lip. I’ve never kept any secrets from him... well, apart from the biggest one of all, that is. He draws his head back slightly as if he’s trying to work it out.

“Are you in some kind of trouble?”

“No Dad.” He relaxes slightly at my answer.

“Is it for something illegal?”

“No Dad.” I shake my head for emphasis and hold my breath. He regards me for what seems like an eternity, no doubt going through all the scenarios he can think of. He must decide he can trust me because he finally blows out a resigned sigh and agrees.

“I’ll get it for you later,” he says, and puts his arm around my shoulders as we catch up with Mum and Lisa.

“Are you sure you feel up to this?” I ask Penny as we wait in the wings of the stage in the ballroom.

“I’m fine, Johnny. I just let it get to me yesterday.”

I’m relieved she’s feeling better, but we still don’t have a solution despite my promises last night, and it’s a worry that’s starting to get to me. I try to put it out of my mind for the next few minutes as Penny and I do our show. It goes well, and we spend the next hour teaching some of the guests how to dance.

“I could do with some more dance lessons,” a rich voice utters into my ear, and I turn to see its owner giving me a sultry smile.

“Hello, Mrs Pressman.”

She steps into my space to claim the dance with me.

“How many times have I told you it’s Vivianne?” She gives a little pout as we step round the dance floor.

Every season for as long as I’ve been working here, but I’ve never allowed myself to call her something so familiar.

“So, about those dance lessons,” she asks coquettishly. She’s already had three blocks of lessons this summer.

“You’re already a very proficient dancer, Mrs Pressman.”

“I know.” She smiles again and leans in close. “But practice makes perfect, wouldn’t you say?”

I spin her away from me and back again.

“You know I’ll make it worth your while.” She places a hand on my chest and looks up at me. “Forprivatelessons.”

I know exactly what she means and I’ve given in before, in previous seasons. I know I’m not the only one who’s a favourite of hers either. Sometimes a little favour or a little extra cash can help when times are hard. We don’t get much basic pay, so if we earn some on top it’s a bonus. But I’m not in the mood for her advances right now.

“You can sign up for any of the dance classes,” I say, and her expression freezes. She’s not used to being refused. The dance ends and I bow politely, and leave her on the dance floor. I seek out Penny and a few of the other staff and we leave. We head back to our own staff room where we’re free to dance and express ourselves properly.

As I twirl Penny round I see the kid standing by the door. Can’t he understand what staff and private mean? And the more he comes here, the more likely he is to be followed by that odious granddaughter of Max’s.

He’s looking round, a little nervously, chewing on his bottom lip again, which is sort of cute. The low light inthe staff room creates shadows which accentuate his pretty cheekbones. Along with his soft brown hair and kind eyes all wrapped up in a preppy short-sleeved shirt, it makes him stand out from the rest of us. He should go back to the rest of the guests, those who can afford to pay to be here, not having to work like the rest of us. I whirl Penny away. If we ignore him, maybe he’ll go away.

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