Page 5 of Grulen

A large stage dominated the far end of the main room.On either side, dance platforms surrounded center poles and hovered about eight feet in the air.Rather than cages, thick, clear acrylic tastefully decorated with fake gemstones encased the mini-stages and glittered under the bright lights.Two long bars ran the lengths of the space and the black marble countertops gleamed.Solid oak tables with plush chairs in red, black, and gold filled the parquet wood floor while the upper level contained VIP areas.Sophia even had a chef on staff and offered gourmet meals four nights a week.

“I’ll be too busy setting up my classroom and writing lesson plans.”

A chorus of boos answered her comment.

“Keep yourself open to the possibility,” said Beth.

Morgan nodded.Opening the remainder of cards and gifts, eating, and accepting well wishes filled the next two hours.Laughter rang loud when Penny’s acerbic commentary about customers caused Candi to snort her soda.

As the event wound down, Jake Broussard and Tony Dixon, a bartender and bouncer respectively, offered to load the gifts into Morgan’s fifteen-year-old car while she returned goodbye hugs.

Jake frowned, his blue eyes concerned.

“Your car is stuffed to the brim.Are you leaving right away?”

Morgan confirmed, “Straight from here.I’ve got about twenty-five hours of driving ahead of me.”

“Be careful.Pull over if you’re tired.”

“Yes, Dad.”She stepped into his embrace.He bent his lanky six-foot frame to look into her eyes.

“I care about your safety.”He kissed her cheek.“I ought to paddle your sassy ass.”

“You and what army?”Morgan’s grin at their usual banter faded.“Thank you for looking out for me all these years.You’ve been the big brother I always wished I had.”Tears welled in her eyes when his expression softened, and he gently tugged her ponytail.

“I’m proud if you.Those students of yours are luckier than they realize having you for their teacher.”

“Thanks.”She ducked her chin.

“Are you going to miss this place, even a little?”

Morgan turned at Sophia’s husky comment.A decade older than Morgan’s twenty-six, Sophia exuded high class with her lush form dressed in a teal silk dress, designer heels, and manicured nails.She impatiently pushed at a lock of her wavy black hair falling across her eyes.

“I’ll miss you and the staff, but I’m not going to miss the work.”Morgan tilted her head and smiled.“Exotic dancing was never going to be my career.I’m grateful you hired me.”

“You love performing with the silks.”Sophia gestured with an elegant hand.

Morgan’s auburn ponytail swung when she shook her head.

“I enjoy the exercise and choreographing routines.I tolerated performing.”Wagging a finger at her friend, she said, “Your bottom line isn’t going to suffer.I’ve been working with some of the girls to teach them some easy moves that look complex.”

“Even though your acts have always pulled the clients in, I’m not worried about the money.”In a rare moment of visible discomfort, Sophia bit her full lower lip and her long dark lashes shimmered with moisture.“I’m going to miss you.And you’re going to be alone when you start your new job.Why couldn’t you apply for positions closer?”

Morgan sighed.

“Now that I finally have my degree, I want to teach.School administrators in Spokane aren’t as likely to realize that the Manor House on my resume is a strip club.”

“You’ll keep in touch?”

“Of course.You’re my best friend no matter where I am.”Morgan’s eyes welled as she returned Sophia’s fervent hug.

Twelve hours later, Morgan’s eyes watered again, and her jaw popped when she yawned wide.She exited Interstate 25 somewhere in Wyoming looking for a cheap motel.

Streetlights would be nice.I can’t see shit.

Her engine suddenly quit and she pulled over.

What now?I’m too tired to deal with car troubles.

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