Page 19 of Undeniable

"Who is Surreal?"

She glances up. "She’s our star performer."

"Who is Seary?"

"She’s our headliner."

She opens a drawer and takes a card out, and activates it.

"How much are your VIP rooms?"

"That’s between you and your choice from our talented dancers." She smiles and hands me both cards. "Present our card whenever you are here in the club. It will be all you need."

I stand and return them in my pants pocket. "Thanks." Bending back down to pick up my unfinished drink, I ask. "What’s the difference between being a star and being a headliner? Besides the money."

She laughs as she shows me out the way we came. "One is an entertainer, one is a dancer." I eye the door at the end of the hall, but it is quiet and I realize the rooms are completely sound proof. This must be where Seary gives her Fucking Fantasies.

When she shows me through the hidden side door, I ask. "May I access this door with my card? I’m a very private man."

She shakes her head. "I’m afraid not. All customers must use the nightclub to enter. I’m sure you understand." She pulls the door closed, making sure it is locked, then smiles at me and says. "It was a pleasure meeting you. I’ll send you notification when your party arrives." I nod and offer my hand to shake. She takes it and I give her my undivided and unwavering attention, letting my eyes absorb hers. Sometimes a woman needs only the slightest touch to be reminded that they are desirable. I run my thumb lightly over her skin. She inhales a deep breath. "Our staff will take good care of you. If you need my assistance, you need only ask."

"I appreciate your time tonight, Beverly. Thank you."

She tilts her head and nods. "It was my pleasure. Rebecca is working table #56. She’ll be expecting you." I give her the same tilting head nod, then walk away. She calls after me. "Good luck. I’ll see again at midnight." I raise my hand, acknowledging I heard her.

When I arrive at Rebecca’s table, there is still a crowd surrounding it and the same 5 people gambling. Two of them are laughing and three of them are not, but all of them have a nice stack of chips. Rebecca looks up and says to me. "Mr. Moore. It’s good to see you."

I grin. "Likewise, Rebecca."

She smiles and deals another round to the table. She asks as she waits for them to give her direction. "Will you be playing with me tonight?"

I chuckle.Was that an innuendo?"Perhaps I will get lucky."

She drops her eyes and grins as she makes her way down the five players with another card. The three who weren’t grinning upon my arrival take a hit and bust their hands before she ever shows her card. The first two stayed, and she flips her card to reveal blackjack. Everyone groans and she leans forward to collect their chips, giving everyone an ample view of her cleavage.

When she stands back up, I ask her. "How long are you working tonight?"

"Until dawn." She tells me while she deals another round.

The first two players take a hit and stay at 17. The next two are at 19. Everyone is smiling. The last one takes a hit and wins with 21. Rebecca turns her card over to reveal she has a Queen and a ten. They groan again. The player on the end looks at me and says. "You can have my spot, bro. Her luck is changing."

I sit down and hand her my new Been Jammin' card. She swipes it, then slides it back with a large stack of chips. I can feel the eyes of the others gamblers on us. I peel two off the top and push them back to her. She accepts the tip graciously, then turns her attention back to the entire table and says. "Place your bets."

I put four chips in the betting circle and watch her manicured hands deal the cards. I can tell by the way she handles the deck that she has been a dealer for years. I sit in silence, playing each round and paying attention to the cards as they pass through the deck. I’m not an accomplished card counter, but I’m not unskilled when it comes to blackjack either. As it turns out, I do win more chips than I lose. After an hour, the original gamblers have all left and before others take their place, I question her.

"How long have you worked here?" I push my chips to place my bet.

"Three years."

"Have you always been a dealer?"

"No. I started off as a dancer." She deals the hand.

"Why aren't you dancing now?"

She smiles. "Better hours and less work."

"Ah!" I fall silent and tap the table to take a hit. She flips a queen up and I bust. I lean back and stretch my arms as she takes my chips, enjoying the view. A cocktail waitress stops next to me and asks if I would like a drink. I order my usual, then ask Rebecca as I bet again.

---