When I stood up, I kept my clutch in front of my face.The room lit up like the 4th of July.
I followed Brutus to the back where he put me in a dressing room and told me."I will be right outside the door if you need anything."
When I left, Bart and Cat escorted me out.We climbed into a limousine with the paparazzi cameras flashing and were whisked away.
That night my dreams came true.I was hired to be an entertainer.I would dance exclusively atBeen Jammin’becoming the headlining stripper Seary, as well as Surreal, the anonymous celebrity impersonator.
I smile.I truly live a life others only dream of.
I close my eyes to rest.
* * *
Hardcore
* * *
I arriveat the house and the delicious smell of Maria's cooking.She's in the dining room, setting the table for two when I come in."Yay!You're here on time!"She sounds more enthusiastic than usual to see me."Go wash up, and let's eat.I have a date!"
I stop dead in my tracks."A date?"
"Yes!"She claps her hands together, then starts to happy dance back to the kitchen.
"With who?"I frown and follow her in.
"With a man I met at the grocery store."She giggles."A tall, dark, handsome man too."She fawns over his imaginary face."Oh hell yeah."
"What's his name?"I demand.
She stops, suddenly realizing I'm not happy for her."None of your business."She puts her hands on her hips and sasses me."Don't go getting all territorial on me now.I won't have it."
"Maria.I.I.I'm happy for you.It's just as long as I've known you, you've...."Her face makes me stop."I should stop talking now."
"Yes.You should."
"At least tell me where you are going?"
Her eyes narrow suspiciously."We're going to his place."
I open my mouth to protest, and she sticks her hand out then cuts her throat with it.I close my mouth but narrow my eyes at her too.We stare each other down—a war of wills.I speak first."I could tie you up and keep you here."
She bursts out laughing."He owns the grocery store.I've known him since the first day I moved out here and went shopping to feed you.His name is Trent Monty.He's thirty-three and a really nice man.Recently divorced with three kids.All of whom will be with us tonight.We're going to take them to the UNLV Runnin' Rebels basketball game.I'll be home before you, but if I'm not, don't wait up."She flips me off as she dances back to the stove.
The rest of our visit is spent eating and talking about our prospective dates.Up until tonight, I had not shared with her who I was going to see every evening these past few months while I was here.When I told her, she whistled and said, "'at a boy!As long as I've known you too, you've never once mentioned anyone either.I knew whoever it was, was someone exceptional.The renovations to the East Wing are very nice.So how did you two meet?Tell me about her."
I laugh, embarrassed."You probably know more than I do about her.I haven't actually met her.Tonight's going to be the first time."
She drops her fork."You've been stalking her?"
"Stalking is a harsh, scary word, Maria."I frown at her and smirk."I saw her dance back in November, and she completely captivated me.I fell hard for her then and made this appointment.I've been watching from the audience and waiting patiently for her for three months.Three long agonizing months."
She laughs with me."I fell for Trent the first time I saw him too.I've been stalking him for fucking years.Talk about frustrating patience."She rolls her eyes.
I pick up my wine glass and hold it up."To our new flames."
"May they scorch themselves forever on our hearts."
When we are finished eating, we clean the table off together, and I push Maria out of the kitchen, then stand blocking the door."I'll do the dishes tonight.You get going."
