“I’m good,” I say, raising my glass. “You ladies having a good night?”
“We are now, handsome,” the dark-haired woman replies staring into my green eyes.
I smirk and flag the bartender again. Time to blend in while I work.
“What are you ladies drinking?” I ask them.
They rattle off their drinks of choice.
“Do you ladies come here a lot? I ask.
“Yeah,” the blonde replies, swaying slightly to the music. “The DJs’ plays awesome music and the bartenders pour with a heavy hand.”
I nod, scanning the bodies grinding on the silver dance floor.
“I’m working on a new nightclub venture with the owner, Toby. Downtown spot. Sleek, high-end. I think it’s going to be perfect. Don’t you?” I flashed a thousand-watt smile all the ladies love.
They beam.
“I bet it’ll have all the bells and whistles,” says the raven-haired one.
“My names Mavis. What’s yours?”
“Sharlenne,” the blonde says, her gray eyes sharp but curious.
“And I’m Belle,” she says, batting long lashes over baby-blue eyes.
“You ladies will definitely make the list opening night.”
“Oh, my gosh.” They gasp in unison like I just handed them a golden ticket.
“Well, I have to chase down Toby.”
I meant that last statement.
“Let me get your phone numbers.” I pass my phone to Sharlenne.
“Oh, Toby’s not here tonight,” Belle says.
My blond brows rise. “He told me to meet him here.”
“He was supposed to be here. Our friend Sharon is the manager. That’s why we’re here all the time,” she chuckles.
“Sharon said there was an emergency at Cruella’s on the South Side. So Toby had to handle that at the last minute.”
I grin as I take my phone from Belle. “I get it. Owning a nightclub can be both rewarding and have some headaches.”
Belle glances around, then back to me. “Yeah, if you mean finding a girl coked out in the men's bathroom.”
“Don’t tell anyone I told you that,” she says.
“Belle, you don’t have to worry about anything. I like that you can get information. This may turn into an occupation for you both.”
They grin from ear to ear.
I retrieve a card out of my wallet. “Here’s my number. Text me Friday at noon. I’ll give you ladies your first job. And don’t worry. It will be fun. You’re being paid to party.”
They both shrill with excitement.
