“It doesn’t feel like I walked away.” I vacantly take another sip of juice. “Sometimes it feels like I was stripped away.”
“Whatever it feels like, I don’t know how I’m going to handle it if she leaves.”
“You can always go with her,” I suggest offhandedly.
Mac looks at me like I just discovered the cure for cancer. “I never thought of that.”
“That’s why you need me. I think for you.” I grin.
“Whatever.” He shoves me, and I groan. My brain vibrates, and my stomach rolls.
“If you want to avoid me throwing up in your lap, I suggest you don’t touch me again.”
“I hear that. So, are you going to tell me what the fuck happened last night?”
I chew on the inside of me cheek. “I stripped.”
“You fucking didn’t.”
I nod. “Then I got piss-drunk.”
Mac is staring at me dumbfounded.
“What ever possessed you?”
“They needed someone to fill in.”
“So you offered?” He’s flabbergasted.
“No. They sort of forced me. But then I did it. And I don’t know. It was fun. Liberating almost.”
“So, you’re a stripper now?” Mac’s green eyes are wide and questioning.
“Maybe?” I shrug.
“You know, when I got you this job, it was to make some money and get laid. Not start a career in professional clothing removal.”
“I didn’t exactly plan it. And I don’t even know if I’ll do it again.”
“Do you have a stage name?” Mac is making serious fun of me now.
“Jack the Stripper.” I drop my head. It’s ridiculous.
Mac barks a laugh. “Oh, for fuck’s sake. My roommate is the serial killer of the adult entertainment world. Slaying panties one striptease at a time.”
* * *
There isa line of women standing outside of Culture when I arrive.
Divan and Lorenzo are trying to corral the crowd as I walk up.
“What’s up with all this?”
It’s not unusual for Lorenzo to be guarding the front door. He’s the gatekeeper, but Divan is usually inside helping Daniel with whatever needs to be done. It’s a first for me to see him playing security guard.
“New circus act,” Lorenzo says, and his insinuation makes me suspicious. “Boss man wants to see you,” he tells me as he lights a cigarette, “Like yesterday.”
“You know those things will kill you,” I goad as I stroll past him.