Page 53 of Promise Kept

“This is where our talent is when they’re not on stage,” Ellis says. “We have several rooms. Private rooms. We don’t have cheap lockers and bad lighting like other places. We call our girls talent because they are talented at what they do. They sell a story to customers. That’s how we view it.”

“I’m sorry about what just happened there,” I blurt out.

“We don’t have time for that. Look, Larissa, I don’t know what you want me to say here. You have to look past all of this right now. Look past the fact these women strip. That’s their job. That’s the story they’re selling. Now do you understand why I didn’t want you here?”

“Fuck off, Ellis,” I snap. “I’m not some fucking prude.”

Just to be defiant, I open the first door I find.

I step into the room to find three topless women.

They all stare at me.

I point to myself. “Larissa.”

“New girl?”

“Your new boss,” I say. “I’m Heston’s daughter.”

“Oh, sweetie, we’re so sorry about your father,” another one says.

I lock the door behind me and Ellis is trying to get in.

“Names, please,” I say.

“Starla, Nevaeh, and Grace… I’m Grace.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” I say. “Just getting started?”

“Yes,” Starla says.

I point to Nevaeh. “Need help?”

She’s got her chest arched forward.

She’s got beautiful dark skin toned breasts.

Chocolate kiss nipples.

I walk toward her and put my right hand out.

“Are you sure?”

“Of course,” I say. “I assume I’m the only one who can offer help. Unless it’s with Daisy.”

That makes the three of them laugh.

Nevaeh squirts a little glitter to my fingers and I gently rub it against her chest.

“Daisy is the best,” Starla says. “She takes care of us. Not in that way. I mean, you know, as a friend. A co-worker. She’s really good.”

I look back at Starla and Grace. “If you ever need anything you let me know.”

I reach for a wet wipe and clean my fingers from the glitter.

I walk with confidence to the door and unlock it.

I look back.

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