Page 21 of Dance for Me

“Yes, that sounds great.” Her voice cracked from her previous misunderstanding. “I’ll get started like right now.” She was excited.

Vanessa was proud to accept his offer. Designing for a bunch of female strippers wasn’t going to invite her to fashion week, but it was something she could get on board with. The fact she didn’t have to dance on stage anymore made her anxiety a little less noticeable.

“I have to be honest with you. I’m kind of glad I won’t be dancing anymore.”

“Why is that?” He asked her.

“Because I probably looked like a socially awkward, convulsing idiot.” She walked to the door but stopped with her back to him when she heard Jack laugh. A laugh that could send any woman into submission. She wanted to hear him laugh like that all the time.

“I didn’t think you looked like a convulsing idiot, I enjoyed it… a lot.” Vanessa didn’t turn around, but she did smile as she walked out of Jack’s office.

* * *

Vanessa sat on her balcony, which might take the place for her favorite spot in the world. She stared at her old sketchbook, looking at the lingerie designs she started from before. After Jack told her that morning he wanted her to design the new outfits, Vanessa opened her sketchbook for the first time in a while. She already had a few drawings started, so she went off of those. She pictured each of the girl’s skin complexions and thought which colors would complement them. Next, she thought about their figures and what would look best.

Vanessa’s phone rang and she answered Jazz’s call.

“Hey Jazz, what’s up?” Vanessa heard music in the background. So, she knew Jazz was working.

“I just sent you a link. Hon, your dance went viral. You’re famous already.”

Vanessa felt like her heart stopped. She opened the text Jazz had sent her and clicked on the link. It was a video of her dancing from last night. Someone from the crowd must have recorded her and posted it on social media. She looked at the description where her name was hash tagged. Hot new dancer alert. Come check her out at Pink Lace Nightclub! She flew forward and her sketchbook hit the ground.

“Um Jazz… this is bad.” Sprinkles sat there looking at her.

“Why is this bad? They loved you.”

“Because I haven’t told anyone that I decided to take up stripping as my new profession. Not only that, I now have a video of me dancing like a slut, no offense,” she quickly added. But Jazz didn’t think anything of it and if she did, she didn’t say anything.

“Well, people were bound to find out eventually,” Jazz snickered into the phone. “Besides, look what a hit you were. You’re going to draw the crowds for sure.”

Vanessa had to admit that she was a little flattered that they actually liked her performance.

“Actually, I won’t be dancing anymore. Jack promoted me. I guess.”

“He did what? Wait, back up,” Jazz sounded shocked.

“Yeah, I’m going to be your girls’ new outfit designer.”

“Oh damn, well that’s really great Vanessa! I’m just surprised he pulled you off the floor.” Vanessa couldn’t help but feel like Jack didn’t always do that sort of thing. “You would have been a money maker.”

Jazz said something to one of the girls in the background. “I gotta go hon, but I can’t wait to see your stuff! I’m sure they will be excited to wear something hot and new. I have confidence in you.”

Vanessa smiled and she hoped for that to be true.

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