Page 19 of Tainted

“Don’t call me that.”

Kenyon’s lips spread into a playful smile. “That’s your name, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, just not to you.”

Kenyon handed over the keys, and I left his office excited to have my own space, even if I didn’t have much left to furnish. You couldn’t put a price on peace, and knowing I had some put an extra pep in my step heading to work.

When I arrived, Kross was behind the bar as usual. I didn’t know what to make of my new boss, but Megan didn’t have to worry about me crossing the line. The piercing look in Kross’s eyes was enough for me to keep my head down and do my job.

“Hmm, look who’s getting ready with us common folk’ today,” Diamond groaned, leaning on the wall beside my vanity.

“Hell must be freezing over,” Phoenix added.

“Must be. Or either she’s coming off her high horse,” Diamond smirked.

I typically prepared at home to avoid this right here. For whatever reason, they took that personally. Lining my lips withToo Blessed 33, I let them talk because I wasn’t here for friends anyway.

“Maybe not. I guess she can’t hear us from up there.” Phoenix sucked her teeth, watching me walk away.

I stepped into the dimly lit club, the air thick with perfume and anticipation as I searched for Rajah. Every new girl was assigned a veteran to shadow, and thankfully, I was paired with her. I spotted her near the bar and proceeded to trail behindRajah, navigating the maze of tables and chairs until it was time for her to hit the stage.

Standing off to the side, I watched her move with a fluid grace that was almost otherworldly. She captivated the audience with each movement, drawing them into her world with a magnetic pull that was impossible to resist. Then, she sauntered toward me, leaving the crowd confused, but my eyes ballooned as I registered what was happening.

Thankfully, Rajah's confidence was contagious. Her presence empowered me to push past my fears and toward the pole. Adrenaline took over, and I flipped out of the spin and went into a series of tap steps, letting the music drive me forward. The music faded, and I dropped to the floor, ending with a smooth body wave. The cheers were loud, and I could barely hear myself think, but I’d survived my first time on the main stage.

The performance was over, but I still felt like I was floating, following Rajah around the club.

“I could tell you were nervous at first, but once you got going, you had every nigga’s attention. That’s good.” Rajah motioned for me to sit beside her.

“You know I’m not supposed to be on the main stage during prime hours until I earn my stripes.”

“Megan told me to show you the ropes. I’m showing you the ropes.” Rajah said, handing over a stack of cash. “This is your cut.”

“Thank you. Can I ask you something?”

“Shoot,” Rajah replied, dabbing her forehead with the hand towel.

“I’m your competition. Why are you helping me?”

“MyFreshieain’t so green after all,” Rajah smiled, using the nickname she’d given me since I was Fresh Meat, “But you’re not my competition. You got a lot more work to put in first, boo,” she boasted because Rajah wasn’t short on confidence. “But I’m onmy way out anyway. My son is getting older. I have to get my shit together for him. I can’t do that here.”

“You’re a good mom.”

Rajah chuckled, trying to hide her emotions. “That’s a bold statement about somebody you don’t know.”

“Just a feeling, I guess,” I shrugged.

Rajah reminded me a little of my mom, Shana. Even when she made mistakes, I could feel her love inside them. That made her a good mother. Not believing some fairytale that mothers have superpowers. Shana was human like me, trying her best to raise a good woman.

“Since nobody else likes your ass around here, I guess it’s on me to train you up, so take notes.” she said, her gaze sweeping over the tables, “you gotta know how to spot the money. See that guy over there?” Rajah pointed subtly to a man in a tailored suit, sipping a drink at the bar. “He’s not flashy, but look at his watch and shoes. That’s quality.”

I scanned the patrons scattered around the club, trying to locate the quality Rajah described.

“Make them feel special like they’re seeing a side of you that no one else can see. Once they believe in the fantasy, they’ll drain their 401K to see a smile on your face, but remember, it’s all an act. Don’t get too deep, don’t let them in too close.”

Rajah tapped my thigh and adjusted her posture.

“The guy in the hat headed our way. His name is Trindon.”

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