Page 5 of Ruthless God

“The usual. Boy shorts, some fun pasties, and a mesh top.”

“That’s fine for tonight, but we have a theme night coming up.”

“What in the heck do you mean by theme night?”

Jade rolls her eyes. “Just how it sounds. Boss-man thinks it makes it fun for the customers. In reality, he just wants to perv out by making us dress up like his fantasies.”

“Gross.”

“Tell me about it. Last week was French maids.”

“What’s the next one? And when?”

“It’s this Saturday.” She says, “It’s kind of cool. It’s a Halloween themed night.”

“In May?”

Her shoulder lifts. “I don’t make the rules, babe, I just pass them on.”

“What are you wearing?”

“A lot of the girls want to do killers from horror movies.”

“Are there any good ones left?”

“You can be Freddy or Art.”

I love horror films, so I know who each character is.

I hum. “I’ll be Art.”

“Good choice. Even though I’m against the theme night, a lot of the customers are even talking about dressing up.” She grins. “Ought to be fun to see what the regulars come up with.”

I laugh, because—let’s be real—she’s right. Not that it’ll make much of a difference. Some of these guys wouldn’t dress up if their lives depended on it. I mean, why bother with a costume when you can stick to your usual uniform of jeans and a button-up? Or, even better, sweats and a t-shirt, like you just rolled off your couch and straight into the club.

Yeah, our boss isn’t the type to enforce a dress code for patrons like some of the other spots do. Personally, I think it kills the vibe a little. There’s something about seeing a guy in baggy gym shorts, sipping top-shelf whiskey, that just feels wrong. But hey, it’s not my business, and it’s not like I get a say. So I keep my mouth shut and let the mismatched fashion show continue.

“Come on. Your old locker is still available.”

“Really? Has business been that bad?”

Jade lifts a shoulder in a shrug. “You tell me.”

We walk to the backstage area to the wall of lockers. Sure enough, number eleven is still free.

I touch the chipped metal door. “Ah, memories.”

“I’m sure. Now, get dressed. You’re up in ten.”

“Jade!”

“Welcome back,” she says as she laughs, backing away from me.

The funny thing is itisgood to be back.

2

Cecely

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