Page 38 of When You Dance
CHAPTER16
SANDRENE
“What’s her name again?”
“Amiko.”
My hands trembled as I held my phone in my hand. It was Monday, and I was still at Jamel’s place. He’d taken off work to be with me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that. After everything I told him Saturday night, I was mentally drained. It just seemed like all of this was a nightmare. My half brother sexually assaulted me. This type of shit only happened in books and movies. When was someone gonna wake me up?
However, Jamel opening up to me about his father helped me in a way. Although I was still angry, I knew that I wouldn’t always be. Looking at how he’d overcome, I knew I would too. I just wished my father wasn’t already dead. At least he’d gotten the opportunity to make things right. When he told me that his brother didn’t get that same opportunity, I knew that he truly understood what I was going through. He’d witnessed it firsthand with DJ.
Before I could hit the send button, my phone rang. It was Tip. I took a deep breath, hoping it would be a conversation I could handle. She’d called yesterday and apologized me up a wall. She allowed Jeremiah to work at the club and didn’t do a background check. He was a registered sex offender, so he would be going to prison for a long ass time. Tip opened herself up for a lawsuit by telling me that information, but I wouldn’t do that to her, because she’d been good to me. Now if it ever came out that she was a part of this, that decision would change.
“Hello?”
“Hey, sweetheart. I just wanted to check on you. How are you feeling?”
“Hey, Tip. I’m okay.”
“Good. I wanted you to know that I am fully cooperating with the police. I gave them all the camera footage from that day. I knew Desire was a messy bitch, but I had no idea she would do something like this… and to you of all people. You didn’t bother anyone and was friendly to everybody. The fact that she’s your stepsister took me—”
“She’s not my stepsister. She tormented me all through elementary school. I don’t even know if my father actually married her mother.”
I only had my mother’s word about that. “Well, whatever the case may be, I apologize. Are you going to come back to work?” she asked.
That was probably the main reason for this call. I knew she cared about my well-being as well, but that had been the reason for her call yesterday morning. I glanced up at Jamel to find him staring at me, waiting to see what I would say. This had been my life for the past eight, almost nine years. It was hard to let go, but I didn’t feel safe anymore. “No. I have to quit. If I no longer feel comfortable or safe, it would be like torturing myself if I returned.”
“I understand. However, if there ever comes a time that youdowant to return, the doors will always be open. Jeremiah is cooperating with the police and plans to plead guilty, but I’m sure it won’t be a surprise to you to know that Desire is doing just the opposite. Jeff has also issued his statements about what happened that night. Again, I’m so sorry about this. I’ll continue to check on you just to make sure you’re good. If you need anything at all, don’t ever hesitate to reach out to me. I’m gonna miss you, but I know it’s for the best. I love you, Sandrene.”
“Thank you, Tip. I love you too.”
I ended the call before she got me all emotional. I rolled into Jamel, and he wrapped his arms around me. Staring up into his eyes, I asked, “What made you fall for a stripper? I mean… I show my goods to everyone in a club. Why would you want me?”
“I didn’t care about that. Your soul called out to me. I mean… that shit started with me lusting after your body, but it progressed to more. I watched you… paid attention to you for months. When I found out you didn’t give lap dances, private dances, or do private parties, it spoke to your character. I’m not saying that women who do that are repulsive or anything. You just wanted to dance and show off the body that God gave you. It wasn’t about how many men you could get. You didn’t even want the interaction at all. I saw your heart, Sandrene. That was attractive as hell.”
“After we had sex, have you been with anyone else?”
“Naw. I haven’t been with anyone but you since before my birthday. After my birthday, I couldn’t fathom being with another woman. Had we not fucked up on my certification, I wouldn’t have known who you were, and I wouldn’t have had a choice but to move on if you didn’t make a move. But here we are. I’m committed to a beautiful African queen. I just want you to know that although I was a former playboy, you the one I want. At this point, I need you.”
I knew all of this was repetitive, but I needed the reassurance. I needed to hear him say how much he was feeling me. Being used for my body and sexual prowess was one of my fears because of what I did for a living. I wanted someone that would see me for who I was as a woman… that would see my heart. Jamel saw me for who I was, and I could no longer ignore that. I nodded then kissed his lips.
Rolling to my back, I looked at my phone to see the number I was about to call. Amiko Gutierrez. After Jamel kissed my forehead, I placed the call. It rang a few times and when I thought it was about to go to voicemail, she answered. “Hello?”
“Hi. Is this Amiko Gutierrez?”
“Yes, it is. How can I help you?”
She sounded black. I thought she was Hispanic, but whatever. “My name is Sandrene Jallow, and I was wondering if you were looking for dance instructors in Houston. Jungle gave my boyfriend your number. He said you might be looking for what I had to offer.”
“Hmm. I could use another dance instructor, but what exactly do you have to offer?”
“Well,” I said nervously. After a dramatic pause, I said, “I used to be a stripper at Club Onyx. I was their premier dancer, Obsession. I wanted to see if you would be interested in offering a pole dancing class.”
I held my breath as I waited for her response. Jamel slid his arm around me and gently rubbed his hand up and down my side as I closed my eyes. I could hear her moving around as she said, “Oh! I’ve seen the billboard! Pole dancing, huh? I think that would attract women of all ages. Is there a way you could show me your skills?”
“Umm… I just quit the club today because I was assaulted there. The owner would most likely allow me to go there though.”
“I’m in Houston today. Would it be too much for you to go back? I could get my husband, Jungle, and a few of his guys to pull up so you would feel safe.”
