Page 37 of Georgia On My Mind (Southern Promises)

“Yeah. Well, she’s super-talented and helping choreograph a show at the City Springs Theatre now. I think her Marilyn days are finally gonna be behind her.”

“I’m sure you’re happy about that. I’d die if Sophie did a strip-tease for some strange guy at a party. Not that what Gia did was in bad taste or anything. I get it. She’s a performer. She did a great job.”

“Thanks.” Hart had told Mitch in confidence that he was seriously dating Gia. He had yet to introduce his new girlfriend to his close circle of friends, knowing that some of them would question his choice because of her dancing gigs. Mitch was different. He was loyal and never judged, standing by him during the whole firing debacle in DC and Hart was grateful.

“Is it serious? You seem happier these days, dude.”

Hart smirked before nodding. “Yeah, man. I think it is serious.”

“That’s awesome. You deserve the kind of happiness that me and Sophie share.”

Hart leaned in. “How did you know, Mitch? How did you know Sophie was ‘the one’?”

Mitch smiled. “I don’t know. It’s weird, but… you just know. You want to… take care of them. Spoil them.” He paused in thought. “Your heart races when you know you’re gonna see her, and you’re sad when you have to leave her. Does that make any sense?”

Hart knew precisely what he meant. “Yeah. Total sense.”

“Looks like my buddy, Hartford Parker, is finally in love.” Mitch slapped Hart on the back. “Let’s finish up here and grab a drink someplace else. Whadyasay?”

Hart grinned, knowing his friend had hit the nail on the head. “Whatever you want. It’s your night!”

***

Gia concentrated on lining the bottom rim of her eyes in a smoky shade. Her hands shook so badly, she had to stop several times before she gave up and threw the pencil at her reflection in the mirror.

“What’s wrong darlin’? Nerves gettin’ to ya?” A very tall and voluptuous woman wearing a terrycloth robe and sky-high pumps leaned against the long edge of the makeup mirrors. Her crimson nails tipped with tiny white crystals twinkled in the bright vanity mirror lights, and her dramatic eyelashes hooded her dark eyes. She had introduced herself earlier as Charity. Apparently, she was a regular at the club and a mentor to the new girls on the floor. “I’ve got something to take the edge off if you want it—”

“No, thanks,” Gia interrupted. She knew most of these girls probably did drugs. How could they not? The thumping music inside the club reverberated in the dressing room, syncing with her own thumping heart.

“Well, I’ll just leave it right here in case you change your mind.” She placed a tiny white pill on the back edge. “Franko says you’re the real deal—a genuine trained dancer. He says you’ll put us all to shame.” Her smile was snide.

Gia felt heat rush to her cheeks and shook her head quickly. “I don’t know about that.”

“Well, I’m looking forward to your act. Franko says it’s very theatrical—an homage to Prince. I just love Prince.”

Gia couldn’t help but stare at Charity’s over-glossed lips that were the shade of bright pink bubblegum. She seemed kind enough, but Gia knew better. Growing up with a mother who did this for a living gave her an advantage, keeping her on her toes. Most of these girls were either down on their luck like her or addicted to drugs and the easy money. Thank God, after two shows, it would all be behind her, and she would never have to go through something like this again. The thought of being naked in front of a live audience in less than two hours was causing her to come unhinged, and she still wasn’t sure if she could go through with it. She was standing on a ledge looking down at the unknown, about ready to jump.

“I guess you’ll have to wait and see.” She eyed the pill. “What is that anyway?”

Charity smiled, causing one thin eyebrow to arch playfully. “Valium. It’ll calm you right down.”

Gia’s eyebrow raised in response as her phone started to buzz. “Excuse me, Charity.”

“No problem.”

Lifting the phone, she could see it was Hart trying to call. Panicking, she held her breath and wondered for a split-second if he knew exactly where she was. She didn’t dare answer and quickly shoved the phone into her bag. The last thing she needed was to break down and spill her guts before show time. “What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him,” she whispered, trying to convince herself as she looked straight at her reflection. Taking a quick look around, her eyes fell on the pill Charity had left behind. One Valium wouldn’t hurt her. She remembered her friend Angel being prescribed some after her car accident. It seemed to keep her relaxed and calm during her recovery. Perhaps it could do the same for her tonight. Without thinking it through further, she grabbed the pill and shoved it into her mouth, chasing it with a weak gin and tonic.

“Fuck,” she said as she dropped her head into her open hands. This was exactly like mother-like-daughter. This was rock bottom.

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