Chapter 8

Tom told me, “Make sure to get your money from the small safe at my dressing table. We will have another girl using the space tomorrow. When we meet tomorrow or the next day I will give you your share of the VIP room okay.”

“Yes, that is fine with me. Do you want me to call before I come? Or is it okay to come by just before you open tomorrow? I replied.

Tom said, “Just come either day when we are about to open. Karen you did really well tonight.”

I had to smile. My smile continued when I saw Andy. He was ready to escort me safely home. I told him I needed to call a cab. He opened his door to his car and said, “My lady your chariot awaits.”

I laughed and got in. We visited as we headed to my house. He shared he was married with three kids. He told me, “I work two jobs. He taught school during the day. Then around nine o’clock to two he worked at the strip club.” He laughed and went on to share, “The funny thing I work at the same school Steve works in. I know he has not seen me YET. But he will for sure tomorrow.”

I laughed then I got serious. “Andy, please don’t hurt him. I have hurt him enough by standing up to him. I am sure he will be true to his word and he is out of my life.”

Andy promised not to hurt him but he still was going to say hello to him.

When I arrived at my apartment complex I got out. Andy also got out. I looked at him I guess in a strange way. He laughed, “Karen my wife would fix me if I misbehaved with you. I am just making sure you are safe. I am going even go into your apartment and look around I don’t want to find something I don’t like happening to you. You are a good person. You have a good heart.”

He did exactly what he said he would do then he went on home.

I sat down to think. A lot had happened in the past few days. My life was changing before my eyes. I had went from having a nice off and on job as a model for conventions to dancing topless at a strip joint. I had a steady boyfriend who now called me a whore. No wonder Tom wanted to talk with me tomorrow.

“Honey do you realize this might have been the toughest time of my life. I was doing great school wise. I was making good money as a model. It was off and on so not every week I was making much. But I was getting by. Now Steve and I had broken up. I was feeling down but also felt free. I could decide if I wanted meatloaf or a burger. I did not have to have some man make decisions for me. That is one of the things I love about you. You don’t tell me what we must do. We talk and visit and if I pout long enough I get my way.” Karen commented to me.

She was looking at me and realized I was not tired. I wanted to hear the rest of the story.

The next day I got a cab and went to the strip club. It was just opening. One of the guys welcomed me. He shared that Tom was in his office. So I went to his door and knocked. “Come in.” he said.