Chapter 34

Claire stood about 20 feet away from the lighted stage. She stood in the shadows, talking with the woman in charge of her whores, Consuela Hernandez. Ellie Travis was now down to a bra and thong, smiling gleefully, having the time of her life.

Consuela watched with an experienced eye. She’d been a waitress, bartender, stripper, whore, and now manager for over 30 years at Pink Pussy. She said, “Any chance I can keep her?”

“I’m not sure, Con. The stars aligned this time around. Her husband’s out of town. Her kids think she staying with her sister. But I’ve been thinking — maybe she could work some morning shifts. Hubby at work, kids at school. It’s only about an hour drive from Des Moines.”

The crowd grew louder as Ellie tossed her bra away.

“Miss S, you give me that little piece of ass for even just three, four hours, I can turn her into an ATM for you.”

Ellie slithered out of her thong and laughed delightedly at the response. Consuela nodded to herself, “Look at that little pussy — that’s churning out hundred dollar bills.”

“I haven’t even talked money with her. I want her on her back before she realizes she’s getting paid to fuck.”

Consuela nodded. With some girls, most of them, money was the very first thing to discuss. Ellie Travis would be new territory. An upper-middle-class woman who didn’t need the dough.

Claire and Consuela had seen it all over the years, but were still impressed with the grace and flexibility that the 37-year-old was showing as she did the vertical splits, one foot high up on the pole.

Ellie spent another five minutes or so stretching, squatting, fingering herself. As Naked Hustle by Bizzie ended, she took a bow to thunderous applause and strode back to the dressing room, grinning widely, head held high.