"Take off the button-down and stash it in your bag. They have lockers if you ask, and you can store them. Take your hair down and pump up the roots with your fingers, and if you have any lipstick, add it."
Blinking, I wondered just who this woman was because right now, she was my fucking hero. "Um, thanks," I quietly replied. I started to undo the buttons of my shirt, my fingers fumbling a little with the action.
"I recognized the address, and then when you started to look at your outfit, I figured you were trying to gauge if you could get away with it. Once you get inside, no one will even notice, though," she smiled.
Relaxing a bit at her words, I smiled gratefully back and started to make the changes she suggested. I had on a black bustier top underneath. She was right. It would give off just enough sex appeal. Folding my shirt, I placed it in my bag as I scrounged around for my lipstick I hadn't worn in forever.
I pulled out a nude shade and the red from the other night. Deciding on the red, I applied it to my lips and hoped it helped as much as it seemed to have last time. Though, what I was hoping I'd get out of this visit, I wasn't entirely sure. I just needed to do something to stop the crushing feeling that had been rising.
Lastly, I pulled my hair down from the french twist and shook it out as I pumped up the roots. The driver's nod of approval helped settle my nerves even more. By the time we pulled up to the club, I almost didn't recognize myself and the accompanying confidence.
"Thanks for your help. It was kind of a spur of the moment thing,"
"No problem and those are my favorite kind of things. Go and rock someone's socks off now," she grinned. Opening the door, I was surprised when she stopped me again.
"Wait, here, take this. It's my card. You can text me directly if you get yourself into a jam or, you know, just need a lift. Okay?"
Looking down, I read the business card, Rides by Natalie, and a number was printed on the front. Her kindness melted something inside me, and I hoped to be able to repay her kindness someday.
"Thanks, Natalie. I'm Loren, by the way. And I will," I gestured to the card, "send a message if I need to."
She nodded, a kind and understanding look on her face. I shut the door and turned toward the club entrance. It was Wednesday, so there wasn't as long a line out front, but there was still a line. Just as I was about to walk away, the window rolled down behind me.
"Oh, tell the bouncer working that Natalie sent you, and they'll let you in straight away."
Before I could utter another thanks, the window rolled up, and she took off. That had been the strangest Uber ride I'd ever had, but also the friendliest. Sister solidarity!
Once I could no longer see her brake lights, my trance with her vehicle broke, and I made my way to the door. The bouncer, a different one from the other night, looked me up and down but didn't move to lift the rope. I wasn't showing enough skin tonight, I guess. Leaning forward, I found my voice as I whispered to him, "Um, Natalie sent me."
Almost as if I'd said the magic word, he immediately reached for the velvet rope, and I was ushered in. I'll be damned, that had worked. Natalie was a freaking miracle worker and officially, my hero. I was going to give that woman the best Uber review ever. This time when I headed down the darkened corridor, it wasn't as daunting since I knew what to expect. When I came to the end, a different girl waited between the two doors. I didn't understand why I was surprised. I didn't expect everyone to work every night.
"Welcome to Climax, where you skirt the edge of darkness. Which side are you venturing in tonight?"
"Illusion," I stated firmly. I didn't think I was ready for the other door, and I was hopeful that Tall, Dark and Handsome would be here again.
"Excellent choice. Do you need a mask?"
Nodding, she walked around me and tied it on before returning to her station. I shuffled on my feet, not sure what to do now. I mean… I knew, but like I didn't at the same time.
"Do you need to check your bag?" she questioned, noticing me still standing there awkwardly.
Realizing I did indeed need to check it, I started to rummage through for the crucial things: phone, card, license. Pocketing those things, I followed her to an area I hadn't noticed before. It was a little cubby spot with locked doors. She opened an empty one, and I placed my bag within. Taking my hand, she programmed it to match my thumb and then stamped something onto my palm.
"This is your locker number; it's black light so that it won't be seen unless with this light. It's also now programmed only to your thumb. Just come back at the end of the night and retrieve it. Items left in there for 48 hrs will be removed and donated. Enjoy your evening."
At that, she directed me back to the main area and almost pushed me through the door. Geez, she wasn't as lovely as the last lady!
Squaring my shoulders, I reminded myself I had on a mask, and unlike the one I wore daily, this one made me feel powerful and sexy. Affirming myself with my new mantra, I made my way into the club area. I took a glance around the dance floor, but no one stood out or called to me, not like before.
Making my way toward the stairs, I decided to try my luck up there again. It was emptier than the other night, but I kept reminding myself it was Wednesday. I suppose most people in my age group didn't go out during the week. Those people also had families and—
Stopping myself from heading down that direction of thoughts, I headed toward the bar to grab a drink. The bartender was a woman this time, but seemed just as friendly as she smiled at me. Her red hair cascaded down her back and I was envious of her eye make-up. She had mastered the cat wing eyeliner that I could never get right.
"What can I get you, gorgeous?" she purred. Damn, all the bartenders in this place were mega flirts. I kind of liked it, though. It definitely gave a girl confidence. Taking off my blazer, I laid it across my lap as I situated myself.
"What would you recommend?" I leaned forward over the bartop just as suggestively, trying to get myself into character.
"Oh, gorgeous, I have just the thing for you. Sit tight."