All applicants will compete against each other

"We've made an arrangement with a particular business to host a competition. All applicants will compete against each other."

"The crowd's reaction will play a part in who gets the job. We've already come up with our own ratings, but a live performance will count for much more," Andrew explained.

"Oh. Uh... I guess that leaves where and when," you say, folding your arms over your bra and wondering if you could actually go through with a live contest.

"Here's the information," Julie says, handing you her card. On the back is an address and the time.

"Tonight?!" you exclaim. "That's only a few hours away!"

Andre shrugs apologetically. "You were our last applicant. Unfortunately we couldn't arrange it any other night. At least not in a respectable establishment. If it doesn't leave you enough time, of course..." he trails off, firming your resolve. At least for now.

"I'll be there," you vow, and after a few last pleasantries depart for home, remembering at the last minute to put your shirt back on.

Getting home using public transit takes an hour of your precious time, most of which is spent fretting over whether you can do it.

The next hour is spent rushing through preparations to get ready. Thank God you'd just shaved that morning.

The final hour is spent trying to get to the strip joint on a packed transit system. You've been out clubbing here but somehow you've never been quite so conscious of the way you look. Do you look like a lowly stripper? And can you really go through with this?