One more drink, and then a tour

As her second drink appeared, Susan felt the first loosening the knot of tension in her chest. The **** warmed her, making the club seem less intimidating, the decision less monumental.

"Would you like a tour?" Sajima offered. "See the dressing rooms, the stages up close?"

She nodded, slipping off the stool and following him through the club. He led her past the main stage – "That's Carmen, our headliner," he explained – and toward a door marked 'Performers Only.'

The backstage area was a stark contrast to the club's atmospheric lighting. Bright fluorescents illuminated a long corridor with several doors leading off it. Sajima guided her to a large room filled with vanities, clothing racks, and several women in various states of undress.

"Ladies," Sajima announced, "this is Suzanne. She might be joining our Friday night lineup on the side stage."

The women paused their activities to look over the newcomer. Susan felt exposed under their collective gaze, but not in the delicious way she felt when dancing. This was different – being assessed, evaluated.

A curvaceous Latina with elaborate dragon tattoos running down both arms approached first. "Hey, new girl. I'm Destiny." She extended a hand tipped with crimson nails. "First time dancing?"

"At a club like this, yes," Susan admitted, shaking the offered hand.

"Sajima treating you right?" Destiny asked, throwing a pointed look at the owner.

"Always the protective one," Sajima chuckled. "Yes, I've explained to Suzanne that side stage performances aren't paid, but all drinks are comped."

"And tips," added a petite Asian woman from a nearby vanity. "Don't forget to tell her about the tips. They'll stuff cash in any piece of clothing you're willing to pull aside." She grinned wickedly. "I'm Jade, by the way."

"Suzanne doesn't strip," Sajima clarified. "She performs in latex. It's more of a fetish show."

This drew raised eyebrows and increased interest from the women. A tall Black woman with a shaved head abandoned her makeup to join the growing circle around Susan.

"Latex, huh? That's different. I'm Ebony." She looked Susan up and down with frank appreciation. "You've got the body for it, that's for sure."

Susan felt a flush creep up her neck at the compliment, surprised by how much Ebony's approving gaze affected her. There was something different about being appreciated by these women – something that stirred feelings she rarely allowed herself to acknowledge.

"Thank you," she managed.

"So what's your story, Suzanne?" asked a redhead who hadn't bothered to introduce herself. "Bored housewife? College tuition? We all got one."