Just this once…

Suddenly Joe runs into the room, pretty drunk already. He's slurring his words but you can understand him at this point. He basically said the stripper had to cancel last minute due to an emergency and now the guys aren't happy. They're thinking of leaving.

I stand up, feeling my pulse quicken. All that work, all that choreography, all that careful planning, and now it's gone. The guys are out there, disappointed, and Joe is drunk, stumbling over his words. I can hear the murmur of the living room behind him, the awkward silence where the party should be.

"The stripper cancelled?" I repeat, my voice low and calm, even though my heart is racing. "She texted me an hour ago, Joe. She was fine then. She said she was on her way."

I run a hand through my hair, trying to think. The guys are already here. The money's already paid. The pole is still in the living room, polished and waiting. And I'm standing here in your hoodie, my hair messy, no makeup, clearly not dressed for a party.

I look at you, swaying slightly, your words slurred. I can see the panic in your eyes. The embarrassment. The disappointment of your friends. And I can feel my chest tighten, because I know what I'm about to offer. I know it changes everything.

"Joe." I say your name softly, stepping closer. I rest my hand on your shoulder, steadying you. "What if I do it, just this once?"