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the fabulous estate. It was fun to pretend to live in a mansion and practice the lifestyle she envisioned for herself in the future.
    Unlike most exotic dancers, Chanelle did not have her head in the clouds with aspirations of becoming a celebrity. She didn’t expect exotic dancing to land her a cover on Playboy or catapult her to stardom.
    But she did expect to snag a husband—a very rich and handsome husband.
    Mandy squinted at the address when they approached a gorgeous stone Colonial-style house. “Yup, this is the place. Pretty snazzy, huh?”
    Chanelle ogled the beautiful home and indulged in a quick fantasy. Her wealthy future husband was right inside waiting to share with her all his worldly goods.
    “What did you say these guys do for a living?” Chanelle asked, coming out of her daydream.
    “Investment brokers…I think. I’m not sure. I know they have a lot of money,” Mandy said as she parked her BMW at the end of the long driveway that was crammed with expensive cars.
    Chanelle surveyed the impressive territory and noticed a gleaming Escalade parked at the curb near the house. There was a detached two-car garage with the doors left open revealing two Benzes: one black, the other white.
    “Oh! I forgot to mention something,” Mandy said. “The two guys paying for this little soiree are expecting to see a two-girl show at some point tonight.”
    “A two-girl what?” Chanelle snapped her head away from the sea of luxury vehicles. “Count me out,” she said, shaking her head adamantly. “You can just turn this car around and take me back to Philly because you know I’m not into girl-on-girl shows.”
    “I know. I know,” Mandy soothed. “Relax, Sensation. The guys specifically requested to see two girls dance together. All we have to do is dance provocatively. We can fake it—you know, just give the illusion of the lesbian stuff.”
    Chanelle rolled her eyes. “Why don’t you and Lexi pretend to be lesbians? And while we’re on the subject.” She glanced at Mandy. “Why the hell did she forget to mention this important detail when she asked if I would work this party?”
    “Beats me.” Mandy shook her head and shrugged.
    Chanelle sucked her teeth in disgust. “Every time I accept a gig outside the job, I always end up regretting it. There’s always some small-print shit that no one bothered to tell me.” Chanelle glared at Mandy. “So, why the hell did you wait until we were way out here in east jeblip before you decided to tell me the whole story?”
    “I…um, I thought Lexi had already told you. I was just reminding you.” Mandy threw her hands up as if Chanelle were making a big deal over nothing. “Look, I’ll do all the work, you just dance. It’ll be fine. Okay?”
    “It’s not okay. I should curse Lexi out for even putting me in this position.” Chanelle shook her head angrily. Instead of mentally gearing up for the possibility of making a couple thousand for the night, Chanelle was now pondering the colossal waste of time she’d spent coordinating costumes, shoes, jewelry, hair, and makeup. It was all for nothing.
    Feeling vengeful, she decided she’d put zero effort into her performance and made peace with the fact that she’d probably earn only the minimum pay, two hundred and fifty dollars an hour. A lousy five hundred bucks. Oh well!
    She gazed at the clock on the dashboard. “It’s nine o’clock, and I’m dancing for two hours and that’s it! So don’t have me waiting around when the party’s over; I want to get out of there by eleven sharp. Understand?”
    Mandy responded with a noncommittal sigh.
    Inside the elegant house, well-groomed white men with good skin and even, white teeth quietly milled about. Some had drinks in their hands, but Chanelle doubted they had yet to feel the effects of the alcohol. They were too calm. No one seemed anxious to see the girlie show.
    Small groups of men clustered in sections of the main room, the dining room, the