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Lox.”
    I chuckle. “Lox?”
    “Yeah. Lox is the more level-headed one of that damn trio. Sly would just laugh it off, he enjoys that alpha-male shit. Lox I could talk to and make sure he doesn’t tell my dad.” She turns to the door.
    Looking at her, I can tell she’s sincere. “Thanks again, Liz. I haven’t had a girlfriend in a really long time. It’s nice having someone to talk with.” I watch her in the mirror for another second.
    She smiles and nods as she closes the door.
    My phone pings with an incoming text. It could be my aunt. Sliding me finger across the screen, I see it’s not.
    PAVEL: I miss you, come home.
    ME: I am home. Miami was never home. What, new secretary doesn’t like to give it up as much?
    PAVEL: Don’t be crass. Bring your mother here, she can get better treatments.
    ME: Her doctors are from UF. They can’t get much better.
    PAVEL: I went to put some money in your account after your father passed and it’s no longer open.
    ME: I moved it to a local bank.
    I didn’t want to tell him I closed it for two reasons.
    #1 I didn’t want him having access so I did move it.
    #2 It’s empty because I gave it to my mom for bills.
    PAVEL: Tell me which one and I’ll send you some money.
    ME: I don’t want your money. I need to go to work. Sorry.
    PAVEL: I know how you’re making money. Don’t forget I have my connections.
    ME: And?????
    PAVEL: So you’ll traipse around in no clothes in front of strangers and take their money like a common whore. But you won’t accept money from me. The man you love.
    Anger and rage fill me. If I could reach through and grab his throat, I would. He is such a manipulative bastard.
    ME: As far as taking my clothes off and dancing for money making me a whore, no. Fucking you while you were married and you paying for everything made me a whore. Now I’d just be considered a tease. Lose my number.
    I drop my phone in my bag and walk out toward the stage. He’s been trying to get me to move back for months. Well, largely now because his wife is busy with the baby and doesn’t have time for him. The day of my father’s funeral, he sent me white gladiolas. The note said:
    I’m sorry for your loss, come home. I’m feeling lost without you. I need to feel you, Krasavitsa. -PV
    I was so embarrassed I had to hide the card, telling my mother and aunt that it was from the dealership I used to work for.
    I straighten my tie and jacket before getting ready to walk out on stage.
    The lights go down.
    Please welcome our very own Grace back to the stage. She’s been on a break for a few weeks, but you know she missed each and every one of you.
    That makes me want to barf. “Earned It” starts.
    I grab the pole as the lyrics start. I swing myself around it. If I can just zone out and do the routine I’ve practiced over and over again, I can make it through it. Luckily, the classes I took at our gym in Miami were a burlesque class and a pole dancing class. That was my saving grace when I came here.
    I barely hear the rude and suggestive comments the patrons make. Since the night Huck was here, I try to not pay attention to any of the customers. I don’t look at their faces and never ever make eye contact.
    This is the most appropriate song for me, I’ve damn sure earned it.
    Once I finish my routine, I go back to my dressing room, throwing stuff in my bag. I look at myself in the mirror and think about Pavel.
    I’m almost twenty-six fucking years old and I’m stripping at a damn gentlemen’s club. The only relationship I’ve had was with a married man who would rather buy me off than leave his wife. Yes, I fucking earned it. I should take Pavel’s fucking money. “Fuck! ARRRGGHHHH!” I sling a stiletto across my dressing room, breaking a glass that was on the table. I sink to the floor and start to cry. I have nothing. I have a dead dad and a dying mother. I. Have. Nothing.
    A couple of minutes later, I notice that Liz has come in the room. She simply sits