DAMON

Ultimately, I think the study session went well. After pizza, Alexa showered and went downstairs to prepare for her performance. While I wait for the show to start, I hang out with Bruno by the club’s open door. He admits far more people than I would have imagined visit a strip club on a Monday night, and I take it all in from my spot against the wall as I sip at my beer and think about Alexa. And triangles. And her dead mother. My imagination is running wild with what might have happened to her in the years after that.

“You look like you’re going to throw up,” Bruno says, leaning out the door and scanning the street before giving me his full attention. “You need to go and sit down?”

Shaking my head, I take another sip of my beer. “Just thinking about unpleasant things. I’ll stop now,” I reassure him. “I might throw up if I don’t.”

Bruno eyes me warily. “How was the study session?”

“Good. Productive, I think. She’s a smart girl.”

Nodding, Bruno cards two guys and admits them. “So you think your plan of hanging around until she can’t live without you will work?” he asks, laughing a little.

“Don’t laugh. It’s entirely feasible. I’m a very likable person.”

“Then why don’t you sound as confident as you did when you explained it to me this morning?”

Shrugging, I look into the club to see all of the men, and some women, who have come to enjoy the evening’s entertainment.

“It might be a more complex situation than my original estimate. I’m sure I can figure it out, I just need the time-frame to be a bit flexible.” So long as I can convince Alexa to put up with me after she passes her test, I should be able to keep convincing her. Technically.

Sighing a little, I set my jaw. “I’m cautiously optimistic.”

“Well go be cautiously optimistic inside. Your green-around-the-gills ‘thinking face’ is bad for business,” he says, pushing me towards the bar.

“Thanks for the chat,” I call over my shoulder as I raise my right no-hand to flip him the invisible bird. He laughs, so I know he got it. Pulling up a stool at the bar, I return Benji’s greeting nod.

“Thanks for dinner. You’re a fine cook.”

“Thanks,” Benji says with a grin. “You think I’d be better off financially, being the master behind the vast recipes of Dante’s Pizza Palace, but alas I have not yet received a single ounce of the recognition I so greatly deserve,” he jokes. “You’re staying for the whole show?”

Shaking my head, I turn to the curtains that hide the empty stage. “I’m just here for Alexa. She said she has a double act to open and then a solo some time after. Then we’re heading back upstairs to study.”

“Study,” he repeats, grinning as he nods. “Good one. Last night, I studied this girl so hard we put a dent in her wall. I have to go around there tonight and fix it before she’ll let me study again.”

Laughing, I shake my head and drink my beer as he greets a woman approaching the bar. Turning around as I hear the music change, I watch Smith climb the side steps to the stage and walk in front of the curtain. Dressed in a well fitted shirt and tailored pants, he looks different to the guy I met yesterday wearing ripped jeans and a t-shirt, but he definitely fits the image of the club now, which is actually pretty classy. Booths line most walls and tables fill the center space, so it appears to be set up for entertaining, but I imagine it also allows for general socialization between sets.

The clientele certainly seems more up-market and tame than some of the riff-raff I’ve seen at other strip joints, and they seem well-suited to the almost glamorous atmosphere of the club. My eyes return to Smith as he greets the crowd.

“Ladies and gentleman, welcome to the one, the amazing, Beyond the Horny Buffalo. Tonight your eyes will feast upon beauty and grace in such epic proportions it defies belief. Every dancer will delight you with their awe-inspiring abilities and style, delivering a unique level of entertainment that by far surpasses anything you will see at any other club in the city,” he announces with the rich voice of someone who should be working in the radio industry. “In this club, we’ll take you beyond the familiar to the simply extraordinary. You can show your appreciation by using the specially labeled envelopes on your tables - yes that’s right, the one’s printed with the names of our lovely ladies. Simply place your tips inside and pop them through one of the slots if you like what you see. Our girls just love it when people appreciate them, but please do keep your hands and other body parts entirely to yourselves as our stunning dancers excite you beyond your wildest dreams. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a drink with your friends as we welcome you to a wondrous world that borders on fantasy. A world that shows people in a light beyond what you thought you knew. First up, please welcome to the stage, Diamond and Flex,” Smith says in clear, showman tones. Holding out a presenter’s arm, he travels sideways as the curtain begins to rise from the dim stage.

A soft circle of light begins to pulse and bloom in the center of the stage as an interesting piece of music begins to play, jazz-like in style. As Bettina (or Teeny, as they call her) and Alexa saunter on to the stage from opposite sides, they move with the deep beat. Swallowing the last of my beer, I set the bottle on the bar before I drop it.

Dressed in nude-toned bodysuits, they appear to be completely naked, except for the few gleaming, strategically-placed sequins setting my mind at ease. Another beer replaces my empty bottle and I feel Benji pat me on the shoulder as I stare at the stage, transfixed.

Diamond and Flex meet at center-stage, having mirrored each other’s movements along the way. Still doing so, their movements reflect each other perfectly. The effect is all the more intriguing because while Alexa’s fair hair and skin tone has a rich tan, Teeny’s dark hair and chocolate skin is in deep contrast, leading both petite women to appear as distinct opposites. I watch fascinated, as the center light drops and two others light up on either side of the stage. That’s when I see the two weird metal structures that the spots have highlighted.

With the same immaculate timing, the girls move to opposite structures. On closer inspection, the strange things appear to be stepped into tiny platforms. Climbing them like dainty stairs, the girls do the same eye-catching moves atop those tiny platforms, before one of the lights flicks out.

Only Alexa is highlighted now, and I am completely amazed as she puts her hands on two of the platforms and turns herself upside down. Moving with the music, she balances and twists her body into all manner of pretzel shapes, making me wonder where in the world her bones are. I don’t know when upside-down became so sexy, but I’m now convinced of its merits.

Too soon, Alexa’s light goes out and Teeny’s light shines again, allowing her to show off her talents. I feel kind of rude turning away, but I also feel strangely uncomfortable watching someone that isn’t Alexa. Taking the beer Benji has so helpfully supplied me, I take a long drink. Benji winks and shakes his head at me as his eyes return to the stage. Glancing over my shoulder, I turn back around as Alexa’s light flicks back on and they reflect each other’s movements again, but upside down this time. The strength and skill involved is mind-boggling and I’m still trying to comprehend it as the girls finish balancing and flip from their stands.

Making their reflected way back to the center of the stage, they dance in front of each other as if each of them is pleasantly parading themselves in front of an actual mirror. Their brazen moves flaunt all of those glorious assets that girls have and I swallow roughly as my internal temperature rises even higher. As the music begins to wind down, they give each other a peck on each cheek, European-style, and walk away from each other with sassy hips as the audience erupts into applause. Unable to clap myself, I drum my arms on the bar in appreciation.

Fumbling in my bag, I pull out my wallet. Slipping some cash out, I signal to Benji. “This is for the beer, man. Also, can I have some of those envelopes?”

Posting them through a slot, just like a lot of other people, I take my beer and head back over to see Bruno before the next set starts.

“What kind of shit do you do when you’re on stage?” I ask as he smiles in greeting. “Do you go upside down?”

“Sometimes,” he says, looking at me strangely. “Sometimes I just dance. Sometimes I use the pole. Why? Coming to watch next time, or are you flirting with me?”

Giving him a roll of my eyes, I take another sip of my beer. “I had no idea that upside-down was that sexy. And this,” I say, pointing the beer I’m holding back towards the club, “Is not what I have come to expect from a strip joint. I mean, these girls can... move.”

“Yeah,” Bruno says slowly, as if I’m dense. “I tried to tell you.”

“Dude, when you said you were going to be a stripper, I didn’t think it would be something I’d watch, no matter what the fuck you were doing on stage, so I stopped listening. But this shit is tasteful and artistic. It’s like watching an actual stage show, but way, way hotter. No wonder people drop serious cash in here.”

“Glad you like it. I’ll tell Prez that Damon Almighty approves of her righteous business plan. I’m sure she’ll be most impressed. Probably get your opinion engraved on a plaque and everything. We can hang it right here,” he says, framing a rectangle shape on the wall by the door with his fingers, “For everyone to see.”

“Or not,” I say, squinting at him in annoyance. “What’s your beef?”

“Nothing. Fuck off and watch the show.”

Looking at him sideways, I fit my beer into my elbow so I can fold my arms. “Are you pissed because I haven’t seen you dance naked? Because that thought is just freaking me out.”

“Scarlett’s on next.”

“Oh. Oh. Okay. I’ll just stay here then. I don’t want things to be weird between us because I saw your future wife naked. Dude, settle.”

Visibly relaxing, Bruno leans against the wall next to me. “Good.”

“Although, I’m sure you’ve seen Alexa in the same light, so maybe I should -”

When he grabs for me, I’m ready. I’ve provoked this bear before - it’s kind of a hobby. Leaping out of his way, I crack up. “Easy tiger, I was just kidding!” I say, still laughing as he makes to grab me again and I narrowly escape. “Careful. You’re gonna make me spill my beer.”

“I’ll spill you’re blood if you’re not careful,” he threatens, with a grin on his face. “And stop dancing in the foyer or people will think they have to tip you.”

“I wouldn’t mind that,” I say, resuming my position against the wall next to him. “Although it might be that they’d be paying me to stop. My skills aren’t quite up to this level.”

Laughing quietly, Bruno speaks into his collar. When Cooper arrives, Bruno gives him a nod. “Keep this one out here. He’s dodgy,” he says, jabbing his thumb at me as he moves into the club.

“You on break?” I call, following him. “I’ll buy you a drink.”

Putting his hand on my chest to stop me, Bruno shakes his head. “I’m watching Scarlett. You’re staying here. Besides, I work here. I don’t need to pay for drinks.”

Looking down at his hand on my chest, I raise my eyes to his face again. “Fine. You can stop touching my boobs now. Or does that help get you in the mood too?”

Removing his hand he cuffs me around the head with it and laughs. “Go fuck yourself Shermansky.”

“Only if you give me a hand.” Laughing, I kick him in the ass as he walks away. Turning back to Coop, I see he’s looking at me funny. Groaning, I shake my head. “Are you trying to figure out how I’d fuck myself? Because I’m still trying to figure it out myself, if you have any suggestions.”

Laughing, Coop shakes his head. “I was actually wondering if a man could ever be flexible enough to suck his own cock.”

“Well I haven’t cracked it yet,” I reply, taking another sip of beer. “Maybe those yogi guys in India that fold themselves up can do it.”

Shaking his head again, Coop pulls his coat closed as he steps out to check the street. Coming back in, he makes himself comfortable at his post. “You going to fill me in on the end of that story? Did you make it across the state line?”

“Oh, yeah. The cop was a regular donut delight, and I can run pretty fast. He gave up halfway across the bridge, but I didn’t stop running for at least another three miles. I was paranoid the port authority would be on me any minute.”

“Then what?”

“I stole someone's shorts from their clothesline and hitched a ride back to my hotel - which was as easy as you’d imagine, for a guy with no thumbs. And that was the last time I’ll ever try to drink an Irishman under the table.”

Cooper and I trade stories until he moves back into position inside the club as Bruno returns.

“Enjoy yourself, big guy?” I ask as Bruno adjusts his crotch and assumes his position at the door.

Saying nothing, he just smiles and holds his hand out for the IDs of an approaching group. Each of them pays the cover charge, and Bruno waves them on through. All until the last man.

“Not you.”

“What? Why not?”

“You’ve been banned A-hole and you know it. Step away now while you still can,” Bruno says, handing the guy his license back. “Next,” he calls to two women waiting to enter.

Holding his hand out to stop them, the guy turns back to Bruno. “But this is my first time!” the man protests. “How can I be banned if I’ve never been here?”

“Josh Winston, you dumb fuck. Did you honestly think that if you used a fake license, I wouldn’t remember your ugly face and the fact that you tried to spike a girl’s drink to fuck her senseless? Get out of my face before I grind you into a pulp.”

Not denying the allegations, Josh Winston’s face holds no evidence of remorse as he looks longingly into the club where his friends have now disappeared. Looking back to Bruno, he blatantly sizes him up. The guy is clearly deluded if he’s even thinking about pushing the issue.

Bruno starts counting down from five. At ‘two’ Josh Winston, leaves with a disgruntled huff. Turning on his most charming smile, Bruno greets the waiting women with extra smooth manners and assurances of their peace and safety. They both practically drop their panties for him on their way past, making several over the shoulder glances before they move out of sight.

“You must make a killing on Ladies’ Night,” I say, shaking my head in disbelief.

“Mom’s care is expensive.”

“Do you ever wonder about all these other chicks now that your dick works?”

Glaring at me, Bruno takes a long moment to answer. “There has been one woman for me since I met her. Why? Do you wonder about other chicks, or just one? Because Lex is about to start her set and if you hurt her, I’ll fuck you up - best friend or not. You get me?”

Thrown, I take a sip of my beer. “It was just a question, pussy magnet. I already told you how things are. If you think I’d hurt her, then you don’t know me at all.”

“Of course I know you, drama queen. And I know her. This is a standard warning any man who touches her gets,” he says with a stern look. “Consider her my little sister.”

“Well all right then,” I say, adjusting my hold on my now empty beer bottle. “That’s a language I understand. It’s just weird coming out of your mouth. I really should have come around and met your family sooner. It’s opened up a whole other side to you I didn’t know existed.”

“Dude why are you standing here flapping your gums? Flex will be on stage any minute.”

Looking into the club, I hesitate.

“Nervous about the clothes coming off in front of spectators?” Bruno asks with a knowing smile.

“Maybe.”

“Trust me. Just watch and you’ll know everything you need to know.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ll see everything she’s not telling you in words. Just sack up and go. Once she starts you’ll forget there’s anyone else there, because she’ll be dancing for you. Just go,” he says, taking my empty bottle and pushing me into the club.

“What if she’s not dancing for me?”

“Watch her and you’ll know.”

Muttering under my breath, I find a dark corner to stand in as Smith introduces Flex to the stage. Soft, sweet and almost sorrowful music begins to play as the curtain starts to rise. Immediately, my eyes are searching for any sign of her, but the stage is bare; nothing but black. A panic begins to rise inside me, wondering if I’m to blame for her absence. Finally I see her.

Completely shrouded in black, she is almost invisible, but the appearance of a pale pink beam of light frames her gently as she begins to move. Perfectly in time with the music, she somehow makes being invisible sexy too. It’s as if her billowing black shroud is a bed sheet and the things happening beneath it are pure imagination as you catch a glimpse of the shape of her breast, the grasp of her hand, or the curve of her ass.

Seeming to float above the stage in a slow, swirling flow of captivation, Alexa begins to appear, one achingly beautiful limb at a time. Then, in a flash of movement, the bulk of her cover disappears, leaving her clad only in a black, off-the-shoulder sort of draped dress that barely covers her, allowing just a peek of her perfect cheeks here and there as she moves about the stage so gracefully it hurts.

Her face is painted. Matching her color scheme is just one black stripe, wide across her eyes, like a burglars mask. Long blond waves fall freely behind her as she moves, cascading down her back or sensually caressing her wherever her movements take them, as if she’s intentionally causing her hair to glide pleasurably over her skin. The whole effect is breath-taking.

Every movement is so subtle and tentative, but the effect is just the opposite. My heart is pounding in my ears and I couldn’t pull my eyes away if I tried. Enraptured. My pain forgotten, I’m caught up in her every move, desperate for more. The sparkles are all around me.

The fabric of her dress disappears, leaving her in just a tiny black thong and her face paint. The stretch of her legs, the arch of her back and the thrust of her chest, all of it is visible now and gloriously so. Not once does she make an obscene motion, or pretend to grind the floor, or a pole, or even touch herself to tease the audience. This is Alexa. Pure and simple, and absolutely, irresistibly beautiful.

The music and her movements begin to speed up and she flies about the stage, stopping abruptly every now and then to push away some imaginary thing, only to spin away, or leap in a different direction. The way her body moves is hypnotic as she seems to flee from every side. Continuing to push away even more things as they apparently encroach upon her, Alexa takes center stage and drops her head as the music comes to a sudden halt. Standing firm with her arms out-stretched to each side and her palms flexed up as though they’re screaming ‘stop!’ Alexa slowly raises her head. Staring straight ahead with that haunting black stripe, the audience is silenced by her intensity and the rapid rise and fall of her chest that accentuates her bust and the glistening sheen of her skin.

The noise only starts as the curtain begins to lower. The applause is nearly deafening. Before Alexa disappears from view, I watch as her head turns directly to me. Our eyes meet and in that brief moment, before the curtain conceals her from view, I understand.

I will do anything in my power to make her feel safe.

Practically running back to Bruno, I bounce at the door to the stairs. “Let me up. Now.”

“Why?” Bruno laughs, punching in the code. “Trying to hide a hard-on, or did you jizz in your pants already?”

Looking down, I adjust my boner to make it less obvious. “No. Shut up. I just need to think a bit before Alexa gets upstairs.”

Bruno laughs and opens the door for me. “Whatever man. Don’t ‘think’ too hard.”