victoria

 

 

When she arrived, she hastily parked and practically ran into Ashley’s building. She knocked impatiently and waited. Finally, the door swung open.

“Hey, girl, I’m so glad you came! You sounded so happy and excited on the phone!” Ashley’s eyes were twinkling. Victoria had already started telling her about her recent date with Bradley, but she sounded eager to get together, so Ashley had invited her over.

‘What’s going on? Tell me all about it,” Ashley said as she poured two glasses of wine.

Victoria smiled. “Ashley, I was so wrong about him. I mean, I never thought badly about him, but I didn’t know he was such an awesome person.”

Ashley nodded as she took a sip. “See, I told you. Go on.”

“So, here I was, thinking that he was stripping for the action and the women, or because he couldn’t find anything better to do, but you know what? He’s doing it to help pay for his little sister’s cancer treatment. Isn’t that great?” She clapped a hand over her mouth. “I mean, it’s not great that she has cancer, but you know what I mean. He’s doing it all for her!”

Ashley’s eyes widened and she put a hand to her chest. “Really? Oh my god. What a sweetie. That’s so sad about his sister. But that’s amazing that he’s helping his family.” She appeared close to tearing up.

“I know, right? And he’s all into fundraising and helping with the hospital project. I feel really bad that I judged him so harshly before.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself. You couldn’t have known. Most people would think the same thing once they hear he’s a stripper. It’s kind of understandable, even if it’s a stereotype.”

Victoria sighed as she stared off into space and she blushed. “And you know what? We had the hottest time last night. We met in my office after the board meeting…” She trailed off, but Ashley was having none of it.

“And what? What happened?”

Victoria blushed, but then looked up with a devilish grin. “Well, then he closed the door… and, well…”

“You didn’t!! In your office? For real?” Ashley’s eyes glistened with excitement.

Victoria nodded, sighed, and smiled.

“Oh my god, that’s too hot! So, you’ve changed your mind, I take it?”

“Yeah, I guess I’ll keep seeing him, for now. I’ve just started seeing him in a whole new light, you know?”

“Yeah, I bet you have. He sounds too good to be true. That’s awesome hon, I’m so happy for you!” She promptly refilled Victoria’s glass, eager to have her friend continue her story. “So, when are you seeing him again?”

“On Friday night. I can’t wait. We’re going to work on the project over dinner.”

“Uh-huh, I bet you will.” Ashley rolled her eyes playfully, and giggled.

“Stop it! I’m serious. We actually do have work to do. We have to set up all the fundraising.” She paused, and looked as if she just remembered something. “Oh, would you believe it, my sister is his little sister’s doctor.”

Ashley’s eyes widened. “Really? What a coincidence! See, it was meant to be.”

“I don’t know if I’d go that far, but yeah it’s interesting to say the least. I really hope his sister will be ok.” Victoria’s smile faded.

“Yes, of course. I’m sure she will be. Your sister’s the top doc in that field, isn’t she?”

Victoria nodded. “It’s just so sad. I hate hearing about kids getting sick… and in this case, it’s Bradley’s little sister. You should see the picture of them together. It’s so sweet the way she loves him.”

Ashley put a hand over Victoria’s and squeezed it. “Don’t worry, I’m sure she’ll be fine. He seems like a such a great guy to be helping his family out like that. You’ve got a good one there,” she said.

“Oh, don’t worry, things have a way of working themselves out. You have to be more optimistic. And you’d be surprised by how accepting and non-judgmental a lot of people are. You really underestimate them, I think.”

“Really? You think so?”

Ashley nodded. “Listen, it’s not as if he’s a bank robber, or a murderer. And I don’t think people judge male dancers as harshly as they do female ones. Sad, but true. There’s still a double standard there, too.”

Victoria shrugged. “Yeah, I guess so. I still hope no one finds out, though. And he hasn’t mentioned any plans to stop any time soon.”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure he will. I mean, we can’t know when, but I’m sure he doesn’t plan to do it forever. He IS in med school, right? So, it’s not as if he’ll continue this after he gets a residency. He won’t have time, anyways.”

“I guess you’re right.” She looked at Ashley and couldn’t help but smile. “I actually think this might work out. I really hope it does.”

“Awww, I really hope so too, hon. I’m sure it will. I have a feeling.”