The Penthouse
Chapter One|Welcome to The Penthouse
It had to be the longest taxi ride in her life. New York was populated with these taxi cabs. They flooded the streets and it certainly wasn't hard to hail a cab. No matter what time of day – morning, afternoon, night – a cab was always there to pick you up. It wasn't a problem now nor was it as she left John F. Kennedy Airport the other day.
Yes, New York City was her brand new home. And like anything brand new, she didn't know anything about it. She didn't know how to use it and most important of all, she didn't know what to expect from the city that never sleeps. Kelly Blank was admirably excited to have a chance to begin a new life here. This brand new home was nothing like the one she use to have back in the south. This place was much different than the small town she grew up in.
She'd never seen skyscrapers that went so far into the sky. It was almost like seeing a little girl walk into a candy score. She'd hear of New Yorkers complain of different things – like the crazy people who beg on the train, the traffic jams that could leave you stranded for hours and so much more but Kelly only wanted to embrace it. Be a part of it – she was like that perfect little tourist. It didn't matter how bad it smells, how rude the people were or how expensive it was or anything like. New York was New York – she'd love it no matter what.
All Kelly wanted was to live a life like no one in her family or town ever could. She was laughed at. She was the center of humiliation. Most importantly, she was tossed aside like a piece of meat. No one had believed in her. Her dreams of becoming a Broadway actress were always shunned by many but it never stopped it. She had to be here. This was the place she wanted to be in. Frank Sinatra even said in his iconic famous song – New York, New York – that if you could make it here, you could make it anywhere. Miss Blank had the intentions to do just that.
She was well aware that getting to the top wasn't going to be easy. Oh no – it's a vigorous battle. There's going to be people that don't want you to succeed. There's going to be people that are going to manipulate her. There's going to be a whole lot of drama but it stands as some sort of a training course. If you could survive all of that, she could be cut out to handle the life of an actress.
Just at the moment, the taxi cab was going through the theatre district. The huge flashing lights beamed against her windows. Countless Broadway shows took place on this very street. The huge name in lights – oh how she wished that could be her. She'd been to show like these as a little girl and she knew this is where she belonged. And that one day it would read 'Kelly Blank' in the rotating flashing lights or the huge billboard. She was going to make it.
It was a struggle to get into acting school here. It had nothing to do with your talents – they promised to mold you into a star. The price tag that came along with it was by far very difficult. Lucky for her, she found a school that produced Tony and Academy Award winning stars. Just how would she handle the cost of the school was the only question that was left unanswered.
There was one person willing to give Kelly a chance. Trish Stratus. The name wasn't familiar. Along her flight from Jacksonville, Kelly came into contact with Trish Stratus. All she knew about her was that she was a successful business woman. If it wasn't for her, Kelly may have came to the city without a job, without anything but the clothes on her back, money in her packet and her one suitcase. Though she didn't have much information, she was excited where she was going with Trish Stratus.
"Good Afternoon everyone – this is your captain speaking. Looks like we'll begin our descent into the New York City area so if you would all so kindly return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts. We should be on the ground in a short time."
She had to have the window seat. It was window seat or no seat – well, maybe not no seat. Her plane slowly began landing procedures as her eyes were glued to the windowsill. The sky was clear enough that day while they were at 10,000 feet. The tiny island of Manhattan stuck out compared to its other boroughs. The skyscrapers shot into the sky. The Empire State building looked magnificent from afar but could only imagine seeing it up close. The Brooklyn Bridge – oh, she couldn't wait to take a nice long jog over it into Brooklyn. She could almost taste the city, though it was so far away.
The flight attendants began to scowl away in preparation for landing. The passenger seated beside Kelly smirked while looking at the girl. She, a native New Yorker, could notice a tourist from a mile away. The blonde couldn't keep way from the window – even from the beginning of the flight when they were still in Jacksonville.
"You must be a tourist," the female beside Kelly with the chocolate brown hair and the latest issue of Vogue magazine in her hands had something to say. Kelly quickly retracted her head back, smirking for a moment.
"How'd you know?" asked the stumbled blonde. The woman looked absolutely stunning, sitting down in a black business suit with her wavy brown hair coming down elegantly.
She could only smirk, "Well for one, you seemed very edgy throughout the flight and you couldn't keep your eyes away from the window. Every second I'd see your head glued to the window – even from when we first took off and still over Florida. Are you excited to see New York?"
"More than excited," she could barely hold in her excitement while speaking to the New Yorker, "It's always been a dream of mine to come to New York. Ever since I was a little girl, I've always wanted to star in my own play right here in New York. There's no other place like it. I remember staring in plays in elementary school and I knew that was my calling. Now my calling is leading me to New York," Kelly sure knew how to ramble on, "So sorry to ramble on about these things. You probably have much more important things then listening to me."
"Oh no, your story was very sweet –"
"Kelly – I'm Kelly Blank."
The southern belle offered her hand for a handshake, which she offered, "I'm Trish Stratus. It's very nice to meet you. So you're an actress?"
"Well, yeah. I would really like to become an actress but I'd first like to take some classes too, if I can. I saved up as much money as I can to get a ticket to New York and an apartment. Do you live in New York?"
"I moved here from Toronto about ten years ago so I've been here for a while. I can tell your going to love this city," Trish answered.
"Do you have any tips about the city? I mean, I know as much as the next person does but could you offer a girl advice about New York?"
"Well, I recommend you wash your hands after riding the subway. The poles are full of germs. A taxi cab can take you anywhere in the five boroughs and can't deny your ride. Oh, shopping on Madison Avenue amazing – I highly recommend it. And you must go to this coffee shop over on Delancy Street. They one heck of a cup of coffee."
She hadn't arrived yet but she was already getting so many wonderful vibes just from speaking with Trish. The woman knew her way around the city, "Thanks. I've got a acting school to go to, tips from you and all I need is a job and I'll be set."
Job? I think I may have the job for you. A devious little smirk came across her lips as the idea perked right into her little mind. One of her workers did unfortunately leave a few weeks ago and since then, she's been looking for the perfect replacement. Kelly had the looks, the charm and the personality right for the position. She just didn't know if Kelly was willing to commit to this position. It required a lot of heart and courage.
"I think I can help you with that Kelly. You see, I'm a woman who loves business and I think I may have the perfect job for you. Personally, I believe this is the right fit and it could really skyrocket you into your dream of being an actress, that's if you're willing to give it a try."
At this point, Kelly was willing to do just about it anything. It's a dog eat dog world out there. If she wanted to survive, she needed to take a risk. Who says there's a job waiting for her when she gets down there? No one. This was her chance to take life by the reigns and just do it. A vibe shot right through her, telling her that this was the right thing to do.
"I'm willing to give just about anything to try," There – she said it and she couldn't take it back, just as the plane was landing and heading for the gate, "I'll do whatever you want me to do Trish."
Perfect. Trish loved girls who would do anything and there was something about Kelly that told her she would be a star. Reaching into her purse, Trish pulled out a card with an address and handed it to Kelly. As she stared, Trish provided an explanation of everything, "This Friday, come to the St. George Hotel on Park Avenue. Once you get to the lobby's front desk, simply say the word 'Diva' and she'll provide you with the rest of the information."
This felt a bit odd but still very exciting. The card was neatly printed, with fancy script and nothing else. Looking back up to Trish, she smiled, "Just say Diva at the front desk. I think I can handle that."
The plane had finally docked onto the gate and passengers soon began to scramble out. Trish stood up from her seat, removed her carry own from the overhead compartment and before she left she told Kelly, "I really look forward to seeing you again on Friday. Make sure to wear something very sexy."
And with that, the brunette soon disappeared and Kelly was left with a job opportunity where she didn't have any idea where it would take her or what it was about. Something was just telling her this was going to something amazing.
And now it was Friday and she was journeying for the St. George Hotel. The cab was pulling up right in front of the famed hotel. She provided the cab driver with the proper amount, along with a 3 dollar tip and made her way out of the cab. The leggy blonde stood right outside one of the world's exclusive five star hotels. Chills shot up and down her body in her skin tight black strapless pleated dress, accompanied with a set of royal blue bumps. Her hair came down in fluffy layers – ones that would fly into the wind as she walked onto through to the hotel.
She got a few stares – which she liked. A little stare never hurt anyone and she was strictly following the rules Trish had given her. At the front desk, a petite brunette sat there and quickly greeted Kelly with a smile.
"Good evening and welcome to the St. George – how may I assist you today?"
"Hi," it felt somewhat odd just to say one word but it had to be done, "Um – Diva."
The brunette smiled right back at Kelly as she turned around, reached into a desk and pulled out a keycard. It must have worked. The brunette returned and handed Kelly the card, "Trish told me she was expecting you. All you'll have to do is take this card, head into the elevator and head upstairs to the 37th floor – the penthouse."
The Penthouse? I'm actually going into a penthouse suite? New York, I keep falling more and more in love with you. "The Elevators are…?"
"Right down this way, Miss."
"Thank you," she clutched onto the card and quickly found herself onto the elevator. She flashed the card against the appropriate scanner and pressed the 'PH' labeled button.
From there, the elevator was doing all of the work. It slowly began its ascent for the top floor, quickly passing the numbers. At that very moment, her mind began to picture what was going on behind those elevator doors. What lay before those doors that she was about to pass. 35, 36, 37. She was here.
The excitement was only growing and growing. The anticipation to open the door was beating at her. She could hear a mixture of laughter and music spilling through the door. Soon, the sleek silver doors panned out slowly and Kelly would soon find herself immersed into something amazing. The flashing lights spurred into her eyes. The music filled up in her ears. Taking one step onto the red carpet, she had entered a whole new world.
On top of this massive hotel was a massive club to go along with it. Business-looking men flooded the room, while women in scantily outfits accompanied them. It was there was she started to receive a negative vibe from her. Something told her this isn't the type of place that she had originally pictured – especially after witnessing a playful women pull a man in a suit into the stairs – the same stairs that Trish would soon appear from.
Trish was in her magenta and black contrast dress, black pumps and her hair flowing down in bouncy curls. She smiled right at Kelly, "Oh Kelly, I'm so happy you made it," an impromptu hug was made afterwards, "Linda told me you showed up and I got here just in time to meet with you. How are you doing?"
"I'm doing okay – could you tell me where exactly am I? I thought this was some hotel."
She wore a smirk, similar to the one's she wore before, "This is still the St. George Hotel – it's the hotels best kept secret. Kelly – Welcome to the Penthouse."
The Penthouse? I think this could be more of a whore house than anything, "What exactly is the penthouse?"
"Let me take you for a little tour, shall we?" the Florida native didn't have much of a choice. She wanted to figure out why she brought her here and the job opportunity Trish had so she opted to join her on this tour – first beginning with the stage. The stage, with one of the woman currently performing and the sounds of men howling away and sipping on their scotches, "The Penthouse is a high class gentlemen's club owned by me but it's a lot different from other typical clubs."
"How is it different?"
"We're not all about the sex, honey. We're much classier than those other places. Girls here are not strippers. We're Divas. We're worth a lot more than just another stripper," Trish's image of this place was a lot more different than others have proceeded, "This is a place to show a lot more than just your body – it's about having good entertainment, some drinks and a girl by your side."
"So this isn't a whore house?"
"Yeah, we're somewhat like that. Some of our clients pay the price to sleep with some of these ladies but more men come here for a simple drink. Or they play a poker game in our little casino beside the entrance," Trish pointed it out. Men surrounded the table with woman by their sides, "Like I said, it's not all sex – sure, it's some but not all of it. Many of our clients come from Wall Street and they look to The Penthouse as a place to relax, let loose and forget about their worries."
Some women passed by Kelly and Trish – both giving Kelly a glare. The club had this 1950's – 1960's type of feel with a bit of a modern twist to it. It provided that feel that you were stepping into the past but you were still in 2011. It's almost like taking the reality out of things and brings you into a new world – a world away from the world. That's what Trish's goal was. To create an atmosphere that takes someone away from their daily problems.
"This is an elite club. There are not exactly a lot of people who know about this place. Its Manhattan's dirty little secret that the folks on Wall Street really know about," Continuing to follow Trish, she took her inside her office, "Kelly, please take a seat – could I get you something to drink?"
"Could I have an apple martini?"
"That's actually my favorite drink too," as she was seated, Trish picked up her phone calling the bar, "Justin, I'm going to need you to send up two apple martinis to my office. Thank you," she ended the call and quickly focused the attention back to Kelly, "Now, I don't want you to get the image that this place is a bad place. It's not. I started this place because I know what men want."
She pursued her lips together and crossed her legs before asking, "What exactly do men want?"
Trish offered a chuckle before resting her arms up onto the table, "Women, they want women. There's that saying that says a ticket to the man's heart is through his stomach. I believe that's a load of crap. A ticket to a man's heart is through his pants. Get a beautiful woman and he's all yours. That's how you get men these days – not by what's cooking in the kitchen but what a woman has to offer."
A knock came to the door and in came a woman. The woman was stunning with creamy light brown hair and a red corset and revealing black underwear. She had fishnet stockings and a pair of high heel stilettos to go along with it, "Miss Stratus – I have your two apple martinis," The brunette came forward dropping the two drinks onto Trish's desk, "and we put an extra olive, as always."
"Thanks Eve – do you mind giving me a moment? I'm having a little meeting with a friend of mines."
Eve didn't have to say anything else but opted to exit the room, leaving Kelly and Trish alone. The blonde accepted the drink into her hands, "So you've been running this place for a while, I assume?"
"Only seven years. I was a Diva here once myself and I had really gotten along well with the boss that when he left, he gave this all to me. I was so lucky to get this job because I was seconds away from losing my car and apartment."
"Really?"
She let out a nod before taking a sip of her martini. It was time to get to business and give Kelly the real deal. She wasn't here to make friends or anything like that. This was for business and business only. She let down her martini and watched at Kelly enjoyed her drink, "Kelly, let's talk about what I really invited you here for."
Now I'm getting nervous. Chills ran down her body before she said, "Ask away."
"I'm here to offer you a position here as a Diva. The moment I saw you in that plane, I knew you had everything I takes to be a Diva. You have the looks, the body and a sweet personality anyone would fall for. Your perfect and I know you want to become an actress and you're looking for a job, so I would like to extend to you an opportunity to work here with me and the lovely ladies."
To say the least, a part of her was expecting this to happen but the other part wasn't. This wasn't any ordinary job. This was a tough job and it required strength and courage – similar to what an actress must endure but maybe this could be that training she was looking for – plus, by the looks of this place, the money was more than perfect. Her schooling was expensive and a job like this could keep her afloat and help her settle into a life in New York. This decision had a whole lot riding on this and she was stuck in the middle.
It just worried her that extents she'd have to go for all of this. She knew this wasn't place to just offer sex but sometimes they do. She was worried that she could possibly get hurt. But then again, finding a job is difficult and sometimes you have to take a little gamble.
She couldn't believe she was about to say this but she took one last sip of her martini and told Trish, "I'm in."
Trish was more than elated. Her devious smirk returned while she sat back in her seat and said, "Welcome to The Penthouse, my dear."
Kelly wore a smile as she let the alcohol travel down her throat, fearing this may be a good idea but embracing the new chapter she was opening up. And like Frank Sinatra said, if you could make it here, you could make it anywhere. She could only hope that she'll one day make it the stage on Broadway but for now, The Penthouse will have to do.
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Coming up - Kelly meets fellow Divas Maryse, Eve & Mickie.
