Chapter 7.
"So this is Stilettos."
"The one and only! Isn't it great?"
As I stepped deeper into the almost empty strip joint, I couldn't say that I agreed with Yuka. No, it really wasn't great. I would have chosen an adjective more along the lines of "dirty" or "trashy". It was basically just a large, dark room with a big black stage taking up half of the place. Tables, booths, and a bar consumed the rest of the room.
"Hey Frankie!"
Yuka waved enthusiastically at a semi-short middle aged man with slicked back hair, who looked like he was from Mexican decent. He was stroking the thick mustache that was resting over top of his thin lips as he examined an invisible speck on his velvet suit, but broke out into a smile once he looked up and saw Yuka waving at him.
"Ah, my new shining star. What brings you here so early in the day?"
They kissed each other's cheeks for a greeting.
"I'm here to pick up my pay, silly."
"Ah, yes! The money, it's what drives you beautiful girls, si?"
At this, he must have finally noticed my presence, standing next to Yuka somewhat awkwardly.
"And who is this that we have here, hmm? A new employee, si?"
His hand scooped up mine and then brought his dry lips to it, keeping eye contact the entire time. His moustache had tickled my skin.
"Your name?"
"Um, Kagome."
"Hello, beautiful Kagome."
A smile shined my way, broadcasting a gold cap that lied on top of a tooth, flashing brightly amongst all of the other discoloured teeth.
"Hi."
"Kagome's my best friend; she's just here to get my money with me."
"Oh? You are not looking for a job, no?"
"Um…"
I gave Yuka a "help me" sort of look but she was too busy ripping open the envelope that held her cash prisoner to notice me.
"No, I actually don't need a job right now. No thank you."
"Oh but you would make such a lovely addition to our little family!"
Frankie laughed huskily as he spread his arms wide to demonstrate that the strip joint was clearly the home that held his "family".
"I could make you a star, you know. Men would come crawling from miles away just to see you. Sound appealing, si?"
No. Not really.
"Um, that sounds swell and everything but I really am just here with Yuka…"
"Okay, okay, I say no more about it. Please, just let me know you will consider, si?"
He rummaged around in his pocket, then pulled out a crumpled card and pressed it tightly into my palm.
"If you decide to get a job, please let me be the first man you call."
"Okay…"
"Well, it looks like we're done here. Thanks for the cash, Frankie-doll."
Yuka drawled as she gave Frankie another kiss on his stubble-covered face.
"You're working Saturday, si?"
"Sure thing. I'll see you then."
With that, we made our way out of the dark club and outside to the blinding sunlight.
"So, he offered you a job and you said no? That was a dumb move."
"Pfft, says you. I would rather continue to receive an allowance from my mother than take my clothes off in front of desperate and horny geezers, and be working for some guy named Frankie that is a good head shorter than me."
"Oh, whatever. So he's a little short. But fine, have it your way. Have fun watching me make hundreds upon hundreds of dollars while you get twenty bucks a week from your mommy."
"I'm trying to bump it up to twenty five."
We both burst out laughing, and Yuka hooked her arm through mine.
"So,"
I said, planning on changing the subject as soon as I could. Thoughts of Yuka stripping with Frankie clapping in approval were making my stomach churn.
"Have you found a place to live yet?"
"Oh, yeah I forgot to tell you. I think I've found a good place. Wanna' see it? It's just a few blocks down."
We walked the rest of the blocks until Yuka pulled me down an easy to miss street. Eventually we came to a stop in front of a sketchy looking apartment.
"Is this it?"
"This is it."
"Wow, kinda' skid, don't you think?"
The apartment looked as if it had only four, maybe five, floors. It appeared as if it had once been painted white, but was now a dirty cream colour with a grey undertone. The grass was dying in the front yard and bars covered every window. A hardly together, beaten up brown fence encircled the lot and the sounds of a child crying could be heard from inside.
"Is this really the only place you could find?"
"Oh hush, it's not as bad as it looks. It's a two bedroom suite, and it's dirt cheap."
"You'd never be able to tell."
Yuka shoved me for my sarcasm.
"Seriously, it's the best bet I have right now. I'd rather have my own place, as shitty has it may be, then stay with my creepy step dad for another day."
I couldn't argue that. Ever since Yuka's mom got a full time job and wasn't at home as much, her new husband had decided he would spend his days drinking beer and hitting on Yuka. She was better off here than at home.
"Are you going to get the place then?"
"I wasn't going to until I got your approval. But you don't seem too keen on it…"
"Oh shut up don't make me feel guilty. Besides, I think you should get it."
"Really?"
She seemed genuinely shocked.
"Yeah, really. It'll be cool that you will have your own place. Plus, the building kinda' has character, I guess."
"Oh yay!"
She hugged me hard and then smiled at the apartment with such joy that it made me laugh.
"I'll talk to the landlord tonight. You just wait, Kags, it's going to be great! We can have a party every night!"
I laughed again and shook my head.
"You're too enthusiastic for your own good. Now, how about you and me go and celebrate. Drinks on me."
She smiled even wider and nodded her head, hooking her arm through mine once more.
"Drinks it is!"
