Roxie and I have a real grand show planned out for tonight, and I have got needs that must be fulfilled. Lena will be busy for hours. And I'm sure Roxie can fulfill some of my desires herself. Sure hope Lena isn't another starstruck one, like Roxie used to be. It was hard enough trying to tame Hart, let alone put up with another one bewitched by the razzle-dazzle.
I'm going to need a completely new warddrobe for rehearsal if Roxie doesn't quit pawing at this one. It'll be paper thin by the time she's done. I push her off of me, and she's looking at me dejected. "Oh, whatcha do that for, Velma?" she whines.
"Sorry Rox. Girl's gotta play," I reply, as I wag my finger at her and she follows me out to the stage, just like the lovesick pup she is.
And what a swell stage it is. That dump, the Onyx, is nothing compared to this. Ten times the spotlights and our troupe of dancers is lined up, waiting for our approval. Roxie looks each one up and down carefully. We have to make sure none of them are too pretty, that they're all skinny enough, and of course, if they can get hot for the crowd.
"They'll do," Roxie calls across the room, as I'm making one girl repeat her routine. I nod as I spot Willy standing by the door.
"Hey. Where's the girl you promised us?" I demand. He's smoking a cigar and looking at me as if I'm on fire. Keep your eyes off, I'm not for the taking, I'm muttering underneath my breath.
"Don't worry, Velma. Lena starts tonight. She'll be there for your every beckon and call. You're a nice piece, I'd give you anything you want, trust me," he responds. He walks off, leaving me and Roxie to whip our dancers into shape. I bristle from his snide remarks then return to the girl from before.
I can tell she's irritated with me, as Roxie repeats the combination again. "No, it's step, step, STEP" she hisses. The girl sighs, throwing her hands into the air. The other dancers look away, but I go directly up to her. My eyes meet hers and I can hear that she's a bit hesitant in her breathing.
"What's your name kid?" I ask the dancer, whose ribs show through her clothing. She's so tiny and fragile, she looks no more than twelve. "You're not that agile, are you?"
"Mary," she breathes. "And no, I'm not." Easily intimidated this one is. She ought to be some fun, if I play my cards right.
"What's a pretty young thing you like you doing away from the schoolhouse, dearie?" I ask, cupping her chin in my hands. She shakes my grasp away, tossing her hair defiantly. "You're a little tomato, aren't you?"
Roxie's staring at me with a look of confusion, but I shrug it off. She should be used to my actions by now. Didn't I treat her the same way when she was a little girl in the shadows? Mary folds her arms over her chest and hangs her head. "I'm sorry. I'll try it again," she whispers. I slap her on the face lightly in reply.
"Yes, you better," I suggest, but I soften my voice. "You're a good girl." I turn back to Roxie, but then think twice, looking at Mary again. "But you better get the damn steps right! Just a little advice. You know, between us girls," I growl.
"C'mon, kid. Let's blow this place." Roxie nods and we walk off towards the dressing room. Behind me I can hear another dancer whining about my reaction.
"Bitch," she says in a high octave. I ignore her and drag Roxie into the dressing room, slamming the door behind us. Once in there, she gives me a quick kiss on the cheek and wraps her hands around my neck.
"You're a wicked one, Velma Hart," she says demurely and I start teasing my hand along her thigh. "Wicked but wonderful," she adds.