How Long is Forever
Chapter 7
Carolyn arrived at the club at six-thirty just to allow extra time to get ready. She found Violet in one of the dressing rooms, breathed a quick sigh of relief, and asked where to go and what to do. Violet took her down a long hallway to another dressing room, showed her a rack of lingerie, and told her to pick something out.
"I'd suggest something to highlight your hair." Violet's eyes studied her features analytically. "When you're dressed, head for the boss's office."
Carolyn picked through the skimpy costumes, finally selecting a deep-green bustier and matching thong panties. She decided not to wear any hose but did find a pair of over-the-knee high-heeled black boots in her size. She pulled her long red hair up into a ponytail, giving it a slight tease to fluff it out. She also found a short kimono to cover up with, giving her a little sense of propriety.
Taking one last look in the full-length mirror on the wall, she took a deep breath and headed down the hallway to Gina's office. Here goes nothing! I hope I don't let Paul Drake down. Trying to still her heartbeat and steel herself, she knocked softly.
"Come in."
Carolyn entered, surprised to see an older man sitting next to Gina. She assumed this was Rocco Anzellmo. Even though he was seated, Carolyn could tell he was short and on the pudgy side. He was like most balding men; he had combed his long hair over to cover up. He affected the pencil thin mustache and held a large stogie in his hand. Several rings adorned his hand, light bouncing off the jewelry. The look the man gave Carolyn reminded her of a rattlesnake about to strike, making her give an involuntary shiver.
Gina looked up from some paperwork, frowning when she saw Carolyn had wrapped the kimono around herself.
"Lose the robe."
Carolyn slowly dropped the kimono to the floor, hoping her costume was enough.
"Turn."
She did, playing both a tease for Rocco and a desperate girl for Gina. The phone call from Mr. Mason had come in time, and she was ready to handle both persons, just as they came. Otherwise, what was the point in trying to save Paul?
She felt Rocco's eyes on her. She knew the kind of louse he was; she had seen men and boys like him in other walks of life. He was a womanizer who liked to try out the new girls.
Once she was facing Gina, she saw Rocco actually moisten his lips, again reminding her of a snake. She turned her eyes to Gina, waiting for comments.
"Get more makeup on. If you don't know what I like, ask one of the other girls. And lose the girly ponytail. Go!"
Carolyn turned, collected the kimono, and walked out of the office with dignity. Hurrying back down the hall, she was hoping Violet would still be in the dressing room. Sure enough, as though she had been waiting to hear how it had gone, Violet was sitting at the dressing table, staring into the mirror.
"Well?" she asked, turning to meet Carolyn's gaze. "What did she say? Was the troll in there?" Violet was in a purple bra which barely contained her assets, and matching thong. She also wore purple fishnet stockings and impossibly high purple heels.
"Boss lady says I need more makeup," Carolyn smiled. "I knew I would. I'm not sure how to do it, though."
Violet looked over at her, reaching out to tilt Carolyn's face up to the light. "Yeah. Let's see what we can do."
Carolyn sat still as Violet applied more blush to her cheeks and changed her lipstick to a deep, dark red. Then she started working on Carolyn's eyes. When Violet had finished, Carolyn again looked in the mirror, pulling in a breath as she saw the change. Her cheeks were brought into prominence, the lipstick gave her a full, pouty look. But it was the change in her eyes that had Carolyn smiling. Her eyebrows now had a graceful arch. The deep green shadow made her naturally green eyes seem like a pair of emeralds. She had pulled the ponytail out and her hair fell in loose waves down her back and over her shoulders.
"Wow! Where on earth did you learn to do this?"
Violet gave a throaty laugh, lighting up a cigarette, leaving it dangling from her mouth as she finished her own makeup.
"I was in the drama club in high school, then I tried a beauty college. Discovered there was more money dancing in clubs."
Carolyn glanced at her, then away again. When this is all over, I'm recommending her to the agency.
A loud knock on the door caused Carolyn to jump.
"C'mon ladies! Showtime! Get the lead out and hustle your asses out on stage!"
Carolyn had a moment of panic, wondering if she could really do this. Violet put her hand on Carolyn's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Just stay on the back pole and follow my moves. You'll be fine."
"Thanks Violet."
"Call me Vi. C'mon honey, let's go."
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The stage was bathed in soft blue lighting. It contained three silver poles, two in back, one in front, center stage. Carolyn followed behind Violet, selecting the pole to the right. Another girl with coal black hair and dressed all in red took the remaining pole.
Carolyn heard a tapping on a microphone, like someone making sure it was on. Then a gravelly voice came over the speakers. Carolyn looked to the side of the stage to see Rocco holding the mike.
"Gentlemen, gentlemen please. Welcome to the Pussycat Club. I'm sure you're all ready for some entertainment."
Applause and whistles erupted.
"Well then, I'm very excited to introduce you to our vivacious trio. Violet!"
A lavender spotlight shown on Violet who did a quick turn on her pole.
"Victoria!"
As a pink spotlight hit her, the dark-haired girl in red slid to the floor in a split.
"And last, the newest addition to our club, Vivian!"
A green spotlight shown on Carolyn. Knowing she had to perform, she wrapped her legs around the pole halfway up, then hung upside down. Then dropped one leg after the other to the floor, standing upright.
The crowd erupted in applause, except the two men sitting at a table in the back trying to stay in the shadows.
Perry and Hamilton, both in disguise, looked at each other in amazement.
Hamilton chuckled, making his faux mustache swish from side to side. "Wonder if Paul taught her that move."
Perry's lips curved up, but his only response was a nod. He had opted for a padded suit and graying hair. While Hamilton was watching the stage, he had his eyes on the pudgy figure just at the side.
Unaware he was being observed, Rocco Anzellmo kept his gaze fixed on Carolyn as she performed, unconsciously licking his full lips. He had some plans for this new girl. She was unlike any of the others. Rocco thought he just might make her a permanent part of his life.