Thank you for your interest and support. I appreciate it. I do not own Glee or the characters, neither do I own Serving The Billionaire.
MERCEDES
I made $500 in tips that first night, just from the few tables that Natalie had me wait... And when I got home in the middle of the night, I counted the crumpled bills and started crying.
I was going to be able to pay my rent. I wouldn't have to move back to San Bernardino. I was saved.
Now, for the other highlight of my night... The man in the charcoal suit with the green eyes...
I had written my name on a napkin and set it down under the second martini I had delivered to him. And was back at the bar when he realized what I'd done.
When our eyes met across the room, I felt a jolt run through my body that I couldn't explain. And I touched myself that night at home, tucked underneath the covers, imagining that it was him touching me instead.
I didn't see him again until Sunday, but I went to work at the club every night, determined to make as much money as possible before they realized how incompetent and clueless I was.
I learned quickly though...
I learned which clients wanted flattery and which wanted to drink in peace. And I kept my mouth shut and curved into a slight smile, always .
After the first night, I didn't wear my heels on the subway either... Another thing I learned.
Instead, I carried them in my bag and changed out of my flats once I got to the club.
I also packed a book in my purse to have something to read during the long subway ride. And I perfected my makeup by practicing over and over in the mornings before work.
I followed Natalie for two more nights, and then she set me loose on my own table...just one, so that she could keep an eye on me and make sure I didn't do anything stupid.
I must've passed, because the next night, she gave me two tables...
It was heady... I was making more money than I knew what to do with, and I was surprised to realize that I liked the way the clients looked at me as I walked past holding a tray on my shoulder.
They wanted me... I could see it in their eyes... The banked desire...
I had never been desirable before. Especially compared to Jocelyn. I was just shy, awkward Mercedes, gawky, thick and curvy and a little too short.
But in my heels and black skirt... I was sexy. And it was a powerful feeling.
On Sunday afternoon, when I arrived at the club shortly before opening, Brittany called me into her office...
I went in, heart pounding.
Had I done something wrong?
Was she about to fire me?
She didn't look angry though, and she smiled at me warmly as I closed the door.
"Have a seat," she said. "Natalie tells me you've been doing very well."
I was taken aback. Natalie hadn't given me any indication of how she thought I was doing, which of course, made me assume that I was shit and she was just trying to be nice.
"Um, thank you," I said.
"She thinks you'll be an excellent server with more experience," Brittany said. "But that isn't why I called you in here. I'll cut straight to the chase. One of our regular clients would like you to serve in his private room tonight."
I had only a vague idea of what went on in the private rooms, but from the comments the other waitresses had made, it sounded pretty scandalous. And I wasn't sure I wanted to get involved.
What I didn't know couldn't hurt me.
"A regular client?" I asked.
"Yes," she said. "He told me that you waited on him on Wednesday night, and he seems to have taken a shine to you." She paused, and then said, "I want to make it clear that you're under no obligation to do this. If you choose not to, I'll simply tell the client that you aren't available, and that will be the end of it. But I also think you should know that he offered to pay you one thousand dollars for serving his party tonight."
It took a few moments for the meaning of her words to sink in.
A thousand dollars?
For one night of work?
There was a catch of some sort, I was sure of it.
"Um... What kind of party? I mean, what's going to happen in his private room?"
I'd avoided asking any questions before, but if I was going to do this, I wanted to go in with my eyes open.
Brittany pressed her lips together and nodded slightly.
"You have a right to know. He typically brings a handful of companions and requests entertainment from a few of our dancers. The girls tell me that he never touches them, although his companions do; but that none of them have particularly exotic tastes. Lap-dances, a little groping. No actual sex."
"Who is he?" I asked.
"You can speak with him, if you'd like," she said. "He'll be arriving soon. You don't need to decide immediately if you'd like to serve for him. See what he has to say, and then I'll work out the details. Or..." she went on, looking closely at my face. "...you can work the main floor as usual tonight, and I'll have another girl serve him in the future."
I thought about it right there and then. A thousand dollars was a lot of money and I would just be serving, not giving any lap-dances of my own.
"I'll talk to him," I decided.
"Excellent!" Brittany said. "He'll be in room 4 in ten minutes. You can wait for him in there if you'd like."
I still didn't know who this man was, and the thought of waiting alone in a room for some wealthy, powerful customer made me a little nervous.
Brittany didn't seem to think there was anything unusual about it though, and I didn't want her to think I wasn't up for the task.
So I put on my game face and went back out into the club.
Room 4 was along the back wall... I slipped inside and waited by the fireplace. I didn't feel the need to sit down.
The room contained a number of over-stuffed sofas arranged around the fireplace, with low tables beside each one. The light in the room came from the fire and the lamps set on each of the tables, and the walls were paneled with dark wood, giving the room a cozy, intimate feeling.
The carpeting underfoot had a thick, dense pile. Nothing was overtly flashy, but the room as a whole screamed money.
Endless moments dragged by as I waited. And my stomach started to do somersaults.
I didn't know for sure who this mystery man was, but I had a feeling it was the man with the green eyes from the other night.
And I knew that if he walked through that door, there would be no going back.
After a slow eternity, I heard a noise at the door and it opened slowly...
I held my breath.
It was him, of course... The man with the green eyes...
I forced myself to exhale. Passing out from lack of oxygen probably wouldn't make a good impression.
He crossed the room and stopped directly in front of me... He towered over me, even with my heels. And as I gazed up into his gorgeous eyes, I felt that same electric connection I'd experienced the other night.
My heart began beat rapidly... He was wearing a suit again, a navy one with a blue shirt and a dark red tie. And he looked good enough to eat.
"You spoke with Brittany?" he asked me. His voice was as deep and resonant and I remembered.
I swallowed and concentrated on not stammering.
"Yes."
"So. One thousand for the night. Nobody will touch you." He looked me up and down. "Are you easily shocked?"
"By what?" I asked. Easily shocked could cover a lot of ground.
His mouth quirked to one side.
"Naked women... Drunk men around naked women."
"I'm not a prude, if that's what you're asking," I said.
My mouth spoke without my brain's permission. I couldn't believe how bold I was being, or that I was even able to string two words together when he was standing there looking at me, smelling of wool and rich cologne.
"I shouldn't think so. You do work at a strip club," he said, very calm and matter-of-fact, like he talked about public nudity and strip clubs every day of the week. Maybe he did, for all I knew. He raised his eyebrows at me. "Do you agree?"
"I agree," I said.
How could I not, when he was standing there looking at me?
The money had been enough of a temptation... I probably would've said yes even if it was some old, creepy geezer. But with him, this man with intensely green eyes, there was no chance I would ever say no.
"Good. The rest of my party will be arriving shortly. Please bring in a bottle of your best Scotch." He reached out and touched me on the chin with his thumb and forefinger. "You'll be a good girl for me tonight."
It wasn't a question. And I could feel myself blushing.
"Will you tell me your name?" I asked, stunned by my own audacity.
Who was I to question him, this powerful man?
I was just some girl who worked in a club. And he was...well, whoever he was. But I was sure that he was far more influential than I could even conceptualize.
"Sam," he said.
"And your last name?" I asked.
He made that same half-smile quirk of his mouth.
"Evans," he said.
Sam Evans. It sounded vaguely familiar, but I couldn't place it.
"I'll be a very good girl for you, Mr. Evans," I said, lowering my eyes demurely.
Saying the words sent an unexpected thrill up my spine. I didn't know what that meant...
"Wonderful!" he said. And his voice sounded a bit rough.
I didn't linger. I went out to the bar and asked the bartender for his best Scotch and then took it back to room 4.
Sam had seated himself on one of the couches and was intent on his phone; he paid no attention to me as I set out the Scotch and glasses.
I waited for a moment to see if he would acknowledge me, but when he just kept frowning at his phone, I slipped out of the room again...
I went to the bathroom and took my own phone out of my purse and looked up Sam's name...
The first search result told me everything I needed to know and more than I really wanted to... Samuel/Sam Evans, 31, CEO and chair of Evans Industries, the biggest holding company since Berkshire Hathaway. Prodigy, wunderkind, billionaire several times over, and one of New York's most eligible bachelors.
Holy shit!
I was in so far over my head that I didn't even know which way to start swimming.
I wanted to splash some water on my overheated face, but I was afraid it would mess up my makeup. Instead, I rinsed my hands in cold water and dabbed them along my neck.
It helped a little... I took a few deep breaths and met my own gaze in the mirror...
I wasn't sure how I was going to make it through the night. But for a thousand dollars, I would do whatever it took to keep Sam happy... I mean Mr. Evans. I shouldn't call him by his first name, even in my own head, because I would definitely slip up and call him that to his face.
Too intimate.
Natalie had told me that it was best to stay on a last-name basis, even if the clients told you to call them by their first names. And I believed her.
Right at that moment, I decided to play Jocelyn again... My own personality was so awkward and uncertain, it was much easier to step into my Joss persona...like slipping on a comfortable dress.
She would know how to do and say the right things.
Bolstered, I left the bathroom and went back to room 4. Mr. Evans was just where I'd left him, still frowning at his phone.
This time though, he looked up when I came in and said,
"Please bring glasses and drinking water."
"Of course," I murmured and slipped out again.
I almost collided with one of the dancers just outside the room...
"Watch it!" she snapped at me, and then sighed and said, "Sorry. Not your fault."
"I should've watched where I was going," I said apologetically.
I didn't recognize her, but I didn't know most of the dancers yet. I was still learning the names of all of the other waitresses.
She looked like Marilyn Monroe, with elaborately curled white blonde hair and red lipstick, and she was wearing a short, translucent negligee.
And she wasn't wearing any underneath it...
"It's cool," she said. "You're serving tonight? I'm Saucy. You're the new girl, right?"
I nodded.
"I'm Mercedes," I said. "Have you...do you do this often?"
"You mean private rooms, or this private room in particular?" she asked. "Both. Mr. Evans is a cool guy. Siren is going to be dancing tonight, too. Have you met her?"
"I don't think so," I said.
"She's cool too," Saucy said. Cool seemed to be her favorite word. "Anyway, I need to get in there. Can you bring me a Coke while you're at the bar?"
"Sure," I said.
She flashed a brilliant smile at me and went into room 4.
When I returned with a loaded tray, Saucy was sitting next to Mr. Evans on the sofa, leaning close and touching his knee. And he was laughing at something she'd said.
I felt a sudden surge of fierce jealousy. I didn't want him touching Saucy, or even looking at her. I only wanted him to look at me.
What was wrong with me?
I'd only just learned this man's name... And I'd only spoken to him twice. It wasn't like I had any sort of claim on him.
I wanted to, though. That was the problem.
From the first moment he'd looked at me with his green eyes, I wanted him to be mine. Or, more accurately, I wanted to be his.
I didn't understand the ugly jealousy I was experiencing, and so, I did my best to swallow it down and ignore it.
I set out the glasses and the water pitcher, then took Saucy her glass of Coke. She gave me that huge smile again in thanks.
I could see why the clients found her appealing. She seemed fun and uncomplicated. I could imagine myself getting a manicure with her and giggling over boys.
With all the tables set, I retreated to one corner of the room, trying to make myself inconspicuous.
That was a waitress' job at the Golden Cross... To be present, constantly watching for ways to be useful, but to go unnoticed as much as possible.
The other dancer, Siren, came in and introduced herself to me, briefly and quietly. She clearly understood that I didn't want to draw attention to myself.
She was taller than Saucy, and dark-haired, and was wearing nothing but a G-string and heels...
I still wasn't accustomed to seeing nude women walk around all the time, and I tried very hard not to stare at her breasts as we spoke.
She went to speak with Mr. Evans, and just then, the first guest arrived...
I watched him closely as he came through the door. He was older than Mr. Evans was, probably in his late 30s, and he was wearing a dark suit that looked expensive.
I didn't know much about suits, or about nice clothing in general, but it didn't look like something he'd bought at the mall. It looked like it had been hand-made by tailors in Hong Kong or something.
He was frowning, and sat down near Mr. Evans without saying anything to him.
"Bad day?" Mr. Evans asked. The room was small enough that I could clearly hear his words.
"The worst," the other man said. "Market's down. Carson did something idiotic. The usual." He poured himself a large drink and looked over at Saucy, who was standing near the fireplace with Siren. "You going to make me feel better, Sweet Saucy ?"
She giggled and joined him on the sofa, leaning close and pushing her breasts against his arm.
"You just need a drink, Mr. Handel. That'll make it all okay," she said.
He slid one arm around her waist and held her close.
"I think I might need more than just a drink."
I watched, a little appalled but not surprised, as Mr. Handel teased apart the silky bow holding Saucy's negligee closed and cupped his hand over one of her exposed breasts.
She let out a breathy moan and pressed closer against him.
I'd told Mr. Evans that I wasn't a prude, but I was. It was my most embarrassing secret... One that even Joss didn't know... I was twenty-four and I was still a virgin.
There wasn't any particular reason for it. I'd had a few chances here and there... Drunk friends of friends at parties who got a little too friendly, but I'd never met anyone I really wanted to have sex with.
I'd watched enough porn to know how sex worked, but there was still something vaguely scandalous about watching Saucy get groped right in front of me...
The way her nipples hardened as Mr. Handel squeezed her round breasts. And the way her legs parted as his hands slid down between her thighs...
Right now, I was pretty sure I wanted to have sex with Mr. Evans.
I'd sure been thinking about it enough.
I wondered if he would touch me like that with his big fingers rubbing against satin between my legs. And if I would arch my back like that and push up against him...
The door opened beside me and I tore my gaze away from the scene on the sofa. Two more men entered the room... More white guys in suits.
They greeted Mr. Evans and sat down. One of them sat beside Saucy and Mr. Handel, and started playing with her nipples while Mr. Handel's fingers worked between her legs.
The other man motioned to Siren, who sashayed over to him and perched on one of his knees.
Then she leaned in close and whispered something in his ear, and he chuckled and pulled her against him, his hands curling around her hips.
The door opened again and three men came in, holding briefcases... The newcomers greeted the men who were already present, and there was a series of boisterous exclamations over Saucy and Siren, both of whom giggled a lot and appeared to revel in the attention.
Shots were poured and toasts were made... The level of whiskey in the bottle dropped dramatically, and I slipped out to get another bottle.
When I returned and set the full bottle beside Mr. Evans, he said,
"You don't miss anything, do you?"
"I try my best, sir," I said, eyes lowered.
The short hairs on the back of his neck looked soft to the touch. And I imagined the way they would bristle beneath my palm...
"Who's this?" one of the guests asked, gesturing to me with his glass.
"Cocktail waitress," Mr. Evans said dismissively. "So, Eli, you were telling me about the latest merger..."
Another man crooked two fingers at me, and I crossed to his side. He was older, his dark hair sprinkled with gray, and he looked tired.
"Get me a bottle of red," he said. "I don't care what. Something good."
"Of course," I murmured, and went to speak with the bartender.
When I returned with the man's wine, he handed me a folded bill and said,
"You must be new."
I saw no reason to deny it.
"Fairly new," I said.
"Sit down," he told me.
I hesitated, but there was enough room on the sofa that I could sit without having to touch him, and I couldn't see any polite way to refuse.
I sat down gingerly, smoothing my skirt out of the way. I hoped he wouldn't do anything inappropriate, because I really, really wanted to keep this job. And pissing off one of Mr. Evans' guests probably wasn't the best way to do it.
"I like a pretty face," the man said, leaning towards me. "You look so exotic. What are you?"
My least favorite question. A person would be blind not to notice I was African American.
I gritted my teeth and tried to look pleasant.
"My ancestry is African American," I said.
"Oh. I never know if African Americans are from Africa or America," the guy said.
Worse and worse.
In desperation, I looked towards the couch where Sam...Mr. Evans was sitting. He met my gaze, cocked his head to one side and then motioned to me with one hand.
"Excuse me, sir," I said to the man and sprang to my feet.
I crossed the room and bent towards Mr. Evans, pretending as though I was listening intently to his drink order.
My heart was beating more quickly than I could account for. I was really glad he'd rescued me from that creepy guy.
"Stay away from him," he said, voice low. "Be as rude as you need to. You don't have to make him happy. You only have to make me happy."
Now my pulse was racing for a different reason...
"How can I make you happy, sir?" I murmured.
That was full-on Joss right there... Not something I, the real me, would ever in a million years be able to say.
Mr. Evans looked up at me, eyes glinting.
"Do you really want to know the answer to that question?"
I wet my lips unconsciously, my tongue flickering out of my mouth. His gaze followed the motion and I inhaled.
Then his eyes darted back up to meet mine... There was a deep, understated heat in them that I didn't fully comprehend.
Was he angry or aroused?
Was it because of me or because he was watching Siren gyrate on a man's lap while he sucked on her nipples?
"Stay close," Mr. Evans said, and I nodded and straightened up.
I was happy to stay beside him, not only because the other guests made me nervous, but I wanted him to look at me, to think about me, and not the naked dancers.
If he touched either of them, I would probably explode from jealousy.
I stayed in the corner near Mr. Evans for the rest of the night, leaving only when one of his guests requested a drink.
Other than that, I hung back in the shadows and watched Saucy and Siren make the rounds. They both ended up without a stitch on them, and Siren looked like she had at least one possibly faked orgasm.
But as Brittany had told me, all of the men remained fully clothed. It was oddly polite for a private sex party.
At the end of the night, after the guests had left and Saucy and Siren had tottered off in their heels, Mr. Evans lingered in the room while I cleaned up empty glasses.
"You did very well tonight," he said.
I didn't look up from piling glasses onto a tray.
"Thank you, sir," I said.
"Mercedes," he said. "Look at me."
I couldn't have resisted the command even if I'd wanted to...not when he spoke to me in that low, firm voice.
I stopped what I was doing and turned to face him...
He looked me up and down, his eyes raking my figure. And I blushed helplessly.
I felt like he was undressing me with his gaze and I was completely exposed before him, stripped bare and helpless.
I wanted to throw myself at his feet and beg for mercy. From what, I wasn't sure.
Either from the way he was looking at me, or from the way he made me feel.
Without speaking, he pulled a wad of bills from his pocket and held them out to me.
I was on the other side of the room; he was going to make me walk over to him in order to take the money.
I drew in a deep breath and went to him, feeling unsteady in my shoes.
Even though earlier I'd wanted nothing more than to be close to him, I was suddenly reluctant to draw too near.
It was like, he was the sun and he would burn me if I had the audacity to enter his orbit.
I came to a stop in front of Mr. Evans. He pressed the money into my hand, and with the other, tucked a wayward strand of hair behind my ear.
I closed my eyes as I felt his fingers trace down the side of my neck.
"You're flawless," he said. "I'm holding another gathering on Wednesday. Will you serve for me then?"
"Yes," I said, without thinking.
"There's a catch," he said. "I want you to do it topless."
Happy New Year!
I wish you and yours a wonderful new year, along with great health and prosperity.
Much love to you all. Stay safe!