Eyes on Me

A show

I looked from my bag to Milly who sat in the living room playing with her toys

I just felt so troublesome when I had to drop her everytime at Amara’s

“Grace” Milly called as she walked towards me

“You look worried, is this about the cookies?”

I had little money left so I baked some cookies to give Amara as a little thank you gift

“ no of course not” I laughed rubbing her cheeks together

“Get your things okay we leave in five minutes” I said to her pointedly

It was already 10:20pm

I’m late already cause of the cookies and I just knew my boss was going to be on my neck

“ okay let’s go”

I grabbed her hand while locking the door

“ you have to work so late everytime” I heard Milly mutter

“I’m sorry baby I just want you to be fine”

“I know, I just miss you”

“Let’s go to the park tomorrow okay”

I knew she was going to be so happy cause we hardly go there to avoid casualties

“Really?!!” her eyes bubbled with joy

“Yes, so let’s get going before I get fired”

Amara’s house was just down like three blocks so in no time we got there

“ Hey Grace” Amara said hugging me

“Heyy, I made these for you” I said handing her the cookies

“ you didn’t have to thank you “ I was just happy I made her smile

“ but I did, I’m late so I better get going bye” I said waving at her and Milly

“Be careful “ she smiled waving back

She sure knew what I did, I had to tell her if I wanted her to trust me and take care of Milly

I sat in this cab with my ear buds in just watching the bustling city of New York

I felt a light tap from the driver

Fuck I spaced out again

“ I’m sorry” I said taking off the ear buds

“ how much?” I asked trying to sort out through my little cash

“ "Eighteen fifty," the driver said.

I thumbed through the crumpled bills in my hand. A ten. A five. Three ones.

I handed it over. No tip. I didn't have it.

"Thanks," I muttered, stepping out into the cold night.

I walked in through the back door and just right there stood Shanice

My boss

“ Grace, what does your time say?” She looked at me pointedly

“I am so sorry, there was traffic”

“b***h traffic my ass, let this better be the last time”

“Yes definitely” I sighed in relief

“Go quickly and change, this place is packed and I don’t plan on loosing any f*****g money tonight”

I walked quickly backstage

I pulled out my black lace set from the locker which was still damp from the quick wash I had given it this morning

I took off my clothes and changed into this.

The clear heels had a crack near the strap

I had superglued it twice.

I took a sit in front of the mirror. Red lipstick

Always first.

I stepped on to the stage scanning the room

I didn’t mean to

But there at the back corner

Same style of suit. Untouched whiskey.

He was watching me before I even reached the pole

It was unsettling and daring

Something clicked in me. You want a show? Fine.

I wrapped my hand around the pole and let my body move with the music

Slow

Deliberate

My eyes never left his.

I arched my back, his jaw tightened

I spun, he leaned forward

The other men threw bills, but I didn’t look at any of them

I danced for one man tonight and I couldn’t care less if everyone in this room could feel it

When the song ended, I was breathless

He hadn’t smiled or moved but his glass was empty now

His eyes not leaving mine,

The first two buttons had been opened

His face had no emotions but I knew I had stirred something in him

I walked with my chest pounding

What the hell did I just do?