My Obsession

A Job She Can’t Refuse

The drive to the city was long and arduous, my back and ass hurting by the time I got to my tiny apartment, my roommate sitting on the couch and eating a box of ramen when I entered. “Hey roomie, I hope the funeral went alright. Sorry I couldn’t come.”

“That’s alright. The turnout was as expected though.” I sighed and sank down next to her, figuring I’d get all my new belongings from the car tomorrow. “Not even my dad showed.”

“Bummer, but you weren’t expecting him to from the beginning.” She shrugged, slurping from her bowl.

“You’re right, Tracie. I guess I was just hoping for some sympathy or something from him is all.” She handed me her bowl of ramen, offering me a bite. I took it with thanks, having not stopped to eat on the way home; restaurants were money I couldn’t afford to spend. “But that’s what I get for trying to garner sympathy from a deadbeat anyway.”

“True that.” She nodded, leaning against the side of the couch. “So did you end up selling?”

“Yah… I did. It’ll get rid of most of the debt, but I’ll still need to survive on one packet of ramen a week.” I groaned, mentally tallying all the bills I had left. All the debt would have died with my mom if my name wasn’t on it as well, but the credit card companies wouldn’t let her use any more for treatment, which was why now I had to pay off everything, my name being added on too.

“Well… if you’re desperate, you could always come work with me. I know it’s not really your thing, but the club I work at is very upscale. All’s you’re have to do is put on your smallest dress and bring drinks to tables.” She batted her eyes at me, the offer very tempting.

“How much?…” I asked after a minute, slurping down the rest of the broth.

“Well, on a good night I can make three thousand.”

I spit broth everywhere at that, covering our dinky coffee table and splashing it on our vinyl floor. “How much?!”

“That’s a good night as a dancer. A server will probably make half of that if they’re good.”

“f**k… why are you even living here with me in the roach motel to begin with?!” I certainly wouldn’t be living in this crappy apartment complex if I made that much.

“Medical school doesn’t pay for itself you know. Anything extra I make goes to that.” Tracie was going to be a spinal surgeon, something that she planned on taking years to study for. I had gone in for Hospitality with a certificate in advanced book keeping. I had planned on opening my own restaurant someday, but the debt in my name now ruined that dream for me. “Be honest with yourself though…” Tracie leaned forward then, fixing her eyes on me with all seriousness. “How long would you have to work with me until all your debts are paid off before you’re financially free? I can cover your half of rent to help out if need be; after all; you did the same when I broke my leg last year.”

I chewed on my lip then, the offer too tempting. If I scraped the bottom barrel along with that money, I’d be debt free by this time next year; still surviving on ramen though, but at least it would be every day. “Alright. But only as a server.” I relented, making Tracie squeal in excitement.

“Ooh! Raymond will be sooo happy! We’ve been down a few servers for ages! Especially with all of those stuck up snobs there.”

“Well, hopefully those stuck up snobs don’t drive me away either.” I laughed along with her.

*****

“Tracie… I’m not sure about this..” I was in a tight strapped red dress that barely covered my ass, let alone my boobs. I was in a pair of borrowed heels as well, slightly wobbly but still able to stand, thank goodness.

“Dot, you’ll be fine! Plus, you look hot as hell!” Tracie beamed at me, pulling me out of the Cab and down a back alley. “Just try it tonight at least, Raymond is already expecting you.” Tracie pouted, making me sigh.

“Fine. But for every man who pinches my ass, you owe me one pack of ramen.”

“f**k it, make it one pack of ramen and a five dollar bill.” She grinned, her silver little number doing little work the imagination. I was worn out from the trip back, but the one serving of ramen Tracie gave me would have to do for now, promises of a burger during lunch break sealing the deal for me to come.

“Get in here, Bitches!” A flamboyant man with deep purple hair opened the back door one of the sections, ushering us in. “So you must be Dorothy.” Who I was assuming was Raymond gave me the once over, checking my hair and my ensemble. “Well.. she’ll do. You’re a tad on short side, but I can see your heels are already pulling their weight. Are you sure you’re over twenty one?” His skepticism was palpable, making me wince slightly.

“Twenty six to be honest, I’m just fun size.” My height had always been a sore spot for me, especially in school. “That’s why most people just call me Dot.”

“Dot! That’s sooo cute.” Raymond tried not to laugh, making me growl a little at him in annoyance. “f**k, Cute and a spitfire! Yes! You will do! Just don’t let the POA’s bully you and you’ll fit in fine.”

“POA’s?” I raised an eyebrow at him and Tracie.

“Pompous overbearing assholes, aka the social elites.” Tracie nodded, taking off even more of her clothes; standing in nothing but some pasties and a silver thong. “I think that’s my song, so listen to what Raymond tells you to do and you’ll be fine.” She blew me a kiss and went through a door, cheering erupting as she did.

“Alright Dotty, here’s a nametag and just walk around and ask people if they want a drink or food. Numbers of tables are on a little plaque on the front of them. Our special is the booby burger and we carry fancier fare too. We have steak, shrimp, and lobster tonight. Sides are salads, fries, a small shrimp cocktail, and a couple odds and ends. Read the menu in the back when you get a chance. We have sodas of both brands, a fully stocked bar, and no limits. All the people here have their own drivers or we provide one for them. Don’t ask about receipts or money, this is a private club that they pay a membership fee for, so it’s all inclusive. Tips are yours to keep and you’ll get twenty two an hour…. Hey, you catching all this?”

Raymond had been rattling stuff off at me non stop, my eyes screwed close in concentration. “Numbers on tables on the front, all inclusive, tips are mine, menu’s in the back, twenty… two?! Just for serving?!” My mouth dropped open, making him laugh.

“You need to sign an NDA first, the people here are paying for privacy and a good time. And don’t worry, the rule is you can touch them, but they can’t touch you. They can ask, and generally tip way better if you comply, but that is up to you.” I nodded, feeling slightly reassured.

“Alright… I can do this.” I gave myself the pep talk, Raymond rolling his eyes as he smiled.

“You’re a long way from Kansas,” I signed the paper he gave me as he continued. “But welcome to our Oz.” He pushed open a door for me then, a loud thumping bass hitting my chest as I took a step out into the dark and boisterous room.