Saturdays at the Viper Rooms

by Kirsty-Anne Still

  “You still there?” Jace suddenly breaks the barrier of silence.

  “Yeah, I am,” I reply and smile as I realize he is right. “I want to find out what’s happening and then I’m going to call home.”

  “Good, now I think you should get some sleep. It’s late and some of us can’t sleep in before going to spend money. Some of us have to work,” he teases me, making me giggle. “But before I let you go, I just want to tell you something.”

  “What’s that?” I ask him, not knowing where this will lead now.

  “I love you, Joely Gilbert,” he whispers down the phone. His tone is sincere and heartfelt and my pulse races for a moment. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I did something right and that isn’t something I will forget. Like I told you earlier, Delvine can try everything, but what I need now is someone to love me. Not some club. You brought me back to life when I was swallowed by my job. You know I only attend The Viper Rooms to keep an eye on you. I go to keep you safe. No other girl can give me anything to satisfy me anymore. It’s all about you. And as for the other issue, I will love you whatever. It changes nothing.” I close my eyes as the sense of being loved and adored so much wraps around my every worrying qualm. “I know Friday you will look stunning at this party and I will stand there and know one thing,” he breaks off and the silence flutters between us for a moment until I open my eyes and speak.

  “What’s that?” I ask, my voice quietened with intrigued.

  “I know that the following night I will have you all to myself in your room. The things I want to do to you, Lee. I will have you begging for more.”

  The one thing he doesn’t know right now is that I already am.

  Chapter Five

  I thought I loved shopping, but when it’s not for me, it’s beyond tedious! I know how selfish that sounds, but it’s impossible to shop for someone who walks around like a brain dead zombie! Luca’s resistance to spend money is unbreakable and if I don’t have enough clothes to stock a small store soon, Clara is going to make sure I know it. She wants Luca ready, having an abundance of clothes at the ready is part one of that. She needs an outfit for whatever the occasion and she needs outfits for her shifts. It’s not a case of what she wants, it’s what she needs.

  “Right,” I begin to say, deciding I need to take control. I stop Luca mid pace into the middle of the street and prepare myself for ‘Project Turnaround’. “We have walked into at least fourteen stores already and you’ve turned your nose up at them all.” I see Luca’s eyes soften at my comment, but she needs to learn how Clara works. It’s not always agreeable, but the woman has her way with us. We just slip into the roles she has created. “I am taking control. We are going to burn a hole in this card.”

  She shakes her head no. “It doesn’t feel right,” Luca worries and I can see she’s still shy to embrace this lifestyle.

  “Trust me, the wrath of Clara Delvine will be far worse than spending a couple of grand!” I’m half joking, but I’m trying to get her to lighten up. She’s one of the girls now. I won’t see her fail at the first hurdle. “I’ll even have a massive spending splurge if that will make you feel better?” I see her ponder the choice, so I delicately pressure her until she caves. “Let’s go then!”

  I drag her between stores, the names getting more prestigious, the prices more extravagant. Then I see it – Victoria’s Secret. I know this will probably have Luca in an absolute tailspin, but she needs this. She needs to be pushed headfirst into the life to get acquainted with it.

  “Oh no!” Luca disagrees the moment she sees where my gaze has landed. “I don’t do naked.”

  “You won’t be,” I tell her teasingly. “You’ll be doing nearly naked.” Just as I predicted, the sheer terror ignites, and I allow my shoulders to slump dramatically. It’s made easier by the amount of bags I have in my hands. “Look, our uniform has to be sexy, so most of us girls start off with underwear and put a slinky dress over it, but how do you expect to feel sexy if you’re wearing a sports bra and granny pants?!” When she laughs I know I’ve won her over. “Now, come on.”

  I practically have to lug her into the store and immediately let her go and explore. When I’m pleased she’s actually paying attention and picking up bras and panties, I go wandering. I only ever shop for underwear with one man in mind - my man. I look at the lacy underwear and ponder what to buy first. Jace loves black lace with an essence of pink so I am immediately drawn to it. I pick up one bra with a racy back and imagine Jace’s expression when he sees me in this. The satin cups would push me up beautifully, and the lace will add to that sex appeal. I could day dream about his hands all over me, tantalizing me with only his touch.

  “Will this do?” Luca’s voice pops into the air beside me, breaking my thoughts. I quickly pick the bra up and a few around it in my size before looking to her. I laugh as she stands with a couple of dozen bras and panties. They’re all different styles and types and she looks thoroughly done with shopping.

  I roll my eyes, knowing she’s only doing it because she doesn’t want to shop. I think the bill is high enough and this is the clincher to it all. This is the important part. Some men like us dressed, some like us undressed, and others like us in just underwear. It’s not our place to argue. We do as we are told.

  “Fine,” I agree, having picked up a few new pieces that I plan to keep for Jace only. “Let’s go.”

  We head to the cashier and I can tell Luca is more than happy for this to be over. A part of me cannot wait for Luca to embrace this life, but I know that does mean her innocence will be broken past the point of no return. I know this life, I’ve seen what it does. Some girls thrive, some girls fake it, and some girls falter. I wouldn’t say I’ve faltered, I’ve faked it on more than one occasion, but for the most part, I’ve learned that thriving with it is the best for everyone.

  As we leave the store, we start down the road. I’m actually all shopped out now and I cannot wait to collapse. As we scurry away in the direction of my car I stop, allowing Luca to move on as I suddenly spot Jace. He’s sitting in an expensive bar. He’s got a drink and he’s with a brunette and another man. I watch him laughing, enjoying the working lunch he text me about. I feel jealousy ripple through me. They get to see him and spend time with him in public. Not like me. Right now, I can’t even see him. We’re thrown apart by my obligations to be the best at the club.

  I sigh deeply, wondering what he’s saying and my mind only conjures up the memories of him telling me how much he loves me. At the thought, my head falls sideways slightly and I just continue to gaze on, ignoring the ache in my arms from the shopping bags at my sides. I don’t care for the world around me right now. Not with the man that has protected me and my heart simultaneously for the past six months. I’m only aware of the interactions Jace is part of right now.

  Then his head is suddenly turning and he sees me. I guess a part of him sensed he was being watched. I don’t move. I just allow the coy smile he evokes in me take over my expression. He gives me a small smile, acknowledging me and it’s enough. I don’t need anything else. I just needed that smile, followed by a wink, and I know seeing me has lightened his day.

  “Joely!” Luca’s voice courses towards me. She’s grabbing my hand, snapping me out of my thoughts entirely. “What are you staring at?”

  “Er,” I splutter for a moment, unsure what to actually say. “I thought I recognized someone.” I say as she starts to drag me away from Jace and my last sight is him still watching me. I quickly remind myself that staring all day wouldn’t achieve anything. So I allow her to pull me further and further away.

  “C’mon,” Luca tugs on my hand again. “Let’s just go home. I’m starving!”

  I agree and start to walk off when my phone sounds out. I know it’s a text and my first hope is it’s Jace texting after our distant gazing at one another. I place all my bags into one hand and reach for my cell. It’s a text from Eli. My disappointment subsides as I read his text messa
ge - Thought we said 2pm at the club? Where you at, girl?! E x - Fuck, I forgot about this.

  “Luca!” I call out to her, stopping her mid stride. “We have one last stop.”

  ***

  “Luca,” I introduce the moment we make it to the club, “This is Eli. Bartender extraordinaire and one of the men you will get quite acquainted with while working at The Viper Rooms.”

  “Hey,” Luca sheepishly introduces herself, blushing as Eli puts his hand out.

  “Eli Stevenson.” He gives her a proper introduction. “So, have we got to show you how to dance?”

  “Dance?” Luca snaps in horror, pulling her hand away. She looks to me with rash panic. “What dance?”

  “He’s playing with you. You’re only job Friday is to look good and please the men. The rest is up to us.” I shoot Eli a warning glare, if he so much as has her running for the door, no one will find his body. We’ve made great progress, but I know she is one bump in the road from being a total mess once again. “Don’t worry,” I try to calm her down. “Eli and I are partnered for the parties. You will have to know the basics, but he and I have to dance together. Much like Brianna does with Jay, the other man Clara trusts her girls with.” I point to Eli as I continue, “He’s just trying to freak you out. Pay no attention.”

  “Pay a lot of attention,” he states, his attention zoning in on Luca as he begins to tease her. “When this is one is past her sell by date, she’ll be out the door and I’ll need a new chica.”

  I roll my eyes and go over to the stereo system. He knows I cannot wait for my ‘sell by date’ to be up! I hit play and hear the 1920’s tune we’ve been ordered to choreograph to. It does nothing to inspire me and I know it’s because I’ve not been near a piano in a few days. I’ve not been creatively stretched and I’m feeling it.

  “Watch and learn,” Eli tells Luca as he aids her to a seat. He knows how to wind any woman around his little finger and Luca, unfortunately, is no different. He then saunters over to me as the big brass band begins to play on the surround sound speakers. Clara wants us dancing the Charleston, but adding a little Viper twist. It’s up-tempo, fun, and it means that Eli gets no ideas because there are no heated moments. We just have to entice people to have fun and enjoy the entertainment.

  As we look at each other, we both take in a deep breath before we begin the choreography. It’s all about precision and timing. When his leg moves, mine has to do the same. If there is one move out, it’ll show. I begin to faze out, only remembering my steps. My gaze is on Eli when I’m looking at him, and the chosen moves when I’m not. As we both ease into the memory of what we’ve learned, I begin to have fun and I know when Friday comes and Jay and Brianna join us, we’ll be perfect.

  It’s not until I hear clapping that I realize the music has been turned down. When I come back to reality, Clara is the one clapping while Luca now stands to full height, panic stricken watching on.

  “You two have really mastered that dance,” she appreciates for a moment. “How long have you been working on it?”

  “Six weeks,” I say around my breathlessness. I forget how overpowering the dance is until I’m done and I know on Friday I have to be more contrite. When we finish I need to be less breathless and more in control. Clara won’t want her brand sold by unfit girls.

  “I’m impressed,” she continues to say, but there’s a sense of derision in her voice. Something she isn’t happy about. “The one thing I hate about the 1920’s is the lack of romantic tension. Like the tango, it’s heated and passionate. You and Eli would wow with that. I just know it!” She seems disappointed in her chosen party theme for a moment. “But the fashion is glorious!”

  Always a superficial silver lining with Clara Delvine! I watch her face ignite and I know she will pick holes in her own work but will always successfully turn it around and find something amazing about it. She’s a walking literacy dream; a living, breathing oxymoron.

  “Now!” She calms and her gaze narrows on me. “How was shopping? I saw you went to a few places. Did we get anything worth showing?”

  “It’s all in my car at the moment. She’s ready for work Saturday I can assure you,” I remark, hoping it’s enough right now. Clara’s expression is emotionless and it’s not showing any sign of moving right now. “I wasn’t sure about a dress for Friday.”

  “No worries about that!” Clara exclaims and suddenly she is full of life and fierce emotion. “Brianna will be over to your place tomorrow with both your dresses. I expect her to stay with you, and Friday you will attend a beauty day with all the girls. I have cars set to pick you all up from the salon at eight PM sharp.” She looks to me specifically as she finalizes her statement. “Or else.”

  “Sounds perfect,” I agree, knowing that if we aren’t ready, we will be made a spectacle of in public at the party.

  “It is,” she gloats, rubbing her hands together. “Right, I’m sorry to cut rehearsals short, but Eli, you are requested over at the venue. There are last minute preparations that I want you to approve. I have faith in you two to do this, but better, Friday.” Again, her focus narrows on me and I can’t tell what she’s thinking. It’s scary how she does this. She is impossible to read. “Joely, I am so impressed with you.”

  As she walks away, I know that’s her way of telling me she chose right. It’s how it should be. I won’t have her thinking any less of me. The moment she is gone, I take that as my opportunity to get out of here. I’m tired and ready to feed the growing ache in my stomach. Breakfast seemed so far away.

  “Ready for that food now?” I ask Luca, knowing that I just want to leave. Luca still needs to learn so much about the people we work with and I’m actually praying that Brianna will shed some light where I might forget. When she nods, I hug Eli goodbye, Luca waving to him and we start to leave.

  “Do you fancy him?” Luca asks and I stop.

  “No,” I tell her and I know how it looks. Eli and I have extreme chemistry, but it’s not what I have with Jace. It’s intense and it’s empowering, but it means I know that Eli will be by my side forever. What I have with Jace is lifelong and enduring. It’s what keeps me alive.

  I know how it looks, but loving Eli would be a killer in a way loving Jace isn’t.

  ***

  Luca and I have been sitting around waiting. Brianna, the other head girl, is bringing our outfits for Friday. Clara had arranged for Luca’s to be handpicked promptly, whereas mine and Brianna’s have been waiting for weeks.

  I’m excited. I know it’s going to be a fun evening, and, of course, there will be that undeniable need to please Jace Mason and call it part of the job. Tomorrow will be off the books, everything that is expected of us won’t be happening tomorrow for once. We won’t have to strip, we won’t have to partake in being just an empty vessel ready to morph for a man. For once, we’re just there to flirt and have a good time.

  As the knock comes, I know the time between now and tomorrow is all about preparation, but if I know Brianna, it won’t work out that way. I open the door and see my best friend standing there with three outfits in her arms and a bag over her shoulder. I let her in and she practically sashays into the room. She needs no introduction to Luca as they met last night when Brianna popped in on her way to work, so I let her throw her bag down and the dresses before she rummages in her bag for something.

  She turns around, her face illuminated with excitement. “Your invites, ladies,” Brianna notifies us as she hands us our invitations. They’re black with a gold swirly trim to them. The lettering is gold too, our name’s printed clearly. It’s all finally official. “Now, can we eat, because I’m hungry and when work is cancelled, I take it as a night to actually pig out.”

  I laugh and nod. This is what I love about Brianna. She could be my sister with her likes and dislikes. With all the things she does, and all the things I do, we fall into perfect unison. She is who I hang out with most out of the girls and she lives in the apartment just down the hall. When we’re not
at work, or I’m not sneaking around with Jace, I’m with her.

  We’re a power couple and we both worked hard to be called the two head girls. We drive the others to aspire higher and Clara will always put us together to take on the toughest of clients. The Viper Rooms isn’t just about clients choosing the club, it’s about us manipulating men to join. Clara thrives on the money men throw into the club. The wealth drives her, and having girls like myself and Brianna up front and ready, makes her feel powerful.

  I leave Brianna and Luca and go into the kitchen area. As my feet pad across the cold tiles of the room, my phone goes off in my pocket. I reach for it and see Jace’s number flash up with the message. I look over my shoulder to see where the others are. Happy they’re at a safe distance, I unlock my phone to read.

  I’ve got everything you need, baby. Give me a ring when you get some time.

  Love you, Lee. J xx

  I stare at my iPhone until the screen goes black and even then I don’t stop staring. It’s happening; my family are a breaths width away. The barest whisper of my mother’s tone rings in the back of my mind and I just want to go to Jace and call them. I want my family right now. It’s not just the fact I am so close to hearing people who loved me, it’s the time of year that brought me the courage.

  “You’ve gotten quiet, girl,” Brianna speaks as she comes to stand beside me. “What’s that about, eh?”

  “I want to get in contact with my family,” I whisper to Brianna and I can tell she’s as shocked as Jace was. “I really miss them.”

  “It’s coming up to his death, isn’t it?” Brianna asks me and I just nod. She puts her arm around me. “Well, Girl, you know I am here whatever and I will always be. I think it’ll be like a good, cheap therapy for you. We all need our moms once in a while.” She then gives me a small supportive squeeze. “And let’s face it; as much as she tries to, Clara isn’t the maternal type.”