“What does that mean?”
“It means you can’t actually wear stilettos. You can wear really high heels, but the heel part of the shoe has to be wider than a quarter so you maintain your balance while dancing.”
“This studio doesn’t have that requirement, though?”
“Nope. Just the strap thing. Like I said, though, that’s something to think about later. Some girls like to dance in heels or boots because it gives you more of a burn when you’re stretching or doing squats. Some people think the heels make them look better when they’re dancing. I don’t care about that, though. I’m just here to have fun, and you’re a beginner, so you don’t get shoes.”
Being told I don’t get to wear shoes makes me want to cross my arms and pout like a little brat, but I know she’s right, so I just take a deep breath and chill out. I’m here to have fun. I’m here to get over my crappy past. I’m here to move forward with my life. I might be a freshman in college, but I’ve spent so much time with Dominic and trying to please my mother that I haven’t really lived.
Maybe Club Kitten can change all that. Kasey shows me some stretches and she helps me get comfortable touching the pole as we wait for the class to begin.
The room fills up quickly with several other women of all ages and sizes. Suddenly, I feel a lot more comfortable in my booty shorts. Everyone here seems to be at ease with their bodies and that, in turn, makes me feel more relaxed. There are a couple of girls who look around my age, but there are also older women. One with white hair smiles at me.
“First class?”
I nod.
“Don’t you worry, hon. Haley is the best.” She pats my hand as she walks by and takes a pole in the front row. I’m a little confused because she reminds me of my grandmother in some ways, but of one of my girlfriends in others. Strange. Kasey told me that women of all ages like to dance, but I guess I never really expected to see anyone over 30 or 40 in the class. It’s kind of cool that there are older women, though.
A few minutes later, music starts pounding through the speakers and a petite woman with short dark hair dances into the room on five-inch heels. She’s wearing booty shorts, a sports bra, and a smile. I like her immediately.
“Hey everyone! Welcome to all the newbies. I’m Haley! Let’s get started!” I can already tell that Haley has a crazy amount of energy, but instead of feeling like it’s silly, I like it. I’m eating it up. I was so nervous to come, but now I feel like I can really do this.
We do a few stretches using our poles, then Haley teaches us a short routine. To my surprise, the entire thing forces me to use muscles I didn’t know I had while making me feel like a sexy, sexy superstar.
Maybe it’s because Haley keeps telling us how hot we all look or because we take turns showing off the routine at the end of class, but by the time Kasey and I walk out of Club Kitten, I’ve got a stupid grin plastered on my face.
“I know that look,” she teases. “You’re hooked.”
***
A few weeks after I join Club Kitten, a job opens at the coffee shop next door and I jump at the chance to work so close to where I play. My interview goes perfectly and I start work that same day. By the time I get home, I’m sore, tired, and happy.
“How was work?” Kasey asks when I walk inside.
“Good. Long. Can’t believe I finally have a job again.”
“Me neither. I was starting to get tired of having a mooch for a roommate,” she smiles, and I know she’s joking. Luckily, I had some savings, but even if I hadn’t, Kasey would have helped me out while I was between jobs. I hate the idea of having to depend on her for cash, but I know she looks out for me.
I drop my bags in my room, then grab my English lit notebook and come back into the living room. Kasey is on the faded brown garage-sale couch we bought a few months ago, and I join her. The cushions are falling apart and the springs are a little bit painful, but we bought the sofa with cash and it suits us just fine. We don’t need anything fancier.
“Homework for Professor Asshole?” Even though my mother has been dating my professor for over a month now, I still refuse to talk to him about it. Kasey, luckily, doesn’t push.
“Yep. I should have switched sections, but it was too late. Apparently, if you want to switch halfway through the semester, you just have to drop the class.”
“And you don’t get your money back.”
“That, too. Sometimes I wish I was a trust fund baby.” I reach for one of her chips and munch on it.
“Me too, hon. Me too.”
Chapter 2
Bailey
“What kind of milk would you like with your mocha?”
Words.