“No.” The sharp tone in Roland’s voice is a relief. “Just encourage him. Molly, hide behind the screen. I’ll be back in a second.”
The door closes, and I only have a moment to grab my red velvet robe. It’s loose and flowing with short sleeves and a V-neck that closes tightly with a large button in the center of my chest.
Soft knocking begins, and I fake a smile as I open the door with a flourish. “Mr. Lovel?”
“Ms. Hale.” He turns and hands me a huge bouquet of red roses.
“Oh my goodness! Are these for me?” I cradle the flowers in my arms like a baby. “You’re so sweet!”
“You’re so beautiful.” He leans in and kisses my cheek. “Beautiful roses for a beautiful lady.”
“I’m not a lady, Mr. Lovel.” I gaze at the velvet buds.
“Call me Freddie.” He smiles, revealing straight white teeth.
He’s tall, dressed in a tux with a thick, stainless steel watch on his wrist. Dark hair that’s a little too long curls around his ears, but he’s still elegant and not bad looking.
“Then you must call me Lara.” I look around for something large enough to hold the bouquet. “I’ll have to borrow a vase…”
“I’ll buy you one. I can buy you anything you need. Just say the word.”
Okay, I have to admit that is an intriguing proposition. I’ve had admirers before, but they’ve only ever sent notes or candy. They’ve never come backstage to meet me, and they’ve never been rich.
I blink slowly up at him. “What brought you to the Pussycat Angels, Freddie?”
Again his lips curl into a smile. I try to decide if it’s sexy…
“I wanted something exotic but beautiful… like the runway show on television. The concierge suggested I come here.”
“You know, we have nothing to do with that show.”
“I know. Your show is more interesting.”
I scan his features looking for any signs he’s a creep. Nothing about him sets off my alarm bells. Freddie Lovel is not the usual star-struck douche wanting to screw a stripper—or burlesque dancer.
Leaning closer, his voice drops. “Can I walk you home?”
Then again, I could be wrong.
“I, umm…” A tiny bead of perspiration tickles down my spine as I search for a good excuse. Roland said to keep him coming back for more, but we’re not supposed to tell anyone we live in the theater. “I actually have to stay late tonight. They’re changing one of the numbers. I’m sorry.”
“I can wait?”
“It’s probably going to run long.”
He straightens, and his dark brows pull together. “And you’re tired, I’m sure.”
My chest tightens. I’m losing him. He thinks I’m blowing him off…
“I’m not always tired.” Sliding my tongue over my lips, I tilt my head to the side and blink slowly like I’ve seen Vanessa do a million times. “Some nights I’m so full of energy, I simply lie awake in bed.”
It works. He moves closer. “I guess I’ll have to come back, then.”
“Are you sure? It’s just the same show every night.”
His eyes move to my mouth and slowly back. “But not entirely the same.”
I hold out my hand, and he catches it. I’m not sure what’s about to happen, but he gives it a squeeze, sliding his thumb over my fingers before kissing it lightly. “I’ll say goodnight, then.”
“Au revoir?”
“Au revoir.” He backs away and gives me a wink before turning to go.
I wait, watching as he walks down the narrow hallway. A definite bounce is in his step, and I close the door, breathing a sigh of relief.
Molly comes out from behind the screen and picks up one of my roses as I unbutton my robe and toss it aside.
“That was close.” I reach for a pair of jeans and a faded navy tee.
She lies back on the bed, holding the rose to her nose. “He is very interesting!”
“Meh,” I pull the shirt over my head. “He barely held my attention.”
“It must be amazing to be a dancer,” she sighs. “Men just dying to meet you, dreaming of kissing you… I can’t wait for my first kiss.”
“They’re dreaming of more than kissing.” My gaze meets hers in the mirror. “And I’d better not catch you kissing anybody. You’re too young.”
“I know,” she sighs, putting the flower behind her ear. “But one day…”
I walk over and sit beside her on the bed, sliding a strawberry curl off her cheek. “One day, we’ll be in a better place. We’ll be able to do what we want and see who we want, and we won’t have to deal with… men’s expectations.”
Her eyes flicker to mine. “You seemed to like Freddie—”
“Because I’m a great actress.” I stand and go to the door. “He’s probably the least creepy guy I’ve met, but do not fall in love in a place like this. Everything is fake.”
“I can’t wait to fall in love.” Her eyes go dreamy again.
“Well, you’d better keep that on a short leash.” I jerk my pants over my hips and button them. “Most men who hang around here are assholes. Now get ready for bed.”
A light knock on my door tells me Roland is back, and I pull open the door.
“Good job. He said he’ll be back tomorrow.”
I do a little bow. “I aim to please!”
“Come on—we’re all upstairs.”
I follow him to the stairs leading to the roof, but as we pass certain doors, I hear moans and the occasional rhythmic tapping. My stomach sinks, because I know what those noises mean. Some girls are allowed to supplement their earnings by offering special “private performances” for a few extra thousand dollars.
Of course, Gavin, the theater owner, keeps a percentage of these arranged meetings. He’s the pimp, which makes us high-class hookers. The thought turns my stomach. I’m old enough to take a John, and I’ve heard some of the girls complaining because I never have. It’s why I thought Freddie had come to my room tonight. Until I realize…
“You found him, didn’t you?” My voice is quiet, and we stop halfway up the stairs. “You’re looking out for me again.”
He pauses and steps down. “I have to take care of my muse.” His face is serious, which is rare, and he touches my cheek with his thumb. “No one sings my songs the way you do, Lar. You’ve got real talent. And now Gavin’s given us a chance…”
My heart swells at his words, and I take a step up, putting us closer together. “What are you saying?”
“Gavin wants more variety. I told him I’d write some new songs, and I asked if you could sing them. He’s been promising you a part for a while. He owes it to you. He owes it to your mother.” He gives me a warm smile and takes off up the stairs ahead of me, calling back over his shoulder. “If you’re interested.”
“I’m interested!” I chase after him, and we push through the metal door together.
A small group of us are celebrating Evie’s birthday on the roof tonight. She’s pretty much the weakest member of the group, but so far, it hasn’t seemed to matter. Her face is plain, but she’s got full breasts. She’s also willing to go totally nude if Gavin asks her, which I guess keeps her in the show.
And she’s my best friend.