Blackened Temptation: A Black Heart Society Novella

Jasmine

That will be $48.97, I said to the elderly gray-haired lady at the register. The sunlight filtered through the large grimy windows of Ace Grocery Market, making the floors look dingier than normal.

Did you remember my senior discount? Its Wednesday, thats Senior day.

Yes, Mrs. Jenkins Its not like I could forget. Every customer in line this morning had been well over sixty-five. I was pretty sure Mrs. Jenkins was pushing eighty. I didnt mind, though. They were nicer than most of the other customers, even if they moved a little slower.

She slowly counted out her bills, then began rummaging through her change purse. I watched as she counted out ninety-seven cents exactly.

Thank you, I said, ringing the sale and bagging her groceries. I put her purchases into two bags so they wouldnt be too heavy.

Oh, you can use one bag today. My grandson is waiting for me outside.

I smiled and rearranged the groceries as she chatted about her grandson. Hes such a good boy, always helping his old nana out. She paused and looked me in the eye. You know, my grandson is about your age. Hes single and looking for a nice girl.

I have a boyfriend. I lied. Im sure Mrs. Jenkins thought her grandson was perfect. Maybe he was, but nobody stuck around forever, and Id been left enough. I was alone, and it was going to stay that way.

Oh. Her face fell slightly. Well, you cant blame a grandmother for trying.

I laughed, Have a great day, Mrs. Jenkins.

You too, dear.

As it reached noon, I could see the parking lot slowly emptying. The senior rush had passed, leaving only a few stragglers. Soon the midday regulars would trickle in. Mostly moms getting the shopping done before they went to work. I wondered if their kids knew how lucky they were to have a mom that tried. Mine couldnt be bothered. She only had me to trap my father. Once he went to jail, I was nothing but a burden. Shed leave me home alone for days at a time, while she shacked up with her newest man.

My thoughts were interrupted by a familiar face. Hey, Jas, hows it going?

It was Sarah, a regular customer. She came in almost every day, sometimes with her kids. Sarah was a single mom, working two jobs to support them. She was always friendly, making small talk and asking how I was doing. I was always happy to see her.

Jasmine, Mr. Henderson entered the store, heading straight for his office in the back. When youre finished, see me in my office.

I swallowed hard. What did he want? I quickly finished scanning Sarahs items and handed her the receipt.

I hope everythings okay.

Thanks. I turned off my lane light and closed my register before heading to the office As I walked towards the office, Maya, the only other cashier working, gave me a worried look. Mr. Henderson was sitting behind his desk, his face grim. Take a seat, Jasmine.

I sat down, my fingers played with the frayed edges of a hole in the knee of my jeans. What is this about?

Jasmine, Im sorry, but were going to have to let you go.

I felt the blood drain from my face. What? Why?

The company has decided to downsize, and unfortunately, youre on the chopping block.

I bit the inside of my cheek. You cant do this. You dont understand. I need this job.

Im sorry, Jasmine, but the decision has already been made. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair. Look, if you need help finding another job, I can make some calls.

I shook my head. No, its fine. Ill figure it out. I always did. It was stupid to depend on anyone or expect anyone to look out for you.

I stood up and silently removed my vest and name tag, placing them on the edge of the desk. I could feel my heart racing.

Ill deposit your final check early if you like, Mr. Henderson said, tapping at the keyboard of his laptop, still not looking at me.

Thank you. My voice sounded hollow as I turned and left the office.

I grabbed my bag and jacket from the break room, grateful that it was empty and I didnt have to say goodbye to anyone. Goodbyes always sucked. Outside, the once sunny sky was now cloudy and grey. Perfect. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. I blinked hard and swallowed. Nope, we will not be out here crying in the street. Not today, not ever, again.

I walked slowly, taking in the familiar streets. This is what my life had always been. A series of temporary homes, jobs, and people. Maybe I should have expected this. Things always went left when you got comfortable.

I pulled out my phone. It was three years old, and the screen was cracked, but it was good enough. I checked my bank account. My check was three hundred and eighty dollars. That was all the money I had in the world. Rent was six hundred, and it was already late. I was going to have to find another job, fast. The rain started three blocks into the twelve block walk home. At least my feet were dry. The Doc Martens Id lucked into at the thrift store last year were still holding up. I jumped out of the way of the bus, driving past splashing water over the pavement, barely missing me. I wished I was on the bus, but right now, even the bus was a luxury.

I finally reached the rundown converted three-story house, where I rented my first-floor apartment. It had bars on the windows and a great view of the alley. I sighed. The lock on the what was supposed to be the security door was still broken.

Inside my apartment, I took my boots off and dropped my bag by the door.. A tiny counter separated the small room with an adjoining open kitchen. The bathroom was the only private room in the apartment, but I had a bed, a futon, and a TV. My apartment was a tiny shoebox, but it was mine. I had lived there for two years. Two years of stability and no drama. Now what would I do?

I changed out of my wet clothes and grabbed a towel from the bathroom. I started to squeeze the water out of my braids. After I dried my hair, I sat with my legs folded on the rickety futon. With a bowl of cereal in my lap, I started searching for jobs. I applied to any and everything. A waitressing gig at a fancy restaurant, a cashier at a fast food place, even a telemarketing position. Anything that would pay the bills.

I could feel my anxiety building. If I didnt get a job soon, Id have to move again. The idea made my stomach knot. I thought I had things under control this time. If I couldnt make rent. I was going to be homeless. The thought of going back to a shelter made me sick. It wasn’t the same as a foster home. At least the foster home had a guaranteed bed. The shelters stayed full and the ones that had space werent exactly safe for a woman alone.

I finished my cereal and kept looking for jobs. When I stopped, it was after midnight. I couldnt believe it was so late. I was exhausted. Maybe I should just go to bed and deal with this in the morning. I crawled into bed and stared at the ceiling. The rain had stopped, and the only sound was the distant siren of an ambulance. I tossed and turned before finally falling asleep.

I woke to the sound of banging. It took me a minute to realize the banging was coming from the front door. Jasmine, are you in there?

I stumbled to the door and opened it to find my landlord, Mr. Jackson. Yeah, Im here.

Your rent is late., Mr. Jackson said, looking me up and down. His eyes lingered on my breasts..

Im sorry..

Jasmine, in the two years youve lived here. I’ve been very understanding.

I looked at Mr. Jackson, who was wearing an oversized t-shirt and basketball shorts. He was in his late forties and always tried to flirt with me. I couldn’t stand him..

My boss let me go yesterday. I promise I will have the money for rent by the end of the week.

Mr. Jackson frowned. I’d hate to a evict a pretty girl like you, but I cant have tenants not paying.

Ill get the money. I promise.

Mr. Jackson grinned, his eyes still glued to my chest.. You have until Monday, but if you dont have the money, maybe we can work out some other form of payment.

I swallowed hard. I’ll have the money.

If you say so. He walked away, whistling.

I closed the door and leaned against it.

Fuck.

Fuck.

FUCK.

No way in hell was I fucking him to keep my apartment.. I was done with that shit. I gave up my first time to a two-pump chump for a warm bed and a hot meal when I couldnt take sleeping with one eye open in the shelters anymore.

I didnt spend a year and a half couch surfing for nothing. Most guys only let me stay with them if they thought I would let them bust a nut. Half the time, I pretended to be asleep while they got what they wanted—it was easier than trying to fake it. It didn’t matter they couldn’t give me what I needed. Most of them didnt care.

I had to find something, and fast. I got back to my phone and checked the jobs Ive applied for. None of them had responded. What the fuck? Its like the universe was conspiring against me. I brushed my teeth and ate a handful of dry cereal before I applied for more jobs. Around four oclock, there was another knock at my door. I ignored it.

Yo Jazzy. Dont pretend you not home. I heard you got fired. A deep voice shouted through the door.

Angel, my upstairs neighbor. I opened the door. He was wearing a white tank top,showing off his tattoo covered arms as usual.. He had a thick beard and was always smiling.

Howd you know I got fired?

You know Maya tells me everything. Look, Jasmine, you need a job and I have an idea.

What is it?

Eclipse is looking for a new bartender. You can work there, and Ill put in a good word for you. Come on, itll be fun.

You want me to work at a strip club? I dont know. Maybe I can find another grocery store.

Come on Jas, youre too fine to be broke.

I sighed. Maybe he was right. Fine, but Im not dancing.

Of course not. Youll be serving drinks. Easy money.

What do I have to wear?

Whatever you want. But maybe not this, Angel said, tugging at my faded t-shirt.

Alright, let me get dressed. I shoved Angel into the hall and quickly pulled on a pair of jeans and the nicest t-shirt I had. It was a black, v-neck and showed some cleavage. I figured that wouldn’t hurt. I put on my boots and opened the door. Okay, Im ready.

Angel drove me down to Eclipse. The club didn’t open until noon, but Vince, the manager, was there along with a few girls and staff getting ready for the day shift. Angel waited at the bar while Vince took me back to his office. Vince was tall and thin with slicked-back black hair. He was wearing a few too many gold chains around his neck, and his cologne was damn near choking me.

So, do you have any bartending experience? He said.

Sure. It wasnt entirely a lie. Id waited tables at a diner right out of high school. I mainly worked at the counter. That was kind of like bartending. I knew most drinks, and I figured what I didnt know, I could Google on my phone.

Vince looked me up and down. Turn around.

Excuse me?

Turn around, he said. Its a strip club. I cant have any flat-ass girls working here.

I sighed and turned slowly, giving him a good look at what I knew was my very nice ass., This was still better than fucking Mr. Jackson.

Yeah, youll do okay, he said.

Thats it? I got the job?

Yeah, its not rocket science.You have a pretty face and a round ass. You pour drinks for horny guys, smile at them, flirt, and youll make plenty of money.

He handed me a couple of forms. Fill it out your contact information and give it to the house mom with your ID. You have to tip out the DJ at the end of the night.

Got it, I said. Relief washing over me now that I had a way to make some money.

And, he said, you better come in here in something sexier than that. Something that shows off those tits and ass. And wear some makeup.

“Got it,” I nodded and opened the door.

“Oh, and no fucking customers.”

“Not a problem.” I said.

“But if you do, I get half the money.” He gave me a sleazy grin.

Only desperation to pay my rent stopped me from cussing him out. Working at Eclipse was going to be interesting. Hopefully, I’d make rent by the end of the week.