20. Temple #2
“You ain’t in no position to joke with me right now, Temp.”
I did as I was told.
“Before you get in my ass about my absence, I have a good reason for it.”
“It better be good. My regulars have been requesting my headliner for over two weeks now. Then you don’t answer any of my calls or texts. I think that’s very rude of you. If it wasn't for your sister, I would have thought you were dead.”
“I know, and I apologize for that.”
“Sorry ain’t enough. Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t fire your ass.”
“I mean, you can fire me, but I came here tonight to actually resign. I met someone—”
“Not you quitting because of a nigga.”
“He’s not just some nigga—”
“Let me guess. He’s some rich nigga who promised you a future outside of the club?
To keep it a buck with you, no man ever takes strippers serious.
Don’t lose yourself chasing illusions, Temp.
You’re literally smarter than most of the dancers here.
I’ve never seen you in the VIP rooms, and you never gave these niggas more than a dance.
“Hell, you got my damn brother-in-laws dropping bank on you, praying you’d go home with one or both of their ass.” She chuckled lightly. “I just don’t want to see you out here fucked up because some nigga lied to you.”
I frowned. I felt a way about her jumping to conclusions without hearing the full story.
I knew I brought more money in her club than these other bitches, so I understood her disdain.
It was a typical story of most of the women who danced and found a baller who took them out of the club, only for them to come back months later, broke and heartbroken.
That wasn’t my story, though.
Would never be my story.
Even if Solomon decided to leave me tomorrow, I still had money in my account and a car that was almost paid off. Not to mention my husband added me to his accounts with no prenup or promises to renege.
I’d never go out bad.
“Damn, Arie. Since you know I’m not a dummy, then you should know my story differs from a lot of these girls in here with broken dreams. I only danced here to help my grandmother, for real.
I have a bachelor’s degree in social work, and since I like nice things and had to live, I couldn’t empty my bank account to pay for her surgery and fund my lifestyle, so I came here.
“My husband employs half of your security team and the majority of the businesses around this city, so I would never have to worry about being broke or coming back here. Even if he left me tonight, I promise I’ll walk away with more than I walked into the marriage with.”
“Husband?”
“Yes. I got married two and a half weeks ago to Solomon Matthews, owner and operator of Exclusive Security. It’s why I haven’t been here.”
She leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. “Wow. I misjudged you. I apologize for that. Solomon not only secures my business, but he also secures my husband’s businesses too. I’m stuck because that man is all about Jesus, and yo’ ass is a certified heathen. How the hell did that happen?”
I smiled. “They don’t call me Temptress for nothing.” I winked at her. “No, but seriously. He pursued me, and I fell. Hard. I can’t even pinpoint the moment, but that man is everything I even want or need.”
“Damn, . . . I hear you, sis. I guess this is where we end. Don’t be a stranger though. We’re all still family around here, so you’re always welcome here.”
“I appreciate you, Ms. Arie.” I stood, and she came around her desk and hugged me. I was shocked because this lady didn’t show affection. Only to her husband, and I was sure her kids and family.
“Take care of yourself, Temp. I’ll see you around.”
I gave her a short nod, then headed out of her office and down to the dressing room. As soon as I entered, Tink was just tying the straps of her heels around her legs.
“Temp!” she exclaimed once she saw me.
“Hey, Tink.”
She hugged me tight, then released me. “Oh my God! I missed you, gworl! Where the hell have you been?”
“Living life,” I said, holding up my left hand and wiggling my fingers.
“Ah! Get the fuck out! Who the fuck got lucky enough to lock yo’ ass down?”
“A good man, Savannah.”
She laughed. “He better fucking be! You dancing tonight?”
“Girl, no. I actually came to clean out my locker and tell you goodbye. I’ma miss you, Tink. Out of all the people in here, you were the only one who remained solid and had my back. Just know you’ll always have a friend in me.”
She teared up and pulled me in for another hug.
“Not you got a real bitch in here crying.” She laughed.
“You take care of yourself, pooh. You got my number. Don’t hesitate to call me if you just want to go out for drinks and vent or need me to put my heel up a bitch ass. Whatever it may be, you call me.”
“My wedding is next week. I’ll send you the deets tonight.”
“Period! I’m there.”
We laughed, hugged again, and I bid her a good night before cleaning out my locker.
I wouldn’t say I’d miss this place, but I’d definitely miss Tink and being able to shake my ass every weekend.
As I stepped out onto the main floor, I bumped right into none other than Nate.
“Damn. That nigga must’ve realized you was too much for his lame ass and now here you are. Back where you started. You know that bum ass nigga could never take care of you like I do.”
I shook my head. “Nate, I’m sure you’d like to believe that.
In all honesty, that bum ass nigga took me to Italy three days after he punked you in the mall, married me, and fucked my lace front off my head on three thousand thread count sheets overlooking the Amalfi Coast. Your money is too short to have ever pulled that off in a day.
Y’all are not the same, beloved. You enjoy the rest of your life though. ”
I left him standing there with his mouth agape and probably sick that another man did what he could never do.
Yeah. It was time to leave this old life behind and walk into what God had planned for me.