Real Vampires: Glory Does Vegas by Bartlett, Gerry (white hot kiss TXT) 📕

“It’s not nearly enough. I’ll use it as my stake tonight.” She squeezed my hand. “Go with me, Gloria. I need moral support.”

I shook off her hand. “Maybe you should just work the crowd here, get more photos taken and try for big tips. You can’t count on gambling.”

“You sure can’t.” Tiffany shook her head as she walked over to unlock the door. “I tried a slot machine. Lost fifty bucks in five minutes. I work too hard for my money to see it disappear that fast.”

“Oh, you don’t know what you’re doing. Video poker. Or the High Limit Slots can pay off big if you do them right. Come with me after work, Gloria, please,” Misty pleaded as Tiffany threw open the door and the rest of the dancers rushed inside. “What we make here in a night is chump change. A drop in the bucket compared to what I need to get some breathing room with these people.”

“What’s going on? We’ve got five minutes before show time and I need more blush.” Donna walked straight to her makeup kit. “Glory, they’re yelling at you to get out there and you’re not even dressed yet. Mae said to tell you she put a fresh costume and a check in your locker. My Chanel bag did some good on eBay so I may bring you a Fendi next. Lee is generous but he has no idea what I like. Know what I mean?” She turned to the mirror. “God, I look like a hag.”

I ignored her and rushed out to the break room and my locker.

“You’re late. Manny is talking about firing you.” Valdez sat next to the bench, munching on a beef stick. “Thank God Mae brought me a snack or I’d starve.”

“Doubt it. I’m sure Caro fixed you something at Dom’s.” I’d definitely smelled bacon at his house and she sure wasn’t cooking for Dom. I squealed when I saw the size of my check. Mae had left but first she’d written out a detailed accounting for what we’d made. Even after deducting her percentage, I’d cleared six hundred dollars on that bag. Wow! I pulled out my fresh costume and hurried into the restroom to put it on. Valdez was the last one waiting when I came out so we were finally alone.

“You look better than when we left Dom’s house.” He gave me the eye. “You going to tell me what was going on behind the closed door with Misty and Tiffany?”

“After my shift. I gotta go.” I stuffed my dirty clothes in my locker and rushed to the bar. Manny tried to give me grief, in the mood to fire me because the other waitress had complained. She also had a friend who needed a job. I finally told Manny I’d been with Dom. That made him change his tune. I didn’t like having to use that excuse, but what else could I do?

We were busy and the crowd loved the shows. I felt like I could take some of the credit for that. My dances were fun and the girls had learned them well enough to put some enthusiasm into the high kicks. They were in sync and managed to drop their skirts in time to the music. Near the end of the night, I reminded Manny that firing me would mean he’d have to start inventing new dances again. That calmed him down. The crowd was lively and even generous with tips. I got to last call feeling like it had been a good night all in all.

“Caro came by with a case of that synthetic you liked. I gave her the key to your locker so she could get your keys. She put it in your car.” Valdez greeted me with that mental message when I got to the break room at the end of my shift.

I smiled and nodded, the only thing I could do when Misty walked up to me and linked arms.

“Give me a ride back to the apartment? We can change clothes then hit my favorite casino.” She patted Valdez on the head.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” I grabbed my clothes out of my locker. “I need to do laundry.” I dragged Dom’s shirt on over my outfit. Oops. Blood stains on the hem. I hoped Misty didn’t notice before I tied the shirt tails together to hide them.

“You can do that tomorrow night. Come on. I told you I’m deep in the hole to those people and they’re pressing me—” Misty stopped when Donna walked out of the dressing room with one of her designer evening bags in her hand. She clearly had a tremendous purse collection and my mouth watered. It was perfect with a green strapless dress that showed off her tanned shoulders and complimented her red hair.

“Pretty dress, Donna. Going someplace special?” I nudged Valdez with my foot and we headed to the door.

“Lee is taking me to a fancy restaurant for a late dinner. He’s waiting outside.” She did a twirl, the short skirt showing off her long legs.

“Have fun!” Misty grabbed my arm. “Glory, wait up. I think I left my pocketbook in the dressing room.”

“No, silly, it’s hanging from your shoulder.” Donna gave Misty a shove toward the door. “Let’s get out of here. It’s late and I feel like I’ve been breathing Mae’s fairy dust all night. I need fresh air, don’t you?”

Misty gave me a look that meant “help” but there was nothing I could do. Donna practically dragged her out to the parking lot, Valdez and I right behind her. Sure enough, Lee stood next to Donna’s Jaguar. He was dressed in his usual black suit with a black shirt and black tie, looking handsome and very serious.

“Babe.” He kissed Donna and helped her into the passenger seat. “Ladies.”

We were parked next to Donna’s car. I unlocked my Suburban and opened the back door for Valdez to