Enraptured(7)

She wasn't fazed. "You don't have a lunch, Ella. We know you're struggling and we're your friends. Friends help each other."

"Christ, Dee." I snapped.

"Ella, I don't mind." Kyle intervened. "You've been like a sister to Dee. You would do it for her."

I would. I would do almost anything for Dee. Regardless, I felt like a deadweight hanging onto the rubber of their shoes. I tried not to grind my teeth. "I'll get a pasta salad."

Kyle grinned. "Be right back."

I glared at Dee. "Do you have to do that?"

"Do you have to fight me every time I try and help you?" She countered.

"I don't need help."

"You do, Ella." She argued. "You can't not eat so you can afford your rent."

"Well I can't find a roommate and I don't have anywhere else to live."

"That's why we're trying to help you." Her tone was gentle. "We're your friends, Chick."

Kyle returned with lunch, setting our salads on the table. "Speaking of trying to help you - you really need a new job."

I rolled my eyes. "What do you suggest, Kyle?"

"Impact." He spoke the word like I should know what it was. I didn't.

I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "What's that?"

"It's a club." His words were cautious as he and Dee shared a look. They were ganging up on me. She was supposed to be my best friend! They both knew how I felt about clubs. I hated them. They intimidated me like nothing else.

"Seriously?" I laughed, forking a noodle. "A club? Me?"

"Yeah,"

I interrupted. "Do either of you know me at all? You think I can work in a club? I can't even go to a club for a good time much less work in one."

"Just hear him out." Dee pleaded.

I sighed, slumping in my chair. "I'm listening.

Kyle continued, breathing out measuredly from between his lips. "I know the owner. He's looking for a hot waitress,"

I laughed and he paused. He was looking at me as though I had two heads. I didn't blame him. The way I was snorting as I laughed would make me stop and stare too. "If the guys looking for a hot waitress - you should ask Dee." I laughed again. "Have either of you seen me flirt? It's about as hot as the ice age."

Dee rolled her eyes and Kyle continued as though I hadn't spoken. "He's looking for someone and he's willing to give you a shot. I told him you were inexperienced, but I convinced him you would be great. As it is he thinks your innocence would be an asset. Most of the girls who work the club are a little more," he looked to Dee who shrugged. "Well, they're experienced."

"They're sluts." I corrected. "You think I could work with a coven of shark sluts and come out as an asset? Have you two lost your freaking minds?"

"I think you should give it a shot." Kyle shrugged. "You'd make killer money, Ella."

I narrowed my eyes. "Would I make enough to save for next years tuition and have a life?"

"If you got rid of your apartment there is no doubt in my mind you'd be fine."

I sighed. Despite my fear of clubs, it was tempting. The thought of being able to make my bills, eat and have a social life was more than just tempting. It was like being offered a ticket to heaven. I didn't know how to deny - but I didn't know how to accept either. "I don't know."

Kyle sat back in his chair. He was eyeing me with serious eyes. "This about it, Ella."

"I will." I promised.





Chapter 3

I thought about the job for the next three days. I debated, plotted and charted the pros and cons but was still undecided. My phone rang shrilly, tearing me from my slumber early Saturday morning.

"Hello?" I murmured still half asleep.

"Ella, it's Tara."

"Hi,"

"You don't need to come in until five tonight." I could hear her smile and my skin felt tight as annoyance bloomed.

"My shift was supposed to start at noon, Tara. You know I need the hours." I tried to keep my annoyance from sounding but failed miserably.

"Well, we don't need you in that early today." I could almost hear her spiteful smile through the phone.

What a bitch. I was fuming. "See you later."

I didn't wait for a reply. I hung up. When I looked down at the clock, my anger skyrocketed. It was eight am. She just opened the salon and she was calling me. I was livid and I didn't think twice about texting Kyle.

Is that club still looking for someone?

The reply was instant. Yup. You wanna check it out?

I do.

Tonight?

Isn't there an interview process? I replied. My heart was racing and I was terrified. I was petrified of clubs and crowds and rowdy boys. It wasn't my thing. I liked things easy-going and without complication. However, my anger was fueling my determination to hurdle this particular fear. There wasn't much I wouldn't do if it meant quitting the tanning salon.