IRENE'S POV
Red Mask or Black Mask, either way, the pole is mine tonight.
I stood, looking at myself in the dressing mirror, satisfied with the costume that barely covered my body, but perfect for what I was about to do.
My eyes went over the masks neatly arranged in front of me. I hesitated, not sure which color to wear. Then I heard a voice from behind.
"It's almost time, Sugar. Please wear the red mask today. We've got top celebrities in the VVIP tonight, and I trust you to deliver."
I could hear her grinning as the door shut behind her.
Only one person is allowed in my dressing room without knocking, and even without turning, I'd recognize that voice, even in my sleep.
Typical Mummy T. Wednesdays and Fridays are her favorite nights, extra cash, and high rollers. The nights when I take the pole and turn it into a stage, when strangers drool over my body.
And who could blame them?
My body is the definition of an hourglass, with extra toppings. I don't even invest much in skincare, but my skin looks like glass. You could see your reflection in it.
I put on the red mask.
Time to do what I do best.
I am Irene. But here? I'm Sugar.
Because of my moves? Too sweet to ignore.
BRIGHT'S POV
"Hey man, relax, gosh! You're too uptight. I get it, you're from a staunch Christian home, family of nuns and Reverends..."
I heard Mike laughing with Dave, but that idiot didn't stop.
"You're a superstar, act like one! Not like some shy chicken. Trust me, this Wednesday will be one of your best nights. Stop acting holy and enjoy the show."
There he went again, loud and annoying. Mike could be the most irritating person on earth, but he's been my best friend since childhood.
I still don't know how he manages to hide his wild side from my mom. I know her; if she ever finds out what his influence is doing to me, she'll cut him off. She has that saying: "Unequally yoked spirits have no business walking together."
Even with my blue cut glasses, the dim lighting from the club made my eyes ache. I couldn't wait to get home and collapse into bed. This was a bad idea, one that I deeply regretted.
Then the music changed.
A slow beat, and to crown it all, it was my favorite song. Tyra's "Make You Wet."
Then I saw her.
The fluorescent lights locked onto her. The way she danced with the pole, the way her waist moved, I had to shift in my seat. I was starting to feel... uncomfortable.
"Damn it."
I hated that her body, her movements, were having this kind of effect on me. The strong bulge growing between my legs was undeniable.
I leaned closer to Dave. He's the only one who might give me a straight answer.
"Who is she?"
"The lady in the mask?" he asked, double-checking.
I nodded.
"She's the reason most of us are here. That's Sugar, the masked stripper. No one knows her real name. No one's seen her face, but the girl is on fire. Nobody gets close."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "You might get lucky tonight, though. Mike and I bet $10,000. If he gets her to take off her mask, I'll give him the money. If not, he pays me. Deep down, I want him to win. I need to see the face behind that body."
Just then, the music ended.
She dropped into a full split.
I knew she was done.
"ONE MILLION DOLLARS! Remove your mask, and the money is yours!" Mike shouted, loud enough to make half the club turn in our direction.
I nearly died from embarrassment.
Thank God I was wearing a face mask and dark shades. If my face ended up on a blog? My mother would have a heart attack.
Then I saw her walking toward our section.
My breathing quickened. I could hear my heart pounding.
She brushed past me, lightly touching my skin as she turned to face Mike.
"You're quite generous, sir," she said. "I heard there's a charity going on for displaced victims, you know the one I mean. Send my donation there."
Then she leaned in and kissed his forehead. Her red lipstick left a mark right in the middle.
She walked away and vanished.
I don't know what it was... but everything about her was captivating.
*******
IRENE'S POV
By morning, I was a mother again.
"Wake up, Mummy! Come and see the castle I'm building! Wake up!"
I tried to keep my eyes closed. But the moment my daughter, Sophia, tickled me hard, I couldn't help it; I burst out laughing.
"Good morning, my sunshine. Mummy's little princess. Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, Mummy! I'm trying to figure out what to do during summer break. Can I go to Grandma's house?"
"No!"
It came out louder than I meant. Her smile dropped. I quickly picked her up, twirled her around, and played with her until she laughed again. Just like that, she forgot she'd asked.
"Good morning. You're back," Maya said, walking in with her arms folded. "So? Was that woman rude again? I wish you'd stop working for those people. That night nanny job is, ugh."
Maya kept ranting over the made-up story I'd told her. I couldn't bring myself to tell my 19-year-old sister, the girl who looks up to me, that I'm a stripper on Wednesdays and Fridays, and a nanny in the mornings.
Speaking of nanny... I had an interview this morning.
"I'm good, Maya. We need all the money we can get for Sophia's surgery. I have to get ready. Let me freshen up."
********
BRIGHT'S POV
I looked at myself in the mirror.
Complete mess.
I should never have gone out. I have an upcoming shoot and lines to memorize, and I wasted my night chasing cheap thrills.
I took a quick shower and walked into my daughter's room. Opened the window.
"Daaad," she groaned. "I've told you to knock before coming in. You're breaking my privacy, old man."
"Did you just call me an old man? Excuse me, Daddy's still thirty-two. Hot like a heater."
I knew she'd roll her eyes, and sure enough, she did. Lily's only seven, but with the way she talks, you'd think she was seventeen. Articulate, smart, and very beautiful.
"So, no 'Good morning' to Dad?"
"My bad. Good morning, Dad. Yes, I slept well. I'm just too lazy to get up. Can I stay in bed longer?"
Before she could finish, I pulled the duvet off her.
"No, my love. Remember…"
I was still talking when James appeared at the door.
"Sir, the nanny from the agency is downstairs."
Right. The interview.
I looked at Lily with that "Behave this time" expression.
This would be the eighth nanny she's met and rejected, all with some excuse.
"But I don't need a nanny, Dad. None of them is like my sweet Doris." She folded her arms, face scrunched in that usual fake anger expression she uses when she wants to win a debate.
I sat beside her and brushed a curl from her face.
Doris is married now. She's not coming back, and before you say you can take care of yourself, I know. But for now, brush your teeth. Cynthia will help you."
I kissed her forehead.
"I'll be downstairs. Don't keep Daddy and the guest waiting."
IRENE'S POV
I wanted to get up and look around; this place was too beautiful to just sit still. Everything looked expensive, too clean, and perfect.
I suddenly felt dirty sitting on that cream-colored couch.
I was still admiring the space when I heard a voice.
"Hi… You must be the nanny sent by the agency."
"Yes, sir. I'm the one. My name is Irene."
He raised his brows, looking at me like I had something on my face.
"Have we met before, Irene? Your voice sounds... familiar."