"Lisa!"
Daphne's voice broke Lisa out of a daze.
"I've been talking to you since. Where's your mind?"
"Sorry, Daph. I'm just really stressed out. I'm dealing with a couple of things lately."
"I thought as much. You seemed totally out of it yesterday. I hope it's not too serious though?"
"It's getting settled, Daphne. Thanks."
Chris's voice cut in.
"Ladies, get to work. The night is young. Let's get moving."
"Alright, Chris," Lisa said, and she and Daphne parted ways.
The Club was unusually packed tonight. Bodies sandwiched together on the dance floor by the lounge—everywhere. Everything seemed annoying to her tonight, and the fact that her head was filled with thoughts wasn't helping. At all.
She reached the bar, grabbed the drink for the client in the VIP room, and made her way upstairs. Inside, a man and a woman dressed elegantly sat.
"Thank you," the woman smiled as Lisa placed the bottle and champagne flutes down.
"Mind pouring us a drink?" the man asked, lips upturned.
Lisa nodded and began to pour. His Rolex reminded her of Leonard Kingston—the man who had offered a contract marriage like it was something so simple.
"What the hell!" the woman yelled and shifted back before standing up. Her white floor-length dress was red around the knees now, thanks to the wine.
Lisa stuttered. "I'm so sorry, ma'am. I didn't realize—"
"Sorry won't cut it! Do you have any idea who I'm wearing? Do you know how much this dress costs?" Her eyes burned with rage and disgust.
"Darling, it was a—"
She interjected, chest heaving. "Get me the manager!"
The nearby security rushed in.
"What's happening here?"
"Get. Me. The. Manager. Now!" she seethed, running her hand through her hair.
A sharp click of shoes against the floor drew attention. Chris entered, sleeves rolled up, face tight with restrained irritation. He gave Lisa a quick, assessing look before focusing on the couple.
"You're here, good," the woman snapped. "Look at the mess your employee created!"
Chris exhaled slowly through his nose. "We're so sorry, ma'am. She'll handle the dry cleaning."
"You think what you pay here can cover the dry cleaning of this dress?" she scoffed, shaking her head.
"Baby, please, let it go. We'll get another," the man said quietly.
"You are—Fine! Let's get out of here, babe." She grabbed her purse and stormed out.
Lisa muttered a soft sorry as the man walked past her. He gave a small nod and left.
When the door closed, Chris turned back to her. His jaw flexed once.
"Lisa, if something's up with you, let me know and I'll give you a day off."
"I'm fine, Chris. It's just—"
He raised a hand. "No excuses. Just go. Go to the backroom. The others will handle things." His tone softened a fraction. "Get yourself together, alright?"
She nodded mutely as he walked off, his expression unreadable.
Vanessa appeared, blocking the doorway, a faint smirk on her lips.
"I see you've run out of whatever you use to keep Chris wrapped around your fingers. Serves you right," she scoffed.
"Vanessa, out of my way."
"What if I don't move?"
"I don't want to say or do something I'll regret, Vanessa. Just move."
"Oh, shut up, bitch!" she screeched.
Just then, Max walked by, sensing the tension. Vanessa quickly adjusted her dress and turned to face him. Lisa took the chance to slip out.
She perched on a stool in the backroom, kicked off her shoes, and started massaging her temples. The door opened.
"Lisa, are you okay?" Max's voice came from behind her.
Lisa turned to face him with a small smile.
"I'm good. Just tired."
"Sorry. Just relax for a while. I'll check on you soon, okay?"
"Alright, Max."
He smiled and left.
Her phone buzzed, disrupting the small moment of peace. She took it out of the side pocket of her dress. Derek's name flashed across the screen.
Why is he calling me? What is it now?
She stared until it stopped ringing. Then it came again. She sighed and picked up, putting it on speaker.
"Yes? I'm at work. Why are you calling?" Her voice came out harsher than she intended.
"Lisa, I'm sorry to bother you. It's just really urgent." The panic in his tone made her heart skip.
"What is it?" Lisa asked, her tone laced with worry and irritation.
"It's Emily."
"What happened with her? Derek, can you just get to the point? I'm not in a great mood tonight." She pressed a hand to her temple as the sharp pain returned.
"The guys—the ones I borrowed from—they threatened her on her way home from work."
"What!" She shot up, the stack of plastic cups near her hand falling to the floor. "Is she hurt? Where is she?"
"She's fine, just scared and shaken. She said they grabbed her and tried to steal from her."
"How do they even know her? This is getting out of hand, Derek. The day isn't even over yet!"
"I swear I don't know, Lisa!" A loud horn blared from his end. "They called me now and told me I have to make sure they get their money tonight, or else they'll go after everyone I care about. I called to warn you."
"Wait, where's Emily?"
"I don't know! I've been calling but she's not picking up. After she called to tell me everything, I haven't been able to reach her. I'm out looking for her now."
"Keep trying, okay? I'll think of something," Lisa said quickly.
"Alright, Lisa. Just… be careful, please. Don't go home alone."
"I'll be fine. You be careful too," she said and hung up.
Lisa almost threw her phone against the wall. How bad could one night get? She left it on the table and began pacing, trying to think of a possible solution. Then it rang again. She hurried toward it, hope rising—only to drop when she saw the caller ID. Jennifer Henderson.
She picked up.
"Lisa, I'm glad you picked up. I thought you wouldn't."
"I did. You called about the contract thing, right?"
"Yes. Please think about it. Leonard is already considering someone else, but I feel you're perfect for it."
Lisa's heart lurched. Her mind went blank, then loud all at once. Derek's panic. The debt. And Leonard's words replaying—Ithink you'll do what you must—I have no idea what problems you have, but they can get solved if you agree to this.
She pressed her lips together, pacing the small room. This was insane. Who even agreed to something like that? But if she didn't, what then?
Silence stretched on the line. Jennifer waited.
Lisa's throat tightened. "I'll do it," she said finally, before she could stop herself.