12

                                    

                                          
Dominique
                          
"Where were you?" Natasha asked as she swung her chair around. 
                          
"I was with the group & we ran over time," I shrugged & tried to walk to my bed but she stopped me. 
                          
"Dominique it's 1am," she said sternly, "& I found these in your utility jacket," she threw my pack of cigarettes at me. I looked at them & squinted. 
                          
"Explain," she folded her arms. 
                          
"Tash, I've been hiding something from you for a long time now & Ethan even told me to tell you because he said a best friend is the one person you should be able to tell things like these to," I nodded & pulled up a seat. I sat & faced her & held her hands. She looked uncomfortable. 
                          
"Okay, so let me drop the little bomb. I smoke, on occasion. It's a stress reliever but don't worry. I've got it under control & can stop anytime I want to," I explained. She nodded slowly & cracked a small smile. 
                          
"What's the big thing?" she asked & gulped. 
                          
"I'm a stripper. That's why I leave every night at nine because that's when my shift starts & that's why I pretend to be shy. So no one suspects anything. The novel series was a hoax. All so you don't suspect anything. I'm sorry I didn't tell you from the get go but it's just so disgusting & vile to take off your clothes for money. But you know why I need this," my voice cracked & I started to cry. Natasha stood up & hugged me tightly. 
                          
"I understand. I wish you had just told me. I would've understood. I mean I am your best friend," she smiled & wiped my tears. 
                          
"Thanks Tash," I smiled. 
                          
"Anytime Dom," she smiled, "wait, how does Ethan know you're a stripper?"
                          
"It was his birthday & his friends took him to the club. It was dispersal night & I was assigned to his table. I strip with a mask on for my performance & to protect my identity. The mask fell off & he saw me just before I ran out of the room & went home for the night. & that's why I had been avoiding him for two weeks," I explained. 
                          
"Wow," she exhaled. 
                          
"A lot to take in?" I chuckled. 
                          
"Yeah pretty much," she laughed & nodded. 
                          
"So what did you guys do next?" she asked & that's when I started to blush & look down. 
                          
"Girl don't tell you two," she gasped & I nodded with a huge smile on my face. She started screaming & cheering. 
                          
"Good for you boo," she hit my arm softly. I was smiling but then it turned into a frown. 
                          
"Oh shit," I muttered. 
                          
"What?" she asked. 
                          
"I've lost my title," I hung my head in shame. 
                          
"What?" she asked. 
                          
"In the club, I'm the purest stripper. Which means I have not caused any trouble, I'm the most popular & I'm still a virgin. I just lost my virginity to a client. Oh I'm screwed," I panted & took out a cigarette. I put it in my mouth & lit it. 
                          
"What happens if your boss finds out?" she asked. 
                          
"I end up like all those other sluts," I inhaled. 
                          
"Well. I think you should still tell him. I mean how much can Ethan mess up your work?" she asked. 
                          
"A lot actually. But you're right I should. Maybe I'll get away with it I don't know," I nodded my head nervously. 
                          
"Yeah," she walked towards the door, "oh & by the way. Most popular stripper? I'm proud of you," she smirked & left the room.