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friend, just not in public like that. Whatever the reason, her eyes haunted me. She seemed distant and uncommitted. But everything I questioned only made me question myself. How would I like it? How would I feel? And, especially, what good did it do to sit in an audience and speculate? This was not where answers could be found.
    The other woman on the stage had the gift. She was sultry and gorgeous with expressive eyes and a body she worked like a ballerina. She was totally in control. Her confidence was intoxicating.
    Not long after the number, the gifted girl came out. She was stunning, dressed in a tight, black dress with long, black, shiny boots. Her long, dark hair was complemented by her amazing dark lips. She seemed to be every man’s fantasy and they all turned to watch her as she walked up to the bar. There was just something about her, something magical and enticing.
    What did I know? I questioned myself. I didn’t even know her. I didn’t know anything about this kind of place. I had come out to the big city looking for adventure, and what could I possibly know about her life? Overwhelmed by the place, I was almost sure I didn’t want what she had. I was convinced that there was something about it that she didn’t like, either.
    Several men approached her at the bar and seemed all too eager to buy her drinks. She graciously accepted a glass of red wine, which made her look even more seductive. She sat down at the bar, ignoring the man who had paid for her wine, and watched the rest of the show. The same girl she had kissed on stage came out again in a different costume, this time alone, and started strutting back and forth across the stage. She swung herself around the pole and my brunette started laughing and cheering and lit up the room with her enthusiasm.
    Part of me didn’t expect her to be nice to me. I wondered why I had such preconceived ideas about her, and whether they would be proved right. I approached her and she smiled at me. We said our awkward hellos while watching the stage and taking careful sips from our drinks. I must have looked interested because she told me the place was hiring.
    “I am looking for work,” I said, “but I’m not sure if this is it.”
    “Usually when a hot girl comes up to me it’s because she wants me to introduce her to the manager. My mistake.”
    Well, she hadn’t exactly made a mistake, and I couldn’t help but feel flattered that she’d basically stated that I was a hot girl.
    “No problem. It looks like a good place to work.”
    “Yep. Tips are high. Management is all right. I should know. I’ve been here two years. Time to move on, though.”
    “You’re leaving?”
    “Retired as of about ten minutes ago.”
    “Wow.”
    “Not like that. Retired from dancing.”
    “To what?”
    “Well, aren’t you the curious one? I don’t even know your name.”
    “Julie.”
    “Veronica.” We shook hands. Our friendship was effortless.
    “I was so taken by your presence on stage, I can’t imagine why you’d move on. Forgive me. I’m being so forward. I usually don’t drink. I just mean that you’re really talented.”
    I was blubbering like a moron. It was so intimidating talking to such a bombshell. She just ate it up.
    “You’re adorable. Let’s get you another martini.”
    The night was magical. It was as if we had been separated at birth, the way we finished each other’s sentences and laughed at each other’s jokes. Our connection was further emphasised when various men approached Veronica. She simply said, “I’m chatting with a friend. Another time.”
    When I told her it was my first night in town, she laughed hysterically that my place of choice to spend the evening had been the Side Bar.
    “What were you thinking?”
    “Well, I got to meet you, didn’t I?” I was surprised at how forward I was being with her. I didn’t know what I wanted from her, but I knew I liked her. I also knew I hadn’t ever liked another girl that