\u201cIs it okay if I invite someone to Thanksgiving dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n
Jaime glanced up from her paper, saw Eliza looking at her expectantly. They were sitting at the kitchen table, Eliza bent over her math homework and Jaime reading the newspaper. They spent a lot of weeknights in these same positions, doing these same things. It was becoming a ritual for them.<\/p>\n
She thought she knew who the girl wanted to invite, but she asked, anyway, \u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSarah,\u201d Eliza said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHave you talked to her about it?\u201d Jaime asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, not yet,\u201d Eliza said, fiddling with her homework, \u201cI wanted to ask you first.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf she wants to, it\u2019s okay with me,\u201d Jaime said, smiling at the girl, \u201cask her tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOr you could,\u201d Eliza said, leaning across the table for a kiss, \u201cyou could come to see me dance and ask her yourself. Besides, Tank and Annie have been asking about you. The girls, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay,\u201d Jaime said, smiling at her.<\/p>\n
It had been a while since she had been to the Cuarto de la Nina, even though she had promised Eliza she\u2019d come and watch her dance. Growing her new business took up a lot of her time, but she\u2019d set aside tomorrow night to make good on that promise. She was looking forward to seeing Tank and Annie, even Julio\u2019s grumpy ass.<\/p>\n
Then there was little Sarah. Jaime smiled thinking about the little ragamuffin, with her big blue eyes and infectious grin. If Eliza hadn\u2019t suggested it, Jaime would have asked if she was okay with the girl joining them.<\/p>\n
Sarah had been to the house a couple of dozen times to practice new dance routines with Eliza. No matter how busy she was, Jaime would have to stop and watch her girlfriend with the eight-year-old. Sarah looked up to Eliza, worked her little butt off on each routine to make Eliza proud of her. Her desire to please Eliza was often comical and always endearing.<\/p>\n
Jamie thought Eliza kept coming up with routines for Sarah because she wanted to see the girl. Sarah had found a home in Eliza\u2019s heart, and Eliza had become like a big sister and mentor for the eight-year-old. Eliza had even signed Sarah up for dance classes at the same studio she spent her weekends. Sarah loved it, mostly because she got to hang out with Eliza.<\/p>\n
Closing her math book, Eliza said, \u201cFinished.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot too much tonight?\u201d Jaime asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the teachers are ready for Thanksgiving break, too,\u201d Eliza said, putting her books back in her bag.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you want to watch a movie?\u201d Jaime asked, setting her paper aside.<\/p>\n
Eliza smiled at her, said, \u201cCan\u2019t. If you are coming to see me, I need to work on my dance.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh?\u201d Jaime asked, intrigued.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpeak of which,\u201d Eliza said, giving her a quick kiss before springing to her feet, \u201cI need the bedroom for a couple of hours.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI take it I don\u2019t get to watch?\u201d Jaime asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot until tomorrow,\u201d Eliza said, with a playful smile.<\/p>\n
———————————–<\/p>\n
Closing her laptop, Jaime glanced at the clock. Eliza was just getting out of school and was catching her first bus. It took her three different buses to get to the Quarto and almost an hour to cover the distance it would have taken about fifteen minutes by car. Jaime picked up her phone and opened the Uber app, requesting a pick up for forty-five minutes from now. She was hoping to meet Eliza as she got off the bus.<\/p>\n
Not for the first time, Jaime felt a twist of guilt that Eliza still had to take the bus everywhere. Jaime\u2019s DUI was still hanging over them like a storm cloud and, according to the judge, there were another two months of rain on the horizon.<\/p>\n
At least, it is only two months, now<\/em>, Jaime thought, shaking her head, I already have ten in the bag.<\/em><\/p>\n Getting up, she put her coffee mug in the sink, then walked down the hall for a quick shower. As she started the water going, she glanced at her razor. Thinking about Eliza dancing, Jaime decided she definitely needed to shave. She was going to need smooth legs tonight, the sexy gyrations of Eliza\u2019s lithe body never failing to get her heart racing.<\/p>\n All day she has been distracting herself with thoughts of Eliza dancing on stage, wearing the new costume she had made for tonight. Eliza hadn\u2019t let her see it, so her imagination had been running wild all afternoon trying to guess how it would look. She barely got any work done.<\/p>\n Smiling, she thought, That\u2019s nothing new, really. She\u2019s my greatest motivator to succeed but also my biggest distraction.<\/em><\/p>\n Jaime had no doubt whatever Eliza had come up with would look amazing on the girl. With her tight dancer body and long legs, Eliza could wear a burlap sack and still turn heads. Jaime was even more susceptible to her beauty because beneath that simple lust was a love that was as deep and wide as the ocean and as sure as the sun rising in the morning.<\/p>\n Standing under the spray of hot water, she let the tension of staring at a computer screen all day wash out of her. She sighed as the shower rejuvenated tired muscles in her back and shoulders and she felt herself coming back to life. By the time she turned off the water, she was ready for a night out.<\/p>\n Drying off, she wrapped the towel around her naked body, then walked to her bedroom to find something to wear. She thought about going casual, but she found herself riffling through her dresses instead. Smiling, she saw one that Eliza loved and decided to wear it. Dancing on stage at the Cuarto usually left Eliza feeling frisky, but Jaime figured the dress might help seal the deal tonight.<\/p>\n She left the dress hanging for now, going to her dresser instead. Dropping her towel, she opened her unmentionables drawer. She needed something sexy to wear under the dress in case the night went as she hoped it would. Running her fingers over the lace and silk, she smiled, thinking she never used to have this much lingerie. Eliza liked her in something sheer and clingy, and Jaime loved dressing up for her. The look in her eye and the playful uptick of her smile as Eliza looked at her in a bustier or teddy was all she needed to keep her going back to the lingerie shop.<\/p>\n Selecting a sheer white garter belt and stockings, she thought back to how her relationship with Eliza had begun with a pair of stockings like these. Just a peek of the lacy tops of the nylons the girl had been wearing under the tartan skirt of her school uniform had propelled Jaime off the bus and into the girl\u2019s life.<\/p>\n Jaime added a matching white bra and panty set, then closed the drawer. Sitting on the bed, she rolled the nylons onto her long legs, then fastened them to the garter belt. The thong went on over the garters, so it would be easier for Eliza to get it off later. Eliza usually wanted her to keep the stockings on when they made love.<\/p>\n With her lingerie on, Jaime slipped into the clingy white dress that Eliza loved, then stepped into a pair of white heels. Stepping in front of the mirror, she thought she cleaned up pretty good. Satisfied, she went back to the bathroom to finish getting ready. She styled her hair and put on some makeup, dabbed a little perfume on her neck.<\/p>\n Ready, she found her phone, checked on her ride.<\/p>\n ————————————————–<\/p>\n Jaime stood at the bus stop, looking up the street to where the number fifty-one bus would be coming over the hill any minute now. Her Uber had just dropped her off a few minutes ago, and she couldn\u2019t wait to see Eliza get off the bus in her school uniform. She was a little ashamed to admit that the tartan skirt and button up blouse, the necktie and black Mary Janes never failed to get her heart beating faster, no matter how many times she has seen Eliza in it.<\/p>\n Right on time for once, the bus crested the hill and came to a stop in front of Jaime. She waited through the crowd of commuters disembarking until she saw Eliza near the back of the line. The girl grinned brightly when she saw Jaime, flew into her arms for a hug. Jaime had to restrain herself from kissing the girl, an urge that was nearly impossible to resist.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d Eliza asked, pulling back.<\/p>\n \u201cWanted to meet you before you headed inside,\u201d Jaime said, smiling at her.<\/p>\n \u201cYou look beautiful,\u201d Eliza said, her limpid brown eyes flashing as she looked Jaime up and down. She suddenly grabbed Jaime\u2019s hand and pulled her toward the alley, said, \u201cCome on.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay,\u201d Jaime said, following after her.<\/p>\n Barely out of sight of the people walking down the street, Eliza moved against Jaime and gave her a breath-stealing kiss. After a while, she pulled back and gave Jaime a playful smile, said, \u201cGod, I love you in this dress.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know,\u201d Jaime husked.<\/p>\n \u201cSo you wore it just to torture me?\u201d Eliza asked.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething like that,\u201d Jaime said, kissing her, \u201clet\u2019s get to the Cuarto. It\u2019s getting cold out here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMight snow,\u201d Eliza said, putting her arm around Jaime\u2019s waist.<\/p>\n As they started walking toward the grocery store that hid the entrance to the Cuarto de la Nina, Eliza told Jaime about her day. When Eliza asked about Jaime\u2019s, she could only smile sheepishly as she said, \u201cI spent most of the day thinking about you and tonight\u2026 The costume you wouldn\u2019t let me see.\u201d<\/p>\n Laughing, Eliza leaned in and kissed her, \u201cImagine how I felt wearing it all day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are wearing it? I thought it was in your backpack,\u201d Jaime said, stopping to look at her girlfriend.<\/p>\n A little embarrassed, Eliza said, \u201cI could keep it in my bag, but it\u2019s more fun to wear it. Exciting.\u201d<\/p>\n Laughing, Jaime asked, \u201cIs that why you were wearing the stockings on the bus that day?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Eliza said, smiling at Jaime, \u201calthough I didn\u2019t realize they were showing\u2026 Or that anyone was looking.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDefinitely got my attention,\u201d Jaime said, as they started walking, again.<\/p>\n They were still thirty feet from the back entrance when the door opened, and Tank stepped outside. Letting go of Jaime, Eliza ran over to him and gave him a hug. Smiling, Jaime walked over to where they stood.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Jaime,\u201d Tank said.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Big Guy,\u201d Jaime said, surprising him with a hug of her own, \u201chow have you been?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPretty good,\u201d Tank said, giving Jaime a look, \u201cit\u2019s been a while.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I know,\u201d Jaime said, sheepishly, \u201cbeen busy getting the business up and running.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo I have to set up a portfolio to get you to visit?\u201d He asked.<\/p>\n Laughing, Jaime said, \u201cI promise to come by more often\u2026 Or you could come to dinner sometime.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCareful,\u201d he said, smiling, \u201cI\u2019m a big guy with an even bigger appetite.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe offer still stands,\u201d Jaime said, patting him on the shoulder, \u201cwe probably owe you one for all you\u2019ve done for us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh,\u201d he said, waving it off, \u201cyou don\u2019t owe me anything. You\u2019ve done enough helping the girls.\u201d<\/p>\n Jaime was pretty sure Tank was just supposed to be a guard at the back door, but he was more than that to the girls and vice versa. Jaime felt bad for anyone who tried to hurt the girls who danced at the Cuarto. Tank looked like he\u2019d take it personally.<\/p>\n \u201cWe still want to make you dinner sometime,\u201d Eliza said, smiling at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, if you insist,\u201d he said, patting his belly, \u201cI\u2019m not one to turn down too many meals.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow about the first Saturday in December?\u201d Jaime asked, figuring he already had plans for Thanksgiving.<\/p>\n \u201cSounds good,\u201d he said, then waved them through the door, \u201cbetter get inside. It is already filling up in there.\u201d<\/p>\n Eliza and Jaime walked through the quiet supermarket, to the office in one corner. Smiling, Jaime remembered how confused she had been the first time she stood in front of this unassuming wooden door with a \u2018manager\u2019 plaque on it. Eliza had been at her side that night, too, but the circumstances had been a lot different.<\/p>\n Haley opened the door before they could knock, smiling as she let them into the office. Jaime wondered if everyone got this treatment or if she was a special case. Annie liked to say Jaime was an honorary employee here at the Cuarto because she helped the dancers with their finances. Jaime thought Haley was friendly with her because Jaime was apart of the team.<\/p>\n When she suddenly received a hug from Haley, Jaime thought she was probably right. She thought of Tank and Annie as close friends, while Haley was more of an acquaintance. Still, they were friendly, made small talk when they saw each other.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been a while,\u201d Haley said, letting go of her.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Jaime said, with a sheepish smile.<\/p>\n \u201cHow have you been?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBusy with the new business,\u201d Jaime said.<\/p>\n \u201cEliza tells me you quit the firm you used to work for, that you are self-employed,\u201d Haley said, walking behind her desk, \u201chow\u2019s that going?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPretty good, actually,\u201d Jaime said, a touch of pride entering her voice, \u201cstarted with four clients and I\u2019m up to nine now. Well, not counting the girls and Annie.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t suppose you could use a tenth?\u201d Haley asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are looking to invest?\u201d Jaime asked, raising her eyebrows.<\/p>\n \u201cJulio pays okay, but\u2026 Well, you know how it goes,\u201d Haley said, sitting behind her desk.<\/p>\n \u201cUm, I\u2019m not working tonight, but if you want to get in touch with me tomorrow,\u201d Jaime said, opening her purse and pulling out a business card, \u201cwe can set up a lunch to talk about your financial goals.\u201d<\/p>\n Smiling, Haley said, \u201cI\u2019d like that. If nothing else, it\u2019ll give me a chance to buy you lunch for all the help you\u2019ve given the girls.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat would be a change,\u201d Jaime said, laughing self-consciously, \u201cusually I have to pick up the bill.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLike I said, I- all of the Cuarto staff- appreciate you helping the dancers. I know it\u2019s a horrible business model, but we want to see the girls pay off their debts as quickly as possible. We\u2019d happily shut the doors for good if we could,\u201d Haley said.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad to help,\u201d Jaime said, a little embarrassed. She really didn\u2019t feel like she had done that much, but Haley was the second person in less than ten minutes to bring up the fact she had helped some of the dancers with their money.<\/p>\n \u201cAnyway,\u201d Haley said, pressing a button to open the hidden door to the Cuarto, \u201cI\u2019ll call you tomorrow and set something up. You better get downstairs before we run out of seats.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay,\u201d Jaime said.<\/p>\n They headed downstairs. Eliza caught Jaime\u2019s arm before they went inside, pulled her close and kissed her deeply. Letting go of her, Eliza ran inside, leaving Jaime smiling and shaking her head. She was still smiling as she pushed through the double doors and into the bar proper.<\/p>\n Jaime didn\u2019t see Eliza anywhere, but what she did see was Tank and Haley weren\u2019t kidding about the place being packed. She managed to snag the last remaining bar stool. Annie saw her, waved, then came around the bar to give her a hug.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Stranger,\u201d Annie said, giving her a look.<\/p>\n \u201cI get it, I get it,\u201d Jaime said, laughing, \u201cI need to visit more.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou do,\u201d Annie said, looking around, \u201cis Eliza here tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm, yeah,\u201d Jaime said, snorting, \u201csomewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh,\u201d Annie said, nodding, \u201cshe\u2019s probably in the back. If she tells the girls you are here, you better-\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJaime!\u201d Someone squealed behind her.<\/p>\n Turning, Jaime saw Sarah running toward her. Jaime smiled and dropped to one knee to give the slight girl a hug. When she finally pulled back, she said, \u201cHey, Sweetie.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you come to see Eliza\u2019s new dance?\u201d Sarah asked, grinning at her.<\/p>\n \u201cThat and to ask you something,\u201d Jaime said, noticing the costume the girl wore. She thought this was more of Eliza\u2019s handy work. It was sheer and clingy and very revealing, cut to make the little girl more sensual than she should be.<\/p>\n Jaime wished the Sarah didn’t need a costume like this. It took all of her restraint not to wrap the girl in her coat and take her out of this place. She couldn’t do it because it would only cause more problems for her.<\/p>\n \u201cMe?\u201d Sarah parroted, surprised, “ask me what?”<\/p>\n \u201cI was wondering if you would like to have Thanksgiving dinner with Eliza and me?\u201d Jaime asked.<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d Sarah asked, her eyes getting big, \u201cI\u2019d love to!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood,\u201d Jaime said, smiling at the girl, \u201cI already bought extra food, so if you didn\u2019t come\u2026 Let\u2019s just say Eliza and I would still have been eating turkey when Christmas rolled around.\u201d<\/p>\n Giggling, Sarah said, \u201cThat\u2019s a lot of turkey.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is, which means you are going to have to eat your fair share,\u201d Jaime said, tickling the girl\u2019s bare belly, \u201ccan\u2019t stop until you have a belly like a little potbelly pig.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOink, oink,\u201d Sarah said, laughing and squirming.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll pick you in the morning, and you can spend the day with us,\u201d Jaime said.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay,\u201d Sarah said, hugging Jaime, again.<\/p>\n \u201cYou better get backstage,\u201d Jaime said, releasing the girl.<\/p>\n \u201cRight,\u201d Sarah said, waving as she walked away.<\/p>\n Jaime straightened back up and saw Annie giving her an amused look. A little sheepishly, she said, \u201cDon\u2019t say it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhose idea was it to invite her to Thanksgiving?\u201d Annie asked.<\/p>\n \u201cEliza\u2019s,\u201d Jaime said, then admitted, \u201calthough I would have suggested it if she hadn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSarah\u2019s grown attached to Eliza,\u201d Annie said, then met Jaime\u2019s eyes, \u201cyou, too. She talks about you two all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou aren\u2019t going to start this, again, are you?\u201d Jaime asked.<\/p>\n Laughing, Annie said, \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh huh,\u201d Jaime said, pretty sure the woman was lying.<\/p>\n \u201cListen, I need to get behind the bar, but I\u2019ll find you later,\u201d Annie said.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay,\u201d Jaime said, smiling at her.<\/p>\n Jaime shrugged out of her coat and laid it across her knees as she sat at the bar. Looking at the wall of alcohol across from her, she was still a little surprised that she didn\u2019t want a drink. The bottle had been a crutch to prop her up when her life was eroded out from underneath of her, something to lean on when things to be happy about got scarce. The first month or two without it had been miserable, but once her body shook off the yoke of addiction, she found she didn\u2019t need it anymore. She had more than enough good things in her life to keep her upright and looking forward to the day, instead of just trying to get through it.<\/p>\n There was a tap on her shoulder, and Jaime turned to find Min, Tiffany, and Hannah grinning at her. Jaime sat her coat on the bar and slid off her stool to give them all a hug. They made small talk for a minute, then Jaime found herself asking them about Thanksgiving.<\/p>\n Smiling, Hannah said, \u201cWe are having dinner here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt the Cuarto?\u201d Jaime asked, raising her eyebrows.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s kind of a tradition,\u201d Min said, putting her arm around Tiffany\u2019s waist.<\/p>\n Jaime had to smile at how comfortable they looked in each others\u2019 arms. She was there when they first fooled around. With a bit of embarrassment, she remembered she and Eliza were probably to blame. Still, there was no denying they were happy together.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat kind of tradition?\u201d Jaime asked.<\/p>\n \u201cJulio cooks us a turkey, and we bring the fixings\u2026 Sort of like a Cuarto family dinner,\u201d Min said, then smiled at Jaime, \u201cyou are coming, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am?\u201d Jaime asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have to. You are part of the family,\u201d Tiffany said.<\/p>\n \u201cI, well\u2026 I\u2019ll have to talk to Eliza,\u201d Jaime said, touched that the girls wanted to include her.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry. We\u2019ll talk her into it,\u201d Min said.<\/p>\n Laughing, Jaime said, \u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe better get backstage,\u201d Hannah said.<\/p>\n Jaime watched them go then turned back to the bar. Annie came over with a Coke and Jaime moved her jacket so she could set it down. Annie leaned in close and said, \u201cYou should come. Julio can cook a mean turkey.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are going to be there?\u201d Jaime asked, surprised.<\/p>\n \u201cI come every year,\u201d Annie said, smiling, \u201cI\u2019m part of the family, too. Besides, it gives me a reason to kick the in-laws out early.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s at night, then?\u201d Jaime asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Annie said, then thought of something, \u201cyou should bring Sarah by if nothing else. She\u2019s going to be a part of this tradition for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n Sighing, Jaime said, \u201cYeah, she is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot nearly as long, thanks to you,\u201d Annie said, meeting her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cStill too long,\u201d Jaime said.<\/p>\n \u201cTrue,\u201d Annie said, favoring her with a sad smile before walking away.<\/p>\n Left to think about the massive debt that had been laid on Sarah\u2019s slight shoulders, Jaime wanted to kick her deadbeat dad\u2019s balls up around his chin, but couldn\u2019t. Realizing he wasn’t ever going to pay back his loans, he took the easy way out and killed himself.<\/p>\n Sarah is probably better off without him<\/em>, Jaime thought.<\/p>\n Jaime was pulled back from her thoughts as the DJ came over the speakers, \u201cLadies and gentlemen, welcome to another night at the Cuarto de la Nina. Be sure to tip the girls and our lovely wait staff. Makes some noise as we get our first dancer up on the stage! Put your hands together for Eliza!\u201d<\/p>\n As the lights in the bar area dimmed and the ones ringing the stage came alive, Jaime swiveled on her bar stool. The music started and her heart starting beating faster as she saw Eliza come out onto the stage. She wore white thigh high boots and matching bustier and thong. All the costumes Jaime had imagined- this wasn\u2019t one of them. It was probably for the best, because she would have gotten even less work done if she had.<\/p>\n Eliza in dance mode was something to see, a force of nature. The crowd was captivated as she began to move, the sway of her lithe body grabbing and holding their attention. Jaime included. She loved to watch her dance.<\/p>\n Another rock song<\/em>, Jaime thought, surprised. She knew Eliza\u2019s tastes in music and, while she liked some rock, there wasn\u2019t much of it on her playlist. She seemed to prefer hard rock songs for her dance routines, though. Still, Jaime couldn\u2019t deny this song fit her dance perfectly.<\/p>\n As she listened, she started to frown. She recognized the song- well, not this version of it. It was a cover of a Katie Perry song. Dark Horse, she thought. The original was a pop song, but this definitely had a metal edge to it. Strangely, it seemed to work. It had a raw power that Katie\u2019s version lacked, the chorus making her heart beat faster.<\/p>\n Eliza had choreographed the perfect routine for the song, too. The twist of her body matched the intensity of the mixed honeyed crooning and the growled vocals. The crowd was watching in awe, star struck.<\/p>\n So engrossed in the song and Eliza\u2019s dance, Jaime had forgotten where she was for a moment, and she blinked in surprise when Eliza suddenly pulled her bustier up and over her head. She wasn\u2019t the only one, either. The crowd seemed to have a collective blink of surprise, and then the money started flying onto the stage. Jaime had to smile, realizing she wasn\u2019t the only one lost in Eliza\u2019s dance. It said something about the girl\u2019s talent, that she could make a bunch of horny men- and one woman- forget why they were here.<\/p>\n When the song ended, Eliza collected her money and her clothes, waved to the crowd, and disappeared behind the curtain, again.<\/p>\n The DJ came over the speaker, said, \u201cI wasn\u2019t sure about that song, but man that had a sick hook after the chorus. That\u2019s going on my playlist. Give it up for Eliza, people!\u201d<\/p>\n The crowd went crazy, cheering and clapping. Eliza poked her head back out and waved, drawing another round of applause. The girl\u2019s eyes found Jaime sitting at the bar, and she waved before ducking backstage.<\/p>\n Smiling, Jaime turned back to the bar and sipped her Coke. Annie came over and asked, \u201cThat was a Katie Perry song, wasn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think so,\u201d Jaime said, then laughed, \u201cis it bad that I like that version better?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProbably,\u201d Annie said, shaking her head, \u201cI need to ask Eliza who that was covering her song.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGoing to add it to your playlist, too?\u201d Jaime teased.<\/p>\n \u201cMy workout tunes, yeah,\u201d Annie said, winking at her, \u201cI think I can work up a good sweat listening to that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cListening to what?\u201d Eliza asked, from behind Jaime.<\/p>\n Turning, she saw her girlfriend wearing a white silk robe. Eliza was still wearing the boots, and even though they came to her mid-thigh, the bottom of the robe didn\u2019t touch the leather. Jaime found herself wondering if Eliza had bothered to slip back into her costume.<\/p>\n \u201cYour dance song,\u201d Annie said, giving Eliza a curious smile, \u201cwho the hell was that covering Katie Perry? Satan?\u201d<\/p>\n Laughing, Eliza said, \u201cHis name is Leo Moracchioli. He has this kick-ass Youtube channel, does\u2026 I don\u2019t know… heavy metal versions of pop songs\u2026 or pop versions of heavy songs, which was kind of weird.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow did you find his channel?\u201d Jaime asked, curious.<\/p>\n \u201cI was looking for a Katie Perry song for a dance, and a link to Leo\u2019s cover of Dark Horse popped up. It looked crazy, so I had to click on it. I ended up watching a bunch of his videos. He\u2019s done some cool stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLike what?\u201d Annie asked, leaning on the bar.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Gaga- Oh my God, you have to check out his cover of \u2018Poker Face\u2019. Taylor Swift\u2026 Micheal Jackson, Adele\u2026 Even Ricky Martin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d Jaime asked, frowning.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know why it works, but it does,\u201d Eliza said, smiling at Jaime, \u201cI\u2019ll show you his channel when we get home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay,\u201d Jaime.<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you spell Moracchioli?\u201d Annie asked, her phone appearing in her hand.<\/p>\n Laughing, Eliza said, \u201cI don\u2019t know. Just Google metal cover of Dark Horse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGot it,\u201d Annie said, typing into her phone.<\/p>\n Eliza turned to Jaime with a playful smile, asked, \u201cCan I interest you in a lap dance?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think I have any cash on me,\u201d Jaime said, laughing.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll have Annie put it on your tab,\u201d Eliza said, taking her hand.<\/p>\n Jaime let the girl lead her to one of the curtained booths. Eliza pulled the curtain closed, then moved into Jaime\u2019s arms. When Eliza kissed her, Jaime could feel the girl\u2019s excitement. Dancing never failed to get Eliza worked up, and Jaime\u2019s heart started beating faster as she realized what was about to happen, that they weren\u2019t going to make it home before the girl had to do something about it.<\/p>\n \u201cHere?\u201d Jaime asked, breaking the kiss and meeting the girl\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cWouldn\u2019t be the first time,\u201d Eliza reminded her.<\/p>\n \u201cTrue,\u201d Jaime said.<\/p>\n \u201cSit down,\u201d Eliza said, untying her robe.<\/p>\n Jaime did as the girl said, watching as Eliza slipped out of her robe. She saw that Eliza hadn\u2019t bothered to get dressed after her turn on stage, wore just the thigh high boots and a smile. That smile was full of mischief, and it made Jaime\u2019s heart skip a beat.<\/p>\n It skipped several more as Eliza pushed the hem of her skirt up around her waist and hooked her thumbs in the thong Jaime wore. The girl started to pull the panties down, then seemed to notice the lingerie.<\/p>\n Giving Jaime a curious smile, she asked, \u201cWhat are you wearing under this dress?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt was going to be a surprise for later,\u201d Jaime said.<\/p>\n \u201cShow me,\u201d Eliza said, her eyes flashing with excitement.<\/p>\n Jaime glanced at the drawn curtain, thinking it really didn\u2019t afford a lot of security or privacy. Eliza followed her eyes. She was grinning when she turned back to Jaime.<\/p>\n Leaning in, Eliza kissed her deeply, then said, \u201cShow me.\u201d<\/p>\n Her heart racing, Jaime worked the zipper on her dress, then let the girl remove it completely. Her hands were shaking as she looked at the curtain, again. The crowded bar was just beyond it and one mistaken pull of the curtain away from seeing her practically naked. The thought had a curious effect on her, one that surprised her. Her hands were shaking with a nervous excitement, and a naughty thrill worked its way up her spine. The danger was sort of a turn on.<\/p>\n It didn\u2019t help any that Eliza was looking at her like that, with desire in her eyes and a playful smile tugging at her lips. Jaime knew what that look meant, and a pleasant flush of heat spread across her body.<\/p>\n Eliza hooked her fingers in Jaime\u2019s panties, again, pulling them off her hips and down her long legs. The girl ran her hands up the insides of Jaime\u2019s thighs and pushed them open. Her fingers just brushed against Jaime\u2019s clit, continued up her stomach to cup her breast through the lacy bra. Jaime moaned thickly, her nipple stiffening under Eliza\u2019s attention. It ached sweetly as her girlfriend kneaded her breast.<\/p>\n When Eliza leaned in to kiss her, Jaime pulled the girl side saddle onto her lap. When their lips finally parted, Jaime asked, \u201cHow long do we have until your next dance?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone\u2019s here tonight\u2026 Maybe an hour\u2026 hour and a half,\u201d Eliza said.<\/p>\n \u201cThat should be long enough,\u201d Jaime said, kissing her.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure you can afford me for an hour,\u201d Eliza teased.<\/p>\n \u201cHow much would it take?\u201d Jaime asked, her hand slipping up to cup one of Eliza\u2019s upswept breasts.<\/p>\n \u201cTwenty-five bucks a song\u2026 figure each song is four minutes\u2026 what\u2019s that? Three hundred and seventy-five dollars,\u201d Eliza said.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m in the wrong business,\u201d Jaime said, laughing and shaking her head, \u201cI don\u2019t suppose I can work it off it trade?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you have in mind?\u201d Eliza asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m pretty good with my hands,\u201d Jaime said, letting let her hand slip from the girl\u2019s breast and between her thighs. Eliza moaned as Jaime\u2019s fingers found her bud.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess I could knock\u2026 twenty bucks off your tab,\u201d Eliza said, her voice a little funny with excitement.<\/p>\n \u201cTwenty bucks!\u201d Jaime said, with mock outrage, \u201cI\u2019ll easily worth a couple of hundred.\u201d<\/p>\n Laughing, Eliza kissed her, said, \u201cSo you are a ho…\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust not a cheap one,\u201d Jaime said, smiling at her.<\/p>\n Eliza kissed her, then rotated on Jaime\u2019s lap until she sat facing her. Smiling, she asked, \u201cDo you remember the last time we were in here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s kind of hard to forget,\u201d Jaime said, kissing her.<\/p>\n \u201cI was trying so hard to make you come,\u201d Eliza said, with an embarrassed smile, \u201cended up making myself come, instead.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, you made me come, too,\u201d Jaime said, with a playful smile of her own, \u201cyou were making it impossible not to.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean when I was doing this?\u201d Eliza asked, rubbing her lower abdomen against Jaime\u2019s. She did it nice and slow, the roll of her hips a delicious tease. There was mischief in her eyes as she met Jaime\u2019s and the uptick of the corners of her mouth said she knew what a sweet torture this was.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Jaime said, her voice a little shaky with need.<\/p>\n When the girl\u2019s breathing became fast and shallow, Jaime thought the girl\u2019s plan had backfired, again. Eliza had intended to turn Jaime on and had gotten herself all worked up in the process.<\/p>\n Jaime smiled and kissed her, let her hands slide down the girl\u2019s back to grab her buttocks. When she pulled Eliza forward, grinding their bodies together, the girl got the message. The roll of her hips came faster and faster, their bodies coming together harder.<\/p>\n Over Eliza\u2019s shoulder, Jaime could see the drawn curtain stirred by a breeze from the ceiling fans in the bar area. The constant ripple of the fabric kept catching her eye, not letting her forget about the crowd just outside the booth. The nearest table was only ten feet away, and she could only hope the throbbing music was enough to cover up the little excited sounds she was making. She was biting her lip, but Eliza\u2019s lithe body wasn\u2019t letting her be quiet.<\/p>\n The chance of getting caught didn\u2019t have the expected effect on Jaime, didn\u2019t distract her from the pleasure Eliza was awakening in her. If anything, the danger heightened her senses, the adrenaline making her nerve endings sing. She was a little surprised at herself, since she wasn\u2019t given to spontaneity or risk-taking. Maybe there was a wild side in her yet to be revealed, one that just needed the right nudge to show through.<\/p>\n Like a beautiful naked girl in my lap<\/em>, Jaime thought, looking away from the curtain to Eliza\u2019s lovely face, first following her off the bus, then taking her home that night\u2026 Dancing on stage at my birthday party… There\u2019s just something about this girl that makes me go a little crazy.<\/em><\/p>\n Embracing the crazy, Jaime pushed the other bar patrons out of her mind. She focused on Eliza\u2019s lovely body grinding against her own and the pleasure washing through her. Letting go of Eliza\u2019s buttocks, she let her hands explore. Eliza\u2019s skin was warm and soft under her fingers, more than enough of a distraction for her to forget all about everything else.<\/p>\n Eliza\u2019s body was familiar to her now, but no less thrilling than it had been that first time when Eliza came home with her. She loved the girl\u2019s long dancer legs, with her graceful calves and firm thighs; loved her high, round backside and her taut stomach; loved her small, proud breasts with her dark nipples begging for attention.<\/p>\n Jaime felt tension begin to gather in her body as she started to come. She heard a new urgency in Eliza\u2019s cries and knew the girl was close too. Each roll of Eliza\u2019s hips pushed them closer to that blissful release and Jaime grabbed Eliza\u2019s ass when her hips started to falter at the end. They managed to keep it together just long enough to come together.<\/p>\n The song that had been playing ended at the worst possible time, their cries of ecstasy loud in that hush after the last note had played. As Jaime shook with her orgasm, she heard applause go up outside the booth and, for one paranoid moment, she thought the crowd was cheering for her. Even through the haze of feel-good juices that flood her brain, she realized they were probably applauding the dancer who had just finished her number.<\/p>\n Eliza met her eyes, and they started laughing. Jaime gave the girl a kiss, whispered in her ear, \u201cI thought they were clapping for us for a second.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm\u2026 an orgasm like that deserves a round of applause,\u201d Eliza said, giving her a playful smile.<\/p>\n \u201cNot too bad, huh?\u201d Jaime asked.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a good thing I have a while before I have to dance, again- my legs are still shaking,\u201d Eliza said.<\/p>\n \u201cHow many dances do you have tonight?\u201d Jaime asked.<\/p>\n \u201cJust two,\u201d Eliza said, kissing her, \u201cI told Julio I couldn\u2019t stay all night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo?\u201d Jaime asked, raising her eyebrows, \u201cdo you have somewhere you need to be tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn bed with you,\u201d Eliza said, then a little sheepishly, \u201cyou know what happens when I dance.\u201d<\/p>\n Laughing, Jaime said, \u201cI usually have a good night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell,\u201d Eliza said, standing up on wobbly legs, \u201ctonight won\u2019t be any different.\u201d<\/p>\n Jaime watched as Eliza slipped back into her robe, stealing one more look at the girl\u2019s lovely body. When Eliza caught her looking the girl leaned in for a kiss, asked, \u201cAre you planning on getting dressed before I open the curtain?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm, yeah,\u201d Jaime said, looking for her panties. Not finding them, she asked, \u201cDo you see my panties?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d Eliza asked, looking around the stall. Laughing, she said, \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey have to be in here somewhere,\u201d Jaime said, standing up.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t see them anywhere,\u201d Eliza said, picking up Jaime\u2019s dress and handing it to her.<\/p>\n Jaime slipped into the dress, running the zipper up the side. Smoothing it into place, she looked one more time for her panties, but they weren\u2019t anywhere to be found. The stall wasn\u2019t that big, didn\u2019t offer a lot of hiding places.<\/p>\n Eliza gave her an amused look and Jaime had to laugh, \u201cWhere are they?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot in here,\u201d Eliza said, opening the curtain.<\/p>\n Jaime\u2019s face turned red when she saw her thong on the floor outside of the stall. She wasn\u2019t exactly sure how it had ended up out there, but the curtain didn\u2019t go all the way to the floor. They could have accidentally kicked it while they were making love.<\/p>\n Eliza stooped over and picked it up, stuffing it in a pocket in her robe.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d Jaime asked.<\/p>\n \u201cTeaching you to keep better track of your panties,\u201d Eliza said, grinning at her.<\/p>\n \u201cThis dress is a little short for no panties,\u201d Jaime said, tugging the hem down self-consciously.<\/p>\n \u201cI know,\u201d Eliza said, laughing, \u201cyou can have them back when we get home.\u201d<\/p>\n “Eliza,” Jaime said, giving her a dirty look.<\/p>\n Winking, Eliza said, “I have to get backstage.”<\/p>\n Shaking her head, Jaime watched her walk away. Tugging at the bottom of her dress again, she went to the bar. Sitting down, she crossed her legs and put her coat over her knees. Jaime knew she was being paranoid, but she felt like everyone knew she wasn’t wearing panties.<\/p>\n Annie came over and refilled her Coke. Giving her an amused look, the bartender said, “You were gone awhile.”<\/p>\n “Um, yeah,” Jaime said, embarrassed. She thought Annie knew what she and Eliza had just done.<\/p>\n “Oh,” Annie said, laughing. She gave Jaime a knowing look, which confirmed her suspicions.<\/p>\n “Shut up,” Jaime said, her cheeks hot.<\/p>\n ——————————————————–<\/p>\n \u201cDo you want to grab some pie before we go home?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Jaime said, smiling. A slice of pie sounded perfect to end the night she had just had. Especially one from the little diner Eliza had taken her to that first night at the Cuarto.<\/p>\n Her smile widened when she thought about how this night mirrored that one. That had been a pretty amazing night, too.<\/p>\n Jaime shivered as the cold night air found its way under her dress and caressed her exposed pussy. It was a constant reminder that her panties were wadded up in Eliza\u2019s pocket, held hostage for the rest of the night. Eliza had said she could have them when they got home, but she doubted she\u2019d need them, then.<\/p>\n \u201cI invited Sarah to Thanksgiving dinner,\u201d Jaime said.<\/p>\n \u201cI know,\u201d Eliza said, smiling, \u201cit was all she talked about backstage.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d Jaime asked.<\/p>\n \u201cShe was pretty excited,\u201d Eliza said, her smile widening, \u201cyou made her night. Min and Tiffany\u2019s, too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMin and Tiffany\u2019s?\u201d Jaime asked, then snorted as she understood, \u201cah. Well, tell them if they ever need a babysitter, we\u2019ll keep Sarah for a couple of nights.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe will?\u201d Eliza asked, raising her eyebrows.<\/p>\n \u201cI-well\u2026 We have the spare room,\u201d Jaime said, pausing under a streetlight to meet Eliza\u2019s eyes, \u201cwhat do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think she\u2019d love to stay with us,\u201d Eliza said, a slow smile spreading on her face, \u201cyou\u2019ve been talking to Annie, haven\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI said babysit, not adopt,\u201d Jaime said, laughing.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe we can give it a try Thanksgiving weekend- babysitting, not adopting,\u201d Eliza said, grinning, \u201cthere\u2019s no school until Monday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFour days, huh?\u201d Jaime asked, thinking that was a long time not to have sex. There was no rule that said they couldn\u2019t fool around, but it would seem weird with little Sarah just across the hall.<\/p>\n With a playful smile, Eliza said, \u201cWe\u2019d just have to be quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cQuiet, huh?\u201d Jaime asked, giving her a knowing look.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure we could keep it down if we tried,\u201d Eliza said, laughing.<\/p>\n Jaime thought about it for a moment, then nodded, said, \u201cWe can give it a shot- babysitting, not keeping it down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll have to figure that out, too,\u201d Eliza said, her eyes flashing, \u201cI don\u2019t think I can wait four days.\u201d<\/p>\n “I couldn’t either,” Jaime said, smiling at her.<\/p>\n “Maybe we can practice when we get home,” Eliza said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I found Leo’s music and had to add one of his songs to my story. If nothing else, just to get the word out about him. Even if you don’t like the song, you have to give him props for playing every instrument, shooting and editing his own videos and for having an epic goatee.<\/span><\/p>\n