Dancer Read Free

shit-eating grin.
    "Interesting choice of words," I muttered, gazing past her shoulder at the neighboring brick homes, which resembled miniature two-story mansions.
    Ah yes. Typical suburbia.
    "What do you mean? Did you get laid last night? Did you ?" Delight and curiosity lit Allison's face.
    "You could say that. And—it was the worst experience of my life." The Dancer's image—complete with ginormous biceps and cock—invaded my memory.
    "He wasn't any good?" Allison asked, arching her brows.
    "No. I mean, yes he was good, but he never mentioned having a wife until he jacked off. By then it was too late and he'd already used me." Embarrassed and ashamed, I couldn't bear to meet Allison's gaze.
    I focused on the manicured lawn beneath my red-tipped toes.
    "Ouch. He actually said that to you? Well, he's a dick and he's not worth it. Forget him."
    "It's not that easy, Allison. I'm not like you. I can't just snap my fingers and get over a guy."
    "What's there to get over? It was only one night." She shrugged.
    "I don't just go around screwing every guy I see. This guy was different." Or so I thought.
    "Yeah? So who is he?" Her eyes narrowed.
    "Um, he's one of the back-up dancers..."
    Allison chortled; then her smile faded. "Really? You're not joking?" Brief pause. "Don't tell me it was the one on the right. I'll die if you do."
    I nodded, wishing the sting of my migraine would fuck off. Bright afternoon sunlight wasn't helping either, nor this conversation. 
    "Damn. I'm so jealous of you," she said.
    "Don't be—"
    "How did you meet him? How did you get into his pants? How good was he? Tell me everything."
    What have I started?
    "I was drunk. He offered to drive me home." Squinting from the sun's intrusive rays, I massaged my temples but it didn't lessen the pain.
    "Hm. At least you won't get pregnant or an STD."
    My gaze lifted to hers. I didn't need to say anything. It was already written on my face.
    "You didn't use a condom? Are you crazy?" Her blue eyes bulged.
    " Shh . I don't want Mom and Dad to hear." I glanced at the ajar door. "I didn't think about using a condom last night because I was shit-faced."
    "At least get checked by a doctor to make sure you didn't catch anything," she pleaded. At this moment, I felt sorry for her rather than for myself. She'd never been so serious or worried.
    Allison's concern touched me.
    "Okay, I'll see a doctor."
    "I mean it, Sam. Promise me."
    "I will." With a reassuring smile, I brushed a glittering wisp of blonde from Allison's face.
    "Wanna smoke some weed? Help ease your nerves," she said, smirking. "It'll also help with your hangover."
    "I guess not. I gotta pick up my car at the club. Hopefully I won't run into him while I'm there."
    "I wouldn't worry about it too much. I doubt you'll see him this early."
    I gave a quick nod, nervous and hoping she was right.
    * * * *
    I was too busy to see a doctor. Just couldn't fit it into my schedule.
    That's what I told myself in the following days and weeks, and I dodged any questions Allison asked. Anyhow I knew there wasn't anything wrong with me. The odds weren't good that I'd contracted something during a single act of sex.
    Right?
    Though Allison was right about something else. When I went to the nightclub to get my car, there were no sightings of The Dancer.
    Seemed like he never existed. Like he was some kind of elusive phantom or something conjured from my wild imagination.
    Thus, within my memory, The Dancer's image (handsome face. Beautiful body) faded until I forgot about him. For the most part.
    Too bad I saw him in my dreams.
    Why? Why did this nameless man have such an effect on me? I couldn't figure out the answers, therefore I stopped trying.
    Then there was my waitressing job that took up a lot of time. Five days per week I worked at a restaurant called Sizzle, answering phones, waiting on tables and greeting hungry, grumpy well-dressed patrons.
    This snooze-fest of a job happened to pay well in tips. I could earn as much