ass to every guy. If the right man showed up, even though Cody was still pretty young at twenty-four, he wasn’t going to miss out.
“Okay, I talked to Bev. She wants a little more info, but she wants to help. First, Kyler, you need to check with the owners or managers or whomever at the shelter that this won’t be a public relations issue for them. If where the money came from gets out, and you know how stuff can get out, they have to be willing to deal with the consequences. You said there was sponsor potential, so check that out first.” Avery grabbed a pad from behind the bar and scribbled notes.
“Sure, I can do that.” Kyler smiled.
“Not just a quick chat. You need to understand we do full nude stripping and private dances and all of it. We don’t want any misunderstandings if we do an event.” Avery handed him a sheet of paper. “That’s the address, my cell, Ken’s cell, and Bev’s. I’ll talk it over with her more in-depth tomorrow, but you might want the shelter people to take a tour here, too. Just in case.”
“I understand. It’s not up to me, but they’ll appreciate that anyone wants to help,” Kyler said.
Ken cleared his throat. “This is asking for trouble. We can collect donations, and Bev can make one, too. But an event is a mistake. Asking customers to support a shelter. It’s depressing.”
“Not if we’re all in on it. What if the dancers donate their tips? Work for free? Bev donates the salaries, too?” Cody suggested.
Avery scratched notes. “I’ll talk it over with her.”
“Work for free? Give up your tips too? Most of those guys can’t afford that.” Ken folded his arms and stared at Avery.
“We can make that optional. Guys who can afford it and want to can. If they need pay, fine. They’re still performing for a benefit and bringing in customers. Bev will give a cut of the door and bar if it all works out. It’s charity, Ken. It’s optional. Hell, you can take the day off if you want to be a total ass.” Avery shook his bald head.
“I’m all for charity, and the dancers make good money, but most are young. Not always big savers and charitable types.” Ken huffed.
“Young men make for hot strippers. That’s the business, Ken. It’s an option. Nothing is mandatory.” Avery slid the pad of paper over to Kyler. “Put your name and phone number here. And a manager contact at the shelter if Bev wants to call them.”
Kyler wrote out the information, and Cody pretended to check his emails. Instead, he plugged Kyler’s phone number into his contact list.
“Thanks. Let’s all talk to the powers and touch base in a day or two?” Avery asked.
“Sounds great.” Kyler shook Avery’s hand.
Cody stuck out his palm, and Kyler had little choice but to take it. The spark was still there.
Ken looked unconvinced. Kyler went about his business. “I’ll go grab my friends and let you guys close up. Thanks again.”
“You know where to find us,” Ken said.
Cody sighed as Kyler walked away.
“If this is all a stunt to impress that guy and get yourself some dick, Bev will fire your ass.” Ken arched an eyebrow at Cody.
“Like he can’t get laid any night? More than once?” Avery chuckled.
Cody rolled his eyes. “I like him, yes. But if we can help, and I can get to know him better too, what’s the harm? I don’t want him to be a one-night stand.”
“That guy is definitely not the type to take a hookup seriously. Ask him out like any guy.” Avery went to work closing out his cash register.
Ken shook his head. “Or you can quit this nonsense now, and we can go back to normal. Private donations are one thing, but an event is going to bite us in the ass. I’m going backstage to check things.”
“He’s such a ray of sunshine,” Avery sighed.
Cody grinned and shrugged. “I’m not turning back now.”
“Good for you. The guy seems nice. Go slowly,” Avery said.
Chapter Three
It was weird walking into a strip club in
Jessie Lane, Chelsea Camaron