Chapter 3 Caught in between 3

VALERIA'S POV

To my surprise, he flashed a warm smile and waved in my direction. I felt a sudden jolt of annoyance within me. His friendly gesture had caught me off guard. My eyes darted away instantly, refusing to meet his gaze, and I couldn't shake off the goosebumps that prickled my skin. A nagging voice within me whispered, "Valeria, what's wrong with you? Have you forgotten everything so quickly?" I shook my head, trying to clear the fog from my mind.

Just then, Martinez's voice cut through the haze, "Val, your order is ready." I snapped back to reality, gathering my composure as I focused on my task. My hands moved mechanically, scooping ice into the bucket with a precision that belied the turmoil brewing inside me.

Suddenly, a voice nearby chimed in, "Hey Leonardo, you're back!" The response was almost immediate, "Yeah, man, how is it going? Good to see you." The sound of their hands clasping together in a firm handshake seemed to echo through the space.

But as their conversation faded into the background, an oppressive silence enveloped me, like the entire clubhouse had been vacated. All I could hear was the pounding of my heart in my chest, each beat throbbing with anticipation and fear.

Then again, that unmistakable voice, now deeper and more alluring than ever, greeted someone else nearby. My breath caught in my throat as I muttered a desperate plea, "Oh dear heavens, please don't let him come closer." My anxiety spiked, my senses on high alert as I braced myself for the possibility of his approach.

With all my heart, I wished I would escape him. Unfortunately, I didn't because, at that instant, his deep voice sent shivers down my spine as he said, "Hello, Val," from behind me. My heart skipped another beat, and I froze, my hands suspended in mid-air. I couldn't bring myself to turn around, hoping that avoiding his gaze might make him disappear.

Yet again, he didn't give me that luxury. He walked around me, his movements fluid and purposeful, and stood directly in front of me. I felt his eyes on me. Slowly and reluctantly, I raised my head to meet his gaze. His eyes roamed over me, taking in every detail, and a slow smile spread across his face as if he were savoring a secret pleasure.

"Val, how are you?" he asked, his voice smooth. "Wow, you're as beautiful as ever." I felt a surge of annoyance and turned back to scooping ice, ignoring him.

He persisted, "Listen, Val, I need to talk to you. Let's talk later, okay?" he suggested, his voice low and persuasive. I shot back, my tone icy, "I don't have time for conversations, and please, just leave me alone." My heart was racing like a wild animal trying to escape a predator. I felt a desperate urge to give him a heavy blow and vanished into thin air to escape the intensity of his gaze.

He refused to give up, his words laced with an air of urgency, "Val, we really need to talk, please. I'm sorry about everything". Luckily, before he could say another word, Sofia materialized beside me, interrupting, her voice gentle yet firm. "Valeria, the manager wants you to hand over your tasks to me and report to the dressing room immediately."

I paused, looking up with a questioning expression. "Oh dear, is the makeup artist late again?" I asked, more to myself than anyone else. I relayed the table number and their request to Sofia before heading towards the dressing room. As Leonardo tried to follow up, "Val, will you please...". I cut him off firmly, "Enough. If you don't stay clear of me, I will call security." With that, he paused, and I stormed off, trying to shake off the encounter and focus on my next task. I tried to forget him and focused on the dressing room I was making my way to.

My mind was preoccupied with thoughts of helping the girls with their makeup, but as I entered the dressing room, I was met with an unexpected scene. The Manager was waiting for me, his expression serious.

"Valeria, I need you to cover up...," he began, his words trailing off as he hesitated. My curiosity was piqued, and I wondered what was going on. The makeup artist was almost through, so what is he talking about? Then I saw Maria, she had changed into lingerie with a coat covering. I stared at her, and she winked, "Shortage of three girls, so I am going on stage, but why are you back here?"

"I called her", said the Manager, his voice authoritative. "Like I was saying, Valeria, I need you to cover up. To go on stage since we...". "What?" escaped my lips as I understood what he meant. "Oh no, sir, I can't do that. I am not cut out for stripping things. I have never done such a job before". I protested instantly as the surprise still held me.

"Come on, girl, there is always a first time. You got the height and the body, and I trust you can make the move perfectly, so let's not drag this, hmm. Remember you got to keep your tips and still get paid". I watched his mouth as it moved until it stopped. Instantly, I responded, "I am so sorry, sir, but I...". "I don't want excuses." He cut me short and continued, "And there is no time." Then he turned to Maria, "Maria, talk to your friend and make it snappy." With that, he left me in confusion.

"Oh dear, what is this? What am I supposed to do?" I whispered, feeling overwhelmed. Maria's eyes locked onto mine, filled with a mix of concern and sadness. She took a step closer, her lips parting as if to speak, but the words seemed stuck in her throat.

I took the initiative, my voice soft but resolute. "Sweetheart, I know this is hard for you to discuss, just like it's hard for me to face everyone out there. Maybe it's best if I just quit. Don't worry about me, okay? I'll find another job." With a sense of resignation, I walked over to my locker and began gathering my few belongings, the sparse clothes, and personal items. The manager's attitude was annoying and painful, but there was nothing I could do except take that decision.