A Night In Your Arms

I was sitting on the terrace of my building, holding a cigarette in one hand and a bottle in the other. My life was a fucking hell; I couldn't find a way to escape this damn misery. I owed five months of rent and had nothing to eat. I was fired from my job because I refused to sleep with my boss. No matter how desperate I was, I would never sleep with a married, older man. I liked good things. If I was going to eat a piece of meat, it better be top quality.

I was gazing at the sky when my neighbor, Tiffany, sat down beside me.

"Life is hitting you hard, Vanesa. Or is it just my imagination?" she said while looking at me.

"Life is hitting me extremely hard, Tiffany. I've lost my job, I owe several months of rent, I'm about to be kicked out, I have nothing to eat, nothing at all, I'm so depressed," I replied, crying.

"Why don't you come work at my place? It's a bit indecent and flashy, but they need a dancer. Then you could get promoted and become the manager of the place," she said, looking at me as she took a drag from her cigarette.

"I don't know; it's just that I've never tried working as a dancer or a prostitute, I really don't know. Life is bullshit."

"If you want or need, just let me know and I'll help you. I have to go."

I watched her leave the rooftop and sat there looking at the moon. I had lost my parents at the border between Mexico and the United States. I had to fight alone. My brother got lost in the desert. That was the movie that my mind had on repeat. I wanted to work, earn enough money, and be able to get him back, but apparently, life had other plans for me. I had never been financially stable, nor had I ever been happy. I carried three crosses on my shoulder and in my soul; no one could bear that.

I walked straight to my tiny apartment on the top floor. It goes without saying that it was a real dump, but I didn't have enough money to rent anything else, so I had to stay here. Now the problem was that I had no job, so I couldn't pay for it either. I opened the door with some magic on the old handle. The landlord refused to fix it; he was extremely stingy. They should invite him to one of those shows where people have that impulsive disorder.

After struggling with the door, I managed to open it. Inside the place, there was nothing-no furniture, no table. There weren't even light bulbs. I lived shrouded in darkness. I was fine with the moonlight. It's not like I wanted to live like this; it was just what I had to deal with.

Just as I was about to lie down on that old mattress, someone knocked on the door. I walked with all the patience in the world. The person knocking was impatient. When I opened the door, I found the furious face of Tomás, the owner of this dump.

"Mr. Tomás," I said, pretending to show respect.

"No 'mister' here. I want you out of my apartment. You owe several months of rent. Either you pay or you leave."

"Sir, I have no money. Please, just let me stay tonight. I promise I will pay you tomorrow."

He sighed: "If you don't pay by four in the afternoon, you're out. Consider yourself warned."

I stepped back into the tiny room. Despite being a rat's nest, I tried to keep it clean. I liked cleanliness, and although it was hard to believe, I liked being clean. But I hardly had any clothes, so I made magic with what little I had. I tried to sleep, but the anxiety burned me. What was I supposed to do? Suddenly, Tiffany's words came to mind. There was no other choice; I had to accept her offer.

I put on my shoes and ran to Tiffany's door. Just as she was coming out, I called her.

"Tiffany."

"Tell me, babe."

"I accept."

"Accept what?"

"I accept to work at your bar," I said, not very convinced, but there was no other option.

"Oh! Great, let's go right away," she replied as she closed her door. This place resembled her personality a lot. She wasn't an ugly woman, but she looked worn out. She wore sequined dresses and high heels. In my opinion, she wore too much makeup. We all knew what she did for a living, but no one offended or judged her. After all, this was the worst neighborhood in the country, if not the world.

We left the building headed to the bar. We had to take several buses and walk a few blocks. Everyone greeted Tiffany, different men with different vices. She greeted them all in the same way, so I didn't worry about asking; it wasn't my business.

We walked through a beautiful hallway, arriving at the office of who I assume is the boss or person in charge of the place.

"Hello boss, I bring you the girl. I talked to you about her the other night," Tiffany comments, so I turn to look at her.

So they are talking about me!

Did she have all this planned?

"Perfect, come in, darling. We don't bite. Tell me, what is your name?"

"Vanesa, sir."

"Nice to meet you. Take a seat."

I do what the man says while he rummages through some papers on his desk. I watch him closely. He is not an old man; on the contrary, quite young to be managing this place. He had green eyes and his skin was a pretty cinnamon color. He was wearing a cap with the name of the city.

"Look, Vanesa, this is a form and a contract. You can read it. At this moment, we are looking for a dancer. If you accept the job, notice that one of the clauses specifies that you must dance in decorated underwear. We will train you and pay you a base salary. If the men tip you, it will be yours. The establishment does not ask for any percentage. If you want to have relations with any client, you will need to rent one of the rooms. You will also sign a confidentiality agreement. All the men who visit us are rich and powerful. They have a reputation to maintain, so a closed mouth catches no flies, darling. Here's a pen. Take your time to read. You can start tonight."

I read the contract carefully. Too many words, too many legal things. I'm not ignorant. I graduated as an accountant from a good university, but I wouldn't say that, at least not at this moment.

"I accept."

I sign that document. I feel like I'm making a pact with the devil.

"Then, welcome to Hell, darling."

After doing the paperwork, I check the amount of my pay. It's not little, but it's not much either. So that's fine. Later I would look for something better. I need to get out of the mess I'm in.

We walk through the place, where I am introduced to the other girls. One is named Oreana, the other Estefanía, and Rebecca. These three are dancers, and my choreography is another thing. The woman looks at me very badly, but her name is Rita or something like that, I've been told. Because the rude one didn't introduce herself. Anyway, I don't really care much. I'm determined to learn, so Tiffany lends me a sports uniform to practice.

I start tonight, so I dive into training. When eight o'clock rolls around, all the girls are doing their makeup, and I'm just looking at the mirror. I don't know how to use any of those brushes.

"Darling, what's happening?" Rebecca asks. In the hours we've spent together, I really like her way of being.

"I don't know how to use this. I've never worn makeup before."

Embarrassment stains my cheeks.

"Don't worry, girls, help. We have a virgin in the group." Hearing her say that makes me laugh, so I nod.

They all come to my rescue. Each one takes care of something different. They change the way I look, from my hair to my feet. When I look at my reflection in the mirror, I almost die. I am not me; I am another truly beautiful woman.

"Oh my God! You are gorgeous. Everyone will kill for you," Rebecca says, while Estefanía nods her head.

Hours pass, and the place is full of well-dressed men of different ages. I'm really nervous.

"Don't be afraid. You'll get used to it. When you think you can't do it, just concentrate and close your eyes. Imagine you are in the sea and that no one is watching you. You will move to the rhythm of the waves, let yourself be carried away by the music, nothing more."

Hearing Tiffany's advice relaxes me a bit. She hands me the outfit, consisting of red lace underwear, decorated with red sequins, and a beautiful mask made of feathers in the same color.

"Thank you."

I quickly change clothes. When it comes time to go out, I hear a man with a white decorated mask nickname me "the Iron Lady." I step out fearfully. My legs feel like jelly, my body is cold. In the middle of the stage, there is a long pole where I have to start dancing. The men are looking at me, no one says anything. There isn't even noise in the place. The melody fills my ears, and I close my eyes, following Tiffany's advice. I start to dance sensually, as if my body becomes the air.

I climb the pole and make it my own, giving myself completely to the song. When the melody ends, I open my eyes and see the men enchanted and going crazy for my dance. So I ask for another song, and I dare to approach them. Only one tries to touch me, and I give him a slap. At every table I pass, I leave a sensual dance, earning many tips, which I place in my underwear. I have nowhere else to keep them. When I finish my performance, everyone is shouting for me. From that night on, my life changed. I became the best in the place. Every day many more men from all over come to meet the Iron Lady. They ask to sleep with me, offering me high amounts, but I haven't come for that. I want something better. I can never forget what my purpose is, so I remind myself every morning.

Today marked five months since that day I arrived at the club. The choreographer had apologized to me; according to her, she had confused me with someone else. Obviously, I didn't believe that story much, but to keep the peace, I decided to start fresh. Each day, she taught me more steps. Today would be a special day because some Russian investors would come to the place. We weren't given any further explanation or details, and it wasn't like I cared much. I still lived in the pigsty. When I got out of this bad life, I would leave for a better place, burying my past.

I arrived at hell at two in the afternoon to rehearse. All the girls were already in the process, so I joined them. After seven in the evening, I was getting ready; I had learned to do my makeup and fix myself up nicely. I didn't like to draw attention at all. The place was once again packed. I didn't think so many men would come, but it didn't matter; I would do my job. The tips helped me a lot. I was saving up to find my brother. I needed to find him and have a better life. I needed to live well.

All the girls were called to help serve drinks. I was assigned to the main table. These men spoke a marked Spanish, so it was fun. I walked towards the assigned table and prepared their drinks, but the voice of one man made my body tremble. What the hell?

-Honey, what's your name?

-To you, I'm Miss. Don't get confused- I replied seriously while pouring his drink.

-Then Miss, could you tell me your name? - asked the man with an imposing voice.

-My name is Lola the Anaconda.

I would go to hell for being a liar! Nah, it's true that I was already in it.

-Well, Lola the Anaconda, I would like to have a drink with you. Could you?

-I'm not allowed to drink with clients.

He stared at me intently; he was an extremely handsome man- I would even dare to say the most beautiful in the place. His imposing gray eyes made me want to kiss him, his plump and firm lips, his slightly long and disheveled chestnut hair. He wore a perfectly tailored three-piece suit and exuded a delicious aroma; even his breath was perfect.

-Then I'll talk to your boss. No woman resists me. Why do you? I can give you whatever you ask for.

While he spoke, he looked at me without blinking, trying to make me yield, but he was mistaken; he wouldn't be able to.

Though thinking it over, this could be the opportunity of my life. This man clearly had the resources to help me find my brother. I would give him my entire soul if he helped me.

-I could accept a drink if you help me with something- I said, testing the waters.

-I would give you the sky if you join me for some drinks.

-Alright, but you have to wait for me to finish my dance. I'm the star of the night, so you'll have to wait, then I'll come for you- I replied with sass, turning around towards the stage, walking sensually. I needed to impress this man.

When I began to dance, the men went crazy, saying silly things, giving me lots of money, which I took without shame. When it was time to dance on the damn pole, I didn't close my eyes; on the contrary, I fixed my gaze on him. I didn't even know his name, and he had me at his feet. I had never danced with my eyes open; I always closed them to digest what I was doing, but just his presence made me feel secure. Call me crazy, but this man gave me all the peace I needed with a single glance.

I let go of the big metal pole and walked seductively towards his table, moving sensually, distinctly, while he looked at me with exorbitant desire. I grabbed his tie and pulled him towards me, coming just a few inches from his mouth. Like a fool, I kissed him, pressing my lips against his. At first, he didn't respond, but then he acted, grabbing me by the waist and lifting me onto his lap, deepening the kiss. The crowd went wild, so I decided to pull away from him, distancing myself from the place.

The music ended, and I dashed to my dressing room. What had I done? I wasn't like this. The girls were waiting for me.

-What happened to you? You were phenomenal; you kissed him- said Rebeca.

-You were wonderful- the others commented, but I couldn't say a word because someone knocked on the door; it was him.

-Hello, do you think I could talk to you?

He was looking at me seriously. Everyone stared at him as he entered the dressing room; nobody said anything, until Estefanía opened her lovely mouth.

-Girls, let's go; anyway, we're done. He's all yours- she said with a smile, but he didn't even look at her, which made all of us rush out of the place.

-Forgive me if I overstepped with the kiss; whenever I dance, I get carried away. I'm really sorry.

-Never, ever regret something in life because that's exactly what you wanted at that moment. So learn to own your actions; a simple kiss is not a big deal, though I must confess that no one has ever kissed me like you.

He approached me, and I didn't respond. I took a few steps back, stumbling over a chair.

-You don't have to run away; you told me we could talk and share a drink. I understand there are rooms upstairs; it's a good hotel. Did you know the entrance is on the other street?

-No, I didn't know, and you're right; I will grant you your wish. - I said, considering the possibilities I had with this guy, although I also felt too attracted; it was something I had never experienced before.

-Perfect, then let's go.

-Wait for me to change, please; you don't expect me to enter the hotel like this.

-No, you're right, but first, let me take off your mask; I want to see your face.

He removed my feather mask and brushed a few strands of hair from my face, touching my skin. The physical contact made my cheeks flush; this man gave me the sky with a simple touch. I had never had a boyfriend or suitors. In my opinion, I wasn't a very attractive woman. I didn't know what he saw in me.

-you're really beautiful, a total angel. Why do you work here? Don't you think you're good enough to get another job? Or do you prefer easy money? - he asked brusquely, which made me feel a little dirty.

-It's not about that, sir; not everyone is born like you, with a silver spoon. Many of us have to fight and survive in the streets. I am an immigrant, and even though I have a good degree, I don't get opportunities in this country. As you can understand, I have bills, debts to pay; food doesn't come to the table by itself, and to top it all off, life has too many expenses. Forgive me for not having your financial stability because, while I may lack money, you lack attention and love because I'm sure that when you get home, no one is waiting for you- I responded, putting him in his place. As much as I liked him, I wouldn't allow him to disrespect me.

-You're right; I'm very sorry. Please change; I'll wait for you outside.