Caught in between the Mafias

VALERIA'S POV

"Mama, I'm heading out to work now," I said, reaching for my small waist bag hanging on the wall. My sick mother looked up at me with concern etched on her face, her voice weak but laced with worry. "Mija, try to find another job, I don't like this late-night work of yours. It's not safe." This wasn't the first time she had expressed her concerns, but I knew she couldn't help but fret.

I tucked the blanket around her, trying to reassure her. "Don't worry, Mama, everything will be alright. I have to work extra hours to make ends meet. You know Papa doesn't contribute much. His priorities are...elsewhere." I tried to keep my tone neutral, not wanting to dwell on my father's shortcomings.

"I will be fine, and I will make sure to take care of everything. Just remember to take your medication by ten, okay?"

I leaned down and gently pecked her forehead, as she nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "See you soon, Mama," I whispered, trying to leave her with a sense of reassurance. As I turned to leave, her eyes followed me, filled with a mix of worry and trust. I smiled back, hoping to alleviate her concerns, before heading out into the night.

My mother, once the glue that held our family together, had been struggling to cope. The loss of my younger brother in a tragic hit-and-run accident a year ago had devastated her, and she had turned to drinking as a way to numb the pain. Now, her health had begun to fail her, and she had been diagnosed with renal failure. Her medical expenses were astronomical, and I found myself working tirelessly to make ends meet.

My mama's illness had been a crushing weight on my shoulders for three long months. The diagnosis of renal failure had turned our lives upside down. At almost 21, I found myself working tirelessly, day and night, just to keep up with the mounting medical expenses and her dialysis sessions. The financial strain had taken a toll on me, forcing me to make impossible choices.

One of the most heart-wrenching decisions I made was leaving my two-year-old son, Mateo, at the orphanage. Tears still pricked at the corners of my eyes whenever I thought about it. I visited him every week, trying to make up for the time we spent apart, but it wasn't the same as having him by my side. His father had gotten me pregnant right after high school and then denied any responsibility. He even told me to abort whatever I had growing in my tummy. His denial left me to navigate the challenges of single motherhood alone.

With Mama's condition worsening, it became impossible for me to care for Mateo on my own. The orphanage was a safe haven, but every visit felt like a painful reminder of the sacrifices I had to make. My mama, who had always been my rock, was now bedridden and unable to help with Mateo's care. The weight of it all felt suffocating at times, but I refused to give up, driven by the determination to provide for my family and nurse my mama back to health.

My father's downward spiral began years ago when he was duped in a business deal, leaving him financially strained and emotionally defeated. Since then, he has become increasingly frustrated, and his behavior has deteriorated. He had taken to drinking and gambling, recklessly betting away what little was left of his small business, leaving our family to pick up the pieces.

By day, I served food at Leo's restaurant, and by night, I worked at Infinity's Club, pouring drinks and trying to make a living. Despite my best efforts, it seemed like every dime I earned was sucked up by Mama's medical bills. The weight of it all was crushing me, and I often felt like I was drowning in a sea of responsibility.

I wiped away my tears, taking a deep breath as I reminded myself not to get bogged down by pain and worries. Instead, I focused on finding the strength to keep going, holding onto the hope that things would eventually get better. As the bus approached the stop near Infinity Club, I pressed the button, and just as we came to a halt, I heard a familiar voice call out, "Infinity stoppers are here!"

I turned around with a smile, my eyes meeting Maria's warm gaze. We had become friends during my time working at the Infinity Club, bonding over our late-night shifts and the challenges that came with them. Maria was a kind and understanding person, always ready to lend a listening ear or offer words of encouragement. As a waitress, she was a staple at the club, but occasionally, she would fill in as a stripper if one of the regular performers was absent. Her versatility and work ethic earned her respect from both colleagues and patrons alike.

"Hey, girl!" Maria said, her voice brightening my mood. I smiled back, feeling a sense of camaraderie with her. Her friendly demeanor has always lifted my spirits.

"Hey, girlfriend, what's up?" I asked as the bus stopped. I'm very fine, girlfriend, just like always." Her voice was cheerful and sweet. She responded with a light smile. "But you don't seem okay to me. What's up?"

I tried to brush off my little build-up tears. "I'm okay," I said, not wanting to burden her with my worries. As we alighted and started walking towards the club, the evening air seemed to vibrate with energy. It was almost 8 pm, and we had to quicken our pace to clock in on time.

"I guess you went to your sister's, that is why you were coming from my side of the road." I changed the conversation. She nodded and brought the conversation back. I guess she noticed my red eyes and asked with concern, "Val, you are crying again. How is your mama doing?" I hesitated, not wanting to revisit my troubles, and fabricated a response. "I'm fine, and Mama's doing better. I just miss my baby." Maria's expression softened, and she wrapped her arm around my neck in a supportive gesture. "I understand, sweetie. Just hang in there, everything will work out fine." Her words were like a balm to my frazzled nerves, and I smiled, feeling a glimmer of relaxation.

As we approached the club's back entrance, my gaze wandered to a figure leaning against a car nearby. He seemed engrossed in a phone call, and for a moment, our eyes met. I felt a jolt of recognition, but the lighting wasn't bright enough for me to be certain. He stared a bit but didn't show any sign of recognizing me. "Valeria, do you know him?" Maria asked, noticing my gaze. I composed myself, trying to play it cool. "He seems a bit familiar, but it can't be. He has been out of the country for a long time." I shrugged, pushing the thought aside as we entered the club.

VALERIA'S POV

A few minutes after we clocked in and stepped into the vibrant atmosphere of the club, the energy was charged. The place was already buzzing with people, and orders were being shouted out left and right. To my surprise, the VIP section was almost filled to capacity, with patrons laughing and sipping on their drinks. I made my way to the dispenser to grab a cup of water, checking my watch as I did so. It was already 8:15 pm, and I wondered how the club had gotten so packed so quickly.

I took a sip of my water and turned to the barman with a curious expression. "Martinez, is anything special happening here today?" I asked, trying to gauge the reason behind the crowd. Martinez's face lit up with a smile as he leaned in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Brace yourself, girl, we are in for a big night. Lots of sales and tips, if you know what I mean". He winked at me with a full smile. "Mr. Luis is celebrating his birthday, and he is treating his friends here tonight. I'm so glad". He giggled like a happy child. "Oh, come on, grow up, Matinez", I teased as I sipped more of my water.

His happiness was pretty obvious but the name he mentioned didn't ring a bell, so I shrugged my shoulders, unfazed. "Hmm, I see, well, as long as there will be lots of tips, I have no objections," I said, taking another sip of my water. Martinez gazed at me in surprise, his eyebrows raised in amusement. "Come on, Val, you sound like you don't know Mr. Luis. Am I mistaken, or are you pretending?" I met his gaze, my expression serious. "Come on, Martinez, am I supposed to know him?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Martinez chuckled, a knowing glint in his eye. "You really don't remember, do you?" he asked, his tone laced with amusement. I shook my head, intrigued. "Who is Mr. Luis?" I asked, my curiosity still getting the better of me. Martinez leaned in closer, a sly smile spreading across his face. "Let's just say he is someone people don't want to mess with. I heard he had been out of the country for two months. He just returned yesterday. He is a big deal around here. You remember him now, right?" I wondered, many big men came around here, and I don't know anyone by that name. So I shrugged negatively.

Martinez's words caught me off guard. "Come on, girl, how could you forget? He always has his eyes on you and will say that you are his Val," he said with a knowing smile. With the last sentence, I nearly choked on the water, my eyes widening in surprise as a loud "What!" escaped my lips. Composing myself quickly, I lowered my voice and asked, "You mean Mr. Sanchez?" Martinez nodded, his expression confirming my worst fears.

My mind racing, I thought to myself, "Damn it, I wish I was off duty today. I pray he won't make a special request today." The thought of serving Mr. Sanchez's table filled me with dread. He had a reputation for being overly familiar, and I always felt uncomfortable around him. Martinez, who seemed to sense my uneasiness, chuckled and offered some words of reassurance. "Come on, girl, if he asked for you to serve him, just do it and collect your money, okay? He won't force himself on you here. Just relax and enjoy your night. If he messes around, the manager will handle it."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. Martinez's words were reassuring, but I knew that serving Mr. Sanchez's table would be a challenge. I nodded, trying to appear more confident than I felt. "You are right, I will be fine," I said, forcing a smile. Martinez patted me on the back, his expression sympathetic. "That's the spirit, Val. Just do your job and collect your tips. Don't let him get to you."

I felt a surge of encouragement as I put on a bright smile and made my way to one of the new tables to take their orders. The atmosphere was lively, with patrons chatting and laughing. Just as I approached the table, a loud voice boomed, "Where are the stage girls? I wanna see them!" Another voice chimed in, nearly screaming, "Yeah, what are they waiting for?" A third person joked, "Manager, get up on that stage and dance if your girls are not coming." The crowd erupted into laughter, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the man's words as I headed to the bar to place my order.

I went to the counter, picked up the bucket, and moved to the ice machine. As I scooped ice into the bucket, I heard someone call the name – "Hey Leonardo". I turned instantly, and indeed, it was him. My heart skipped a beat with a feeling hard to explain enveloping me. I stared as he stood tall and confident. My earlier suspicion was confirmed; he had returned from abroad. People around were hailing and welcoming him back. In anger, I muttered under my breath, "Of all the clubs, why did he have to come here?".

Yet my eyes refused to pull away from him. He seemed very happy being around. He was now as handsome as ever. I stared as he stood out. His chiseled physique and athletic build showed he was still dedicated to martial arts. His facial features are chiseled with high cheekbones and a strong jawline. His hair is perfectly styled, and damn, those smiles of his can light up a room.

As he walked around shaking people's hands, he was full of confidence and charisma. He knew how to work his angles, showcasing his best features with ease. His presence was captivating, drawing attention and admiration from those around him.

My thoughts kept running wild as I muttered inaudibly, "Oh my, look at how those shirts hugged his strong body". I guessed he still has a keen sense of style, effortlessly pulling off high-end fashion and editorial looks. His ability to convey emotion and tell a story made him look like a sought-after model. I got carried away staring and admiring him over and over.

Unexpectedly, he looked up towards the bar. His piercing green eyes hit straight on mine and I froze for a bit, my heart beating to my hearing.

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.