“What did I tell you, ladies and gentlemen? We have a feast for the eyes this evening.”
I chanced a glance at Madam Alana and preened for her benefit. Then I walked my slinky self down the runway and stopped at the X at the end. I placed both my hands on my waist in the Wonder Woman pose I’d perfected with my stylist. Then I turned to the side and rested my hand on my slight booty. I didn’t have a lot of junk in the trunk, but a stripper knew exactly how to showcase her body.
I worked each side, turning around and making small movements that I knew would highlight this feature or that. Then as I stared into the blackness of the bidders, I knew there were dozens or more eyes on me. So I lifted my hand up to my mouth and blew a kiss toward the audience, ending it with a flirty wink.
“Let’s hear it for Ruby Dawson, my friends,” Madam Alana stated, and I was surprised to find the attendees clapping and the sound of fists hitting wooden tables rumbling through the open room.
With an exaggerated hip sway, I glided to the first X nearest Madam Alana and spun slowly into the standing pose I’d chosen with my stylist.
“Ruby Dawson is twenty-one with blue eyes and blonde hair. She is naturally five foot ten. Her interests include dancing, reading, walks along the beach, and picnics. She is a high school graduate with no record of any kind and has the sweetest Southern accent.” Madam Alana spoke softly into the microphone, making me sound amazing when I was anything but.
I clenched my jaw as she continued. If I was honest, I couldn’t remember the last time I read a book, but then again when asked my hobbies, I wasn’t about to put down stripping, shooting back beers while watching a football game, or enjoying a honky-tonk night at the local pub. So I did what any good liar would do. I put down my sister’s hobbies.
“Before we move to the lingerie portion of our show, it’s time to ascertain interest in Ms. Ruby Dawson, candidate number three. For all those who are eligible in this auction, please select the Yes, No, or Maybe button on your remotes.” Madam Alana held up the device I imagined each bidder had.
A slither of uncertainty wove through my veins as I held my pose. She’d never said anything about a rating system. Which was probably wise. Knowing that we would be rated before the bidding even began was a definite hit to my confidence.
Madam Alana turned to look at me and then toward something at my back. I followed her movements and eased to the side. A giant screen taking up most of the stage hung from the ceiling. On the screen was the headshot I’d taken earlier after my hair and makeup had been done. Next to the image were my physical stats. Everything was there. My age, height, weight, bra size, dress size, shoe size, and everything in between. If I wasn’t already so shocked, I’d be terrified.
Then I watched with dread as the screen changed and the audience results were clearly displayed on the screen.
My entire body heated, and my heart soared right along with my confidence. I read the scores on the screen.
YES – 20
NO – 15
MAYBE – 15
Fifty eligible bachelors were out there, and my odds of securing one of them were awesome. Twenty of them were very interested and another fifteen had said maybe. I could work with those numbers. I turned to the audience, beaming.
“Well, it looks like we’re going to have quite the auction. Ruby, you may head offstage. It seems I am not the only one who is eagerly awaiting to see you return.”
Backstage was intense with all of the candidates in varying stages of unease for a variety of different reasons. I blocked most of it out as I had to focus on what I was doing, but I did learn that two of the women hadn’t been chosen, and something had gone down with Jade, which meant it was super important I nailed this next part.
When the drapes opened, I walked up those stairs in my red satin robe and heels as though I owned the place. This was my time to shine, and shine I would. There was no way I was leaving tonight without a man on my arm.
“Welcome back, Ruby.” Madam Alana greeted me, and I gave her a little shoulder tilt as I made my way down the glossy black stage. I was getting used to the lights so I could see more of the shadowy audience, but they were still nothing but dark silhouettes.
When I got to the end of the stage, I tugged at the sash holding my red satin robe closed and let it fall open.
As I’d hoped, there were several gasps, alongside plenty of hoots and hollers, just as I’d expect in a strip club—only the men weren’t shouting out obscenities.
I let the robe fall off one shoulder, then let it flow down my form until it landed in my right hand where I clasped it tightly. I repeated my superwoman pose, making sure my waist looked tiny, boobs huge, hips flared out nicely, and my legs spread out a couple feet, so they looked like they went on for days. The bustier did its job displaying my assets in a way that made me feel classy and elegant. The minuscule thong running up between my cheeks, however, gave the hint of a naughty side.