Delilah's Dirty Secret

Delilah bolted out of the classroom as soon as the dismissal bell rang, her heart racing. Normally, she’d wait for Priscilla, and together they’d ride home, laughing about their day. But today wasn’t normal. She didn’t have time to spare—she had to make a quick stop at the mall to pick up some essentials. Not for the restaurant job she claimed to have, but for something else entirely. New lingerie for tonight’s show at the City Clubhouse.

Angela noticed Delilah’s hasty exit. She’d never seen her rush out like this before, not even on her busiest days at the restaurant. Something felt off.

“Delilah?” Angela called, hurrying to catch up.

Delilah slowed, her pulse quickening. “Yeah?”

“Aren’t you staying for the meeting? We’re planning tomorrow’s girls' night out. You didn’t forget, did you?” Angela’s tone was light, but there was concern in her eyes.

Delilah had completely forgotten. In fact, girls' night was the last thing on her mind. "Oh, right. I can't today, sorry. I’ve got too much on my plate. I need to get to the restaurant before my shift starts at three. But I’ll try to make the party tomorrow."

"Promise?"

“I promise.” The words tasted like a lie, because deep down she knew she wouldn’t be there. Tomorrow night, just like tonight, she had to work at the Clubhouse.

She hurried off to the bus stop, where she boarded a bus that would take her downtown. At the mall, she carefully picked out two sets of stripper lingerie and a pair of boots that laced all the way up to her thighs. To top it off, she grabbed a butterfly mask—just in case anyone recognized her at the club.

By the time she arrived at the restaurant, Delilah was running late. She rushed to the back, threw on her uniform, and sneaked into the kitchen. Grabbing a tray, she slipped out to serve her first customer of the afternoon.

“You’re late—again,” Abby hissed as she passed her.

“I know,” Delilah muttered back, avoiding eye contact.

“That’s twice this week, Dee. You’ve got to be more careful. One more time and the boss is gonna notice.”

“I’m aware,” she replied, a little sharper than intended. She was trying to keep the panic out of her voice. "I had... some errands to run."

“You said that last time,” Abby said, her tone skeptical.

Delilah forced a smile. “I was at the mall. My little cousin’s coming to visit, so I got him a gift. Just trying to be the good older sister.”

Abby eyed her for a moment but finally relented. “Fine. Just be glad the boss didn’t catch you.”

“He won’t. Trust me.”

But the day dragged painfully on. Delilah couldn’t stop glancing at the clock. Every minute felt like an hour, and her shift stretched on forever. Abby, ever observant, noticed the constant checking and couldn’t resist asking, “You waiting for someone?”

Delilah stiffened. "No, not really. Just trying to get through the shift."

"You’ve been eyeing that clock all day. What’s going on?"

Delilah’s pulse quickened. Abby was her closest friend, but there were some secrets she couldn’t share. Especially not this one. "I’ve got a literature assignment due tomorrow, and it’s killing me. We’re supposed to summarize the first three chapters of *The Prodigal Daughter*. That book is practically the size of an encyclopedia."

Abby raised an eyebrow. “I could help you, you know. I’m a fast reader.”

“I know. Thanks. But I’ve already started, just need to finish the last two chapters.”

“Alright,” Abby said, though her gaze lingered suspiciously.

Delilah forced herself not to look at the clock again, but the anticipation was eating her alive. When the clock finally hit 7:29 p.m., Abby leaned over with a grin. “Go home. I’ll cover for you.”

Delilah’s jaw dropped. “You serious?”

“I’m serious. You didn’t want me to help with the book, so at least let me help you here.”

Delilah hugged her tightly, planting kisses on both her cheeks. “You’re a lifesaver, Abby. I owe you.”

“Yeah, yeah. Now get out before the boss sees.”

Delilah rushed to the changing room, swapping her uniform for casual clothes before hailing a taxi. She slid into the backseat, breathless. “City Clubhouse, please.”

The driver gave a small nod and pulled away from the curb. As they drove downtown, she hurriedly changed into her club outfit beneath her coat, pulling on her thigh-high boots and slipping on the butterfly mask. By the time they arrived, she was ready.

"How much?" she asked as the car rolled to a stop.

"Two dollars."

She handed him the money and stepped out, heading for the back entrance of the Clubhouse. Just as she reached the door, Mrs. Mills, the manager, appeared, phone in hand. She paused, her sharp eyes landing on Delilah.

“You’re late,” Mrs. Mills said, slipping the phone into her pocket.

“I know. I’m sorry. I had to come up with a whole excuse for my friend. I barely got out of there,” Delilah explained breathlessly.

Mrs. Mills considered her for a moment, then nodded. “We need to get you a place closer to here. You’re cutting it too close.”

“A new apartment? Isn’t that a bit... risky?”

“Not if we play it right. I’ll pose as your boss’s wife, and we’ll convince your parents it’s a better opportunity for you. What do you think?”

Delilah hesitated, unsure how to respond. The offer hung in the air between them.

“Think about it,” Mrs. Mills said, brushing past her. “Now hurry, the club’s packed tonight.”

Delilah slipped inside, peeling off her coat to reveal her skimpy outfit underneath. She strode onto the stage, taking hold of the pole with practiced ease. The room was full of eyes, all watching her.

But one pair of eyes stood out. They weren’t just watching—they were studying her every move.