Mia POV
Today is my 18th birthday. Not that it makes a difference. I haven't celebrated my birthday for the past 2 years. I guess I have not been in the celebrating mood.
"Liam come down for breakfast. You are going to be late for school, again."
"Happy birthday Mia. Thank you for everything." Liam hands me a self-drawn card, I opened it up, and inside Liam drew a picture of me and him holding hands.
"Aww thank you, Liam. Now eat your breakfast. We need to leave."
Liam started to wolf down his food as fast as he could. Liam is my younger brother. I have been looking after him for the past 2 years. It hasn't been easy, but we have made it work. As best as we could. I was only a child when I had to take up my brother's responsibility, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I had to drop out of school to find a job to look after him, but it is better than both of us ending up on the system.
Liam and I left to pick up my best friend Kai. Kai is a few years older than me and he has been helping out with Liam a lot. He and his girlfriend have been amazing. He took up responsibility when he heard I was in trouble. Luckily he was old enough and the court allowed it. They promised to leave us alone if Kai came to check up on us on a regular basis.
Kai got me a job at the restaurant where I now work. He also got me an interview at the strip club now that I am old enough. I am on my way to my interview after I dropped off Liam. I have been working as a waitress for the past 2 years, but it just doesn't bring in enough money.
Ava, Kai's girlfriend promised me she would look after Liam in the evenings when I have to go to work. They have both been my rocks this past 2 years.
Kai was unchristianly quite today. I need to find out as soon as I dropped off Liam.
We dropped off Liam and I took my chance to find out what is going on.
"What is the matter, Kai?"
"Mia are you sure you want to do this? There is no going back once you land this job."
"I know kai, but you are going to be there and that makes me feel better. I need the money, Kai. Our inheritance won't last much longer."
"You can always borrow money from me until you can find a decent job. Why don't you find yourself gigs? You have an amazing voice. You can make yourself a career in music."
"First I need someone to notice my talents, but until then I need a paying job. With waitressing in the mornings and dancing at night, I will at least make enough money to keep Liam in a decent school."
"I just wish it didn't have to come down to this. You know Ava and I will help out where we can. but there is not a lot we can do if you don't let us help."
Luckily I didn't have to answer because we arrived at 'peak gentleman club'. I honestly hope I get the job.
We walked in and Kai ushered me to the back office. He knocks on the door and then gives me an encouraging smile. An older gentleman opens the door. From the time my eyes fall on him I realized he is going to be a problem. His hair is gelled back. He has a bottom shirt on but the buttons are only halfway done.
"Yes, Kelvin sorry to bother you but this is the girl I told you about." This kelvin guy looks me up and down his eyes lingering a little too long on my chest. It makes me extremely uncomfortable.
"Thank you, Kai. I can see she is a looker. Well, don't be shy girly. Come on in."
O the things I will so for my brother. I give Kai a smile that I hope looks more confident than I feel.
I walk into the office and Kelvin closes the door behind me. I suddenly feel trapped.
"So girly what's your name?" Kelvin sits down on a chair. He didn't even offer me one. He looks up at me while lighting a cigarette.
"My name is Mia. I thought Kai would have told you."
"No girly I mean your stripper name."
"O sorry. I was thinking Trixi." I chuckle nervously.
"Nice strong name. Now listen here the rules are as follows. You are not allowed to sleep with any of the customers. There is a costume at the back. The girls will help you get ready. You have only tonight to prove yourself. Be here at 7 pm."
"Thank you, sir."
"O don't call me sir. Call me Kelvin. I hope we work well together." Kelvin gives me his version of a flirty smile, but all he ended up doing is looking creepy.
I walk out of the office and to the bar where Kai works. Kai has been a bartender at the 'peak gentlemen club' for the past 3years. We have been friends since we were small. We were neighbors until about 6 years ago when Kai's father went to jail. He and his mother had so moved, but we kept in touch all this time.
I sat in front of the bar and waited for Kai to finish up with his customer.
"So what did Kelvin say?" Kai is standing in front of me polishing a glass.
"He gave me the go-ahead. The only problem is I only have tonight to prove myself."
"You will be great don't worry."
"Thank you. Now I better get going my shift at the restaurant starts soon."
I walk out of the bar and to my car. The drive to the restaurant took me about 10 min which will be great for me since I get off at the restaurant at 5 and I start at the club at 7. It will help me get ready at the club.
My shift at the restaurant went by with now rude customers and that is always a bonus. I made a lot of tips tonight since nobody showed up for their shift. By the end of my workday, I was dead on my feet, but I couldn't do anything about it since my shift at the club will soon start.
I arrived at the club an hour before I start which is great since I have to get ready. I need to change my clothes and put on some makeup.
Kai showed me to the change room. It was full of girls getting ready. One of the girls came to me.
"Hi, my name is Cinnamon. You must be the new girl. I am here to show you around. First I need to warn you about using your real name. It is best if you use your stage name even with the girls. It helps you to remember your stage name. What is your stage name?"
"I have decided on Trixi if there isn't anyone using it."
"O no dear you are fine. Let me show you around."
Cinnamon showed me around and introduced me to the other girls. She helped me get ready. She showed me how to do my makeup and before I knew it it was my turn to go on.
I decided I am not going to use the pole on my first night, since I need a little bit more practice before I can pull it of.
I went up on stage. I felt embarrassment trying to take over but I pushed it aside. I need the money for my brother. I just keep on chanting that in my head.
That night I danced as sexy as I possibly could. I knew I need to make this work for me and my brother's sake.
Grayson POV (1 week later)My first week at school is over. It was hard adjusting to the new routine, but I made it. It is the weekend and I have been invited to my first party. I can't wait.Antony and I are on our way to the party now. The party is at Richard Dunkeld pack. He is one of the guys in our age group. He comes to school each morning since his pack is based in Australia. Not far from the school.We arrived at the party and the party is already in full swing. There are loud music and alcohol everywhere. I just keep thinking that my parents will never allow something like this. The party maybe but not the booze.Richard came towards me and Anthony."Hey boys. So what do you think?""It looks like a fun party Richard," Anthony replies to Richard."Let me guess. You have never been to a party before?""I have been to lots of parties, but to be honest I have never been drunk in my life," I say feeling a little guil
Mia POVI have been working in the strip club for a week now and I hate every moment of it. The only good thing about this job is the tips I make. I make twice as much in one night than I do for the whole month working at the restaurant.I have learned so much about the clientele in the club. Some come for the dancing other for the stripping, but most of them come just to be social with each other.This week we had a bachelor's party. That was the best customer I had for the whole week. The more they drunk the bigger the tips were. The bachelor wanted a lap dance from me in the back so I went with him, but all he wanted was to talk. He told me that this is not his scene. I was so dumbstruck that I didn't know what to tell him. Cinnamon warned me about bachelor's parties. The groom is usually is the worst of the lot.It's at the end of the night and the girls and I are sitting at one of the tables and counting our tips. Just chatting away.I h
Mia POV (1 month later)Things between me and Kai haven't been the same. We have been avoiding each other since the night he told me about his feelings. Ava is starting to suspect something, but we could brush it off saying that we see each other at work all the time.After that night I decided that is was time to jump into the dating pool. The only problem is that the men I attract are plain creepy. As soon as they hear I am a stripper they think that it is an easy way into my bed and don't get me started about when they hear I am responsible for my little brother.Now I am part of a dating app. Tonight is my first date with this guy. Ava is here helping me get ready for my date."So what is its guy's name?" Ava asks me curling my hair."His name is Patrick Phillips. He is 27 and works at a bank. He has a son of his own, so he will understand that I am looking after my brother.""Sounds like a dream guy for you. I hope this goes well.
Mia POVI went to sit next to Patrick. He takes my hand in his. He looks at me with amazement in his eyes."That was amazing. I see now why you wanted to be a singer. You should do everything in your power to make that dream a reality. You cannot hide that talent away. Everyone in the world needs to hear your voice." Patrick looks so sincere. I haven't sung for anyone since my parents died. I only ever sang for people close to me."Thank you, Patrick. Like I said I haven't sung in a really long time. I am a little rusty.""If that was you being a little rusty. I wonder what you will sound like when you are in practice."I hear someone cleaning his through and we looked up. I see a man in a suit standing there. He is smiling from ear to ear, almost looking like he has won the lottery."I am sorry to interrupt your evening. My name is Domonic. I am the owner of the Fletcher Pub. I was here on a date with my wife and heard you sing. I am
Mia povI woke up with my alarm blaring next to me. I look at the clock and see that it is only 5 am. Why the hell did I set my alarm for that early? I turn around to fall back asleep when I remembered that I have an audition today.I jump up and a small happy dance. My dream might finally become a reality. I walk towards my closet. I look through my clothes but nothing pops out at me. I really need to make a great impression at this audition. I see a summer dress at the back of my closet.I take it out and realize it was the last dress my mother bought me before the accident. It is a black bohemian style summer dress with pink and red flowers all over it. It is elegant enough to wear to an audition but not overpowering enough to make me look old.It was like it was bought for my audition. I send up a quiet thank you to my mother. she always knew what I needed even before I knew it myself. I go in search of my black gladiator sandals tha
Mia PovI walk out of the pub after my audition and feel lighter than ever. I look up at the sky and smile."Mama, Papa. I made it. I am finally going to be a singer." When Domonic and Scott offered me the job I knew I was going to take it. The money only sweetened the deal.I walk towards my car and see an internet Cafe. No time like the present to draft those resignation letters." Hello. How may I help you? " The guy behind the counter asks me with a smile."I would like to use one of your computers to draft letters. I don't know how long I am going to be.""Right this way miss." The guy leads me towards one of the open computers. He logs on for me and moves out of the way for me to sit down.I opened up a word-document and decide to keep my resignation letter to the strip club short and professional. My letter to the restaurant was more emotional. Uncle Max the owner is like a father to me.
Grayson (1 year later)Tomorrow is our graduation. I cannot believe that it has already been a year. Today Anthony and I are spending the day packing since we are leaving after the graduation ceremony. I am finally going to see my family after a year. I can't believe how much I missed them. I even missed the twins and that is saying something. Those two are terrors together, but I still love them."So where are you going to start your search for your mate?" Anthony asks me while folding his clothes. Anthony told me that he will start his journey in the next couple of months since he wants to be there for the birth of his brother. Even if the child is his father's second wife son. He would also like to spend some time with his family. I however wanted to start my journey as soon as possible. I can do all the catching up as soon as I have my mate in my arms."I guess I am going to start with touring through Europe. That has been my dream for as long as I can remem
Grayson POVI see my parent standing next to the food table. I walk up to them. They haven't noticed me yet so I keep up to them and place my arms around my mother."I know that is you, Gray." I laugh at my mother. I finally see the people that my parents were talking to."Aunt Ann, Uncle Mayson. What are you doing here?" I walk around my mother and give them a hug. I haven't seen them in ages."Did you really think we will miss our godson's graduation?" Let me explain. Aunt Ann is my mother's best friend. Uncle Mayson is her husband. They have been at every major event in my life. Except for my high school graduation. They couldn't get some time off of work which suites me just fine since their daughter is obsessed with me."So how many girls swooned over my boy?" Aunt Ann asks me pinching my cheek. She always does that and I hate it."Aunt stop that. You know most of the girls here are next in line to be Alpha so they all have something to