Selene was sitting behind the desk, rustling a bottle of chilled champagne in a bucket.

“Ma biche!” she exclaimed, coming out from behind the desk, holding my face with her icy fingers, and kissing me passionately on each cheek.

“What does that mean anyway?” I asked.

“My dear! That’s how I got my little crush on you when you first arrived, your big eyes, so wide with excitement.” She pinched me in the arm, and pulled me closer.

“Did you bring something special to wear?” She smiled at me knowingly, taking in my garment bag.

“Yes. Of course!” I replied, smiling at Felix and Ransom, who were both in the office early to go over the inventory room. Selene popped open the champagne as the women filtered in quickly. There was a buzz as she filled plastic glasses, and the ladies who’d been working with me a long time, participated in the toast, while the newer girls who’d just started grabbed their glasses and went to hover at the mirror, giggling to their reflections. Just as well. They would learn soon enough.

We downed our drinks, and got to work. I did my makeup, hair, and even tray first, leaving the unveiling of the dress for last. I went into the back room after a little while, taking the garment bag with me. I opened it with a sigh, and straightened a few wrinkles.

The dress was deceptively simple; it was short and slinky, with a touch of ruching along the arms and along the legs; the gathers pulled up the material suggestively. It was the material itself that was the masterpiece--a medium blue, with traces of different greens, and even some pink highlights. It matched the peacock feathers and my bracelet perfectly. I looked much fancier than I ever had while working this job. I realized I forgot to check the board for where I was working tonight, in my haste to get ready.

I stepped out of the back, and the entire room fell to a hush. Even Ransom let out a long, slow whistle, which I appreciated.

“Where am I working tonight, Selene?” I asked her.

“Oh, of course you are working North Beach. Especially looking like that.”

She admired me appreciatively, and I could see that I’d made the deal with Felix too soon. Tragic! It just figured she wanted me now. Grinning, I turned toward the mirror, and was astounded at the change over my features. I looked like a woman, a mature, confident, self-assured woman. I adjusted my hairpieces a bit, and saw Meredith come up behind me hesitantly. I made eye contact, and turned to her.

“Hi there,” I said, surprised.

“I know I’ve been an ass, Pale. I’m really sorry about, you know, your dad. I just don’t handle that sort of thing well.” She reached for my hand, and I took hers.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“It’s ok. I understand,” I said quietly.

“I’d like to stay in touch, if that’s all right with you?” She looked at me while asking the question.

“Sure, I’d like that too.” I smiled at her, and we embraced, all traces of our previous tension gone. I felt much better, knowing we were leaving each other on a good note. I wasn’t sure if we’d stay in touch, but at least we’d agreed to try.

Felix came out of the back inventory room, where he had missed my grand entrance. We locked eyes, and the love that surged between us blocked out everyone else. He glanced down, saw the bracelet on my wrist, and broke into the heart-breaking grin I knew so well.

“They don’t stand a chance,” he proclaimed loudly. The room laughed with him.

Ransom was my driver that night, and I’m not sure what it was, but I seamlessly moved from bar to bar in a protective bubble, away from bullshit, mean drunks, and creepy situations. Not everyone bought from me, but my dress, coupled with my demeanor, made me a bit magical. People asked me what the special occasion was for, and I mastered a Mona Lisa smile, only saying, “Must be the love in the air.”

Even the most die-hard cynics didn’t have the heart to rain on my parade.

I glided through my route, dipping and swaying, winking and nudging. I rode the surf of the evening, and conquered it. Never had I felt so confident, so purposeful, as I did in those last moments. The call of humanity, the push to know one another. It fascinated and repulsed me. It had given me despair; yet it had also given me a safety net.

And as I walked into Tosca, I saw the close of an unfinished loop. This was one of those moments when I knew there was a great force at work in the Universe, as I spied Michael standing sentinel over the Mayor. I walked past everyone else in the bar, giving a quick wave to Ben, whose jaw had dropped, and walked straight up to their table. Michael didn’t have any time to react, he was so stunned. I leaned over, and said, “Flint daa-hling. It’s been such a long time,” in a voice that left no question.

Mr. Mayor looked me up and down appreciatively and reached out automatically for my hand. I gave it to him, and he kissed it, tenderly.

“I remember you. You were that little trembling flower I met, what was it, six months ago?” he pondered.

I smiled at the trembling flower part; how true it was. “And I remember you. You were kind enough to help me out. I wanted to thank you, and let you know it’s my last night. I’m sure you’ll find other … entertainment in the future.” I said, raising my eyebrows. He chuckled knowingly, tapping his finger to his nose.

“Yes, indeed. Well, I for one am devastated I won’t be seeing you again. Good luck with all your endeavors, Ms…?” he asked.

“Pale.”

He grinned again. “Pale. Of course.”

Michael had recovered his composure, and was reaching for my hand. I took a small step back, and he flinched.

“Thanks for everything, Michael,” I said softly.

He nodded mutely, turning away with a thoughtful expression.

I headed back to the bar, and ordered a shot from Ben. He happily obliged me, and while we were catching up, Michael approached me again.

“Boss wanted you to have this. Said good luck.” Michael thrust five, one hundred dollar bills on top of my cigarettes, and I raised my head to him. He and I nodded to each other, and he walked back to the booth.

Ben gave me a huge grin, and I plucked one of the bills off my tray. “Here,” I said, shoving it at him.

“What for?” he asked.

“For showing me that lovely belly.” We both started laughing, and he leaned over, hugging me goodbye.

I strode out the door, back into the river of the night, giving away each of those hundred dollar bills to my favorite actors of this stage.