suds and bubbles were washed away, the night’s main event was revealed where it had been hiding behind a huge backdrop. Shouts of fuck yeah and hell yes fill the night as the men get their first look. A giant eight-foot-deep by twelve-foot-wide mermaid tank stands as the girls’ stage tonight.
Tasha was the first to enthusiastically volunteer as tribute and once her silicone mermaid tail was attached, she dropped into the crystal-clear water, a huge smile on her face as she sunk down, blowing bubbles all the way.
Now, I’m standing in front of said tank in awe of the way Tasha moves. There’s not an ounce of fear on her face even though her legs are quite literally bound together while she’s half naked. Her ‘tail’ moves up and down as she swims from one end of the tank, does a forward roll, then pushes off the glass and swims back to the other end.
Shelly stands beside me, handing me a non-alcoholic version of the cocktail Rhys named Mermaid Tears. A sickly sweet smelling concoction of blueberry puree, soda, and a thick glittery syrup he assured all of us was safe for human consumption. With a tiny plastic mermaid sitting on the rim of the glass, and a blue curly straw, Mermaid Tears is surprisingly good. I take another long sip before I turn to Shelly.
“You look amazing,” I say honestly, taking in her costume and pearly shell bra.
She wiggles her hips. “I love this. These days are so much fun.”
When Shelly’s name is called out by one of the other girls, she pats my arm. “I gotta go, I’m next in the tank.” With a wave and a smile she rushes over and sits on the side of the tank, waiting for a now topless Tasha to come out.
With my empty glass in my hand, I head over to the outdoor bar where Rhys is serving customers along with a few of the girls who are dressed in grass skirts and coconut bras.
A man sidles up to the bar beside me, giving me a once over before smiling. “Hey there, you’re the new girl, right?”
I smile back. “Yeah, I’m Oakley.”
“Grant,” he says, extending his hand. “Mind if I buy you a drink?”
My first instinct is to say no and walk away, but I’ve learned that when a customer wants to buy you a drink, it’s good manners to accept. I reluctantly nod. “Thank you. Non-alcoholic please, I’m still on shift.”
He smiles. “No problem, sweetheart.”
While Grant waits for a free bartender, I take the next tray of drinks and make my way around the tables set up on the sand. Palm trees in huge, blue stone pots are placed around the tables, their large fronds create spots of shade beneath the last rays of today's sun.
I hand out drinks and make small talk while I take glances at the girls dancing on the makeshift stage beside the tank. Wiggling hips, bare breasts, and mounds only covered by the small triangle of their thongs are all on display and the crowd of men that’s gathered are becoming a little rowdy. With each obscene shout and gesture, the security guys move closer, eyes scrutinizing the men.
Ignoring the scene, I turn toward the bar when I spot Grant coming toward me. He eyes the empty tray in my hand and extends his, a Mermaid Tears in his hand. I thank him and take it, having a small sip before I nod toward the bar.
“I really need to get back to the bar, thanks again.”
He places a hand on my forearm to stop me and I flinch.
“Hey Scarface, shouldn’t you be working?” the voice I loathe appears as Malcolm comes into view.
Grant steps forward and angles his body in front of mine. “Whoa now, there’s no need for that.”
While Grant’s intentions are noble, Malcolm towers over him. There’s not a doubt in my mind he’d be pummeled flat if he went up against Malcolm. Knowing this, Malcolm steps up until he’s chest to chest with his less than worthy opponent. “You can drop the knight in shining armor act, Grant. I’m sure she’d give it up to you without it.” his lip pulls into a sneer as he glances my way. “Maybe her pussy was able to avoid whatever it was that fucked up the rest of her.”
I choke on a whimper and reach to stop Grant as he advances on Malcolm, disadvantages be damned. There’s no need for him to be another victim