I can feel my blood dancing, pulsing under my skin as I close the books for this week. Carefully I sweep up paper shreds, unplug monitors; and close the off-colored blinds that hold 8 years seniority on me at the office. Generally at close over our crackly office speakers there would be some easy listening cold play cover band crooning; but tonight must have been one of those throwback nights at our local station, because I could just faintly make out the words to the same Zep CD I had playing on my way in this morning. I didn't mind, I thought to myself; you could never have enough of the truly good stuff.
A chill rockets down my spine as the vague thought strays, wanders and finds a definitive home in other places of my mind, reminding me of the night that lay ahead of me. 'You really can never have enough of the good stuff', a smirk plays across my face and I hit the last light-switch, practically floating out the office doors.
I cross the staff lot, plop down in the driver of my outdated Audi TT, and begin my trek across town to my condo. Absorbed in my own thoughts, I realize seven or eight miles into the drive I never even turned the radio on. The silence should've been eerie, but my brain was buzzing with longing, the promise of flashing lights, excitement... release. It's been an enduring period since I've been on stage, and I need tonight badly. Truthfully, I don't know how I've stayed away for so long. To let fear take this from me, and irrational fear at that... I could kick myself.
I pull into my driveway and park my car under the partial awning my late husband had installed, gather my work supplies, and start towards the front entry. I hear Roger wiggling behind the door as I fumble with a set of keys I don't even need; there hasn't been crime on this block in a decade... much less a B&E. At long last, the key is located on the ring, and i stumble inside right over Rogers fuzzy ass; nearly losing my balance while he blissfully barrel-rolls under my feet. Dogs, I tell you, will act like they are the beneficiary of your life insurance policy. I toss my purse on the island, pour him out a new bowl of kibble and retreat back to my bedroom. The bedside alarm clock reads 8:40pm. I need to get moving if I'm not to be late tonight.
In the low light of my master bath I'm reminded of my own individuality and personality, as the layers of office casual slide off, makeup is removed and my hair can finally tumble out of the tight ass styles required by HR. Sweet scented makeup scrub melts away the signature concealer I had to buy to cover my tattoos, and my skin no longer feels caked and heavy. I feel free.
I don't hesitate much on what to put on, rationalizing it won't matter much what I wore to the function when i arrive and immediately take it back off. On account of this I end up in a plain black long sleeve and my dark-wash ripped jeans, my favorite lace set hiding underneath. I look in the mirror once more and feel a bit more comfortable with who's looking back. Gah, No makeup, no time, its 9:30. Doors open at 10. Gotta move fast. I throw my boots on and start for the door, giving Roger a few pats on my way out. The moment I hit the interstate, the pulsing of anticipation under my skin begins again. It has been far, far too long. I accelerate exponentially, hoping no pestilent police lie in wait on my trip there... after all, The main attraction can't be late.
Tonight, none are manning the door just yet. In lieu, the entrance has donned a new cautionary sign detailing the possible exposure and triggers lying behind these doors. Realistically, I suppose per local mandates SOMETHING had to spell out 'Warning, hot whores, bare skin, & blood'… I feel no need to read the new sign myself, and push my way in through the heavy doors. My nose is immediately permeated with the smell of sex and warm liquor, and I breathe deeply welcoming it in. This smells like home to me. I sign my alias on the board for 'volunteer entertainment' and show myself to the back-stage un-dressing area, meeting eyes and exchanging smiles with a few club employees on my way.