If only the stage persona was one Jane could carry with her day and night, a person she could be in everyday life. But it was limited, only for use when she was down to her skivvies, shaking her ass for a bunch of horny men and, on occasion, a few women.
She could only pull Petra out for five hours a night, three nights a week, and while she strove to maintain the confidence her alter-ego exuded in other pursuits, she couldn't seem to manifest it as Plain Jane Dennis.
She stared at the face in the mirror, the layers of makeup that brought out the blue of her eyes and made her lips look fuller and more seductive. The fake lashes itched, and the auburn hair she liked to pull back in a ponytail drove her insane, with sweaty strands hanging in her face, no matter how many times she tucked the mass behind her ears.
She needed the break right now, after being on stage for almost an hour and being called out for four lap dances. It had been a busy night, and she was ready to go home, but the club didn't close for another hour, and she could still make a few bucks if she could get another lap dance or two.
Now, though, she donned a silky robe and stepped outside for a smoke. She didn't bother tying the thing β she'd be amongst potential clients, and a view of her tanned skin and small perky breasts might entice a couple of them to tip her, even without her working so hard. Besides, she was burning up and wanted the cool night breeze to help her out.
As she sparked the cig, she inhaled deeply, enjoying the feeling of smoke in her lungs. It wasn't healthy, but it felt good right now. She looked around and found there weren't many people out right now. Of course, there were a couple of favorites on the main stage, so it made sense.
"Jane!"
The sound of her real name made her blood run cold, and she froze, not sure she wanted to look behind her. She'd chosen a club far from her hometown, in hopes she wouldn't run into anyone she knew. And worst, the voice sounded familiar.
Slowly, she looked back over her shoulder, and the sight before her shocked her to the core. Turning to face her visitor fully, she gaped. "Brandon Wiles?"
He smiled at her, clearly excited to see her but also nervous and a little awkward. "Jane Dennis. How long has it been?"
She shrugged. "Since graduation, right? About five years."
His smile grew. "You look fabulous. I mean..." He trailed off, seemingly embarrassed.
Jane understood his problem. Here she was, in a state of general undress, and he was commenting on her looks. It was a very male thing to do, one not exactly flattering coming from most, and Brandon had never been the type of guy to lust after anyone's body without something more between them. Which made her wonder...
"What are you doing here?"
He seemed even more ashamed. "It wasn't my decision. A friend from work is having a bachelor party, and they had said no strip clubs. Well, that was to pacify the fiancΓ© apparently, and so we drove way the hell out here where he figured he could get away with it. This isn't so much my scene." Again, he cut himself short, worried he'd insulted her by speaking negatively of the place she obviously worked.
She nodded. "It's a good enough job. I need the money to finish school. But no, I didn't figure it was your scene." She looked him over. "You look good, too, Brandon." And he did. He'd lost weight, toned up, and with his face thinner, the angles and plains shadowed with a day's worth of stubble were incredibly attractive. His haircut suited him, a short, spiky fade, and his dark eyes sparkled in his face. "Really good, actually."
He smiled shyly. "Thanks." He swallowed and looked uncomfortable, shifting his feet and kicking at the ground as he lit a cigarette. "Listen, Jane, can I say something?"
She shrugged. "You can say whatever you want. You wouldn't believe the things I've heard around here. Nothing can shock me. Just do me a favor and call me Petra."
He raised an eyebrow. "Petra?"
"Petra Strange. It's my stage name. I don't want any creeps stalking me later."
"Fair enough." He hesitated, and Jane wondered what exactly he meant to say. Finally, he took a deep breath. "You know I was in love with you in high school."
Her heart skipped a beat, and she wondered if she needed to clean out her ears. No one had paid her any attention in high school. Brandon couldn't really have had feelings for her, could he? And why was he telling her now?
She tilted her head and tossed her cigarette into the butt can. "I had no idea." Even to her own ears, her voice sounded strained.
He took a step closer to her, lowering the volume of his voice as a group of men staggered drunkenly onto the patio to light their own smokes. "Listen Ja...Petra. I'm not trying to come onto you while you're at work, or because you're a performer." She smiled at the courtesy of his choice of words. "I just wanted you to know. And I thought I'd ask, if you aren't seeing anyone, if maybe you might have dinner with me sometime, now that I've found you."
Jane tried to hide her amazement. Of course, guys asked her for dates on a regular basis when she worked here, but it usually involved lewd comments about wining and dining her and getting her out of the last few threads on her body. Brandon didn't seem to have that in mind, and as she watched him, she realized his eyes stayed focused on her face. It was respectful.
Making a quick decision, she asked, "I'm starving. If you give me a few minutes, I can clean up and change, then give you a ride home, get you out of here. And we can stop for some food along the way. I'm starving and it will give us a chance to catch up a little."
Brandon seemed taken off guard, and a part of Jane couldn't believe she'd made such an offer. Because she stripped part-time, she didn't date at all, and even if it was just a friendly reconnecting, "I'd really like that. Although, I got a hotel room around here, if you could just drop me there after."
She nodded. "No problem. Give me fifteen minutes, and I'll meet you back here." She headed to the dressing room, halfway assuming he'd disappear and disappoint her. But he was waiting when she came back, dressed in a tank top and jeans, her hair pulled back and her eyelashes gone.