Dimes/ Scratchy Radio
Tara places 2 dimes in the payphone around the corner from her apartment.
"411 operator." Scratchy, barely audible over the rush of the Grand River.
A nun trying to be coy while on the street replies. "Yes operator, the number for Bonita's Spice Sweet Spice."
Still hard to hear, Tara hunches toward the pay phone, and cups the receiver end with her hand. Repeating herself. "Yes, that's Bonita's Spice Sweet Spice." Long pause listening. "I'm not sure the club or general number, hmm."
Rolling her eyes. "General please."
Her habit and veil fluttering in the cold winter breeze, two more dimes and dialing fingers almost numb dialing. "I'm calling about the amateur night... for dancing."
Looking over her shoulder in the street. "Yes, yes, Ahha. Wednesday's at 10:00 pm. $250.00.Β Any rules?" Shaking her head. "No, I would never do that. No, I'll behave." Snickering. "I can wear whatever I want. Thanks for the info." Hangs up.
Warming her hands with her breath, another 2 dimes. Again dialing 411. "Yes operator, the number for Gold Ave. Exercise."
Another two dimes were additionally dialing, rewarming her hands with her breath. "Yes, Gold Ave. Exercise. Do you have an instructor named Dab? Does she teach a dance class? Um yes. Yes. Humm, I guess that's the one." Listening to the response. "They teach how to spin on a pole? Humm, I guess that's the one. OK, what time? Do I need to leave my name, or show up?" Pause nodding. "Thank you got it."
A few days later, Tara enters the small dance studio. In the dressing room, she puts on her one-piece sleeveless powder blue leotard. Over on the far side of the exercise room, there are 2 brass stripper poles reaching floor to ceiling. The nun becomes trance-like, as the inanimate objects toy with her imagination and bekon to her.
There are five other girls in the class. Some of the girls are wearing dance leotards. Two are wearing just panties and bras. 'This is not my usual crowd.' Tara spots Dollya, in the corner tying her shoes. Dollya has even less on, just a thong and an exercise bra. Does this girl ever wear clothing?
"Tara?" Dollya recognizes her. "From Taylor's studio." Scanning her new student. "I thought I might see you again. Nice outfit."
Tara, embarrassed by the attention, smiles and nods.
Deb Comes into the room from behind. "Hello hello hello again." Reaching out toward Tara, while gesturing toward Dollya.Β "Oh yes, you two know each other. Dollya, Tara has the most beautiful antique negligΓ©e with matching gloves and a silk belt." Gesturing with her hand around the room. "I knew you would take our class. If you need me to do your makeup again let me know." Leaning in and whispering. "Next time you will look even better."
Dollya pops a cassette in, and the base and percussion of dance music take control of the class.
Dollya and Deb in front of the small group, warm the girls up and quickly move to provocative motions. Deb, as always with her outlandish comments. "OK BITCHES, let's move the money makers. Who is going to lose their clothing in today'sΒ class?"
Tara leans over to the girl next to her. "Is she serious?"
The girl next to Tara shrugs.