I take one last trip around the block before I approach the heavy black metal doors of the club, surreptitiously glancing around to catch anyone who might see where I'm going. Pushing inwards, my anxiety skyrockets as I find myself in a dingy little vestibule with a coat check window and a set of double doors slightly ajar. Purple light and music pass through from the other side, beckoning and warning at the same time.
A short, curvy young lady in coat check raises her eyebrows at me, as if to silently question my presence.
"Um, uh, hi - " I stammered out, "Is this uh, is this whereβ"
"Nuh huh sweetie, its in there - but you give me your money". She leaned forward on the half door pushing her carmel-toned cleavage in my direction, looking curious, but unimpressed.
I pulled my wallet out of my back pocket and paused, as I heard raccous cheers and laughter from the other side of the double doors. I took out $50 and handed it to the girl.
"On your way then, just through there -" She motioned towards the purple light, and went back to her drink.
Every step I took brought me a mixture of dread and exhilaration. As I moved through the double doors and the room came into view, I knew there was no turning back.
Opposite my entrance was a group of 20 women, of different ages, shapes and backgrounds. They wore trendy dresses that flattered their bodies, and seemed in great spirits, chatting and drinking. One by one, they all seemed to look up at me, with smiles spreading across their faces.
"Wooooooooooohoooooo! Here he is!" One of them yelled from the back, before they all began to cheer and laugh. I feigned a polite grin, unsure of what to do next, when I felt a hand on my shoulder. A slender asian woman with sharp bangs, and sharp eyes had approached me unseen, and had taken my arm.