“I don’t think this place is open Johnny,” I say, looking up at the dark façade of the building. A street address is conspicuously absent under the blacked out windows, the pavement deserted. As the December wind from the Bay chills my bare legs you take my hand, leading me across the street.
“Trust me Alexis, this place never closes,” you tell me, rapping sharply on the heavy wooden door. It opens slowly, revealing more darkness within.
“This way sweetie, just follow me,” you instruct, leading me down a hallway, the sharp heels of my stilettos puncturing the carpet.
“Johnny,” I ask nervously, “didn’t you say we were going to a party with some of your friends?”
I can barely make out your face as you turn towards me, patting my shoulder reassuringly.
“Don’t worry Lexi, you’ll meet them soon enough.” Reaching into your leather jacket you bring out a small black bag and hand it to me.
“Just go in this door behind you, someone will take your coat. This is a gift for you, I think you’ll like it,” you smile.
Fumbling in the dark, I finally manage to find the door handle. I enter what appears to be a large restroom, elaborately done up in dark gray chrome, fluorescent lights shining brightly. A small Filipino girl approaches me, her navy blue flannel suit very professional, sensible pumps encasing her feet.
“Hello, welcome,” she says, her hand reaching for my coat. “You may change in the room at the back if you’d like.”
I walk cautiously to the back and push open the door to a tiny changing room. Reaching into the bag I pull out a thin white teddy, hardly more than a scrap of fabric.
“What the hell?” I think to myself, holding it up. “There’s hardly any room for anything in this.”
I stand there puzzled, trying to figure out what in the world is happening.
“Madam,” the Filipino lady inquires from outside the room, “is everything alright? I believe your friend wanted you to wear the outfit this evening.”
