Author's warning: If you don't want anything to cheapen the magic of the Olympics, do not read this story.
*
I'm writing this through Kev for several reasons: first, I'm a chicken. He says I'm not, that I'm strong for dealing with my demons, but I have no interest in taking this public.
Secondly, I fear I'd never tell the story well enough, and he's given me the encouragement and word choice to make sure this becomes available, to give something back, I guess.
For a long time, I've fantasized to stories online; it's safe and easy, and they make me feel so sexy and so...
bothered
. Being in top physical shape tends to build a very active drive, and not just for the gold, you know? But before a week ago, I'd never imagined—never in a million years—that I'd be the subject of a steamy story. I want to be known for my consistently good lap times, for my long career,
not
for my...well, you'll see. And of course, it sets a very bad example, which is also why I almost chickened out.
But as Kev says, some things just need to be told. Well, here goes...
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Most girls probably think this of themselves, but I really
am
a good dancer. Of course, I'm toned and quick, but I'm also adaptive—I build in whatever is happening around me in a split-second, turning it to my advantage. I hope it looks sexy, because that's how it makes me feel.
I am no stranger to getting touched in clubs, to showing off my body by allowing the not-so-innocent contact. Okay, honestly, I encourage it, but the fun of the moment, the art, demands it. So when we first arrived in China to train and found out about an underground dancing club, well, of course we had to check it out.
Chaperones are a joke, by the way. While they're tasked with keeping our focus on our medal goals (our training and drive does a fine job of that, thank you very much), it's a simple matter to get around them—young people need to blow off steam sometimes. As do our guardians. As do the publicly prudish Chinese, apparently.
Anyway, it also probably helps that we're not in one of the "spotlight" teams; my best friend worked out the details for us to enjoy an unescorted night out. We needed to be so careful, but the thrill was magnetic. There's safety in numbers, unless you don't want to get caught, so we decided it would just be us two, even if I know others would want to go. Just not worth the risk.
I won't detail our sneakiness, but we found a reliable driver who took us to the outskirts of Beijing. It's such an amazing city! I mean, the games in Athens were cool, but this... So huge and so packed, yet the people are constantly on their most courteous behavior and so willing to be helpful. If the government wasn't so scary, I'd bet this place would be one of the hotspots, right up there with New York.
Our driver knew where we were going, and in halting English, told us yet again to be careful and call him whenever we needed him. It probably took us forty-five minutes to drive there, but I honestly don't know if the club was far away or a block away from our rooms—all I know is I was already in the mood for some magic. Bring it on!
My bud kept pointing things out and laughing about the fun we were going to have and asking if I was ready—she was nervous, which made me more nervous, but I didn't dwell on it. When our driver announced the place as he parked, I squeezed my friend's hand before opening my door.
"I will be close," he assured us before we could even ask, and as my friend handed him a bill, she also gave him a peck on the cheek—what a charmer! Had I thought about it, I'd have done so too to keep our link with our room.
The place had to be hidden, of course, and the doorman was as plain as the outside of the small building. I did grin as we went through a second set of doors that would mute the noises from the street—it was a slick setup, and as the second guy opened the door for us, the low throb slammed into focus, and my inner beast was already moving me. It wasn't huge, nor was it packed, but it was early for those of us who had to sneak around, more things we had in common with these enthusiasts.
In fact, the strolling lights revealed—beyond the rounded faces and slender eyes—the same set of lithe, suave bodies that moved and grooved. There was probably the exact same mix of posers and music lovers that I'm used to. On so many levels, the place reminded me of home. It gave me a funny feeling of solidarity, you know? We are, after all, the same, under all the fake rules—at least, us young and wild people are! And I'll say it while I can:
fuck
those who aren't.
My bud yelled in my ear, asking if I wanted a drink before starting. She should know better! I pulled her with me to the floor and dove right in. At first, my friend and I danced with each other, laughing and reveling in our momentary freedom. But I never dance with only one person, even if she is my best friend, so I began to incorporate the people around me. Some were okay dancers, some were pretty bad, but we were all having fun. With the way we were attracting admirers, I knew we'd not have to buy a drink all night—good thing, because I brought no money.
I can dance for hours without noticing it, but my high-strung body began to demand water, and I tagged my friend and motioned to the bar. She nodded and we began to weave and shake our way through the now-thick crowd. Several guys followed us, of course, and one placed a hand on each of our arms before motioning to the bar. We could probably get everything we wanted like this, hehe.
I indicated a small glass and motioned like I was drinking a shot, and he nodded, leaning across the bar to order for us.
"Hope you know what you're doing," my friend yelled to me and I gave her a confident grin.
"If not, you do," I replied, making us both laugh. Being no stranger to clubs, I watched the bartender pouring the shots with the typical flourishes—it was too easy to get a spiked drink if you didn't pay attention. Our suitor tossed a couple Chinese paper bills to the barkeep, who gave a small bow. After we picked a glass, we touched them together and I made sure to include our current sugar-daddy.
The harsh liquid made us shiver and yelp, much to the guys' amusement, and I hooted. When he motioned to the bar, clearly asking us if we wanted another, I shook my head, saying "not yet," though I doubt he could understand me. When I acting like I was drinking a larger glass, he frowned and asked a question in Chinese.