189A/N: Thank you everyone for your overwhelming support and encouragement to continue this story. I have been a long time reader of FanFiction and have always wanted to write my own story. Thank you again, I hope you enjoy..
Umm, the smell of buttermilk biscuits in the morning, is there anything better.
"Sookie I hear you stirring, come on down and get some breakfast while it's still hot".
"Yes ma'am, I'll be down in minute", I yell to Gran.
I drag myself out of bed and make my way to the bathroom. My bladder has been screaming at me for a better part of an hour, but I was just too tired to move. I worked the late shift at Merlotte's last night, when I was supposed to leave at 4 pm, but Arlene called in again and I really do need the extra money. I washed my face and look at myself in the mirror, I have heavy bags under my eyes and dark circles, great just what I need for an interview. "Oh, yes please hire me, don't mind that I look like a tired old hag".
I make my way down stairs and Gran is sitting at the table, my plate is waiting for me filled to the brim with bacon, sausage, butter grits and good old fashion biscuits and gravy.
"Oh dear, what time did you make it in last night?"
I picked up my glass of fresh squeezed orange juice and took a sip, "A little after 3".
"The bar was a mess, Jane Bodehouse came in and had her regular liquid lunch and dinner, well it evidently didn't agree with her actual dinner because it resurfaced all over the counters and the floor and even on Andy, who was sitting next to her at the time. That was the only upside, because then is started a chain reaction, we had to bleach everything".
"Oh my, what time is your interview, today"?
"Well it's actually not until 3:30 so I thought I might lay out in the sun for a bit".
"That sounds like a good idea, but Sookie I hate to see you work yourself so hard".
"It's nothing Gran, hopefully if what Dawn says about this job is true, I can make a little extra so I don't have to cover so many shifts at Merlotte's".
"But isn't that just splitting hairs, won't you still be doing the same amount of work, or even more working two jobs".
"Well actually, Dawn kinda quit Merlottes, she says she makes way more at the other place and they offer benefits".
Gran looked at me for a few seconds, "are you thinking of quitting Merlotte's as well?"
I sighed, "I think it would be a nice change to work for a more high-end clientele, even as a waitress, I mean there is only so much my behind can take with all of the slaps and pinches, not to mention every time they touch me I can see and hear all of their nasty thoughts".
Gran gives me a look that's mixed with compassion and concern. The look morphs into supportive as she pats me on the hand.
"If you think this move is for the best, then I do as well".
"Gran I don't have the job yet, I haven't even went on the interview".
Gran pats my hand again this time a little harder, "oh nonsense, of course you'll get the job, now go ahead and finish eating, I want you to help me with the laundry before you go lay out in the sun".
I pull out the napkin that has the name of the restaurant that Dawn now works full time. I'm sure if I get the job she'll be shocked to see me here, since technically she actually never told me about the job. She was talking with Arlene and thinking about the big tips and benefits when she told Arlene that the tips were lousy and she only works there because it was something else to do. I got out of the car and smoothed down my skirt. I was so nervous standing in front of intimidating building, what was I thinking coming here. The building was grey brick with black specks, black floor to ceiling window panes with two large black marble pillars leading to two even larger red wooden doors with innate Nordic carvings. Each door had enormous door handles shaped like hammers.
"Ok Stackhouse, it's time to pull up your big girl panties" I mumble to myself as I walked up to the doors.
I pulled the heavy door and step inside, if I thought the outside was intimating. I was totally unprepared for what awaited me inside. The place is huge, a sea of black and red. To my left there is a velvet rope with a gold sign that reads "VIP". Just off to my right there's the hostess podium and waiting area. I step up to the balcony, next to the spiral staircase that leads to the lower level, where the space opens up to a spacious sitting area with high top tables and booths covered in red and black leather. The walkway is black marble that leads to a stage.
"This place must offer dinner and a show, how fancy", I think to myself. Now I'm more nervous than ever. There is no way that I can fit in, in a place like this. Residing myself to a small town living and a dead end job at a Po-dunk watering hole, I turned to leave before I made a complete fool of myself.
"You must be Ms. Stackhouse", I paused and turned slowly to see the owner of the sultry voice.
There before me stood a well-groomed man with a lavender dress shirt and gray slacks. His shoes looked like they cost more than my car. He had a slim to muscular build with rich chocolate skin, but what stood out the most was his flawless makeup. His eyelids were adorned with purple, blue and black eye shadow with silver sparkle liner and his mascara covered lashes looked like butterfly wings.
"That's it honey, take in all this beauty", he waved his perfectly manicured hands up and down his body.
"I'm sorry, yes I'm Sookie Stackhouse, I didn't mean to offend", I stammered.
"No offense taken sweetheart, if I didn't want to be noticed, I wouldn't look so fabulous". He said as he winked at me.
"I'm Lafayette Reynolds, hiring manager, welcome to Rhapsody".
I reached out to shake his hand, his mind was instantly open to me. "Ooh she looks sweets as apple pie, the regulars are going to eat her up, literally".
I didn't know that meant so I put on my crazy Sookie smile, and tried to relax.
"Well Ms. Stackhouse, I see by your application you have waitressing experience, that's good now give us a twirl". He lifted my hand and twirled me around.
"Ooh wee honey child, you gonna have em' eatin out of the palm of your hands, when you hit the stage".
"Excuse me, the stage"? I asked confused and quickly added.
"Oh I don't sing or anything like that, I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket" I said with a slight giggle.
He looked at me bemused and said "sweetheart the only singing that comes near that stage is from customers, and a sweet little thing like you will definitely have them singing your praises".
I was clearly not understanding where this conversation was going.
"Well I like to think that I'm a pretty good waitress, but no one has ever sang my praises".
He gave me a strange look and said. "Your application says that you have a background in dance".
I explained, "Yeah I went to Tulane on a dance scholarship, but what does that have to do with waitressing?"
With an incredulous expression, he asked. "Honey, do you know where you are"?
At my nonresponse he continued, "Rhapsody, is the premiere social club of Shreveport".
My eyes grew big as saucers, "social club…" I took a deep breathe, when the realization finally hit me, "You mean, a strip club"!