Sofia led me through the smoky haze deeper into the club until we reached a private corner where a woman sat behind a small desk.
Gabby was impossible to miss. She was heavyset, with fake breasts that strained against a bright red, skimpy shirt dress. Dark blue-tinted hair framed her face, which was marked by countless tattoos peeking out from under her dress and climbing up her neck. Her features were harsh and worn—not exactly appealing, but it was clear she'd spent a fortune on surgeries, some going far beyond what was necessary.
My heart hammered in my chest as Sofia greeted her warmly, the manager's sharp eyes quickly landing on me.
"So, this is the new girl?" Gabby said with a wide, almost predatory smile.
Sofia nodded. "Marin. She's fresh, but she's eager to learn."
Gabby turned her gaze to me, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Have you worked in a bar before, sweetheart?"
I shook my head, voice barely above a whisper. "No... I haven't."
Gabby shrugged, waving a hand like it didn't matter. "Doesn't matter. We can teach you. Just make sure you're ready to start by seven tonight."
She slid a folded outfit across the desk—a revealing bunny costume, complete with fishnet stockings and sky-high heels.
My stomach twisted. "This is... what I'll be wearing?"
Gabby smirked. "Welcome to The Serpent's Kiss. It's not for the faint-hearted."
Sofia gave me a reassuring look. "You'll be fine, Marin. I'll be there with you."
We stepped out of the club, the heavy door closing behind us with a final-sounding thud. The street air felt lighter, but my chest still felt tight. I clutched the outfit bag in my hand, staring down at it like it might bite.
Sofia glanced at me and sighed. "I know it's a lot, Marin. But trust me, this job isn't as bad as it looks."
I kept walking in silence, the tap of my shoes echoing softly on the pavement.
She continued, her tone softer now. "The pay is really good. And the tips? Even better. These guys don't blink at dropping a hundred euro on a glass of whiskey if you smile the right way."
"But the outfit..." I said quietly, still looking down.
"You don't have to dance. You're not selling yourself. You're just serving drinks," she reassured me. "You hold a tray, take orders, deliver them, and that's it. You're not alone either—I'll be on the floor too."
I looked over at her, my heart still uneasy. "I just thought my first job would be... something different."
Sofia gave me a small smile. "I did too. But let's be real—we're not educated, Marin. No degrees, no fancy skills. We start where we can. This isn't forever... just a stepping stone."
I nodded slowly, her words settling into me. Maybe it wasn't the dream, but it was the beginning.
---
As we walked, I stayed quiet, letting Sofia's words echo in my mind. *This isn't forever... just a stepping stone.*
She was right. I hadn't left the chapel to end up scared of short skirts and loud music. I came to the city with a purpose—*to find work, save money, and one day return to school.* Get a real degree. Build a life I could be proud of.
*This is just the beginning,* I told myself. *I'll be fine. I have to be.*
Sofia nudged my shoulder gently. "Come on, let's grab something to eat before we head back."
We stopped at a tiny roadside restaurant—a cramped little space with mismatched tables and the warm smell of grilled meat and spices in the air.
It wasn't much, but after the tension of the morning, it felt like comfort. We sat side by side, eating quickly and in silence, the occasional honk of passing cars filling the space between us.
I caught Sofia glancing at me now and then, like she was checking to see if I was still holding it together. I was. Barely—but I was.
---