[1] What's Better Than Shoes?

I almost trip on a rock on my way to my other work of the day.

"Screw this," I mumble to myself.

Grabbing the shabby pair of heels that managed to survive being on my feet for more than two years, I continued trekking my way towards the huge glossy building that had the striking pink neon lights on top. I look at the taffy-colored heels on my hands, "You have done well my babies, you may now rest."

Bryan, one of the bouncers saw me. Lowering his black shades, he looks at both of my hands. There was confusion in his eyes but ever the gentleman he did not comment.

"Hey Violet, need some help?"

"Please."

Without wasting any moment, he grabbed the assortment of paper bags that I managed to hold using just one hand. He also grabbed the taffy-colored heels on my other hand. Bryan was the only man that I liked at work. He was the epitome of how men should be.

Quiet, helpful, and did not ask any unnecessary questions.

He was twenty years older than me, had some graying hairs, but with how he carried himself and with his huge biceps, he looked like he was just in his thirties. Plus, he had the most amazing stubble that I couldn't help but swoon.

If it weren't for the huge glinting golden ring on his fourth finger, I would probably jump him.

Keira greets me by the door, startling me. There was a huge smile on her face.

That wasn't what startled me, though.

No, it was the fact that her usually slicked ponytail had been cut. Her jet-black hair was styled in a side-swept pixie cut. She was of Asian heritage, and her black hair was always something that I was jealous of. It always seemed like it was soft to the touch.

"Babe," I chuckle, my hand automatically cupping both of her cheeks. I turn her head from side to side. "Should I ask why the sudden haircut?"

She bit the inside of her cheek, as if in thought.

"The salon near my house had a promo."

"Let me guess, you just couldn't resist?"

"Well..." She drawled. "The promo said that if I have my haircut, the next one would be free."

"Looks spiffing, babe. It suits you."

She grins back at me. Letting her go, I turn back towards Bryan. Just in time to see him walk towards the back door with my stuff. He would probably place them in my locker, ever the sweetheart.

Damn his wife for being earlier than me in tying him down!

"Babe?" Keira now asks. "Should I ask why you're barefoot?"

This time, I frowned. "I almost tripped on my way here."

"Bummer, was it the taffy-colored ones?"

"Yeah," I wipe an imaginary tear from my eye. "I'm going to miss them. It seems like they might need to retire."

Keira pouts as well. It didn't last. Immediately, she snapped her fingers and grabbed me by the arm.

"I have something that would immediately lift your spirits!"

"Better than shoes?"

"Absolutely!"

"What's better than shoes?"

Without missing a beat, Keira glances back towards me, rubbing her thumb over the tip of her index and middle finger, "Money."

Immediately, the taffy-colored heels had long been forgotten.

The entrance of Ardere Gentleman's Club had always been my favorite place. There was a rectangular air-conditioning, I don't know what it's called, that was placed just on top of the doorway. It blows cool air over your whole body before you even enter.

Keira pulls me towards one of the velvet curtains. She slides it to the side and pushes me inside. Stumbling a bit, I playfully glare towards her. She blows me a kiss. Then, she pulls me towards my vanity mirror. We each had our own, but mine was the best. It was placed near the exit and I loved nothing more than going home early.

Plus, it had my stage name Mattel written in hot pink right in the center top for all to see.

She pushes me down on my seat and swivels the chair so I was facing the mirror.

"It was supposed to be a surprise but there's a bachelor's party tonight."

A smile breaks out on my face almost immediately and I clap from excitement. Then my eyes fall on the calendar sticker that was messily plastered on the bottom left corner of my mirror.

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to rain check on that, babe. I have school tomorrow."

"Come on, I'm sure Professor Asshat wouldn't miss you that much."

"Professor Aschwa would miss me. I have to present the progress of my appellate brief."

The issue that I would be reviewing would be about how a small court allowed a surgeon, who has no specialized training or certification whatsoever, as an expert witness in a medical malpractice case. It was easy, and I was lucky that was the case that was given to me.

"Blah blah, something to do with briefs, I'm more of a silk boxers type of woman," Kiera started digging through the basket that was next to my vanity mirror. After a few seconds, she places a platinum blonde straightened wig on my table, a pink sparkly crop top, and a pink sparkly pleated mini skirt. "It won't take long, I swear it. Big Mama said that the group would be filthy stinkin' rich!"

Hmm, well if it was Big Mama who said it...Wait, no!

I need that degree. And to ace that degree I need sleep.

"Babe, I really can't."

I start stripping my clothes and dressing myself up with the clothes that Keira placed on my table. It was the typical schoolgirl look. Except it had my signature style. My stage name was Mattel, after my favored doll. I leaned towards the mirror and started reapplying my makeup as well.

I grab the fuchsia Mary jane platforms that were placed under my vanity table. With my other hand, I open my cabinet to grab a fresh pair of white knee-high socks.

I was just about to strap my heels on when Keira stopped my hand, her face was scrunched. She looked like she was constipated, and I just knew what that meant. It meant she was thinking. And that's not something she usually did.

"Are you sure nothing I say will change your mind?"

"Nothing, babe. I need to present my brief tomorrow."

"Even..." Keira suddenly let go of me and fumbled with her skirt.

Digging through her pockets, she takes out her phone, and scrolls through it. I was just about to open my mouth and say no, when she lifted her forefinger, silencing me.

"Even this?"