Chapter 1
Sadie
I stand in my kitchen at 7am staring at the screen on my phone. My thumb hovers over the ‘process payment’ button. “Come on Sadie, don’t be such a wuss! You’re a grown ass 50 yr old. For god’s sake!” I scold myself. I squeeze my eyes shut and hit the button. My phone chimes showing the payment was processed. I set my phone down and head to bed.
I work the front desk on the overnight shift at a local hotel. I’m recently divorced after 24 years of marriage. I have four kids, 1 daughter Belle 23, and 3 sons, Zeke 22, Gabe 17 and Xavier 13. Belle and Zeke live on their own but Gabe and Xavier live with me.
I usually sleep while my boys are at school. That’s my life… work and my kids, but tonight…tonight I’m stepping out of my comfort zone. I’m doing something for me. Something I’ve never done before. A local catering company which funnily enough is their name ‘The Catering Company’ is hosting a Girls Night Out show. That’s right male strippers! I’m going alone, raising 4 kids left me with zero social life. I sadly have no single friends except for my friend and coworker Jill. She’s working tonight. I couldn’t even ask my daughter because she has a boyfriend and he definitely wouldn’t approve.
I wake up around 4 pm. I’ve been so anxious that it took me an hour to fall asleep. I make dinner for me and the boys. We sit down to eat. I love this time with them. We tell each other about our days and what not.
“So got any big plans for tonight, Mom?” Gabe asks as he shovels food into his mouth. My fork stops halfway to my mouth; I clear my throat. “Not really, I might go see a movie.” I say. Xavier scoffs, “Mom, that’s boring! Go do something fun. You have the weekend to yourself. Gabe’s got work and I’ll be at dad’s…live a little.” He smiles with his cheeks full of food. Gabe nods in agreement, “Yeah, go dancing or something.” I shrug my shoulders and mutter, “Maybe, we’ll see.” If only they knew the ‘or something’ I had planned. I would never tell them though, I don’t know how they would feel about that.
After dinner Gabe gets ready for work and Xavier packs for his dad’s. The show starts at 8pm and the doors open at 7pm. I shower and get ready. I decide to wear dark blue jeans, a lacey floral top and black flats. I towel dry my hair and brush it out. I’ve always had a wash and go hairstyle. No make-up, it’s been years since I’ve worn any. I do spritz on a little perfume. I walk out of my room just as the boys are about to leave. I give them both a hug and kiss goodbye before they go. It’s 7:30 pm it should only take 15 minutes to get there. I stop by the ATM and get $80 from my account. I’ll stop somewhere and get some singles.
