Behind the Velvet Curtain

"OK girls, take your forms and select the club you wish to go to work for. Once you make your decision you'll report to the chosen club tomorrow at noon. Choose wisely girls." the short man who ran the audition called to us. One by one each girls name was called again and forms were passed. It was always heartbreaking to see the girls reactions to not getting a request form. There was always those few girls who weren't wanted by any club, but the taunting of the others was harsher than that reality.
"Destiny! 2 requests." "Tuesday! 1 request." "Adore! 6 requests." "Vixen! 0 requests."
The relieved sighs out weighed that one strangled sob. We had all seen most all of Adore's performance and it wasn't any surprise that she had the most requests. Her voice was strong, and her moves were precise. It was all to easy to see how every girl backstage wished they were that girl. To have her talent.
"Daton's requested me!" she loudly celebrated. There were a few jealous groans and obvious scoffs. We all knew Daton's was the best club to get into. They were known for having the best girls this side of the country. They hadn't requested a new performer in three seasons. It was hard to get any club to like you, but to have the best want you? It was nearly impossible.
"Jinx! 7 requests." With that all eyes turned from Adore, and to me as I accepted my forms. No attention was payed to the last girl as she collected her only form.
I sighed as I scanned over the forms. One form stood out more than the others.
Daton's..
I had been requested by the best, to perform for the best, work with the best, and be paid the best. My career had finally taken that turn for the best. I silently celebrated as I answered the girls questions.
"Who?" "Where are you deciding on?" "Did Daton's want you?"
"Almost all, maybe just a low key club, no." Yeah I lied. But there was no way I wanted to be hated by Adore so quickly.
"Sorry, I figured Daton's would have filled a form for you. But good luck next time." She said, though I wasn't fully sure if she was being honest or sarcastic.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning I slid into a pair of dark jeans and a tight corset top. It felt great to look so confident and actually feel that way. By the time I slid my heels on it was almost 11:30. 'Damn I'm gonna be late.' 45 minutes later I was walking into the club, instantly seeing Adore sat with the three men I sat with at the end of my song.
"Ahh I told you she'd come." the dark eyed lad spoke up standing to meet me.
"I'm glad you could join us." the other brown eyed lad smiled.
"Sorry I'm late."
"Don't let it happen again." the final boy harshly spoke, not even taking the time to look at me.
Sitting down, I listened to all the guidelines and timings. It seemed to take forever as curly read from the paper in front of him. There seemed to be more and more people filing in behind us, though everyone of them stole 'Adore's attention everytime they walked in. It was easy to spot the annoyance curly had for her as his grip on the paper tightened even more. I watched as his face started to turn a deep shade of red. He passed us our contracts, watching as the red ink stained them. Collecting them before storming off behind a large oak door.
"Did you sign yours with your stage name?" 'Adore' whispered to me.
"Of course."
"Ok girls, let me and Liam show you around." the first lad smiled.
"So when will our first performances be?" she asked.
"'Adore' yours will be tonight, 'Jinx', you'll work the bar and tables till Harry decides when he'll put you up there." Liam answered. 'Great, bar time not stage time.' I thought bitterly.
"Behind that door is the meeting room. Your to never enter unless invited," the first said pointing to the door 'curly' had gone through earlier.
"The bar is on that wall. You'll enjoy it 'Jinx'." Liam pointed across the room as we walked down the short staircase to the main floor.
"There's your stage girls. Eleanor runs every show, so you'll want to listen close to her tonight."
"Zayn! Come join us!" the curly lad called to the first.
"Ignore Harry, he's just a jerk. He won't mess with you unless needed." Liam smiled to me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That night I walked back into the club loving the uniforms I had chosen. I smoothed out the flowered corset as I placed myself by the end of the bar.
"Jinx, right?" a blonde girl called to me as she wiped down the bar.
"Yeah,"
"So what's your real name?" a midle aged woman asked pulling stools down one by one.
"Lily."
"I'm Perrie, Zayns girlfriend." the blonde winked to me as she made her way closer.
"Marie, I'm the lead bar manager. If you have a question just ask."
"Have you ever ran the bar before?" Perrie asked.
"Yeah, I worked as a bartender before I started working the stage." I chuckled fixing the leather skirt.
"Marie will you unlock the front doors while I speak to the girls?" Harry asked walking over to us. Soon he was standing in front of me, leaning on the bar and examining my uniform. My fingers nervously tugging down the leather skirt. "Looks good on you," he mumbled.
"What do you need Harry?" Perrie asked seeming uninterested.
"So who are you?" he asked me.
"Jinx Monsoon." I answered quietly.
"No, your real name."
"Why would she tell you that?" Perrie spoke up.
"Because I want to know whos working for me." he answered still looking at me.
"What's 'Adore's real name?" Perrie said.
"Jasmine Summers." I said without thinking.
"I was asking him,"
"I know..."
"So who are you?" Harry asked again.
"Here, people are filing in. So get ready girls." Marie stepped in handing Harry his key back.
"Fine, I'll see you girls later." Harry sighed heading toward the backstage area.
"Your the first perfomer thats gotten Harry's attention." Perrie giggled placing newly filled glasses on the serving tray infront of me.
"Is that a good thing?" I smiled lifting the tray onto my shoulder.
"I'm not sure yet." she chuckled sending me off to deliver to booth six.
Slipping the five dollor tip into my corset I made my way back over toward the bar. Stopping when someone grabbed my wrist, turning to face green eyes.
"What can I do for you boys?" I aksed smirking as their gazed trailed down my uniform.
"Why do they call you 'Jinx'?" the blonde and Harry asked at the same time.
"Jinx! Now you owe me a drink," I smirked, allowing a hint of seduction to seep into my tone.
"What can I buy ya then?" the blonde asked leaning closer, I noticed the glare Harry shot him, though he didn't.
"Too bad I can't drink on the job."
"Then let me take you out after."
"Ma-"
"No." Harry firmly cut my answer off. Rolling my eyes I took their order before making my way back to the bar. I felt a presence come beside me as I relayed the order to Marie.
"What do you want Harry?"
"Your name, numb-"
"Lilly! Get these beers backstage to Louis and Eleanor!" Perrie called to me.
"So it's Lilly?"
"I have work to do," I smirked making my way toward the backstage area.
"Let me join you."

Notes