Chapter 61

• Elsa
• I cross the hall and find a place where the rumbling music is the loudest. People are dancing, drinking, and fucking in the private alcoves. I pay them no mind. I need to switch off. I nod at the bartender, and before I can count to three there is a glass of rosé champagne in front of me. I need another drink, so I down it and grab another glass, which magically appears on the counter. That’s how I spend another hour or maybe more. As soon as I decide it is enough and I am suitably drunk, I head back to those junkies in the alcove, surprised to see that the gentlemen are not alone anymore. There are women all around them, purring and brushing against their legs, arms, and crotches like horny cats. They are all beautiful and all hookers. Marcello is sitting in the middle, but alone. Is that a coincidence or something he has planned? I don’t care. I am happy with what I see because otherwise, I might have reacted violently. And I wouldn’t even hold that against myself. Before I can continue this train of thought, my eyes focus on the dancing pole. It is free.
• When we were in high school, Rita and I started secretly taking pole dancing lessons. At first, I thought it was all about sexy squirming, but my instructor quickly taught me better. Pole dancing is the perfect way to keep your body in shape. It is a bit like gymnastics, only on a pole. So, without thinking, I go to the table, aim my eyes at Marcello, and slowly take off the cross hanging from my back. I kiss it and place it gently on the table in front of Marcello. The music blasting from the speakers feels like an invitation. I know I can't do everything I have in mind. My dress is too short and there are all those guests around. One thing I know is that the moment I touch that pole, Marcello will blow a gasket anyway. When I grab the metal pillar and turn in a fluid pirouette, trying to gauge his reaction, he keeps still. All the men suddenly lose interest in the women around them and instead look at me. I got you now! I think, and start the show. A few seconds later I already know that the few years I haven't practiced have done nothing to blunt my talent. I remember all the motions and could do it without breaking a sweat. Dancing comes naturally to me; I have danced since I can remember. Whether it is pole dancing, ballroom dancing, or Latino, it always soothes me.