The 'tender gave her the go-get-'em nod. She smiled in return, then began to board the steps.
On the stage, she stayed in the darkness by the curtain, keeping her features hidden. She took a few deep breaths, readying herself. She was stretched, warmed, and ready to go.
Two back-handsprings brought her to the front of the stage, where her startled audience let out a couple whoops and laughs. She bowed. "Hey everyone," she began. "Are we enjoying ourselves tonight?" The crowd nodded a bit. Rolling her eyes in mock frustration, she planted her fists on her hips. "Come on, guys, these are some damn good drinks, let's hear it!" Roars of approval. She smiled. "Now, since I'm feeling selfless," she said to approving chuckles, "I think I'll ask one of you what you would like." Hands immediately went up, accompanied by shouts of "Pick me!" and "Over here!" She scanned the room and found her table.
Twirling over to the other side of the stage, she shouted over to the new girl and Kale. Or whatever the hell his name was. "You two lonely looking darlings, how about you?" The regulars groaned, but they were good humoured. "What kind of dance are you up for? Not a specific dance, of course; what kind of mood are you in?"
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We can blow on our thumbs and posture,
but the lonely is such delicate things;
a wind from a wasp could blow them
into the sea, with stones on their feet,
lost to the light and the loving we need