Nanny for the Neighbors

by Lily Gold

“I don’t fancy her,” I protest. “Say her name without blushing.” I open my mouth, then snap it shut again.

I can’t help the dumb grin that swipes over my face. Despite my bad mood, the adrenaline in the room is infectious. This is why I like stripping, more than ballet or hip-hop or all the other kinds of dance I used to do. Stripping doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s a laugh; campy and cheesy and just freaking fun.

Beth, the sweet, gentle woman my daughter is completely in love with. Beth, the pretty girl-next-door both of my roommates are crushing on. Beth, who hates my guts.

I slide a hand back under her dress, yanking it up around her hips, and press the Accept Call button. “Sebastian Bright,” I say politely.

Cyrus pulls me closer. “You asking me on a date, Bethie?” he purrs. “I sure am.” His nose nudges mine. “Why?” “Because you’ve had a hard night, and I fancy the pants off you.” I step back, clenching my thighs together under my dress. “Come on. Get your coat. Let’s hit the town.”

“Baby, you do realise that your bad days look like most peoples’ good days, right? You got this.”

“Not the taste,” I amend, sucking in as much of her tit as I can, then slowly letting it slide back between my lips until I’m latched onto the very tip of her nipple. “It’s the feel,” I mutter, rolling my tongue around the hardening bead. “Of tits. In my mouth. Nothing better.”

But that’s not the point of having boyfriends, is it? The people you love aren’t meant to heal your pain. No one can do that for you. But they can support you while you work through it.