Prologue
She sat cross-legged on the floor, sketching. "I've finally decided on my tattoo!"
Her fiancΓ© glanced down, sceptical. "What is it?"
"Two butterflies around a flower! It symbolizes you and I -- how we've grown together and what we can create," she said, eyes shining.
He chuckled softly. "I still think tattoos are a bad idea, but if it makes you happy, go for it."
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With his girlfriend soon to be moving in, Eric was in the middle of rearranging his apartment when his phone buzzed. He paused, wiping sweat from his brow, and glanced at the screen. It was his-work buddy Jonathan.
Eric was always grateful for Jonathan's friendship; it felt as if he had been welcomed into Jonathan's entire circle, including friends, family, and even neighbors. He appreciated being part of the group, especially since he had previously found himself completely absorbed by his job and lacking any real social life.
At 28, Eric was a fast-rising broker at a mid-sized firm. He was a bit short at 5' 7", but his friendly, easy-going nature complemented a serious work ethic, making him well-liked in every setting.
"Hey, Jonathan, what's up?" Eric asked, wiping his hands on his jeans.
"Hey, Eric! Quick question for you," Jonathan replied. "Kathy's organising Victoria's bachelorette party and asked me if I could help her find a male stripper. I vaguely remember you mentioning that you knew a guy who did that?"
"A stripper?" He never expected that Kathy - Jonathan's sister - and her friends would be interested in that type of activity. Kathy was a curvy brunette with a warm smile and a naughty sparkle in her eyes. And Victoria, a playful dirty blonde with light brown eyes, had an athletic build and an adventurous spirit. They were both 26 and had been close friends since childhood, turning heads wherever they were. Victoria's upcoming wedding was a big event for the tight-knit group of friends.
Eric felt suddenly flustered. He did know such a man. "Yeah, I might just know someone," Eric replied, thinking quickly and keeping his tone light. "Just don't mention to anyone that I put you on to him. That's the last thing I want my girlfriend to know about."
"Got it! Send me his contact when you can."
"I'll give him a call and let him know to expect you or Kathy to arrange the details." Eric said, trying to sound nonchalant.
After hanging up, he spent a few minutes pacing the apartment, wondering if to get involved. He thought Kathy and Victoria might be in over their heads. But eventually he made his decision. He dialled Raul's number. When he picked up, his firm, easy-going voice came through the line. "Hey, man! Long time. What's up?"
"Hey, Raul! Long time indeed. Do you still expose yourself to geriatric old ladies for money?"
Raul laughed his deep, reverberating laugh. "Yes, Eric, I still do my private shows when I can. But sorry, you can't afford me. I charge more for male clients!" They both laughed.
It was obvious why Raul was well-received as a stripper. His athletic 6-foot frame and noticeable physique, along with his olive skin made him hard to miss. And he loved to boast about his large penis, so that was another of his assets, if not the main one. Raul wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed but he embodied big-dick energy.
"Okay, great. I have a favour to ask. An acquaintance of mine is handling a bachelorette party and is looking for a stripper. If you're up to it, I'll pass on your number."
"Sure thing, Eric, I've done a few in the past. It'll be me and my DJ coming, is that cool?"
"Listen, Raul, either Jonathon or Kathy will call you to make arrangements. I have no part in this. In fact, whatever you do, don't let anyone know that I was the one who hooked you up for the gig. The last thing I need right now is my girlfriend asking questions I can't answer."
"Don't worry, Eric. In this line of work, with everything that happens at bachelorette parties, it's best for my own safety to keep things discreet," Raul replied with a chuckle.
"Great, as you're on the line, how about we meet up sometime for drinks after the gig?" Eric asked. "My treat."
"Cool! I'm down," Raul replied, "I like the 'your treat' part." He laughed. "But, can I bring my roommate Bob? He doesn't get out much except to DJ my shows."
"Sure thing," Eric replied. "But remember to keep it under wraps that I'm the one who connected you for the gig."
"Of course!" Raul assured him.
As Eric hung up, he felt a mix of relief and apprehension as he wondered how the party would play out.
A week later, Eric sat at a sports bar waiting for Raul. He sipped on a straight whisky to calm his nerves, not knowing what to expect. Eventually he saw Raul approaching, looking even more chiselled and imposing than he remembered. Alongside him was a short, overweight balding man wearing dishevelled clothes and walking with a slight limp. As he got closer, Eric became aware that the man was emitting a bit of an unpleasant odour.