2019-07-27 - Platinum Cabaret Grand Opening

If the hot neon pink sign in the parking lot advertising the GRAND OPENING of this strip club is any indication, tonight should be fun. A burly-looking bouncer in a leather jacket collects cover fees and checks IDs at the door, and he is gainfully employed even at this early hour -- customers have started to arrive, beginning to line the rail seats, tables, and bar. The steady beat of a booty hip-hop song reverberates from the club's sound system, while the laser lights above the stage display an ever-shifting pattern to the rhythm of the music.

At the bar, Antonio has stolen the DJ's microphone, which he carries in his left hand while also nursing a dirty vodka martini. "Alright, alright. Come on in, come on in. Get ready to -treat yoself- at the best gentlemen's club around. Remember to tip your bartenders working hard for you, and the finest entertainers shaking their ass for you." The club proprietor's words are broadcasted over the music as he stands near the bar with a triumphant smirk plastered across his lips.

It's a strip joint, so it should be no surprise that Zoiya is barely clad, especially since she works here. She is in quiet discussion with a man at a corner table, maybe he's trying to buy a dance, maybe he's trying to get a date. Whatever he says earns him a laugh and she reaches out to pinch his cheek. The fully bearded biker blushes at her attention and slips a bill into her waistband, so she winks and shakes her ass in his direction. She steps up on his table, following the beat of the music, slowly pulling her shirt up to give him a peek.

When his drink is delivered by a scantily clad woman, she squats to picks up the short glass of amber liquid and drinks it down, which thankfully makes the man laugh, he just orders another. The song comes to an end so she steps down off of his table and gives him a smacking kiss on the cheek before she bounces off toward the bar.

Sometimes when you're new in town, the best thing to do is just...put yourself out there, you know? Dante spent the earlier part of the evening wherever in this town does a passing cocktail. It was by chance that he found himself at this particular...den of vice and sin. He's dressed pretty nice for a strip club - neatly tailored pants, a tailored suit jacket, a deep red shirt with a bit of a satin sheen and a pocket square in a more vibrant red colour. He looks decidedly more big city than small Pacific Northwest town. The ID he presents at the door is a UK one, which hopefully shouldn't be a problem since he doesn't look even close to underage. He stops just inside the door and looks around, taking in the new establishment. A little smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.

"We got the best stage show in town -- the only stage show in town! If you're gonna get your look on, make sure you get your tip on. And don't forget about the best mixed drinks in town, all half price." Antonio's voice floats over the music on the club's sound system, and he takes a sip of his martini from his vantage point near the bar. "Treat yoself." Apparently the phrase of the night.

Jonathan might have been to places like this somewhere else as well. And there might have been some guy from Sweden or Slovakia or something leading the way there. Or a Canadian, the details are not important. But for now, he's here, stepping in through the door and looking around. He pauses as he hears the words on the sound system, and starts drifting over towards the bar first.

Itzhak rolls in on a saunter, all tough guy and tattoos. He winces a little when the environment of the strip club hits him, hand half-rising as if to block out the light. Then he grits his teeth and ventures inside. He makes right for the bar.

((Music! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ6fhg3hbhY ))

The music starts to fade in and Dahlia walks out on to the main stage confidently. Leather and lace seems to be the theme for this song at least. A short leather skirt with a silver zipper that seems to be the only thing holding it together. A lacey, sleeveless shirt, with a plunging neckline and buttons the rest of the way with a matching bra peeking out underneath. Those long raven locks are down tonight, brushing against her shoulders.

Just let your body go. We'll take it nice and slow

Dahlia grips the pole, dropping low and rolling her body against it as she comes back up. Then the pole is released and her hips are swaying to the beat as her hands run down from her neck to her chest, further - buttons coming undone with ease as she does so. That lacey top slides off her shoulders and she drops down on her hands and knees. A cheshire-like grin as she crawls towards a couple of the patrons up near the stage. Dipping low so they get a nice view of her cleavage and can stuff a few bills in there too. And then she's back on her feet, continuing to move with the song. Losing clothing as she does.

The good girls, they go to heaven. But the bad girls, they get back stage.

Behind the bar, a rough-looking man with full sleeve tattoos and a substantial goatee slings drinks without a word, other than to acknowledge or clarify a customer's order.

Antonio watches Dahlia from the bar with a satisfied smile dancing across his lips. "Tip those dancers. Opening night, y'all." His voice echoes with the music on the sound system.

Sometimes after a particularly difficult day on the rig, girls just need to blow off steam. It doesn't help that it was the victim of yet another murder that Bennie and Sutton were responsible for transporting, DOA so they couldn't even render aid. Now, the blonde of the pair links her arm in the brunette's as they step into the club properly, the pair pausing just inside as Bennie gets a look around. "I'm telling you, titties and tequila will make us forget aaaaaall about it. At least for a little while."

Not to be confused for a turntablist, Lyric is DJ for the Platinum Cabaret. There is still a mandatory uniform according to Antonio and that is a club shirt, which is black with silver writing, and matching booty shorts. So that's how Lyric is dressed. The songs are ready for the dancers in the order that the dancers will come on to the stage to do their sets. Loving the music, she dances around a little back in her little corner, grinning to herself. Yeah, perfect job for a music lover.

And being Lyric, she totally looks her usual approachable self.

Zoiya leans against the bar, pointing to a bottle of whiskey as she orders a drink from the barkeeper. She turns to catch Dahlia's performance, and when her drink bumps against her elbow she picks it up and sips from it. The bass is loud and just the right side of obnoxious, but after a few hours it's gonna turn into a headache. She aims a flirtatious smile at anyone approaching the bar, raising her glass in a toast before she drinks it down.

"Like us on Friendzome and get free admission during the week. Fluff that ass." The proprietor speaks over the microphone as the music blares, then trades it for an e-cigarette. Antonio alternates between his martini and a rose-scented vape, shooting a wink over toward Lyric. "Good beats, right?"

"I'll buy you a lap dance if this doesn't end up on Instagram," Sutton asides to Bennie, loudly to be heard over the thump of the music. She hands over cover, flashes her ID, and wanders on in arm in arm with the blonde. It's been a rough couple of shifts, but today the ladies of Medic 24 are cleaned up a bit and out on the town. Not a lot of town, so that means tequila shots, body glitter transfer, and a quick buy of all the small bills they could find in the Firehouse, which led to some side-eye earlier.

Itzhak orders a drink and assumes a bar-propping-up position, hipshot with one elbow on the edge. He gets a smile from Zoiya, and takes it cool, quirking one eyebrow at her and just the corner of his mouth. Antonio, he looks at, squinting a little as if Antonio is a thousand-watt light bulb. Lyric is here, Dahlia is gyrating on stage, there's a lot going on. Itzhak just hangs on the bar like it's a floatation device.

Looking around as he gets to the bar, Jonathan first looks to Dahlia's performance, keeping his attention on her for a few moments. Then his gaze goes to... Wait, is that Lyric? He offers a grin and a wave in her direction, before he turns to the bar to order himself a drink. There's nods and smiles to Zoiya and anyone else nearny before he places his order.

Next comes a tease of that zipper on her skirt, dropping low near another patron and encouraging him to slide that zipper down the rest of the way. "Thank you baby." A wink given to him as she rises again and the skirt falls away on to the stage. A few more bills are collects and a couple up close and personal teases. She stays in her lacey, cream colored undergarments and those black stilettos. Apparently not giving it all up for this first dance. The skirt and shirt are easily collected as the song winds down as she disappears back stage. Another song cueing up for the next dancer.

Dahlia stops by Lyrics booth first, handing her off a few bills and exchanging a couple words before finding her way out on to the main floor not too long after. A little grin here, some small talk there. She's back in the same skirt- but she's traded out her top for something silver and sparkly. Hair pulled up in that neat ponytail.

"Alright, lovers. Listen up! One of you is gettin' tied to the stripper pole for free. Don't worry, you get to sit in a chair at least. But you gotta come up here and get a raffle ticket. Talk to the dude in the suit -- that's me." Antonio's voice booms over the sound system as he takes the microphone back up again, drinking from his martini glass after he's finished. "And always remember to treat yoself."

Bennie doesn't have a lot of club wear, so she's just recycling the same little black dress she wore to 'girl's night out' but she paired it with different accessories and her hair is down in loose beach waves. She's towing Sutton towards a table near the stage with an excited little foot shuffle. "Deal. No photographic evidence, but I want a concussion from the biggest fakest boobies we can find." She digs into her purse for the stack of singles she assembled, and plops them down on the table. She's going to regret the expenditure later, but for now? Let's make it rain.

Dante is not too far from Itzhak at the bar. He's more propping the bar up than clinging to it, "Whiskey and soda," is his drink order. Then he glances back towards the stage, smiling wryly, then saying in an aside to his fellow barfly, "At least on the first night, surfaces are a little safer to lean on than they would be otherwise, ay?" He's very English, like, so English someone might accuse him of faking it.

"Good beats!" Lyric calls back over, just having fun. She'd absolutely do this job for free, she seems to love it. But the money was good! Taking a look around at the others present, she bites her lip, a little embarrassed to see Itzhak again since she'd fainted the last time, but she offers a wave over to him, cheerfully. Then notices Jonathan and waves to him too. When Dahlia approaches, she gives a thumbs up, "You were so great!" And surprise registers at the money. She gawks a little. "Thank you!"

"Show some love, ladies and gentlemen. From your wallet. Wallet love." Antonio intones on the microphone with a smirk on his face, finishing his martini and pushing his glass forward for another. "Tell your friends. Don't tell your spouse. Female customers in the house." The club owner shoots an exaggerated wink over forward Bennie and Sutton.

Zoiya pushes away from the bar, heading toward the DJ booth. She leans in to speak quietly to Lyric, giving her a thumbs up and a smile before she disappears backstage. She'll be up after the next (NPC) dancer finishes!

"Got that right," Itzhak answers Dante in a classic New York Jewish accent that's more than a little Mel Brooks, if we must be honest. He glances at him curiously, even though presumably fellow customers aren't who he's here to ogle. "You a Limey, huh?" When Lyric waves at him, he waves back, a wry expression surfacing on his face. She's embarrassed she fainted? He's embarrassed to be here at all.

Sutton's hair is pulled back in a flat-ironed ponytail, lips painted red, clothing heather grey. She wears a low, tight sleeveless corset style top and long, loose grey pants. The only difference in her makeup from day-to-day is a heavy black eyeliner and a dusting of silvery micro-glitter at her collarbones. "Big fake boobs, check. No photographic evidence. All the tequila." She joins Bennie at a table, then holds up a folded $20 until a waitress saunters by, at which point she orders up six shots, lime wedges, salt. She asides to the blonde, "If I have a wardrobe malfunction, just throw a shot glass at me." It's hit or miss hearing each other over certain song selections.

Next up is a 20-something redhead who looks like she's straight out of a White Snake video. As a classic rock ballad blares across the speakers, she takes the stage in a babydoll teeshirt and ripped, fishnet stockings. Gyrating in time to the music, she slides over to a couple customers at the rail as they toss a few singles onto the stage.

Lyric leans in to listen to Zoiya and nods, a smile in response. There's a thumbs up before the dancer walks off and she readies another song besides the one playing now for the current dancer. With the songs of choice ready, she has more time to look around again, noticing the wry expression from Itzhak. Lyric isn't so good at flirting, but she's been watching the dancers dance and practice and so she copies something one of them does. A wink is cast in his direction. Not exactly a flirt, but an acknowledgement they are both like minded about some things, even if it's different reasons!

"If you have a wardrobe malfunction, I'm sticking a dollar in your cleavage." Bennie's wide beaming grin goes from shining at Sutton to a quick sweep of the room to see who else has turned out for the Grand Opening, gaze dancing over some familiar faces and a few strangers. As the next girl comes on stage, her attention goes back there with an excited WOO! of encouragement for the dancer shaking her money maker.

Dahlia is making the rounds, sweet talking and getting some of the patrons prepped towards getting a dance - either in private or on the table. She finds her way towards Sutton and Bennie, giving them a grin. "You girls are looking great tonight. Girls night out? Are we celebrating something or just cuttin' loose?" She talks so they can hear about the music, and with the proximity they probably catch a whiff of her flowery perfume. "I love the glitter. Lemme know if there's anything I can do to help you girls have a good night." That grin still in place as she watches the dancer on stage for a moment- taking her own mental notes.

"Seems like a good mojito day," Jonathan remarks to the bartender, before he looks over towards the others at the bar, offering them a nod. He turns to watch the current dancer, nodding a bit as he does. Also grinning at the music, he doesn't quite realize that his right hand starts moving as if he was playing a guitar, or something.

"A limey. Christ, can't say as I've ever been called that before." Dante chuckles. "But yes, I suppose I am of the green citrus persuasion." He pulls his drink towards him when it's delivered, then sips, one hand tucked in the pocket of his pants. "Is this the first of such establishments in this charming little town? Or just the loudest version?"

The dancer throws the babydoll tee over her head and onto the stage as the music progresses, revealing a hot pink bra. Kneeling before a couple customers at the rail with a practiced smile on her face, she collects several tips before crawling toward the dressing room, grabbing her top as the song draws to a close.

"If you wanna see that ass, you gotta splash that cash." Antonio reminds the crowd over the sound system as the stage is vacant for a moment. "Mixed drinks, half price. Admission Monday through Thursday, free if you like us on Friendzone. Treat yoself." The man in the suit and pink necktie grins broadly as he leans against the bar.

There's laugh from Sutton at her partner's compromise. "That's fair." Strip club, after all. She's also turning her eyes to the stage just when Dahlia wanders up. "Nice moves earlier." She folds a 10 longways and offers it up to Dahlia, but doesn't touch. Clubs and their rules. "Cutting loose after a day. My compatriot here," she nods to Bennie, "would love a lap dance after we finish a few shots. You work here, you know all the girls. Send over someone bendy?" Sutton grins and asks of Dahlia, "And if you're not busy later, do you do body shots?"

The beat starts, lights moving around the stage. When it drops though, that's when Zoiya struts from behind the curtain. Her eye make up is smoky, her lips are dark red, matching her finger nails and possibly her toes. You might never know about the toes because she has a pair of red Air Jordan's on, just like the song is talking about.

She's wearing a very faded white tank top, cut off just below the breasts, a pair of tiny athletic shorts that match her sneakers, a white stripe down the outside of each hip. Red tape forms an X over what would be visible nipples beneath her nearly translucent shirt.

She goes for the pole, getting a good grip that allows her to swing around,left leg flung out as she slowly slides lets herself spiral lower to the stage. There is a smile on her face, as if she wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world. She rolls her body to the heavy beat, arms flung out, hips swaying.

Turn up turn up turn up turn up..

She twerks along to the music, her back to the audience, her head turned so her eyes are on them. When Miley starts to sing, she turns to face the audience again, her fingers hook in the waistband of her short shorts, knees bent as she sways her hips provocatively. When she stands up straight she pulls them off, flinging them out into the club. Her g-string is bright red with a 23 on the front in spangled back and white. The tank top is pulled off next, tossed behind her as she raises her hands in the air, bouncing along with the beat. Mmm bouncing boobs.

The song has to end eventually, and it ends with her on her back, stretched out like a satisfied cat. She gathers her cash, her head tilted as offers for private dances are made. Then she stands up straight, blows a kiss to the audience, and exits the stage with a lot of booty bounce in her walk.

"Splash that cash. And remember, one of you is gettin' tied to the pole. So come get those raffle tickets." Antonio smirks from the bar as he speaks over the microphone, taking up his newly-filled martini glass and drinking at a steady pace by now.

Itzhak's switching his attention to Antonio. "'Ey! You the boss?" he calls to him, over the music and the rose-scented vape. Then he snickers and glances back at Dante. "Well, I always wanted to call someone a Limey, so now we're even." That's...not how that works. Okay, he gets pretty distracted by Zoiya, and knocks back some of his drink while watching her.

Getting his mojito, Jonathan pauses as he hears Dante's words. "I can't be sure of it, of course, but I can't remember having seen one of these places in town before. Last time I was in one was when I lived in Detroit. Some... co-workers... brought a group of us there..."

Antonio turns of the microphone, looking over to Itzhak with a smirk. "Antonio Williams, at your service. You like what you see? The dancers, I mean. Not me." He laughs heartily before drinking, casting an eye toward the stage.

Dahlia accept the tip and gave Sutton a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thanks girlie," Looking towards Bennie with a wink. "I'll getcha someone good." Tucking the ten in the top of her shirt. Looking around for a moment as if maybe she was trying to spot someone specific. Then she straightened, another grin flashed to Sutton. "Sure thing. I'll make sure I'm freed up just for you two. We'll have fun." Then she leaves them to mingle a little more - eyes up on the stage to watch Zoiya. Damn. She was gonna have to take her up on some lesson. Dahlia watches her leave and gives a little shake of her head with a giggle as she moves on to another table to strike up some chit chat and maybe a table dance.

Lyric has money. Oh my. Eyeing those she knows, she walks over to the boss man. "I want to buy a ticket for the pole tying for.." she starts pointing them out. "Him and him and her and her.." She knows Sutton, kind of, and Bennie she's seen. Itzhak and Jonathan. Then for good measure she shrugs and points to Dante, adding him then sliding over money. With a laugh, she heads back to the booth with a drink in hand this time and grins the whole way over.

Not how it works at all, but it's a good policy never to get into semantic arguments at a strip club. So Dante just shrugs at Itzhak and drawls, "Bucket list item, check." He sips again, watching the stage. It's hard to tell just by watching him whether he's enjoying the show or not. He glances sidelong at Jonathan, "Well, in my experience, these things tend to start underground, then worm their way to the surface over time. You could have walked past a den of sin every day, never knowing what dirty things happened just out of sight." Out of the corner of his eye, he catches Lyric's pointing, but he's not getting the context, so his only reaction is a furrowed brow.

Bennie wiggles happily in her chair as Dahlia approaches, like she's just a bottled up fizz ball of energy that's about to bubble over. "We are going for the trifecta of unhealthy coping mechanisms." She tells the dancer, but doesn't expound on exactly what those are. Clearly, however, one is drinking and the other is what's bouncing around on stage. If nothing else, it's a distraction from those dark recesses of the mind where things like serial murders live. "Bendy. Bendy is good. I like bendy! S'cuse me a sec." She plucks up roughly five singles and approaches the stage, tossing them in a little flurry for Zoiya before returning to the table with a laugh.

Itzhak is not entering that raffle if he was dragged by wild horses, and he's completely oblivious that Lyric's taken care of it for him. Funny, he doesn't shine on Antonio's joking that he's not the one to be liked. He looks him over. "Great suit," he says, blandly. "This place is the first, believe it or not," he adds, supporting Jonathan.

Zoiya drops a tip off for Lyric on her way out from the back. One of the bouncers scooped up the tossed athletic shorts, but she didn't feel the need to put them back on. So she's wearing a thong and the slightly see through tank top. Seems to be enough for her. She finds a place to lean against the bar, watching Lyric buy raffle tickets from Antonio. This is surely going to end well. She puts her fingers in her mouth, whistling for the bartender. It gets his attention and he drops off a bottle of water.

Sutton grins to Dahlia at the kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, love! We'll look forward to that." She nudges Bennie beside her and says, "Bendy lap dance incoming. Never let it be said that I don't take care of my partner." She lifts her fingers to her mouth to whistle a sharp, shrill appreciative whistle for Zoiya's energy. If the dancer wanders anywhere near their table, she'll probably wave her town to tip her in cash money. She also crooks a finger to the waitress that drops off their shots, and hands over some folded cash with a murmur.

Declan's been here for awhile, just off in a corner, in the bathroom, or talking to someone he knows about boring crap like shingles or pluming. Those conversations are brief, mercifully, while he watches the stage. He caught Dahlia's show but didn't go up to the stage. Now that it's well over, he moves away from boring conversations and corners and walks towards the bar.

"Yeah, the first. That's why I came here, y'know? Be surprised what type of talent you can find in places like this. And the rent's a little bit cheaper than Vegas." Antonio winks to Itzhak as he drinks, that smirk of his staying on his lips.

Dahlia lands a winner. Money is exchanged and she gets up on a table for a mixed group - some kind of couples date night. Interesting choice. Dancing with the music that was currently playing, giving them a nice little -clothes on- show. Leaning in and caressing the cheek of one of the women - because you know, jealous girlfriends were bad for business - and then slide off the table. Catching Declan out of the corner of her eye as she does. She makes her way to the bar too - but to Zoiya first. Play it cool or something like that. "You were fucking amazing. I'm definitely gonna hit you up." Signalling to the bartender for a water herself. Flashing the patrons at the bar an easy grin. "How's everyone doing tonight?"

Bennie and Sutton are seated at a table near the stage, both dressed and body glittered up in fashionable haste for the evening after their shift at the station. Tequila shots have just been delivered, and Bennie is hoisting one to clink against Sutton's, "The best partner a girl could ask for. To unhealthy coping mechanisms!" She chirps cheerfully before licking salt from the rim and downing the shot, followed by wincing into a wedge of lime.

In her corner at the sound booth, Lyric keeps the music going whether dancers are on the stage or not. With the raffle happening soon, she watches those at the bar area, still dancing a little with herself in her corner and sipping her drink. The beats were exceptional and she's enjoying herself. When Zoiya comes over she smiles, offering a soft spoken thanks, then giving a hands up to be seen since the music was loud. The music bumps, the dancer dances, things are going great!

Nodding a bit as he hears Dante's words. "Well, to be honest, there were a number of years I was mostly here just during the summer months, so I could have missed something." Another sip from his mojito, as he offers another nod to the others. He looks around, pausing as he sees Lyric pointing at the people. Raising an eyebrow, as if wondering what kind of trouble she's making now. Overhearing the mention of Vegas, expression going a bit distant for a few brief moments, but he tries hiding it behind another sip of his drink as he looks around again.

Zoiya winks at Dahlia, taking a few swigs of water from her bottle. She sets it down and starts to make her rounds, approaching various tables. Her walk is slow and swaying, and she leans over to talk to people, letting them slip money into her g-string. She does a few shots with some patrons, and even laughs with an older man, pushing her taped up breasts together to shake them in front of his face.

Eventually she ends up at Sutton and Bennie's table, eyes on their tequila. "You two are going to be trouble, I can tell. Get you lubricated with enough tequila maybe we can get you onstage for a shimmy show. Yeah?" She sidles up to Sutton and pulls out the empty part of her g-string, wetting her top lip with her tongue.

"Alright. Like I said, one of you is getting tied to the pole and then we'll see what happens. And the winner is..." Antonio throws a few raffle tickets into a shot glass, twirling them around before drawing one.

Declan leans up against the bar, resting his elbow on the counter, and takes the gum out of his mouth. Once the bartender comes over he orders one shot of bottom shelf whiskey, slides a ten dollar bill onto the bar, and glances up to see who they lucky winner is. Who's gettin' lucky!?

The strip club boss looks over toward Bennie and Sutton with a knowing smile. "Ohhhh yeah." His voice echoes over the sound system as another booty-pop song blares on the speakers.

"Not quite like Vegas. There'd need to be quite a few more feathers for that," says Dante. All he heard was 'Vegas' and not the context. To Jonathan, he says, "I haven't anything to go off on other than the experience that where any number of people of congregate, someone comes along to sell sex in one form or another." He pulls his wallet out of his pocket and starts to finger through bills to tip appropriately when a moment presents itself.

It takes Easton a while at the doorway to see who he's looking for. He sees Bennie and Sutton at a table and doesn't approach quite yet, rather taking a detour to the bar. He sidles up to Declan, and does a small double take before giving a nod, "Declan. Hey." He orders a shot of tequila and a beer for himself and waits, watching Bennie and Sutton for now with a half smile on his lips.

Sutton slides three shots into a line in front of her, and a plate of lime wedges with a salt shaker is nudged between herself and Bennie at their table not too far from the stage. She picks up one of the shot glasses and raises it to the blonde after licking and salting the side of her own hand. She agrees, "To unhealthy coping mechanisms and the hottest, bravest blonde at GHFD." She licks the salt, shoots the shot, and eats a lime wedge. Totally unaware Lyric's been up to raffle-shenanigans.

With her free hand, Sutton offers up a tenner to Zoiya, lime wedge in her mouth. She peels the rind, tosses it onto the plate, and says, "Girl. That was amazing." She obligingly tucks the bill securely into the g-string, tipping her head to appreciate the curve of the dancer's dance-honed assets. "Nice." She looks up. "Trouble? Us?" Shimmy? Us? That's in her gaze, though unsaid. She glances over at Bennie and grins.

Aidan has not been here. But now he is! He wanders in, giving the place an interested look around. He does not appear to have particularly dressed up; he's wearing black Docs, bright red jeans, and a blue t-shirt with a big gold sunburst on it and the words 'Free Samples! Try Me!' under an open white button-down patterned with polkadots in primary colours. Arriving not far behind Easton, it doesn't take long to spot someone he knows. "Hey!" he greets the guy, wandering up to the bar as well, and gives Declan a grin too before ordering himself a beer. Another glance around the place, and he tilts his head. "Is that Bennie?" he asks Easton. "How come you're over here and not there?"

"Boss," Declan says, clapping Easton easily on the shoulder with a small wink, despite the formal greeting. When his shot comes, he downs it all in one and tips it over. Declan takes his change and puts it in his wallet. "Didn't realize you liked titty bars. Or are you scoping competition?" he asks. His attention moves from Easton to the crowd, searching for a familiar pair of emerald eyes.

Itzhak orders another drink, but doesn't wave any cash to entice any girls over. You'd think he didn't want to be flirted with by a hot mostly-naked woman. He has mirrored sunglasses clipped into the collar of his tank top, and he slides them out to fiddle with them, the lights of the club flashing on the convex surfaces of the lenses.

"Evening," Declan says to Aidan with a nod and a small smile, looking away briefly from the crowd to make eye contact.

"We have a winner. So, just make sure she gets situated up there whenever she wants. No rush." Antonio punctuates his words with a laugh before drinking again, his eyes scanning the crowd before looking over to Lyric. "And let's give it up for the cute girl spinning your tracks. She likes tips too, y'know. Treat yourself."

Dahlia pops open the water bottle, taking a drink as she waits for Antonio to announce the winner of the raffle. A grin when he looks in Bennie and Sutton's direction. Oh yeah. Those girls were gonna have a real good night. Too bad for Itzhak that one of those scantily clad women is in rather close proximity. "Awe, relax a little baby." Dahlia teases the New Yorker with a grin as she slides by him. "Tonight should be all about havin' fun." Then she's making her way over towards Declan and Co, with a playful wink towards Dante as well. "You boys havin' a good time?" A hand slides into Declan's back pocket as she asks. Her expression totally nonchalant aside her grin.

Too late to pay for Declan's drink, Easton at least manages to pay for Aidan's. He says by way of explanation to the two of them, "Well Bennie and her partner apparently came for a night out and invited me. And as much as I didn't want to be a third wheel, I wasn't exactly going to say no when my girlfriend invited me out to a strip club." He shrugs and says, "I'm a simple man." He doesn't ask anyone why they're there, because well. duh. At Dahlia's approach, he nods and says, "Absolutely." He hasn't been here long, but it's true so far and it sounds like it might be getting even better if those meaningful looks and talk of a raffle mean what he thinks they do.

"I will second that." Bennie says to Sutton's toast, plucking up her second shot straight away, "Only replace blonde with brunette." The glass clicks again, and down goes a second shot. With an exaggerated, "Wuuuuff." As it burns her way down her throat, she looks around, "Wait, who won what now?" As she cranes her head around for an answer, she spots some newly arrived gentlemen at the bar, Aidan and Easton getting a cheerful wave of greeting, the latter getting blown a kiss too for good measure.

"That sounds like an experience many people have had," Jonathan replies to Dante, offering the man a brief grin. "After all, people are always looking for ways to make money, and these kinds of things tend to make some people money." He looks around at the people present, then over at Lyric as he hears Antonio's words, letting out a bit of a loud cheer.

Zoiya is still walking between tables, flirting with patrons, slapping hands away from her ass. Someone slips money into her g-string so she pulls herself up on their table, swaying her hips back and forth as they hoot and cheer. It gets just a little easier to entertain people the more that they drink. A chair is being brought out on stage, along with some silk ties. Some of the dancers catcalling and encouraging Bennie to come front and center. The song is winding down, and she'll join the women on the stage once she's done flirting. She tugs on the front of her shirt so she can shimmy her mostly bare breasts in the face of someone who slips more money in her panties.

"Makes sense," Declan tells Easton easily. He smiles a little and winks at Dahlia as she arrives. The hand in his back pocket gets a raised eyebrow. He slowly, carefully, moves his hand back around to rub her fingers through the denim. Then his arm lowers. "I'm having a great time," is his other answer, said with another small smile.

"Fluff that ass. Remember to get your mixed drinks half price tonight, and if you like what you see and what you're drinking, be generous with those tips. Treat yoself." Antonio's voice carries on the sound system as he watches the action on stage, casting a look toward Bennie. "Uh oh!"

When Dahlia flirts a little with Itzhak, he--oh no--he blushes. Thank God it's hidden by the club ambiance. Probably. That's what he's telling himself anyway. Antonio's given him a great excuse to go see Lyric, though, and that's what he does in his loose sauntering gait. "Hi," he says to her, or shouts anyway, and tucks a tip in her jar.

Sutton takes a moment to fold all of her stripper tips into long-folded bills. She picks up her second shot and raises it high. "To the strippery pole raffle bondage winner! And brunettes too!" She laughs as she and Bennie cross-toast. Salt, shot, lime! She pulls a bit of a face but doesn't react otherwise. She's been hitting the tequila straight recently. Getting used to it, perhaps. Burny. "I'm not... sure?" Somebody won, so her toast stands. "I guess we'll see when she's tied to the pole. More tequila." Third shot going up. She considers for a moment what this toast should be.

Lyric glances up when attention is called her way and she gives a peace sign along with a grin. The music keeps playing and she dances around behind the table. Her headphones are on but one side is turned upwards. It's obvious she's still enjoying herself and her job, living it up.

"Evening!" Aidan replies brightly to Declan. Dahlia gets to share that and the grin, too, since she's right there. He looks quite surprised when Easton puts down the payment for his drink. But he doesn't object. "Oh, hey, thanks, man," he says, "...so in that case, how come you're over here and not over there?" 'There' gets a wave in return.

Declan would feel the slightest of squeezes before Dahlia's hand withdraws. "I'm glad to hear it! You fellas enjoy the show. I think it's gonna be a good one!" Her free hand gives a wiggle of fingers. Though she does lean up to murmur something into Declan's ear. Another smile flashed towards Aiden, "I love your outfit! Maybe I'll try one of those free samples later." Winking with a teasing grin before she turns to make her way closer to the stage where the other dancers are congregating.

Watching as Itzhak approaches, the headphones are slipped off and a smile finds her eyes. "Hi," Lyric greets, glancing at the tip jar before back to him. Stepping back, she invites him back behind there, into the corner with her. "Thank you. In between sets, you can make requests on music. Do you have a favorite song?"

Declan smiles a little at whatever Dahlia whispers. He looks down at her, resisting the urge to do what he wants, and bites his lower lip while she moves off. The look lingers before he turns back to Easton and Aidan. "She's trouble," he eventually says. Then he waits for Easton's reply.

Zoiya disappears briefly in the back to change up a little bit, and when she comes out front there is still no Bennie in the chair. This just won't do. She makes her way to Bennie and Sutton's table gathering other dancers as she prowls in their direction. "Bennie Bennie Bennie, up up up. Come up on stage before you tequila yourself into needing carried." She stands on her tip toes, raising her voice so it will carry. "Everyone give it up for our raffle winner!! Get loud if you wanna see this perky blonde tied up for a dance!" She lowers her voice, leaning in toward the two women. "Really though, we'll be gentle. You draw the lines where you want em, sweetheart."

"A favorite song? Just one?" Itzhak says, as if offended that he'd be so narrow minded as to only have a single favorite song. "I mean, yeah but I don't know they'd be great for the whole," he waves, "strip club thing." He accepts Lyric's invitation to join her, though he presses a hand to his ear, almost like he's DJing himself, but there's no headphones. His eyebrows go up and he looks over at Bennie and Sutton and Zoiya. "Huh, a girl won."

"We got a winner. So get up near the stage and -tip-, unless you're a cheapass. Treat yoself." Antonio finishes his next martini and puts the empty glass down.

"To the best partner and her new pole!" Sutton yells as the announcement of the winner goes out. She looks absolutely gleeful about the announcement. She doesn't try to hide the fact that she probably maybe bought a ticket or two. "Get it girl!" Yes, she does get twice as loud when Bennie's name is called. Lick, shoot, lime! Shot 3 goes down the hatch. To Zoiya she says, "Don't be too gentle." Sutton rises and promptly carries herself up to stand by the stage to get a front row seat for this.

"To that smokin' hot man at the bar that's sooooo going to get laid tonight. Which I may or may not be patient enough to wait until we get home for." Bennie grins at Sutton before an upnod indicates Easton with his friends at the bar. She's just about take that third shot before she's ordered up out of her chair. "What? Me?" There's only a half a second of mortification before it morphs into pure unbridled enthusiasm that results in an excited, "EEeeeeeE!" That goes between Zoiya and Sutton before she's on her feet and clapping her hands, easily being led up on stage.

Jonathan suddenly finds himself with an empty glass of mojito, blinking as he raises the glass again. "Wait, when did that happen?" It's meant for himself, but it's probably loud enough for others to hear it too. He looks around for a few moments. Turning to order himself another of those mojitos, he pauses as he hears what's said, but keeps on the important task of getting hold of his drink.

"Bennie! Bennie! Bennie!" Dahlia starts up a chant with some of the others as Bennie gets brought up to the stage. Grinning ear to ear almost. "Pretty good night out, yeah?" Is said to Sutton with a laugh as she gets up on the stage with some of the other dancers to help Zoiya get Bennie all settled up.

"Oh I don't want to keep you here with that going on, you want to go up? All of the dancers will likely be there." Lyric smiles, watching them encourage and coax Bennie towards the stage. "I wish you would have won. I think you would have had a good time." Though with his hand at his ear, she lifts the headphones from around her own neck, the ones she'd lowered at his approach. "Would you like to listen?" Tilting her head back to look at him. Then she hears Bennie and laughs a little, embarrassed kinda. "I am glad she's having fun."

"I'm back here getting a drink." He does his own shot of tequila, and slides the empty glass back on the bar. He doesn't leave the bar area just yet. He laughs at Declan and says, "Pretty sure all the hot ones are." When Zoiya approaches Bennie's table he laughs again and says, "This. This is what I was waiting for." He calls out "Bennie! Bennie!" along with the others in the crowd, loudly, far louder than others. He has no shame. Or volume control. He accompanies that with a couple whooping cheers as well.

Aidan has a large supply of grins handy and is more than happy to give Dahlia another for the compliment to his outfit. "Thanks!" he says, "...you look pretty great yourself. I mean, I'm kind of assuming it's your job to, but you're doing it well!" At Declan's comment, he glances after her again, then back to the guy. "Probably," he agrees. "Trouble's kinda exciting though, right? If it's not too bad. Also hi, I'm Aidan." The announcement there's a winner has him looking that way, and then to Easton. "Well. Now you kinda have to go over there. Support her properly and all." His version of that is joining in the Bennie-calling, for now, though he looks as though he might be thinking about heading closer.

They agreed to no photographic evidence. They did. Really, they did. But still. Sutton's phone comes out from her pants pocket and she snaps a few images, one selfie with Bennie and that excited eeeeeee look on her face. Sure her aim is off and a couple might be tits-down shots, but at least one of them will come out right, right?

Sutton laughs, holding on to the edge of the stage and says to Dahlia, "Yes, this is the best idea we've had this week! This place is pretty great." She turn to look toward the bar, and finally spots Easton, mostly because Bennie mentions his prospects for the night. She raises a hand and waves. You can tell the shots are starting to kick in, because she waves like a jackass, then gives Bennie's boytoy a double thumbs up. "Bennie! Bennie! Bennie!" She joins in the chanting and eventually spins around to face the festivities on stage again.

Zoiya leads Bennie to the chair on the stage, and now there are a bevy of women surrounding her in various states of undress. She points at Lyric and the music comes on, loud and thumping. A redhead loosely ties Bennie's hands together, but since she's a woman, they don't get tied behind her back. They get to rest pretty on her lap.

Zoiya moves in first, hand gripping the pole as she sways in front of Bennie. She isn't quite resting on her lap, but it's close, she leans in to whisper something to her before she gets up, letting another dancer take a turn. There is a lot of ass shaking and breasts swaying right in front of the lightly tied up blonde. The dancers to be laughing and having a good time. When the chorus starts, Bennie is surrounded and there is a lot of skin showing as they sway back and forth to the beat.

"Uh, nah, that's, that's okay. I'd rather stick back here with you." Itzhak's blushing again, although he's putting a hell of an effort into pretending like he's not. "Me, win, I didn't even enter." He does lighten up his default annoyed expression, though, as Bennie gets her dance. "I dunno if I'd have fun so much as die of embarrassment," he confesses to Lyric, under the music. "Hey, when you get a chance, you know Devil's Dance Floor? Flogging Molly? Play that one."

"You like that?! Got ourselves a winner. Tip! Ones, fives, ten, twenties, hundreds. Splash that cash if you want them to get naughty." Antonio encourages the stage scene from his place at the bar, his voice carrying over the music on the microphone.

Declan extends a hand towards Aidan. "It is," he agrees to the comment about trouble. "Declan." After a shake, if there is one, his hand lowers back to his side. His attention turns to the stage and the teasing. "That's dirty," he says with a small smirk. He's going to need another shot for this. He pulls his wallet back out and buys another round for Easton and Aidan, too.

As Bennie is currently being lead up onto the stage by some of the dancer's Easton's not going to be staying back at the bar. Nope. He's getting just about as close as possible to the stage. He calls out, "Tie it tighter!" To whomever is tying Bennie's hands. He continues to make random cheering noises and offer bills to the girls as they move away from Bennie.

Lyric leans in a little to respond. "Nothing is embarrassing about enjoying a body is there?" The grin flashes again, "I can do that, just as soon as there's a break in the dancing. Hope you know that means you get to stay awhile to make sure you hear it. But I will for sure play it." After a moment, she confesses. "You were entered in the raffle. I entered for you. I knew you'd never do it on your own. Would you take a lap dance if I bought you one?" A cheeky smile given his way.

Bennie squirms in her seat on stage, unable to sit perfectly still because her energy might simply make her explode otherwise. Her head throws back with laughter as Easton tells them to tie the silk knots tighter, a free unrestrained sound. It could be the alcohol or it could just be her sunshiney nature to try and enjoy these types of things to the fullest without shame. Her shoulders start to bop with the beat, knees parted as one of the girls booty pops in front of her and her head tilted as yet another gives a playful grab and tug of her hair to make her neck arch. At something whispered, Bennie responds with amusement. "Suggestion or invitation!?"

Geoff arrives, dressed in his bike leathers Erin on his arm as he gets the door to the club for her. With a grin he says over to her "Been a while since I've been in a club, luckily they never change." glancing at the stages he squints as he notices Bennie there and heads on up towards it, asking Easton as he approaches the man's side "Did I already miss all the fun?"

"Oh! She's gettin' it, isn't she? Happy birthday. And you know we don't give a fuck it's not your birthday." Antonio voice booms over the mic. "Tip if you wanna see more.

Dahlia joins in with the other dancers, helping to give Bennie a fantastic time in her time on the chair. Letting the music guide her and letting loose. She decides, though she would never speak it for reasons, this was way better than bartending. She gives Bennie a little up close and personal show of her chest with a chuckle and a grin before backing off again and letting another dancer in. Then she pulls back from the group as the song starts winding down, sliding off the stage and starting to make a couple rounds again.

"You entered for me??" Itzhak stares at Lyric. "Lyric!" Then he can't help it; he laughs, shaking his head. He's been fidgeting with his sunglasses the entire time, now he clips them back into the collar of his shirt. "That sounds like a dare to me. Maybe I would."

"Tip if you wanna see more.. not seeing enough tips! Treat yoself." Antonio finishes his bit on the mic and then grabs another drink.

For Geoff, Erin comes too and she's dressed in leather a well. A bandeau style black leather top leaving her shoulders, neck and midriff bare matched with a pair of leather pants that form to every single nuance of curve of her body. Her hair is in a sexy tousle from the bike ride over and falls down to her midback in waves. The boots on her feet are much like Geoff's and she has her arm linked with Geoff's.. It's quite something they enter to, with Bennie tied up on the stage. "Looks like you missed the action part. I guess I may just have to dance for you back at home then."

When her hair is grabbed, Zoiya lets loose a peal of laughter, winking back at Bennie. "Both, of course." Did she hear over the music? Probably. Maybe. As tips fly onto the stage, the dancers lose clothing, and soon there are a full fully naked women grinding near Bennie. The music changes, there is a lot of whooping, whistling and shouting, the lights on stage going crazy. The red haired dancer unties Bennie's hands, pulling her to her feet so she can dance with the girls.

An inked leg pushes the chair away and for a few minutes it's contained (but fun) chaos on stage.

Sutton waves down a waitress to order up more shots, dropping a healthy tip on the tray. She stands at the stage, hands resting on the edge, occasionally waiving folded bills as strippers wander near her, watching them shimmy around Bennie, on Bennie's lap, and generally making her day while entertaining the audience too. She dances where she is on the floor, yelling out the occasional encouragement, and a shrill whistle here or there. She might just lose her voice by the end of the night.

Look if it all takes to see more is to tip, Easton can handle that. He is mid tucking in some bills when Geoff appears. Grinning from ear to ear he says, "No, I just got here. I think she won a raffle?" with a laugh he ammends, "Or they just picked the hottest girl here and said she won." His drink is forgotten in the process of trying to tip the girls enough to make this last as long as possible. At the hair grab he bites his lip and nearly growls to Geoff, "Damn, that's hot."

"Then I dare you." Lyric counters, laughing with him. "Which dancer, you can choose one," curious to his tastes in the ladies, she looks towards the stage where they have surrounded Bennie. "You make the choice and I'll go pay for it for you. I made more tonight than I ever imagined I would." A smile given his way.

"Oh yeah. Getting wild now. Get it, and splash that cash." Antonio's words of wisdom continue over the sound system as he drinks, casting his eyes between the patrons and the stage.

Aidan shakes the hand perfectly happily, and completely acceptably, too. The remark about it being dirty gets a laugh. "Kinda," he agrees, "I guess that means they're doing it right?" He looks pretty surprised about this drink being bought too, but hey! "Thanks!" he says, finishing off the last of the first one. "And nice meeting you. So are you and Trouble a thing? She's a really good dancer." He considers the performance and the people up nearer to it for a moment, then adds, "I think I'm gonna go over there. Want to come?"

Bennie's eyes sparkle with amusement at Zoiya's answer, which might just be a dangerous thing, depending on how much more tequila is imbibed for the night is over. Her laughter turns to hooting and hollering as more and more clothes come off, and soon she's getting the full monty from the girls up close and personal. "I like your piercings!" She chirps above the music and as she's drawn to her feet, her tethered wrists go over her head and she bumping and grinding with the dancers like she's one of them (only with more clothes).

Geoff grins over towards Erin "You know I'd never complain about that, babe. I'm going to have to hold you to it." looking back to the stage he bumps his shoulder to Easton's "Yep man, lucky you." he says with a light punch of camaraderie to his friend's shoulder before looking towards the stage with a grin. Head dipping in a sage nod as he says "She does have nice piercings." squinting he wrinkles his nose with a certain professionalism "Did I do those?"

Dahlia and a few other dancers took to the floor just around the stage, encouraging the patrons to tip and dancing with them. Her hair's come out of that ponytail by now and is just hanging free. She twirls her way back over to the bar, flirting and teasing, to her water bottle which the bartender has been keeping safe! She takes a long drink from the bottle, cheeks flushed, eyes bright as she looks up towards the stage.

Itzhak has to wince away from the stage as the lights go crazy, cupping his hand over his eyes until the best part is over. That isn't shyness, it's like he physically can't look at the flashing lights reflecting off a lot of naked skin. Then he blinks, rubs his eyes, and has a look around at the dancers. He jerks his head at Dahlia. "Her." And then that's definitely shyness that makes him look away again.

"We got an unpaid dancer. Unpaid volunteer dancer. So you gotta tip her." Antonio follows his announcement with a laugh as he drinks from his

as he drinks from his martini -- third, fourth? -- at the bar.

Erin laughs and motions towards the bar, fairly certain Geoff was too preoccupied to hear, "I am going to go get us both a drink, you enjoy the show." A kiss to his cheek and she leaves him and his dollars at the stage with Easton and Bennie and heads for the bar, smiling at the man in the suit. "Hi, what's good here? Beside the show." Unknowing she's speaking with the owner of the place.

Declan downs his next shot and flips that glass over, too. After swishing it around, he nods to Aidan. "A thing?" he asks, thinking it over. His eyes narrow for a moment. "Not really. We know one another. And yeah, she is." After considering another shot, he shrugs. "Sure. Lead the way." Declan turns to follow Aidan over to the stage.

The red haired dancer with pierced nipples sticks her tongue out as she body rolls against Bennie. The music starts to wind down, so the inked dancer turns to the crowd. "Want more? Or should we release the prisoner?!" Zoiya holds a hand to her ear, listening for a response. If it's positive, she'll turn toward Lyric. "Queue us up something with bounce!" A few of the dancers have left the stage to get drinks or take a breather. "Any other ladies out there that want to dance tonight? C'mon up here with us!"

Still staying near the bar, Jonathan is keeping silent as he watches the happenings. Sipping his mojito as he watches the happenings in the room, expression a bit distant now.

"We got a nice strawberry daiquiri, or maybe you want a sexual chocolate? Kahlua, vodka and Godiva and all." Antonio cuts the mic off as he winks to Erin, saluting her with a raised glass before taking a gulp of his martini. "First drink is on the house, for you."

Catching sight of Erin as she moves past him, look he was very very distracted Easton gives a small wave and smile. He agrees back to Geoff, "It is good work." Because sometimes it's best to be dispassionately appraising of strippers when your girlfriend is nearby. When Bennie is released though, he waves money at her and says, "You get tipped too! I want see some shake!"

Sutton whistles shrilly, then tosses several small bills onto the stage, turning to thank a waitress who shows up with more tequila shots. She picks up two and fires them back one after the other, thumping the empties down on the girl's tray before she leaves, then takes the other two off the tray and stands there dancing in place by the stage, waiting, shots in hand.

Aidan takes his drink along with him, giving Declan another quick grin. "Well, she seems like an okay person to know," he says, and does indeed lead the way, sliding in near Easton and Co. "Go Bennie!" he calls to the dancing EMT, and adds more conversationally, as far as 'over the music' allows to Declan, "She's pretty awesome. Have you met her?" One handy thing about his profession, he's got a lot of dollar bills to pull out of one of his pockets. Maybe not so many fives, but at least they fold.

Despite all appearances, there is only so much fun that Bennie can handle, so she makes a break for it, shuffling forward to the edge of the stage to reach with her bound hands for Sutton's wrist, leaning down to direct one of those shots to Bennie's waiting mouth. A little tequila dribbles down her chin that she whisks away with a pass of her tongue before she's looking to trade places with Sutton, tugging the other EMT up on the stage.

Lyrics mouth forms an O when he points out Dahlia and she bobs her head, "I will make sure she gets paid and let her know what you're wanting." Catching sight of the dancer, she winks and nods, and here comes a song she had ready for just such an occasion. "I think," she says to Itzhak, "If I ever danced it would have to be to Crazy Bitch." She's actually very good at dancing. "That'd be fun."

Geoff was in fact too preoccupied to notice what Erin said, nodding only as he sees her leaving as if he'd totally caught that. With a grin he offers a fist out for Easton to pump as he watches the proceedings "Pretty good party going on." his foot tapping along in time with the rhythm of whatever is playing for the dancers at the moment.

Erin cocks her head to the side considering the man, a half smile curving over her lips when he offers her the first drink for free. "You have just become my new favorite person." There's a teasing lilt to her voice as she considers. "I think.. whatever drink you think for me. I'll trust your judgment." She looks over towards the stage then back to him. "Looks like you've got a hit on your hands here."

Declan leans against the stage and reaches for his wallet. After Aidan's question, he looks up at Bennie. "We went to school together. I've seen her waitressing around, but I don't know her very well." After pulling a few bills out, he waits for a dancer to come close. "If I see her around, I'll let her know you think she's cool," he jokes with a small smile.

"I regret this already," Itzhak says, when Lyric makes that face. His eyes follow Dahlia, then he grins crookedly at Lyric. "Kinda love that image."

"That works. Get this one a sexual chocolate!" Antonio leans over the bar and directs his command to the bartender, who starts to work on a mixture of kahlua, rum, chocolate liqueur, and cream. "Kinda like a milkshake, y'know? Except more adult." As the bartender sets it on the bar, Antonio slides it over toward Erin. "You like the show so far?"

You'd almost think Sutton knew Bennie was thirsty and she had those shots waiting for her. Sutton laughs and hops up to climb into the stage when she's dragged by her partner. "If only we got tips like this on the job." She tucks a bill down Bennie's top. Never let it be said that partners don't sacrifice for each other. She tosses back that other shot then hands the empties down to someone nearby. Sutton's wearing loose grey pants and a tight grey corset style top in heather grey tweed weave, not exactly your usual club attire, but it shows off a lot of her tan skin and her left sleeve tattoo. She laughs and joins in the dancing, tipping strippers as they gyrate past.

Aidan laughs. "She knows already! But if you wanna, feel free, who doesn't like compliments now and then?" A dancer brings herself within reach, and gets a smile and a couple of the dollars when she passes. "So you're a local, huh?" he asks Declan, glancing at the guy again, and then back to the stage, and Sutton in particular. Kind of weird how wearing the most makes her draw the eye, with everything else there to look at.

It's a tangle of bodies on the stage, people dancing and getting paid (thanks Sutton and friends) as the music swells and gets loud. All good things must come to an end, and there is an impatient stripper in the back waiting for her set. Zoiya is one of the last to climb down from the stage, doing a pirouette as she makes her way to the bar for more water. She takes a seat, attempting to catch her breath, giving Antonio a look as her water is delivered.

"In all honesty I've not been here very long, but it looks like the place to be. The stage full, the room packed, the music thumping. It's a great place." Erin watches the bartender making the drink and reaches in her bandeau top and tugs out some money. "I know you said the first one is on you, but.. tips are still accepted aren't they?" The money is offered over, holding it in hand and she folds it in half between her middle and forefinger before sliding it into his hand. It's a nice amount. The Addingtons have money and Erin is known to party. "I think a double on the rocks for my date."

Bumping Geoff's fist Easton agrees about the party. But then Bennie is coming off stage, and that's his cue. He windmills his arm to give Geoff's butt a swat, "Good to see you out." He laughs as Bennie drags Sutton up on stage and he calls out, "Let's see a little bump and grind ladies!" Yes, there are half (or more) naked dancers, and while Easton's tipping them politely, he's mostly hollering for the two EMTs.

The song is queued with another after it and Lyric leaves the headphones on since they are cordless, and holds up a finger for Itzhak, bobbing her head again. "Be right back." A smile as she leaves the corner booth and finds Dahlia, "Hey babe, here you go." Offering her the money. "He wants a lapdance and you're his flavor." A grin before she turns back for her own corner.

"Double on the rocks! You got it." Antonio accepts the tip from Erin with a wink, casting his eyes toward the stage. "Glad you're enjoying yourself here."

With Sutton on the stage, Bennie can execute her carefully planned escape which includes hopping off stage. Unfortunately, as (bad) luck would have it, instead of executing it safely, she ends up landing wrong and half running/half sprawling at Easton. With her hands still tethered, hopefully he's quick enough to break her fall or else she'll end up tits over teakettle on the ground. But at least she's laughing?

Dahlia caught Lyric and Itzhak looking her way. A wink given to them as she finished off her water and the song Lyric queued up started. Swaying to the beat and making her way over closer towards the booth with a grin. Though Lyric met her half way! That grin stays as she accepts the money. "I'll show him a real good time honey. You keep doin' what your doin! I love it." Pocketing the money and then sidling over to Itzhak. "Why don't we go somewhere a little quieter huh? We'll have some fun, help you relax." A teasing look in those bright eyes

"Born and raised," Declan says, following Aidan's gaze. He smirks a little, then turns back to the stage. As another dancer passes, he tucks a bill into a g-string. "You?" he asks of Aidan, looking away to watch a performance. "Aren't a tourist, are you?" he adds with another small smile.

Wait what's happening now? Bennie is suddenly falling at him and Easton tries to move to catch her but ends up just fluttering a bunch of bills towards the stage and calling out "Whoa!"

With her own drink in hand, Erin takes a drink and smiles. "Looks like I have a new favorite." Paying for the double, she doesn't make any immediate moves towards where Easton, Bennie and Geoff are, just enjoying the show while nursing her drink. "I think a shot next. Something strong."

"Oy gevalt," Itzhak mumbles, and grins in total embarrassment at Dahlia. "Okay. You're in charge." He flicks a 'why did I let you talk me into this' kinda glance over his shoulder at Lyric. ...Bennie suddenly flying off the stage makes him jerk in alarm.

Sutton laughs as she turns around to find Bennie's abandoned her. "Oh shi—" she watches her partner sprawl into the arms of her Bayside neighbor. Once she's Sure Bennie's ok, as the pair of dudes move to catch hold of the klutzy blonde. "Don't make me do CPR again, Oakes!" She has to yell that to be heard at all over the music. She throws some rock horns and resumes dancing, leaning back to tuck a $5 into someone's g-string. "So many good butts up here." Good thing probably no one can hear that except the strippers. Five... six? shots in, she no longer seems to care whether or not this night out ends up on the firehouse holiday reel. She tucks another $10 down someone's top, then edges toward the side of the stage herself, probably about to make her own escape.

Lost in his distant thoughts, Jonathan blinks as he finds himself taking another sip from the drink. Shaking his head as if to clear it, he blinks as he sees Easton not succeeding with that catch. "Ouch..." he offers, beofre he looks around, trying to gather his thoughts now. "That looked..." he begins, going silent again.

Geoff watches Easton expectantly as Bennie comes tumbling towards him, and when it becomes apparent that Easton is far more interested in making it rain then catching her, Geoff leans over, arms extended to catch Bennie. Settling the woman down on the ground he brushes off her shoulders and says with a grin "Come here often?" With a laugh he pulls back and tells the two he knows "I should go see what Erin's gotten up to." And with that he's heading towards the bar to pull up alongside the aforementioned Addington "Hey there babe."

Lyric has slipped the headphones back on once Dahlia started leading Itzhak from behind the table, but one side is lifted. A smile is given to him as he departs. "You will enjoy it. Have a good time." Eyes moving away from them and towards the table where she sets up the next song.

Itzhak's alarmed look as Dahlia looking over towards the stage now too. Eyes wide. BUT Bennie is saved! So she relaxes and laughs. If she can catch Declan's eye she'll give him another smile before leading Itzhak off to a quieter area of the club, towards the private dance area. She motions for him to sit on one of the plush lounge chairs and grins. The music can still be heard -enough to dance to, but it's much easier to talk and listen. "I take it you don't do this too often?" Leaning in close to him as her body moves to the music. "The great thing about a lap dance though, is that you just get to sit back and enjoy the show." Giving him a wink before turning around, inching a little closer - moving her hips. Hands sliding down her her body. Teasing at the top of her shirt and the hem of her shirt. One of them will come off sooner or later.

As George Washington's snow down around her, Bennie glances up from the cradle of Geoff's arms, not quite sure what just happened, as it all went so fast. "Fancy meeting you here." She responds as she's righted, grinning as he dusts off one of her shoulders. "I'm okay!" She assures everyone, thrusting her hands above her head to a chorus of cheers, before she turns to Easton, not the least bit perturbed that he botched the catch. Her arms sling over his head, hooking on the back of his neck by benefit of the silk tie. "Did you know...that the stalls here lock?"

Aidan's gaze wanders across that next dancer who passes by, as well, and he looks amused by the answer, though it's not quite a grin this time. "Born but not raised," he replies, "but not a tourist, nah! I came back. For now, at least." A look around the room, taking a drink, and then back to the stage. "I wonder if they'd get this many people if they tried it with dudes," he muses, before being thoroughly distracted from that idea by a plummeting Bennie. He startles, taking a step in that direction, and looks relieved when Geoff catches her. "You okay?" he calls to her, just in time to get the right answer back. Okay, good!

Zoiya raises two fingers toward the bartender as she's approached for a private dance. She listens to the offer, points toward her shots and flashes the man a crooked smile. He tucks money into her shorts, and she takes her two shots, one after another before she pushes away from the bar. She approaches the man who made the offer, and takes advantage of the song that's already playing. She moves to the music, warmed by the alcohol, not paying much attention to the crowd at the moment. The man reaches out to touch her, and she swats at his hand, continuing her dance. When she has to slap her hands two more times, there is a low murmured warning, and a finger waggle. It's a little harder to lose yourself in the music when some man is trying to slip a hand in your shorts.

Itzhak just has to add a cheer for Geoff and Bennie. It's not every day a guy gets to catch a flying girl! Then he follows Dahlia, his big rough hand in hers, not as reluctant as might be guessed. He lets her sit him down, but then he kind of freezes up. He can't make up his mind, apparently. "No, uh, the truth is I'm a real dork," he admits, his expression sheepish. He's got several tattoos (one a full sleeve) and he's wearing a skull belt buckle but he's bashful as a virgin on prom night.

Laughing at his own failed attempt to catch Bennie, Easton slaps Geoff's arm. "See? That's some A plus level wingman shit right there." He cheers with the crowd as well, again showing a complete lack of volume control. As she hooks her hands over his head he kisses her quickly but then she asks him a very important question and his eyebrows raise. He very seriously answers, "Why no. I didn't know that." He leans in to whisper something into Bennie's ear.

Declan also watches Bennie tumble. "Wow," he breathes, relieved. Not that he moved to help. If he'd been closer, Declan probably would have. Instead, he just breathes a sigh of relief. "Gotcha," he tells Aidan with a nod. "Be glad for that." He pats the other man on the arm, checks the time on his phone, and pushes it back into his pocket. "About time for me to take off, Aidan. Stop by the Pourhouse sometime. I'll make you a real drink." He winks, then pushes away from the stage.

Antonio pushes his own martini glass forward for a refill, cocking his head to the bartender. "And another shot for this one." The boss winks to Erin, taking up the microphone. "Are we having a good time tonight? Like us on Friendzone, get to know us. Hell, you can even work here."

Erin had remained at the bar finishing off that chocolate drink. It hit the spot, really. Now she's got a double shot and a double on the rocks for Geoff, but she hasn't gone back to deliver it to Geoff as of yet, preferring to watch the happenings from the bar for the moment. It really doesn't take much time to drink most of her double then polish it off and get a second. Spending money like it's water, the Addington is well on her way to a good drunk. "Get to know you? Hi, I'm Erin Addington," she grins at the owner, offering her hand.

Party music, that's what's being played, loud with a good dance beat. Song after song is played and Lyric is really into it, even jumping around, dancing, singing, and just having fun. A waitress comes by and she gets another drink delivered to her which is immediately started on. As for the lap dance in the quieter area.. what lap dance? She's having her own little party!

"Nice work!" Aidan calls over to Geoff, and glances to Declan at the pat. "Nice meetin' you!" he replies, "Catch you 'round, then." Which probably wasn't actually intended to be a pun, but kinda works anyway. He lifts what remains of his drink to the guy in farewell, and takes another glance around. Everyone he knows looks pretty busy, but one of the girls not currently dancing pauses nearby to chat briefly, and that'll do!

A bouncer intervenes the next time the man tries to slide his hand along Zoiya's skin, there is a slightly amused smile as she watches him get pulled toward the front doors. She shrugs, makes her way back to the bar, leaning against it near Erin and Antonio. "Who's your pretty new friend, Boss?" She aims a bright smile in Erin's direction, lowering her lashes coquettishly. "Mae. Nice to meet you." She doesn't offer Erin a hand, but she gives her a polite upnod. There is a gesture to the bartender and another shot is brought for her.

Bennie huffs a piece of hair from in front of her face, before giving Easton a grin that stretches wide on her features. Her gaze tears away from him for a moment, edging up on tip toes to see if she can spot the dancer that she was with on stage, but it looks as if she's busy fending off a handsy customer. Then to Sutton, "Don't wait up, partner!" Indicating that Bennie likely has a ride home from her boyfriend and she has every intention of disappearing with him, at least for a bit. With her teeth biting coyly in her bottom lip, Bennie starts walking backwards towards the bathrooms.

Sutton drops to a crouch, sits on the edge of the stage. She hops off after a moment of considering the floor and her heels. Nothing acrobatic about it, which is good, because shots. She waves to Bennie and returns to the small table, dropping into the chair to tip her head back. She fans herself, looking around for a waitress. "Water, someone, anyone." She's wearing too much fabric for the amount of dancing she just did.

Sutton lifts a hand and waves to Bennie, "Goodnight, sweet partner... and fake Russian husband! Lock the door!" She yells that last part to be sure they hear it. Does she know where they're going? No, not for sure.

Geoff bumps his elbow lightly to Erin's as he takes a stool beside hers "So what's happening back here? Anything fun I'm missing." noting the drink in Erin's hand he says "I didn't know you were a heavy drinker babe, definitely going to have to revaluate our liquor options."

"Erin and her boyfriend, enjoying themselves." Antonio winks once to Zoiya, gulping from his martini as he shoots his eyes about the bar. "I suppose we had a pretty good opening night, didn't we? Not that we're done."

Declan moves over to the DJ and pulls his wallet back out. He drops in fifty, puts the wallet away, and never makes eye contact. DJs are often overlooked, and he's always had a soft spot for them. Especially good ones. He waits for someone to pass by, nods, and moves to the door. Declan makes his escape and pulls his phone out to send a text.

Taking the silk ties off Bennie's hands, Easton pulls one free to hold it as he pulls her towards the back of the club. He nods at Aidan and then again at Sutton, calling out "Bye fake crazy wife!" as he walks with Bennie rather urgently it appears. They head towards the back of the establishment.

"Hi Mae, it's nice to meet you too. Are you both new in town?" Not someone Erin seems to recognize, either of them. "Either way, welcome to Gray Harbor thanks for bringing the party." Her brows lift at the words of the owner and she laughs softly, but Geoff arrives about then and she slides him his double on the rocks. "Oh hadn't you heard? I'm a party girl. I thought you knew." The smile is there and she turns the stool to face towards the room at large. "I have a few bottles back at home, if you want to continue the party there, eventually. I'm not ready to go yet."

"Nice to meet you both." Zoiya picks up her shot, tilts it back and then sets it down. She sees Bennie leading her boyfriend toward the bathrooms and she manages to keep from laughing, but only just. She scoots her ass up on a bar stool and turns to smile at Erin. "Yeah, new in town. Party girl, hmm? You'll have to let me know the next time one is going on. I love a party." She picks up her water bottle, unscrews the top and takes a drink. "Didn't think this town would be the type to party." Obviously from the turn out tonight, that isn't true.

Ruiz shows up some time after things have hit full swing, and dodges a scantily clad girl on his way in. Might be a stripper or a waitress, he's not entirely sure. And given the view, he doesn't much seem to care. The off duty cop is dressed down in a dark, faded sweatshirt with the sleeves pushed up to his elbows to expose copious amounts of ink. Jeans and some sort of converse-like knockoffs, and a ballcap with its brim tugged low. The latter's given a little adjustment as he drags his eyes off the girl who slips off through the crowd, and does a quick scan of the club proper. Business looks good for opening night.

From her vantage point in the corner behind the table of the DJ booth, Lyric continues to dance on her own back there, mostly unnoticed as she queues up the songs, one after the other for the dancers. The outfit she wears is what the boss requires, and while it's not dance wear, it's fitted to her body even if it covers her modestly. The rhythm is good, the dancing on the stage is better, and she is having her own brand of fun with the music. Noticing the new arrival, she gives him a crooked smile of welcome, but she doesn't leave her booth.

Geoff side eyes Erin with a grin as he takes the drink and takes a stout sip from it "You know, I might have heard a rumor or two that you liked to party and could drink a russian under the ground." this is said with a small tilt of his glass before he grins and introduces himself to those at the bar "The name's Geoff." with a dip of his head towards Zoiya he says "If you're going to get ink anytime soon you should give my shop a shot. I like your existing work."

"I try to get something everywhere I go, so I'll stop by." Zoiya says to Geoff, looking toward Erin when the rumor is put forth, curious about her response. For the time being it seems as if the requests for private or table dances has slowed down and she's getting a break. She sips at her water again, a glance paid to the booth and Lyric, her enjoyment of the music bringing a smile to the dancer's face.

The joint's gotten busier as the night's gone on. Sutton rises eventually, making her way to the bar to find a seat now that her partner in crime's otherwise occupied. Her supply of small bills has dwindled, but she has enough left to get another drink. She reaches back to lift her ponytail up and off of her neck and upper back. "Water and a Makers and Coke, please." She leans in, resting her elbows on the bar.

Antonio plants himself onto a barstool, apparently satisfied with the night's progress. Taking his drink in hand, he swirls the liquid and gulps.

"Maybe you heard right." Erin counters with a brow waggle, in full party girl mode. Mostly. With a half smile she looks over Zoiya, "How about a lap dance for this guy?" A thumb gesture over her shoulder towards Geoff. It's asked without actually getting Geoff's permission, but therein lies the challenge. "If he's up to it?" Ah there it is. "Are you?"

Speaking of music, Lyric gets into the dancing and while it's not stripper-like, she is having a good time. The next song starts and of course it's Crazy Bitch by Buckcherry. She mouths the words to it as she dances, then notices Geoff over there at the bar and waves to her 'big brother' type. This is one of her favorite songs and she very openly enjoys it, checking out the people in the club as she does. The owner gets a smile and a thumbs up gesture. The night was good.

Geoff cracks a cocky grin "Perfect, you'll have to swing by the studio then. Think you'll like the portfolio I've built." at Erin's words he says rather wryly "I've never turned down a lap dance before, and I don't see any reason why I'd start doing it right now." tilting the cup back he takes a deep swig from, offering a two finger salute to Lyric when she catches his attention with the wave.

Aidan tips his new friend, then eyes what he's actually still got left and wanders over to pop most of it into the DJ tip jar. Lyric gets a smile. "Good music," he says, "Thanks." He's not quite dancing to it, but things like walking are falling into the rhythm, and okay, there might be a little mild grooving involved.

Jonathan seems to have gotten through this second mojito now, and places the empty glass on the bar. Glancing around the room again, he shakes his head a little, looking to see what other people he knows.

Dahlia grins up at the New Yorker. "Itzhak. Nice name, honey. I'm Dahlia. Like the Black Dahlia. Except I'm, you know, alive." A wry smile. "You're too cute." She slides her skirt and bra back on, but leaves the shirt off. Taking his hand and leading him back in to the main room, over towards Lyric. "Your friend is great! Make sure he comes back!" Then she's making her way towards the bar with a little wiggle of her hips as a parting gift of sorts. Flagging the bartender for another water.

Erin folds several bills and offers them to Zoiya, "Have fun." A wink given her way before she turns her chair to face the bar again as Geoff gets to his feet. "Happy late birthday." In fact his birthday was recently and she'd only found out by seeing it when he'd flashed his ID recently for something. Her own drink is finished and she orders another double shot, this time tequila with salt and lime, given directly to the bartender this time, skipping the middle man since he seemed occupied.

Zoiya gets to her feet, matching Geoff's cocky grin with one of her own. "One lap dance coming up." She crooks an inked finger at Geoff, meaning to lead him over to a table and a comfortable chair. One does not do lap dances at a bar. She quirks a brow at Erin, taking the bills to stuff in her shorts. "Coming?" Hey, some people like to watch. She leads the way, bringing her bottle of water in case she wants it after.

The club boss shoots a look over toward Dahlia that's accompanied by a wink, taking a puff of his vape. "I'd say we did pretty well tonight. What do you think?" He winks once, drumming his fingers along the edge of his martini glass.

Bearings gained, Ruiz makes his way toward the bar at an unhurried prowl, dark eyes taking in the girls doing their thing on the stage, enroute. He slides into a seat at the bar, lifts two fingers when the 'tender looks his way, and places an order without quite taking his eyes off whoever's currently performing.

Beet. Red. Itzhak says, "Nice ta meet ya, Dahlia like the Black Dahlia," and kind of waves back at her, grinning stupidly. He slumps against the wall, it looks like it needs holding up, and wipes his forehead.

"I'd sure say so, Bossman." Dahlia winked. Taking a drink of her water...which almost got spit out when she saw Ruiz. Shit. She swallowed and tried not to start a damn coughing fit. Just barely. "To many more good nights." She offered to Antonio with a grin. Then those bright eyes slide towards Ruiz. "You havin' a good time baby?" As if he's a total stranger. That flirty smile on her lips.

Lyric watches as Aidan approaches, expecting him to give a song request. When he drops bills in the tip jar she smiles and gives a peace sign. "Thank you!" Calling above the music so he could hear. The song keeps playing and she keeps dancing, watching as Dahlia approaches. A thumbs up is offered to her but that's brief as the dancer walks towards the bar. She puts a hand on the headphones, the side that's on her ear, and she dances. And dances. Hey, she loves music.

Geoff follows along after Zoiya towards the more comfy chairs and when it's clear what table she's leading him to he drops down into a seat and leans back getting comfortable. Taking another sip from his whiskey he watches Zoiya with an undisguised and keen interest, looking her over though he gets caught up with a professional interest at several of her tattoos

Sutton tips her phone out of her pocket to check it while she waits for a drink that's most definitely a bad idea on top of all those shots, and scrolls through a few text messages. She quietly returns a few, smiling. She glances down the bar at the cop who sits there, his hat pulled low like he's creeping someone. She watches Dahlia work the man, grinning a bit as she turns back to the bar to tip the bartender who delivers her drinks.

Aidan returns the peace sign, which looks about as natural on him as the grin that comes along with it. Which is to say, very. The room gets another looking over, thoughtful. A nod at nothing obvious, and he starts toward the door. Probably all topped up on hot nearly/naked strangers now.

Erin doesn't follow the dancer or Geoff as they go off for their dance and show. Instead, she reaches for her drink and watches the two depart for a moment before turning back for the ... "Hello.. Captain." Dark eyes watch the captain as he approaches the bar, likely he hadn't seen her there, she's assuming.

Big shoulders slouched, ballcap stubbornly in place still, Ruiz is just turning to collect his drink when a very familiar voice greets him. He pauses, fingertips at the rim of his glass, and ticks his eyes up to study her for a few beats. Then a flickered smile, amused. Yes, he knows how to play that game. "Not yet. Aunque, la noche es joven." He winks, and takes a pull from his drink. Tequila? Damn right. He's mid-sip when Erin greets him, and to his credit, he doesn't choke on it. "Evening," is offered about as politely as he ever gets. Which still comes out rather gruff.

Antonio returns to his drink at the bar, settling into his barstool with a satisfied smirk on his face.

A little part of Dahlia is simply delighted that he's playing along. She takes another sip of water. "Y lleno de posibilidades." Is her ever so charming response, sidling a little closer. "Let me know if I can help make your night a little more interesting and fun." The words purred before pulling back when Erin greets him. Easily turning her attention to some other patrons to tease and flirt.

It's a good twenty minutes before Zoiya returns to the bar, sans tape, and not seeming too bothered about the fact that she's naked from the waist up. She leans behind the bar to grab her earlier discarded tank top, pulling it on before she knocks on the bar. She gazes down at those gathered, does a subtle double take, though her calm expression doesn't seem to change. She drops a few quiet words to the bartender and he returns with a bottle of whiskey. She puts down money to cover the bottle and walks toward the entrance to the back stage. "Gonna go put on some proper clothes." She calls out, just in case Antonio is worried. He's probably counting money, the epitome of not worried.

Sutton reaches for her water first, draining at least half of the glass. She lifts the glass to press it against her throat, glancing down the bar to watch Dahlia work. She notes de la Vega, of course, and Erin, and her gaze follows Zoiya as the woman returns briefly to the bar. A few sips into the rum and Coke, she thinks better of it and pushes it aside until, at the very least, she finishes off the water.

Antonio stands from his barstool and makes his way around the bar, pouring himself a shot of straight whiskey before raising it to his lips. "I think we had a pretty good night, eh?" He shoots a wink to the bartender before leaning on the bar, an arrogant smile spread across his lips.

Erin joins in the game, whether it was intended for her or not. "Tantas mujeres aqu�, tan poco tiempo." Her drink is taken and while Geoff is away, she downs the contents, paying for them as she goes. "Next time I come, I should create a tab. I think I found my new favorite place to go." For the moment she doesn't order anything else, just muses to herself. "I think I will take another double shot." Certainly feeling no pain for herself or her credit card, she seems to be at least enjoying herself. Dark eyes finally drift back towards the Captain and she laughs to herself. "So, that's how you look in clothes." A teasing, very deliberate pause. "Street clothes. And away from the office."

Pausing as he glances to the bar again, then to the various dancers present, Jonathan decides to step over in the direction of where Lyric is, steps a little slow. Offering a smile as he approaches. "Looks like someone got their dream job, hmmm?" he comments.

With the approach of Jonathan, Lyric lifts one side of the head phones to greet him. "Hi!" Exuberance at its finest, she greets him with delight. "I did, I really love this job very much." Then she eyes the tip jar and smiles, "Are you wanting a lap dance too? I've been getting them for my friends."

Dahlia gets a murmured answer from the cop before she slips away. He's almost polished off his drink by the time he spots Sutton, seated a little way down the bar. It's Zoiya and her tits that distract him initially. Because he's a man. Who likes tits. And they're on display like cantaloupes at a farmer's market. The face attached to them gains a brief furrowing of his brows, but the brunette in the grey low-cut top pulls his attention away. Right up until Erin goes and makes her little that's how you look in clothes quip. This time, he does inhale a little of his drink, and coughs once or twice before sliding the glass back onto the counter. "Are you going to get a lap dance? Put your money where your mouth is."

Jonathan is unable to hold back a grin at the greeting, before he blinks a few times at that question. "A lap dance..." He trails off again. "That seems to be one of the main activities here, right?" The noble art of answering a question with another question, it seems.

Zoiya returns in a pair of low-rider denim jeans and what looks like a layered cotton poncho for a top. A shoulder is exposed and there probably isn't anything on underneath it. Her hair has been gathered on top of her head, and she hasn't done a damn thing to remove any of her make up. Her heavy boots clomp on the floor as she stuffs money in her back pocket, coming to a stop at the bar. A large purse probably filled with secrets and lies is set on the bar with a thud, the bottle of whiskey tucked inside. "Need anything else from me tonight, Boss?" She asks, not looking down the bar when she speaks up.

Sutton finishes off her water with a little slurp, hazel-eyed gaze on the other revelers at the bar, once she's finished following Zoiya's progress. She sets that glass aside, and smirks over something, sipping the bourbon and Coke. She sips her phone onto the surface of the bar, crossing her legs. She reaches up to take her hair down, then twist those straightened locks up into a glossy knot at the nape of her neck. Finally stopped sweating from all the dancing.

Dahlia makes no reaction to Ruiz's whisper. Though Erin does get a wink at her response to their earlier replies. When she makes her way back around, at least she's got a shirt on again. That sparkly, silver thing with a plunging neckline. She orders a double dot of tequila. Muttering something back to Ruiz before downing the shot. Looking over towards Zoiya, "I'm gonna hit you up soon for that help." Then it's another water. She really needed to keep her wits about her.

Antonio takes it upon himself to grab the microphone as he's drinking, taking the opportunity to speak over the music. "Buy a fuckin' lapdance." He deadpans into the mic, turning it off afterwards and then laughing, looking to Zoiya and placing a hand on her side. "You helped us become the best spot in town tonight, hmm? Hope you come back for another shift sometime, sweetie."

"Oh not a chance. While I can admire the female body and think they are exquisite works of art, I don't find myself wanting to touch or explore them so much. That's definitely not where my mouth is." Reaching out a hand, Erin gives a requisite tap to the Captain's back. "Careful, they serve the best here." While amusement dances in those dark eyes, she lowers her lashes in a mock demure look to hide the expression. "However, if you find yourself wanting a lap dance, I'm sure one could be arranged for you." Her brows arch as she looks more directly at him this time.

"If you're paying me, I'll be back." Zoiya responds, leaning in a bit toward Antonio as if she might give him a kiss, she doesn't. Her voice is a little lower, but it still carries at the bar. "If you're paying very well, you can touch." She slides her fingers over his, and primly pulls them away from her. She follows that up with a wink, so it's up in the air if she's serious or not. She takes in the others at the bar, a thoughtful look on her face. She watches Sutton play with her hair, raising her voice slightly so that it will carry to the paramedic. "You getting an Uber or something? I need a ride back to my shithole hotel room."

The club boss

"It is. And I'm all for job security. So if you want a dance I'll pay for it. You just have to choose the dancer you want." Lyric and all her generosity. "If you don't that's fine too, but you should, it'll be fun."

The club boss laughs heartily at Zoiya's commentary, placing an arm around her side as he finishes his drink. "Suppose I'm paying you quite well, so I hope you'll be back. I just bought the concrete ;and booze, you're the one bringing in the cash." He chuckles under his breath at that, then leaning in to say something more to the dancer.

"Careful?" Ruiz looks amused, and watches Erin for a long moment before ducking his gaze to finish off his drink. Quick jerk of his chin, tequila polished off, another requested with the ease of an old pro. "I think if I was trying to be careful, I'd have stayed home." A beat. "You look good in leather, by the way." The way he's watching her, he doesn't seem to buy the mock demureness. His gaze slides toward Sutton again, and he draws a breath and pulls to his feet with a murmur of, "Disculpe un minuto, por favor." Something's spoken more quietly before he moves off to approach the paramedic.

Sutton glances up from putting away her drink. She flicks the straw out of her mouth with her tongue and turns her hazel eyes to Zoiya. "Hey. It was a pleasure to watch you work tonight." She rolls her shoulders, straightening to turn from the bar, legs still crossed. Something in her back pops softly, but it's probably lost under the music. Her shoes are a simple pair of four inch heels, bright cotton candy blue. "Are you down at the one on the boardwalk? I stayed there for a couple weeks when I first got to town. You gotta get out of there, girl. Their hot tub should be reported to the health department." Like she has a cop 6th sense, she glances over just as de la Vega rises.

"Well, it sounds fun," Jonathan replies to Lyric, before he adds, "But I'm not sure how I'll manage to make the choice of who." A brief pause, as he adds, "Been... very long since I've been at a place like this."

For a moment it looks like she might snap at Antonio, instead his words draw a chuckle out of her. "You hired me. I need money. Don't worry, I'll be back." She tickles an inked finger under his chin and then she starts to move away, but his quiet words make her pause. She nods in his direction and replies softly. Sutton's voice makes her look up and there is a lopsided smirk on her lips. "Yeah well, if I can find someone to room with or an empty place that doesn't make my skin crawl, I will get out of there." She pulls bills from her back pocket and palms them to Antonio. "I'll text you."

Dahlia caps her water and flashes a smile towards Antonio. "Real good night tonight. I'll definitely be coming back." And then she heads towards the backstage area so she can get changed. Eventually returning in a simple pair of denim shorts and a white tank top. She stops back the bar one last time just in case Antonio needed anything. Ruiz is going towards Sutton...well Dahlia has to give just one last little dig before she leaves. She loops an arm around Sutton's shoulders. "It got a little crazy honey. You'll have to come back with Bennie so you girls can do those body shots." A teasing lit in her tone. "Have a good night." Ruiz, notably, doesn't get another look as she slips away, sliding out her phone and starting to text rather insistently.

The club boss

Holding his gaze until he looks away, Erin laughs softly, finally dropping hers as well. It's only to reach for her drink, which she's likely had too much of. "I'm not certain," she says in an offhand manner, "that getting out is enough to qualify you as not being careful. Unless you're tame by comparison. Sometimes staying home is far more dangerous." That could be taken as the murders of late had taken place at the victims homes, perhaps. A hand smooths over the leather bandeau top, probably too much cleavage on display for her since she usually dressed more modestly. "Thank you, I like the way it feels against my skin." Tugging in her lower lip between her teeth she watches as he moves off and laughs to herself. "Here," she tells Antonio and pays him the remainder of her bill and a healthy tip. "I should get going. I appreciate your club." Rising to her feet, all 5'9" of height, she folds the remainder of her cash and tucks it into her top.

The club boss's lips curl upward into a satisfied smile as he returns to his drink at the bar, looking to Erin with an appreciative wink. "Very nice of you. Hope you enjoyed yourself, Miss."

As it seems like the evening is wrapping up for most, Lyric gives a smile to Jonathan. "Then you decide who and next time you come in, I'll do it then. How about that?" She checks the music, there's still plenty left, but people are leaving and so she gathers a few empty cups and glasses and bottles around the tables and piles them all on one to make it easier on the waitresses. "What do you think?" Questioning Jonathan.

Jonathan considers that for a few moments, before he nods, offering a smile to Lyric. "That sounds good. I'll make sure to move past that huge trap over there too," he offers, gesturing to the bar with a grin. "They make an awesome mojito, though."

"The bar is good, I had tequila there before and tonight is mostly just pour offs when the drink won't all fit in the glass. So I've had.. kitchen sink punch or something. It's pretty flavorful and I worked it out with the bartender." Sorry boss, Lyric set it up when you were busy! "It's good to see you Jonathan and I hope the rest of your night is good."

There are a few things Ruiz could say to the brunette with the top and the cleavage who's sassing him on his way by. He opens his mouth, probably to fire back with something thoroughly inappropriate. Then seems to decide that discretion is the better part of valour. Instead, he sends her a long look in parting, and slides his arm around Sutton as he pulls in close. She's given a tug toward him, and something murmured lingeringly in her ear before he tries to turn her jaw toward him for a kiss.

When she gets to her feet, Erin looks around for her date and there are a few murmured words to him as they walk towards the door. Hesitating, she smiles at Antonio, "I did, thank you. Now to go home and do the same. We're celebrating tonight, my boyfriend is moving in with me." With a wink, she hooks an arm through Geoffs and lets him lead the way out to his bike.

Sutton nods in agreement with Zoiya, "I ... yeah, that was how I felt about it. I made a very fiscally irresponsible decision after I got booted from my first place here." She doesn't say why. "I'll keep my ears open, see if I hear about anyone looking for a roommate." When Dahlia slides a hand around her shoulders, she reaches up to touch the dancer's arm, tanned fingertips trailing over fair skin. "Hey, yeah, it was pretty great. I'll bring my girl back and we definitely will." She grins and watches the dark-haired woman go. "Body shots are pretty much guaranteed."

Sutton looks over to Erin for a moment, as she, too, moves to leave. The paramedic blows out a breath — catching sight of an Addington reminding her of the reason she came out to drink tonight: transporting another DOA earlier today. She presses her lips together briefly, lifts her glass, and sips her bourbon & Coke. Which is what she's doing when de la Vega slides an arm around her. She almost spills her drink. Luckily, she sucked down about 2/3 of it already. Whatever he says makes her laugh. "Not today, Satan —" The kiss interrupts whatever else she was going to say. It's brief, soft, and it's obvious quickly the paramedic is drunk.

Jonathan smiles, nodding at Lyric's words. "Thanks. I should be heading back home soon, I think. Might take a bit of a walk on the way there to clear my head a bit." There's a brief pause, before he adds, "I just hope I'll be feeling well enough in the morning." A brief pause. "I'll see you later,"

"Did you walk here too?" Lyric asks him. The music continues to play but it's definitely dying out inside the place for the night. It's late though. "Is everything okay? Are you going to be alright walking and all?" Curious and a little concerned. "We could call you an Uber."

Ruiz, on the other hand, is nowhere near drunk. He's got another glass of tequila coming to him, some eye candy being mildly distracting at eight o'clock, and seems reluctant to let go of the brunette he's snared in one arm. Her hair is brushed back from her eyes, and another, more lingering kiss given before he slides into the seat beside her. "How much have you had to drink?" As he settles fingers atop the rim of the glass that's slid over. His eyes are hard to see under the brim of his cap, though he seems loathe to remove it.

It's a delayed response after a more lingering kiss, but she finally says: "Basically..." Sutton thinks for a moment. "A lot. Four—five... shots and this." Tastes like bourbon & Coke, sweet and a little bit burny. Very delightful, if you ask her. "This whole business was my partner's idea, and then we were on the stage dancing. All the strippers here are very, very nice and the dark-haired ones are particularly smoking." In case de la Vega does not have eyes, and didn't scope out Dahlia and Zoiya, she gives him a heads up.

"I have to pee, but I'm not sure I can make it to the ladies in heels." Sutton glances over her shoulder. "How sticky do you think this floor is? Probably it's ok to walk across it without shoes, right? It's opening night." How gross could the floor be? She leans against the off-duty cop for a long moment while he mulls that over.

"Got a lift when I got here," Jonathan replies, before he considers Lyric's words. "Would probably be good with some kind of a lift at least part of the way back there," he replies after a few brief moments of thought.

"Well, I don't have a car. Or a license. But I could call an Uber for you." Lyric just walks everywhere herself. "I would feel better if you got a ride. I mean what are friends for?" Reaching beneath the table on a shelf she tugs out her cell phone. "I got a driver on speed dial for emergencies. " Not really speed dial, was that even a thing anymore? She does pull up the app and puts in the information. "I will see you around, Jonathan. Have a good night." She checks the songs and there's a list in queue so she'll walk over to the bar after pocketing her tips and smile at the boss. Thank you for hiring me. I really, really like working here."

Ruiz reaches over to snag Sutton's drink, naturally, and avail himself of a sip. Purely in the name of science; empirical evidence is the best evidence, after all. "Too sweet," he pronounces, making a bit of a face. "How can you drink this shit?" His eyes slide toward the stage at her mention of the dancers, then back to the brunette in the low-cut top. "Is that what that video you sent me was about?" He pauses like he's trying to picture her up there with a bunch of strippers. "Come on. I will walk you." To the bathroom. He slides his arm around her again and urges her to her feet.

"Of course -- I'm glad you're here. You just let me know if you need anything, huh?" Antonio winks to Lyric as he circles around the bar, setting a few of the bottles back where they belong and pouring another shot for himself.

There's a glance over to the man taking such good care of his wife and Lyric smiles to the old people before looking over at Antonio with a grin. "I will, thank you." Figuring Jonathan would follow her over, she looks back to see where he had gotten to. Prolly watching the dancers!

"You put the straw in your mouth and suck. It's pretty simple." Sutton's response as her drink is freed from her grasp is literal in the extreme. "Yeah, it was blurry huh? Bennie won the bondage fun raffle." She's still not sure why people paid for those tickets. "I bought her a couple entries. Paid off, too. She looked so happy." Sutton sighs. "My partner is the best." The best. She slides off her stool, getting to her feet on a pair of four inch heels that are mostly hidden by the drape of her long, loose grey slacks.

"The plan was body shots off the beautiful girl with the Snow White complexion, but Bennie's baby showed up and she had some business to do." She reaches back last minute to snag her phone on the bar, sliding that into her deep pants pocket. With an arm around de la Vega's waist, she's thusly escorted across the strip club to the ladies room, moving around groups of revelers and waitstaff and strippers. She leans in to say something quietly.

The beautiful girl with the snow white complexion. "Dahlia, you mean?" The one who was giving him the cold shoulder right before she took off. Of course he knows her. "I would have enjoyed watching that." Whatever else he says is lost to the darkened recesses of that sketchy hallway that leads to the washrooms. He's considerate enough to shoulder the door open to the women's, and help Sutton and her four inch heels across the threshold.

"Is that her name?" Sutton laughs. "Of course. Pretty name for a pretty girl." The two disappear down the hallway to the bathrooms, and there's no screaming or fire from the bathroom in the next five minutes, which suggests everything goes just fine in there, despite the alcohol. Not long later, both emerge from the hallway again, arms around each other, Sutton's hand slipped into de la Vega's back pocket. "You should really shoot som—catch someone soon. Hauling dead people in my ambulance is not my favorite hobby..." she has more to say, but the two head for the exit to the parking lot, the inebriated responder chatty in the extreme after all that alcohol. She lifts a hand and waves to the DJ, pale-haired Lyric who rocked the house all night long. She throws some rock horns and yells, "Night, girl!"