Faith (Hades Angels #1) by Elizabeth Hayes Page B

wrong?” Melody asked, bending over to help me pick up my clothes.
    “My wig. I left it at home.”
    “Well, what’s the problem? You look great with your hair the way it is. Here, use my flat iron and everything will be fine. Promise.”
    I sat there on the floor trying not to freak out. It’s just a wig, no big deal. I could do this. I could go out there without my wig and everything would be just fine. No, not working.
    “Come on, Faith, it will be fine. I promise.” Melody pulled me in for a hug.
    “No, it won’t.”
    “Yes, it will. Here, sit and let me work my magic.”
    I sat down on the stool and let Melody work her so-called magic. She wouldn’t let me face the mirror.
    “You can look when I’m done. Until then, try to relax.”
    By the time she was done, I had relaxed as much as I could, and I was still a ball of nerves.
    “It’s about time you dropped the wig, Faith. You look so much better with your natural hair.”
    “Thanks, Jade.” I tried to smile.
    “Okay, you can turn around now.” Melody set the flat iron down and turned it off. “See. You look great.”
    “I suppose you’re right. It’s just that I’ve always worn my wig here. It’s been like my security blanket.” I stared at my reflection in the mirror.
    “Okay, girls, let’s go,” Jade said. “Melody, you are up first, and then Faith follows her. You have about two songs.” Jade turned and walked out of the dressing room.
    “I need to go pay my house fee.” I got up, nervous as to what the reaction would be. My hair was part of my mask at pretending to be normal. It was part of the disguise I put on. It helped me feel like I was just like the other girls. I shook it off and took a deep breath. Time to get this over with. I lifted my head high and walked out of the dressing room, straight to the bar.
    “Hey, Faith. I love the hair!”
    “Thanks. Can I get a water, please?”
    “Better make that two redheaded sluts.” Melody came up and sat down at the bar next to me.
    “Huh?”
    “You need to relax. One shot won’t hurt you, but it may be just what you need to let go. We have a whole two minutes before we go on stage, and by the looks of you, you are so not ready for that. So, a shot it is.”
    “Here you go, ladies.”
    “Thank you,” Melody said as she took both shots off the bar and handed me one. “Cheers,” she added before she downed hers.
    I lifted my glass and downed it in one swallow.
    “Show time.” She hopped off the stool and walked to the stage.
    I was still a ball of nerves. I waited at the bar until Melody’s song was over and my name was called. I took a deep breath before slowly walking up the three stairs to the stage. I wiped my sweaty palms on a towel before wiping down the pole. I gave myself a pep talk as I placed my hand on the pole, then I closed my eyes and tried to forget that I wasn’t wearing my wig. I let the music flow over my body as I swung my left leg around the pole. I opened my eyes and glanced around the stage. It was completely surrounded by men with folded up dollar bills sitting in front of them.
    By the time I made my way around the stage collecting tips, I had completely forgotten about my insecurities. When the song ended, I collected my clothes and made my way to the other stage.
     
     
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Eighteen
     
     
    It was Saturday, the day I had been looking forward to, yet dreading since Tuesday. I was beyond nervous. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to go, I just wasn’t sure how everything was going to turn out. I really liked Bryce, like, really liked him. Could I let myself open up to him? Would I even be able to let down my walls for him? Would I ever feel comfortable enough to tell him about my past, or about what could possibly be my future? What if I jumped the gun and told him and a relationship wasn’t what he was looking for? Maybe he was just out to have fun, and I just happened to be the first girl who came into