The Stripper Equation

Cop A Feel

I was just standing there in shock.  When Daphne came back through the door she could sense something was wrong.  “What happened?”  I couldn’t even begin to process what had just happened.

I know Mark was acting like a jerk today but that doesn’t mean that I was ready to give up on us.  I know that I need Vinnie in my life.  The only way that I can guarantee this won’t end badly is by not starting anything.  He had a wife and a life he thought he was going to live forever and I can’t compete with that.  He just thinks he wants me now that he’s afraid of losing me.  Once I assure him I’m not going anywhere regardless of our relationship status he will move on. 

“I’m not even sure.”  I didn’t know what I should tell her.  “Earlier today I went to give Vinnie my statement and I became upset.  He tried to comfort me and Mark walked in on us.  He completely overreacted and I stormed out of Vinnie’s office.  I was just making sure Vinnie was alright.”

Daphne stood there listening, “And is he alright?”

I shook my head.  “Yeah.  He’s fine.”  I could tell that Daphne knew I wasn’t telling her everything but she didn’t pry further.  After a few awkward silences I went to the kitchen and made a pot of coffee.  I could tell already this was going to be a long night and I would need it. 

Daphne’s phone rang and I could tell by the way she was talking that it was Steve on the other end.  She sounded so happy.  For once in our friendship the rules were reversed.  She was in a normal healthy relationship and I was well, stuck in the middle of drama.  I sighed and went back to my room to get ready for work.

            When we left for the club I was shocked that she didn’t say a word about my clothes when we left my apartment, I was glad she was upholding her end of the bargain.  Although I was pretty sure that her finding contentment in her relationship in Steve has preoccupied her.

            When we walked through the doors of the club I subconsciously scanned the room for Mark.  I saw him talking to Kiera at the bar.  She was practically hanging all over him and I avoided his stare.  Daphne saw what I saw and rolled her eyes as we made our way backstage.  Rita and Dominique were at their vanities laughing about something.  I started putting on my make up when Rita came over to my vanity.  “Have you seen Kiera?  She’s up first.  She needs to be getting ready.” 

I finished gluing on my lashes.  “Last I saw her she was draping herself over Mark.”

Dominique laughed.  “Yeah that sounds about right.  That girl has it bad.”  She reached down and pulled at her thigh highs.  “She has been trying to hook up with him for months now.  I don’t get why he just won’t give in.”