When A Woman Hustles, Danielle Martin [books to read in your 20s .TXT] 📗

30 minutes away. Her $900,000 mansion was her escape. But for some reason, she could not stay away from the city. All of her money was there in Baltimore. Her savings account was a little shy of $850,000. Pumpkin had a goal. She could not retire until she met that goal. She looked up and met eyes with Mason. At times she wondered what it would be like to confide in someone. She had never done that before. Never opened up to a man. Never fell in love. She suddenly shook that image out of her head knowing she was thinking too far ahead.

"I got to go babe." She backed away, knowing she was running extremely late. If she didn't leave now, her entire plan was going to fail, and she couldn't let that happen. "I hate to leave you, but its money that has to be made."

Standing on her tippy toes, Pumpkin pecked him on the cheek. He smiled at her, which gave her a peace of mind because he wasn’t angry or upset. One day… she whispered inside of her head. Even if it’s not with Mason… One day….

 

Chapter 4

Chapter 4.

Hmmm. Not her. Not her. Not her either.
Pumpkin sat at her usual VIP table, her feet kicked back on the table as she sipped on her dirty martini. She hummed to herself bopping her head to the music flowing from the large speakers. The dim lights kept her hidden from the crowd who lingered on the first floor beneath her. She closely watched the bar while sipping on her drink, something she did every Thursday night at Guilty Passions Nightclub. Pumpkin tapped her red manicured fingertips on the table. She watched Smooth Dollar Slik sitting on a stool chit chatting with a young lady who sat on the stool next to him. It wasn’t a busy night at Guilty Passions. It usually didn't get popping until after 12 o’clock on Friday nights. She sat back as the two conversed. The woman sitting next to him had a very petite figure with short straggly hair that barely hung past her shoulders. Pumpkin could only see the woman from behind but knew the moment she walked through that door she was not a good fit. So far, Slik was on lady number 12 and had yet to find a good fit in my any of them. She watched as he stood to his feet, shaking hands with the young woman indicating their meeting was over. Pumpkin continued to sip on her drink. She watched the girl stand up from the bar stool, walk across the dance floor and exit through the door which security held open allowing her to leave. Pumpkin glanced at her clock, it was getting late. Shortly after, another young woman trailed in the door after the last one, checking in with security who patted her up and down before directing her where to go. Pumpkin leaned forward to get a better look. This woman’s figure was a lot fuller, her hair a lot longer. She watched as she sashayed across the room in her red dress. The woman approached the bar as Slik stood up from his chair to greet her. They shook hands. He extended his arm allowing her to have a seat on the empty bar stool next to him. Slik looked her up and down from head to toe, admiring her figure as she twisted her body around on the stool to have a seat. The side of her hips hung off the chair as she positioned herself at the bar. Pumpkin sipped on her drink continuing to examine her from a distance. Thursday was the night Slik interviewed for positions at the night club. The club was in high demand. He was short on staff and desperate for bartender servers. But Slik refused to hire anyone who did not have the right look. He was aiming for a sexy and classy atmosphere. So far, his club was doing he well. Guilty’s was one of the hottest night clubs in Baltimore. Everybody who was somebody came here to kick back, have some drinks, and admire the beautiful women.
Her glass was half empty. Pumpkin sat forward, prepared to get straight to business... The woman at the bar carried herself with elegance which was detrimental if she wanted Slik to even take a second look at her. Her brown skin mixed well with the tight strapless red dress she was wearing. Her long jet black hair hung over her shoulders as she sat with her back turned, engaging in a conversation with Slik who looked as if he was ready to eat her alive.

Pumpkin looked over the rail to the dance floor eyeing the men in the club to see if the woman had caught anyone else’s attention. Indeed, all eyes were on her as everyone in the room gawked towards her presence, lingering around the bar waiting for Slik to finish with her so they could pounce on the chance to buy her drink. Most who came to the club knew Slik pretty well. Any woman working at Guilty’s was drop dead gorgeous. Based upon the crowd’s responses, this chick definitely fit the bill. Pumpkin sat her empty glass on the table. No more waiting. The time is now. Standing to her feet, she headed towards the stairs which led to the lower area of the club. Pumpkin had to see her up close. If her gut feeling was correct, she had to get to her before Slik sealed the deal. Her heels clicked on the marble floors as she trotted down the steps. Reaching the dance floor, she twisted her hips walking across the room towards them. The attention immediately reverted to Pumpkin as she made her appearance.  Pumpkin was used to the attention so it didn’t bother her as eyes immediately fell upon her ass as she sashayed past. Approaching the two, she cleared her throat interrupting Slik in mid-sentence. He turned around first to face her. Pumpkin had known Smooth Dolla Slik for a while now. They had been doing business for a few years now, and typically he was easy to work with. Slik ensured his waitresses kept her VIP section cleared and reserved each Thursday night. His old school Jerry Curl hairstyle glistened with olive oil as he smiled at her, flashing one 24k gold tooth. "I know what your here for." He greeted her. Slik knew the deal. She only came down those stairs when she was ready to make her move. Pumpkin smiled as the young woman turned around to face her also. She was very beautiful even up close. Her long hair was neatly pressed and her nails were polished and manicured. Pumpkin observed her melanin brown skin, which was smooth and clean. Another plus. She also examined her perfectly arched eyebrows and full red lips. So far, this woman passed the first test. "Hi." Pumpkin smiled directly at her, hoping she wasn’t stuck up or rude. Luckily, she smiled back. "Hi." she responded. Pumpkin extended her hand. "My name is Patricia. But everyone calls me Pumpkin." Accepting the handshake, she reached forward and placed her palm on the inside of hers, shaking it back. "Hi. My name is Reese." 
Pumpkin nodded her head. "Reese, huh? Like the chocolate?" she asked out of curiosity. 
Reese laughed, obviously hearing that joke before. "No, my real name is Clareese. I just don’t go by that." 
Pumpkin nodded her head while glancing over at Slik. He eyed her, which indicated he wasn’t too keen on passing up Reese. She was beautiful indeed and carried the exact look he wanted. Pumpkin hated to be the bear of bad news but she had something up her sleeve. Her plan was to get Reese alone for 5 minutes. That’s all she needed to convince her she could put more money in her pocket than Slik ever could. "I hope you don’t mind Mr. Smooth Dolla Slik." Pumpkin placed a hand on his greasy shoulder. She wanted to break it to him easy but had no plans on beating around the bush. "Can i steal this young lady away from you for a few moments? I would like to chit chat with her in private." 
Slik smacked his lips while throwing his hands up in surrender. He took one last look at Reese, admiring her from head to toe as if he didn’t want to pass her up. "You always pull the best ones Pumpkin. Sheesh, can’t I have some for myself?" 
Pumpkin laughed. Slik was right and luckily a very good sport about it. Pumpkin discovered some of her best girls here at Guilty’s. As long as Slik was in business, she was going to continue tipping him off a grand each week so he would continue his search for that diamond in the rough. She looked back over at Reese. "I have a table upstairs in VIP. Come have a drink. It’s on me." Pumpkin stepped back to allow her to stand up in the chair. Reese nodded her head, accepting the offer. She looked back over at Slik. "I'm sorry to interrupt our meeting. I'm still interested in working with you. If you're here before I leave, I’m going to stop by and speak with you." Slik appeared slightly disappointed, but he nodded his head allowing her to walk away. 
Reese stood to her feet, falling in step behind Pumpkin as they both trotted towards the stairs toward VIP. "Damn," an older fellow mumbled under his breath as they both walked past. "I don’t think I ever seen a sight so wonderful in my life. Both of you are beautiful." He spoke in a country accent as he basically undressed them both with his eyes. Reese blushed while Pumpkin threw her hand up, accustomed to the attention. "Thanks." She smirked at him while approaching the stairs. She stood back, allowing Reese to walk up first. They both trailed up the steps toward the VIP section which was secluded and private. Pumpkin didn’t mind coming here getting work done because she could isolate herself all night with no interruptions. After reaching the top of the stairs, she walked over to the personal bar that sat in the corner. Pumpkin poured half tequila, half lemonade and a hint of lime juice into a glass filled with ice. After making two for both Reese and herself, she walked over to the table, sitting the drink down in front of her hoping alcohol would loosen her up. "Thank you." Reese responded politely, bringing the drink to her lips and taking a swig. She scrunched up her face after a few sips, being careful not to choke on the swallow she still had in her mouth. Pumpkin laughed. "Too strong for you? Or are you nervous?" she asked while sipping on her own drink which tasted just right. Reese coughed, clearing her chest so she could speak. “No. I’m not nervous." She responded. Her demeanor stated otherwise as Pumpkin noticed her hand lightly shaken while placing the drink back down on the table. Reese hiked her dress down past her knees then crossed her legs, which indicated she had