The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 19

Regina sighed as she stood under the shower. The night's performances ran through her mind but the intermission even more so. What was he even doing here!?

The last place she expected to run into Marcus Avery was at the club. Her face warmed in embarrassment as if she had been caught doing something inappropriate. All she did was sing but the thought of anyone learning about where she worked mortified her. If any of her family members caught her she knew she would never be able to face them again. But she and Marcus were practically strangers despite the three children ruling her life. He didn't know anything about her, not even her name. Why then did it matter if he saw her perform at the club? Yet, for some reason, it did.

She sighed rinsing out her hair before shutting off the water and stepping out of the shower stall. Despite the fact the club had such facilities she was practically the only one who used them. Most of the performers and staff simply went home but Regina hated the idea of bringing anything from the club back to her babies, even the atmosphere, if it were possible to wash away the air.

Wearing rubber sandals Regina dressed in the small changing room before heading to her locker to exchange her sandals for socks and shoes as well as dig out her jacket and brush through her damp hair. Satisfied she left her showering supplies in her locker and relocked it before heading to the owner's office for her check.

"But Mary, please. Just put me on stage and you won't be disappointed."

"If you want to be on stage you have to audition like everyone else, Madeline."

"But..."

"Look, I don't care that your mother-in-law doesn't know how to stick to a budget. Rules are rules. No exceptions."

Regina paused listening to the voices drifting out from the partially open door. This was not the first time she stumbled upon this conversation and knew it would take time before it was concluded so she leaned against the wall and waited.

"But I really need the money."

"Everyone needs the money. You're nothing special."

"At least give me better clients. I hate working the Pit. They are all cheapskates."

"Do you see this? This is a list of complaints... on you. Rude behavior, snide remarks, delivering the wrong drinks. Need I remind you, you are a waitress and your job is to serve your customers. You want me to give you important clients when you can't keep these ones happy?"

"What's the big deal? Rum, whiskey, it's all the same."

"It's that kind of thought that keeps you in the Pit. If you want to be out of the Pit I suggest a better attitude. You want on stage, I suggest replaceing some talent."

The door was suddenly flung open and a woman marched out with a furious expression. Regina was careful not to attract her notice. The woman was insufferable walking around as if she were superior to everyone else despite the fact she was merely a server herself. Once the other woman was out of sight Regina stepped to the door and knocked on it even though it was still open. "Come in."

She entered the small, neat office. At the desk sat a middle-aged woman. Her brown hair had just a touch of gray at her temples and Regina was fairly certain it was her natural color. She wore a blouse, gray vest and slacks making her look professional and a bit severe. Regina knew from experience their employer was personable as long as they didn't jeopardize the club and her livelihood. Her temper was short but she wasn't unreasonable. "Ah! Regina! I've been expecting you," Mary smiled. "Here you are. Your take for the night."

Regina accepted the check looking at the amount: nearly six thousand dollars. She let out a slow breath. It was a lot of money but it wouldn't go far, not when she was six months behind in paying Gabriella's medical bills and certainly not with two growing boys who seemed to have bottomless pits for stomachs. They also needed new clothes and Savannah needed new shoes. There was a stack of bills on the kitchen counter that needed attention as well. She really should get her car insurance back and up-to-date. "You don't look happy," Mary noted.

Regina shook her head, "I'm just mentally paying bills and buying the kids new shoes."

Mary nodded. Like Becky she was aware of Regina's situation, the parts Regina chose to share anyway. It certainly wasn't easy for a single mother to raise one child, let alone four, on their own and from the sound of it Regina didn't get much help from her own family let alone the father's.

"Look, if you need more money you can always work another night. Cabaret night for example."

Regina grimaced. More performances meant more money and also more intermissions. She wasn't thrilled with the idea of spending more time with patrons who couldn't keep their hands to themselves and she already knew from the other staff that Lounge Lizard night was the quietest night of the week. Regina dreaded to think how rowdy it got on other nights. And besides, it was already difficult enough securing a sitter for one night and lying to her family.

"No, that's all right. I'm making due."

Mary nodded. The offer was on the table so there wasn't anything else to say. She genuinely liked Regina. Unlike other performers who sometimes acted all high and mighty Regina was far more amicable and pleasant. She didn't make demands and did her job admirably well. Mary knew how lucky she was to have such a talented performer on stage and no one could possibly replace her.

Every Sunday the club was closed so she could hold auditions for new talent but no one compared to Regina's natural abilities and stage presence. The club relied on word of mouth to advertise its performances and over four years had gained a bit of a reputation for having professional talent. It was how Regina heard of it in the first place.

"Well, it seems you have yourself two new admirers," Mary said after a moment.

"Admirers?"

"The men with the winning bid. One of them was already an important patron but the other one is even more prestigious. He set himself up an account right before he left. Something must have impressed him and I have a feeling it was because of you. Good job." Regina tried not to frown. She didn't like it though perhaps it was expected. Marcus still had quite a reputation even after a five-year absence. No doubt if he had been around when the club opened he would have been first in line. But if he had truly joined that meant he would be there when she next performed, didn't it?

She was tempted to give her resignation immediately but she really couldn't afford to quit now as much as she wanted to avoid him. He had no idea who she was so at least she was safe. Perhaps it would be all right?

"Keep up the good work," Mary suddenly smiled. "If you keep attracting more clients like him I'll have to renegotiate our deal. That's more money for you."

"Right. Thank you," Regina nodded. Recognizing she was being dismissed she retreated and headed for her car. When did her life get so complicated?