I had never been in a...

I had never been in a strip club until a few weeks ago. I used to spout all the judgmental cliches about guys who frequent these places. A buddy at work told me about the ‘Champagne Room’ at Platinum Plus. He suggested a particular dancer, wagered a hundred bucks that I would find the experience redeeming rather than demeaning. I took the bet, even after he told me what it would cost. Apparently, the price of ‘redemption’ is high.

He warned me the music was loud, but damn. Maybe they keep the decibels up to ensure that the champagne room is the only place you can talk to the dancers and surrender to the seduction. This girl was not silly giggles and ‘coos.’ She didn't pretend passion, fake ‘the hots’ or attempt transparent flattery. She read me, she responded, she smiled sweetly and whispered ‘secrets’ of dirty things she’d done as she straddled my hard on, now I get it; now I understand what an hour with a smart, sexy dancer can do for your soul. My aging body and ragged face are long past attracting girls in their twenties and I haven’t had the close company of a woman for several years.

I lost the bet, but now I get it. A fantasy is good for the soul.