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Dancin' For The Groceries Ch. 01

By: sweeteuphoria



A note from the author:

I would like to thank everyone who assisted me with this story; emap, mona, corsetlvr, carnevil9 and last but not least, ThePhoenixMan. Your ideas, suggestions and comments are greatly appreciated. I couldn't have done it without you. 

A special thank you to my ever-patient editors on this story, michchick98 and ThePhoenixMan.

Thank you! 

For my readers- 

The sex is slow to start so please be patient. I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. It was a fun adventure! Thanks for reading me and don't forget to vote! Gentle feedback is appreciated.

**************************

"Jeremy, Madison, have you two finished your homework yet? It's time to go to grandma's house. I've got to get ready for work." Elizabeth rushed around the small apartment trying to get her children ready.

"Yes mommy," Madison answered after she packed up her favorite baby doll and followed her big brother out of the kitchen; the only room with a table for the kids to work at.

Their apartment building, located just outside the inner city, was nearly a slum. The door of the refrigerator was held shut by a chair propped against it because the magnets were missing. The cabinets resembled shelves more than actual cabinets with doors. Lastly, the tile was cracked, peeling and very worn, which was the cause of many stumbles and occasionally snagged socks if feet were placed incorrectly. 

The remainder of the dwelling wasn't any better. As much as she hated to come home every night it was better than living out on the streets. She wasn't about to go running home to a mother who told her not to marry that son of a bitch husband in the first place. 

****

Elizabeth knew she was in love with the man she would soon call her husband. He entered her life when she needed someone the most, after the death of her father, and he swept her off her feet. His promise to give her everything she ever dreamed of and then some dazzled her. "Oh baby, just you wait. I'm gonna give you the world, if you marry me." That was his proposal as he presented a velvet box, which held a heart shaped diamond ring.

Elizabeth didn't hesitate when she saw the ring, "Oh yes, I will marry you, David," she cried and he placed the ring on her finger.

****

That was thirteen years ago. Now, in one horrible moment she learned the truth about her husband. "Hey Liz, I want to talk to you. Do you have a few minutes?" Helen pulled Elizabeth by the arm at the grocery store. 

"I guess. The kids won't be home for another two hours. What's up?"

"Was David home last weekend?"

"Actually, no. He said there was an emergency at the plant in Chicago. He left Wednesday afternoon and didn't come home until the middle of this week. Why?"

"Oh God, I told my husband that it was David, but he didn't believe me. He said David wouldn't do such a thing to you and the kids."

"Do what? What are you talking about?"

"Well, when Steve and I were in Chicago last weekend on a spur of the moment get away, we stayed at a hotel on the waterfront. Friday night I could have sworn I saw David in the bar sitting beside this young blonde. What caught my eye to the couple in the first place were their actions, right there in front of everybody! It was disgusting. I pointed them out to Steve and mentioned how much the man resembled David. I swear Liz. It was David. Steve pulled me away when I started to approach, he said I was embarrassing myself, not to mention him." 

"Do you remember what was he wearing?" 

"Yeah, he had a sweater, jeans and loafers. The sweater was a salmon color with dark green stripes; at least they looked green from where I stood and I'll let you know, I was close enough to see the birthmark on the back of his neck, just like David has. Now that I think back, I'd have to say Steve knew as well, but was afraid to get involved."

"Well, that explains where all our money is going if it was him. That also explains why the children are wearing mended clothes to school and have had the same shoes for almost six months and you know how hard they are on their shoes. I'm not worried about me. I just think he should take care of his children before he goes spending money on another woman. Well, thanks for saying something to me about this, Helen. I'll confront him about it when he gets home tonight, I guarantee it."

Elizabeth finished her shopping quickly so she'd be home when the kids arrived from school. She hated for them to be home alone even though her son was almost thirteen years old and very responsible for that age.

"Thanks for the information Helen," Liz said as she pushed her cart to her car. "I'll call you tomorrow," she added when she pulled away, Helen continued unloading her cart.

Elizabeth made it home with barely minutes to spare before the kids walked into the door. "Hi mom, we're home," her son said and headed to his room; his sister followed.

"What's wrong with mommy?" Madison asked when she got to her brother's room. She sat on his bed with her backpack still attached around her tiny arms. "She looked mad."

"I don't know, but I think we should just stay in here and do our homework. I'll help ya if you need it," Jeremy said and helped Madison with her backpack.

Elizabeth tried to hide her anger from the children and realized that when they'd come home she didn't say anything to them. She tossed the dishrag into the sink and went to Jeremy's room. "Hey guys, how was school?" she asked when she hugged her daughter, who just turned seven years old two weeks prior.

"Are you mad, mommy?" Madison asked as she returned the hug.

"Oh sweetheart, nothing for you to worry about. Mommy's fine, just a little cranky today. Well, I'd better finish dinner before your dad gets home," she said then walked back to the kitchen.

As she turned the corner from Jeremy's room she heard him say, "I'm gonna help Maddie with her homework in here so we don't bother you."

I got such good kids, she thought to herself as she returned to the kitchen to finish dinner and clear the table from their rushed breakfast. Just as she put the last of the dishes in the cupboard, her husband walked through the door. He didn't say anything to her or the kids, just walked toward the bathroom. This behavior wasn't typical of him. He'd usually give her a kiss and ask the children about school, but this day was different.

Elizabeth knew something was up then because of the silent treatment. "Hi, Helen. David's home and things don't look good. Can you pick up the kids and take them to dinner? I don't want'em hearing what I have to say and they don't need to hear anymore arguing, they don't deserve that."

"Sure, Steve has to work late tonight anyway, so it's no problem. I'll be right there," Helen said then ended the call as she grabbed her purse and coat then headed over to Liz's.

When Helen arrived, Liz had the children ready and waiting at the door. The moment Madison saw Helen she began to jump up and down screaming "pizza, pizza!" Madison's smile illuminated her face and Jeremy knew there wasn't any chance of hamburgers for dinner.

Helen often treated Liz and the kids to lunch or dinner if her husband had to work late; she enjoyed their company. Nine times out of ten, they would end up at a pizza parlor, as it was one of their favorite foods.

"I guess she wants pizza," Helen said with a laugh as she opened the car door for the children, making sure they were fastened in seatbelts before she returned to her seat, waved goodbye to Liz then pulled away.

Elizabeth closed the main door to the building, pushing hard to make certain it had locked. She checked the mail slot then ran up the stairs to her own apartment on the third floor. David settled at the dinner table upon his return from the bathroom. He still hadn't spoken a word to his wife and her anger intensified "So, I never did ask you, did you get everything worked out with that problem in Chicago last weekend?" she asked when she brought the food to the table, throwing him a fake smile.

"What probl ---" David started, pausing in mid sentence as his memory of that weekend flashed back to him and answered, "Oh yeah, the problem. Yeah, everything went perfect," lying through his teeth and she knew it. Elizabeth could tell by the way he'd acted since his return from Chicago; he was distant and avoided direct eye contact with her and the kids. She confronted him about what she'd heard from Helen.

"Don't' lie to me anymore, David. I know you didn't go to Chicago for work. Helen and Steve were at the same hotel as you that weekend. She said you weren't alone either, and you were making a scene at the bar with some young blonde."

David didn't say a word. He didn't even finish his dinner. Silently he stood, cleared his plate and walked into the bathroom once again. Elizabeth heard the shower running and then was distracted by the children's arrival. 

Helen had a key to the building for emergencies and used it to gain entrance. The children stood cautiously behind her as instructed. Quietly, Helen knocked after listening carefully for signs of commotion inside the apartment. "I know I should've called first, but the battery on my phone died, and I figured since I was closer to here than home I'd take the chance. I didn't hear any noise from the hall, so I figured it was safe to bring the kids home. Are you all right?" she asked Elizabeth when the apartment door opened. 

"Oh I'm fine. David didn't say a word, he just went back into the bathroom and shut the door." Liz whispered then told the kids to get ready for bed.

"I'd better leave before he comes out. I don't want to start anything else, especially with him."

After a comforting hug, Liz closed the apartment door and headed back into the kitchen to finish cleaning up from dinner. David was still in the bathroom, so the kids just went to bed. "I didn't get to brush my teeth, mommy." Madison said sadly as her mom tucked the blanket around her then kissed her forehead. "Leave the door open," she added as her mother stood to exit.

Before she turned out the light she told her daughter, "You can brush extra good after breakfast tomorrow. Your teeth will be okay tonight, you only missed one brushing."

Elizabeth chuckled to herself as she left her daughter's room and checked on her son, who appeared to be asleep already. That didn't stop her from walking to his bedside and tucking him in though. She kissed his forehead as she did with Maddie then turned to leave, flicking the light switch on her way out. 

Confirming that her children were okay she headed to her bedroom, only to find David already asleep. "Perfect," she said with a sigh then changed into her pajamas and got under the covers on her side of the bed; falling asleep soon after her head hit the pillow.

****


Elizabeth woke as usual to make coffee for David before he left for work, but this morning he was gone already. She thought it strange because normally he'd sleep for at least thirty minutes longer than she did. She noticed the closet door ajar and upon closer inspection, the suitcases were also gone; not to mention all his clothes in the closet opposite the one she had looked in. 

"That son of a bitch," she said under her breath. Upon further investigation she noticed other things he'd taken with him when he left during the night. Her ring was gone from the glass jar on the dresser, not to mention the new laptop computer she'd gotten the kids for Christmas. "Damn him! I just saved enough money to get that out of lay-away three days ago. What a prick, to take something that belonged to the kids," she added and the more she observed, the madder she'd become. 

Thoughts of her life with David surfaced and everything began to make sense to her now. He never wanted me to work. He'd repeatedly told me my job was to care for our home, the children and him as well as my mother. I didn't want to disappoint him in any way, so I never argued the matter. I'm wondering now, if his reasoning for this was to keep me dependent on him? Well I'll show him.

She immediately called his cell phone, not thinking through what exactly she'd say to him, but that didn't matter because instead of speaking to him she'd gotten the voice mail. Flustered, she hung up only to call a second time. This time she did leave a message. 

"Thanks for the confirmation of my suspicions you prick, but the real reason for my call is to inform you I've called a lawyer and filed for divorce! Oh yeah don't try to take any money out of the bank because I reported our bankcard missing and they have issued another one with a different account number. So you might as well just shred the one you have."

"Oh and I wanted to thank you for not putting my name on your credit card account, so the responsibility of payment is all up to you. Have fun with your new plaything. Since I don't know where you're staying I will have the divorce papers delivered to your job as soon as the lawyer has drawn them up." 

In the middle of her rant, she heard the beep that signaled the end of the message, but she didn't let that stop her. With a slide of her thumb, she pressed the redial button and continued where she'd left off. 

"That damn phone!" she voiced angrily, "They need to give more time for detailed messages. Anyway as I was saying, I guess the only things I really wanted to thank you for are those two adorable children you gave me. Now, goodbye and good riddance; I'll see you in court, you bastard!"

Elizabeth ended the call just before the voicemail would have signaled the end of the message for the second time. She threw the phone at the sofa. Infuriated with her husband, she was at a loss of what to do next. "Hi Helen. Well I did it," she started, her voice trembling. 

"I confronted him last night and when I awoke this morning to make coffee as I usually do, the son of a bitch was gone; bags and all. He even had the nerve to take my wedding ring and the new laptop I'd gotten the kids for Christmas."

"Oh no! What did you do then?"

"I called the bank and told them my bankcard had been stolen so they're changing the account and sending me a new card. I hope it's all right that I gave them your address to have the new card sent to, just in case that bastard gets any funny ideas of checking my mail." 

"Oh Liz, I feel so bad for you. What are you gonna do now? I'd be furious and Steve would never live it down if he ever did that to me."

"Well first thing is finding a good lawyer. Do you or Steve happen to know of one that isn't too awful expensive? Remember, David never added me to the credit card account so I only have what was left in the bank account to get me through this until I find a job."

"Oh girl, you're in luck. Steve's cousin is a lawyer. I'm not sure what kind, but if he can't help you, I'm certain he'd find someone for you. He still owes us for helping him through some rough times financially. I'll tell him we need the services pro bono. Let me make a few calls and I'll get back to ya okay? In the meantime, you hang in there girl and for heaven sake don't turn into a disgruntled wife and do something crazy."

"Okay, I promise, besides, I've got the kids to think about. They come first, above David and everything else. They don't deserve this and I want to make it as easy on them as possible." Elizabeth ended the call after one last sincere thank you to Helen for her help.

When the children arrived home from school Elizabeth called them into the living room and with one child on each knee she told them what was going on between her and their dad. She didn't give any real explanation as to why he left, or why things had to change, but she did reassure her children that she'd never leave them.

Madison was just sad that her daddy wasn't coming home, but Jeremy, as wise as he was at his age, had thoughts of his own as to why his dad left. I bet that other girl had something to do with this, he thought to himself; not letting on to his mom that he knew his dad was spending time with another woman. The kids hugged their mom and then she scooted them off her lap so she could start supper.

"Here mom," Jeremy walked into the kitchen holding his Superman bank. 

"What's this?" she asked holding back tears.

"I figured if dad's not coming back home you'd need some money for food and stuff for me and Maddie. I got some money in here and you can use it if you need to." He set the bank on the table, hugged his mom and then somberly walked away. When he was half way down the hall she heard him once again, "And you don't have to pay me back, ever. I guess I'm the man of the family now."

That act of selflessness by her son touched her heart and she began to sob, silently. Elizabeth couldn't believe how much her life had changed the past few years. She tried diligently to keep her emotions in check today, but with one look at the food burning on the stove then the bank on the counter as well as the expression on her daughter's face when she said she missed her daddy; she lost it.

Elizabeth didn't want her children to see her cry like that, she turned off the burner and headed to Jeremy's room. She didn't enter. Through the slightly open door she merely asked her son to get the both of them a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or some cereal and milk for supper then went to her room and closed the door behind her.

When she'd lain on the bed she rolled over and hugged the pillow her husband once used and sobbed all over again. She just wanted to fall asleep for hours or even days for that matter, but she knew she couldn't because of her children. They needed her to be there for them now more than ever. Elizabeth had lain quietly for some time until thoughts of everything she needed to do in the upcoming days invaded her mind. 

Unable to take anymore, she rolled off the bed and listened for the children in the kitchen. No longer hearing them she remembered the bank on the kitchen counter and her son's thoughtful act. I can't let him do that, she thought and headed back to the kitchen to retrieve it. She picked up the heavy bank and padded to Jeremy's room. When Elizabeth returned to her son's room he was awake. 

"Is everything okay, mom?" Jeremy asked and rubbed his eyes.

"Oh honey, things aren't too good right now, but I promise they'll get better."

When she placed the bank back on Jeremy's dresser, he questioned her actions. "Don't you think you'll need the money, mom?"

"Oh kiddo, you're such a brave young man. Thanks for the offer, but I want you to keep your money. I'll get a job so we don't run out of anything. I don't want you to worry about this."

"So what's going on with dad? Is he on another business trip or something?"

"Oh I don't know what's going on with him. He's not happy with me anymore, I guess. He's changed, or I've changed and we just aren't getting along anymore."

Elizabeth didn't tell her son the entire story about the infidelity and all the lies, but she did tell him she was going to file for a divorce because none of them deserved to live like this any longer. "We all deserve to be happy and I think not living with your dad is the best place to start."

"It's okay mom, you don't have to pretend with me. I know about the other girls; I saw them at the park a couple weeks ago, but I didn't say anything and dad didn't see me. How can he do that to us right out in front of the whole world, mom?" Jeremy asked, confused and frightened. "I guess he doesn't love us anymore and that's okay 'cuz after what he did to you, I hate him!" 

Elizabeth never dreamed she would hear her son say those things about his dad. She wanted to tell him he shouldn't talk like that but she knew exactly how he felt and he deserved his own opinion.


Dancin' For The Groceries Ch. 01



When Elizabeth returned to her room after getting the kids to bed she recalled Jeremy's harsh words toward his father. 

Kids are growing up way too quickly these days. I don't want that for my children. I want them to feel free to be kids as long as possible. I must do something about this 'man of the family' issue with Jeremy; he's way too young and he doesn't deserve to carry that weight, she thought as her head hit the pillow, sleep came quickly.

****

Three days later, Helen returned Elizabeth's call. "Hi, how are you holding up over there?"

"Oh I'm holding up," she replied. Elizabeth concealed the anger she still felt regarding the whole situation, not to mention her fears of the future.

"Hey, I just wanted to let ya know that you have an appointment with Ryan Foster at Steve's cousins law office this morning at eleven thirty. He said he could probably take your case pro bono, but he wants to meet with you. I told him you'd call back if you couldn't make the appointment. I would've called earlier, but I didn't find out until I came home from work, and then it was after two A.M and I didn't want to risk waking the kids."

"Oh thanks Helen. How will I ever repay you?"

"You don't have to repay me. That's what friends are for. Just keep me informed okay?"

"Sure thing, you can bet on it. You're all I have left besides the kids and I can't burden them with this."

"What about your mother? Have you told her yet?"

"Hell no. Are you crazy? You know what she thought of David from the time we first started dating? I'm not going to give her the satisfaction of saying she was right all this time. I'd never hear the end of it. Well, I should probably be getting off this thing so I can get ready. Are you working today? Do you want to go with me?"

"Oh Liz, you know I would if I could, but I've got a meeting I can't get out of. I'll call you when I get done to see how things went with Ryan though."

"Okay, talk to you later then."

What the hell should I wear to meet with Mr. Foster? Elizabeth thought to herself after she ended the call with Helen and slid her phone in her purse. I don't want to look like a bum, but then again I don't want it to seem as though I've got a lot of money. Hmm... her thoughts trailed off as she stepped into the shower.

****

At thirty-one Elizabeth was unsure of herself, uncertain of her future. She took pride in being a stay-at-home mother, who'd do anything for her family. But now, she felt she had to prove to everyone that she could take care of her children without the support her husband provided. Looking at herself through the eyes of others, she appeared strong and brave. Now's the time she'd have to prove it to herself. 

After two children and three miscarriages, she'd kept her stunning figure. Her breasts and ass remained firm and nicely rounded. Her stomach still appeared flat, perhaps a slight belly, but she was never one to turn down a homemade brownie from her daughter's easy bake oven. Her hair of golden brown draped her shoulders stunningly. Her amber eyes, with just a hint of green, sparkled seductively in the sunlight. Her long, lean, feminine limbs contributed to her overall grace and elegance. 

On the day of her appointment she dressed casual, jeans and a nice sweater that accentuated her finest attributes. "Damn girl, you look stunning," Helen said as they walked into the lawyers' office. Mr. Foster couldn't take his eyes off her. After a lengthy discussion he agreed to take her case and told her he'd take care of everything.

"So, what are you going to do now?" Helen asked during the drive back to her house.

"Well, I have enough to pay the rent and bills for about two months, but I have to find a job. I probably won't make enough to keep that nice apartment, so I'll be looking at what's available in my price range. In the mean time, I'm gonna spend lots of quality time with my kids."

****

Mr. Foster kept his word and took care of everything. He delivered the divorce papers to David at work and awaited confirmation from his lawyer. Elizabeth had said the only thing she wanted from the divorce was custody of her children.

When the court date came, David was a no-show and the judge awarded her the family vehicle, full custody of the children as well as spousal and child support. "I doubt that'll ever be seen, but I'm satisfied I have full custody."

A welcomed pressure excited Ryan when Elizabeth thanked him. He wanted to ask her out on a date desperately, but hesitated. He decided it would be best to allow her an adjustment period for her new lifestyle. "She probably doesn't want anything to do with any man right now, Ryan. But give her some time and I bet she'd go out with you," Helen said after he asked her opinion.

Elizabeth, it's time to change your life and do what's best for your kids. She thought to herself as she searched the want ads for a reasonable job that wouldn't interfere with Jeremy and Madison's upbringing. She counted on Helen a lot and eventually her mother to watch the kids occasionally if she'd had a late interview. 

Three days after her search began, Elizabeth was hired in as a waitress at a neighborhood diner. She had gotten "stuck" as she put it, with the dinner crowd. The patrons, most of them elderly, lived on a fixed income. At best, she'd only bring home meager tips, inappreciative of her hard work and pleasant personality. 

"This just isn't going to work for me," she told her boss when she turned in her two-week notice. During those weeks she searched once again for a job with a better wage.

Jobs came and jobs went; throughout all that, Elizabeth lost her apartment. She no longer had enough money to put a security deposit on the apartment she'd had her eye on and thus settled for one a few blocks away. To top it all off, the dire need for major repairs put her car out of commission from her inability to pay. She resorted to public transportation as a means to get her children to school and herself to work. 

The children loved the bus ride and argued daily to sit by the window. Helen, when available, picked the kids up and took them back to her house. She gave them dinner and helped with homework until Elizabeth called then Helen drove them back home.

****

Another six months had passed. After an additional move to a cheaper dwelling, Elizabeth found herself behind on the rent for the second time. "If you don't pay what you owe by the end of the week I'm gonna have to evict you, lady!" the landlord shouted through the locked door to her apartment. 

She applied for assistance at the nearest Family Independence Agency. The social worker she'd been assigned to seemed unmotivated in helping with Elizabeth's current situation. "Let me tell ya, you gotta learn to live within your means. Stop gittin' that junk for your kids, walk instead of taking the bus, shop at the dollar store instead of K-Mart."

Elizabeth could hardly believe the way the social worker had spoken to her. She'd made it sound as if Elizabeth was living high-on-the-hog so to speak.

"You gotta learn how ta save your money, girl. According to your last check, you made plenty of money to get food and pay rent. You just gotta look in the right places. I can get information about gittin your kids' daddy to pay up that support he owes you," the woman said as she chewed the end of her pen and tapped her lavishly painted fingernails on her desk.

"I knew this would be a waste of time, but thanks for your trouble."

"But miss. Miss? You forgot your information packet." The woman yelled across the noisy office, still in her chair.

"I don't want anything from that man, not that he'd pay anyway. Besides if I can't get help with rent or food for my children who's going to pay for the lawyer? I know those services aren't free," she replied sharply. The door slammed against the wall when Elizabeth pushed it open. She was angry and it showed. 

Elizabeth never dreamed her life would be this difficult. She sobbed nightly for her children, as well as herself. The next morning, after she'd gotten the kids to school, she pounded the pavement once again in search of a low-income apartment. 

Would this be her lucky day? The second apartment complex she'd come to had several one and two bedroom apartments available and at a price she just couldn't turn down. "I'll take the one bedroom, Mr. Stone." 

"Great, you can move in whenever you want after you pay first and last month's rent sweetheart," the landlord said then gave a wink before Elizabeth turned to leave his office.

Helen's assistance with packing and unpacking, afforded Elizabeth a smooth transition. She'd uprooted her family for the third time since her divorce. 

Elizabeth's depressed state of mind increased as the days passed. She no longer had the nice apartment, the nice car, or the luxury of spending time at home to raise her children. But what upset her the most was that she no longer had her diamond ring; not because she wanted the jewelry, but because she could have sold it to get the car repaired or put better clothes on her children.

With the move complete and the children's room set up, Jeremy and Madison willingly went to bed for the night, without being asked. Helen stayed to keep Liz company, knowing she wanted, needed, someone to talk to. She didn't want sympathy, only a shoulder to cry on, but never asked for anyone's help. 

"Oh God. This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I feel so bad or the kids. This is harder on them than me, I know it; but they're being great troopers. I can hardly believe that bastard actually took my wedding ring when he left us," she told Helen.

"Yes that was wrong of him, but it's in the past. Now you need to get yourself together and get on with your life for the well being of your children, not to mention yourself. Hey, do you have to work tomorrow? I know it's the weekend but I've lost track of your schedule."

"No, I asked for the day off because of the move. I wasn't sure how long it would actually take or how tired I'd be. Why?"

"Well, I'm not very tired right now and this place looks like it hadn't been cleaned in years. How 'bout I stay and give you a hand?"

"I'll never turn down an offer like that, especially in a place like this," Elizabeth said with a giggle and rose from the couch to get the cleaning supplies from the closet in the kitchen. "Thanks for the help and the company. I've missed you." 

Helen rolled up her sleeves and grabbed a rag as well as the bottle of bleach. She poured more than the required amount in the bucket of hot water before adding three scoops of Spic-n-Span as well as the rag. She started in the kitchen while Elizabeth started in the bathroom. 

Elizabeth, positioned with her stomach resting on the toilet seat lid was cleaning behind the porcelain tank when she heard a horrifying scream. She ran to the kitchen and found Helen dancing around in circles stomping her feet on the dirty tile. 

"What on earth are you doing in here?" she asked, not having seen the roaches that scattered when she entered the tiny room.

"Oh my God! My heart is pounding out of my chest I think," Helen responded after taking a deep breath to calm herself. "Oh God, you didn't see them did you?"

"See what? All I saw was my best friend dancing around my kitchen like she didn't have a care in the world. Well? What did you see? Don't tell me you saw a mouse!"

"I wouldn't scream like that over a tiny mouse, but this was so gross!" Helen exclaimed as she shook her clothes and body. "Shit, they were everywhere after I exposed their hiding place!"

"What?"

"Roaches Liz! This place is infested with roaches! You need to call that landlord and tell him you need an exterminator up here on the double. This isn't good for the children."

"Okay, okay calm down I'll call him in the morning, but until then I can put this stuff around the inside of the cabinets and in the corners of the room. The kids will be going to school in the morning so I can get something else to help combat the bugs while I wait for the exterminator."

"Okay," Helen said, finally calming down. "You should probably put some of that stuff in the other rooms too, before you go to bed. I'd hate for you to call me in the middle of the night screaming because those things found their way into your bed."

"Oh thanks for the visual, smart ass."

Helen and Liz cleaned for hours before Helen said she should be getting home, but would be back after work tomorrow. Elizabeth was exhausted, but because of Helen's visual description of her bed she'd had a difficult time falling asleep. She remained at the kitchen table all night.

After her children were off to school she returned to the tiny, dirty apartment and continued her cleaning. During a break she broke down. Still exhausted from the day before and sleeping at the table didn't help her any. In anger and self-pity she threw her cleaning rag across the room only to discover more roaches. 

"Holy shit! I definitely must find another job. I can't have my kids living here. It's not healthy; it's not safe. If I can't give them snacks in their lunch or nice clothes to wear the least I should be able to do is keep them safe and that's not happening here."

She called Helen and told her she was going to have her mom pick up the kids at school and she was going out job hunting, not coming home until she had found a job that paid enough to allow her to provide a safe place for her children to live. She finished cleaning the bathroom and the kids' bedroom then sprinkled the boric acid all around the small apartment, even on the beds and the sofa. 

This should keep them at bay if it doesn't scare them off to somebody else's apartment. Hopefully they'll go to the landlords place and scare the shit out of him when he reaches under his counter for a pan. She thought to herself as she headed for the shower.

****

Once she felt clean, Elizabeth dried off and dressed for success and headed out to find another job. She searched everywhere. Even the business offices downtown for a clerical position, but without a college degree she didn't get far. Once again she became depressed. 

Slouching in a corner booth she ordered a coffee and a sandwich. "What's a pretty thing like you looking so down in the dumps?" the waitress asked when she poured a coffee.

"Life sucks! Ya know that? I've been looking for a job that would pay enough for me to get my children out of that roach infested apartment we live in, but I'm not having any luck. I'm not qualified to do anything that pays descent."

"Well, you sure look like a classy lady to me, but if you are desperate for a better paying job why don't you try Bennie's? It's a bar and entertainment place. I hear a lot of "suits" frequent that place on lunch breaks and they bring clients there after work. It's right around the corner up a block on your left. You can't miss it. I'm almost certain they'd hire you, even ask if you can start tonight!" 

The waitress offered a lot of information that had interested Elizabeth; the only piece of information she'd left out was that it was a go-go bar. Just as she'd done with the past opportunities, she walked in with her head held high and asked, "excuse me Miss, are you hiring?"

A sassy little dancer confronted her. "You got to audition for a job here baby. You ready for that?" She slid her hands up her own tight, very short dress, looking Elizabeth over from head to toe. "Let me give you some advice, go back home and get those clothes off. Put on something sexier then come back. The boss will laugh you outta here with what you're wearing, sugar."

Embarrassed to high heaven for herself as much as that young girl in the skimpy outfit, she ran out of the bar. What the hell was I thinking? I could never work in a place like that. She thought to herself running up the street as fast as her heels would allow. 

As her embarrassment faded and she opened her apartment door, she remembered what brought her there in the first place. "Holy shit!" she said quietly, after she had turned on a light in the living room and roaches scattered in every direction. "I gotta do this, no matter what." 

Her determination to get the children to a safe place kept her going. She rushed into her bedroom. Clothes flew everywhere as she undressed. She hopped over to the closet as she removed her socks then pulled out the silky black dress she hadn't worn in years and slipped it over her head. She removed the stockings from her dresser and her shoes from the rack behind the door as she finished dressing. 

"This should do the trick." She slid her long coat over her shoulders, locked the front door and headed back to the bar.

All eyes diverted from the stage to the door when she entered. Some patrons laughed; some seemed interested when Elizabeth told the bartender that she wanted an audition.

"Oh please," the bartender sighed, rolled his eyes and exhaled a deep breath. "Hey boss you gotta come take a look at this one. She wants a job," he added with a snide snicker.

The owner of the bar strutted out to look Elizabeth over, "So, you really wanna work here do ya?" he asked. "Okay, I'll let you have a shot at it. I never turn anyone down before I see'em dance. What you got under that big coat of yours?"

Elizabeth removed her coat slowly, placed it over a chair at the closest empty table then turned for the owner. "This ain't New Years Eve lady, but I guess it'll do. Hey Candi, get your sexy little ass over here and take this broad to the stage. She's gonna dance for us today."

A young girl, barely eighteen, showed Elizabeth to the stage. "What's your name?" 

"Leeza."

You ever been in a place like this? I don't mean to be rude or anything but you look like you could be my mother. I'd die if my mom came in here to dance, but then again I admire your courage, Leeza". 

This made Elizabeth very uncomfortable as she staggered clumsily onto the stage. Her shoes slipped on the lighted platform, which made her feel uneasy about moving around, but she had to. Her dress, as the owner implied wasn't one that his girls would wear, but she looked very sexy in it nonetheless; a black halter style dress with slits on either side. The low cut back adorned with a silver butterfly exposed her sleek spine and gentle curve of her ass. 

The dress hugged her form nicely in the right spots, which didn't hurt. Her sheer black seamed stockings held up by bands of elastic made her legs appear slimmer than they actually were. Her black leather heels completed her look. 

The music, Slow And Easy by White Snake, started and Elizabeth began to move slightly, yet very stiff. Candi sympathized with Leeza and accompanied her on the stage, "Here, like this lady. You gotta relax and just move to the music," she said as she showed Elizabeth some of her moves. "Have ya ever danced in front of the mirror when you were a kid?" 

Elizabeth nodded in reply. "Just move like that, but relax your hips more and move your arms over your head. And touch yourself. These guys here like it when you do that. That's it. I think they like ya! You look like a natural, sort of," the young dancer giggled as she moved away from Leeza and strutted her stuff.

Unsteady on her feet and quite nervous about strangers seeing what only her husband had seen of her body, Elizabeth clumsily moved about. But the more she moved the easier it was and the more she thought about those roaches in her apartment the harder she tried to please the boss as well as the men sitting around the small room. 

I feel so dirty moving like this in front of total strangers, she thought, but continued her performance anyway.

She stood with her feet spread slightly and wiggled her ass while she bent her knees. "Spread your legs apart more," she heard from across the stage.




Dancin' For The Groceries Ch. 01



Leeza righted herself in the same manner then spread her feet wider. She repeated the movement once again; this time she noticed more eyes on her accompanied by smiles instead of questioning stares. 

Perched on her heels, barely touching her thighs with her fingertips she glided her hands up her legs, pushing her dress up as she went. Embarrassment flushed over her and she could feel the heat in her cheeks.

Righting herself once more she turned quickly, equilibrium slightly off caused another stumble. When her head stopped spinning she bent forward with her ass toward the patrons. She watched their response from between her parted legs; once again she touched herself. 

She swayed slightly then righted too quickly and fell to the floor. Not exactly how she expected that move to end up but played it off by rolling slowly across the floor, legs stretched high in the air, hands caressed the floor. 

"How old are you lady?" the boss asked with a cocked brow as he watched Elizabeth move her lean body.

"I'm thirty two, sir. I have two children and I really need the money, otherwise I wouldn't be here."

"Damn! You sure look good for your age and your moves aren't too bad either. You got the job. Can you start today?"

Excited that she'd gotten the job, she stumbled off the stage and thanked the boss in person with a big hug. He pulled her closer when he felt her hardened nipples press into his flabby chest. Elizabeth pushed back and he loosened his grip. 

"Okay, okay. Now get that tight ass of yours back up there and give us some more. You guys wanna see more skin from our newest dancer Luscious Leeza, don't you?" the owner asked in a feeble attempt to get Elizabeth motivated and moving around the stage more. 

The more men ogled her; the more nervous she became. When the fear overwhelmed her she'd just close her eyes and the vision of the roaches was incentive enough to do better. After her first song, Leeza was still in her dress. The second song, She's Got Legs by ZZ Top had her grooving nicely and during that song she removed her dress. 

Applause confirmed the patron's approval when her dress fell to the floor. By the third song, Come Together by Aerosmith, she'd removed her bra, after a short battle with the clasp. She tried to swing the garment over her head on her finger but instead of looking sexy she felt foolish and quite embarrassed when the garment fell over her face then dropped to the floor between her feet. 

After her set on stage, the owner called her to a corner of the room. He offered her a drink in hopes it would relax her but she declined accepting water instead. They talked about her wage and then she was sent to finish her shift. She followed Candi's lead to learn the ropes and which men to stay away from. 

"Trust me, you don't wanna get into it with any of the other girls for takin' their clients do you you? You'll learn to tell the "regulars" from the guys that are here for the first time or the ones that rarely come in," Candi told her as they refreshed themselves before heading to the floor.

****

"Helen, I got a job! I'd rather not tell you where it is if you don't mind."

"Oh don't tell me you are working at a strip club are you?"

"Yes," she answered, embarrassed at her decision, but knew it was what she had to do for her kids. "I'm just gonna do it 'til I save enough money to get out of that hell hole they call an apartment and then I wanna go to school so I can get a respectable job. Something I can be proud to tell my kids about. How did you know?"

"I know you. I know you will do whatever it takes to make a better life for your kids. That's how. I won't get on you about your decision if you promise not to get sucked into it because of the money. So when do you start?"

"I already have. It'll work out perfect with the kids and school things. I start at eleven am and work 'til four pm. I just have to get the kids in latch key after school."

"I didn't think those places were open that early. I'd think the girls that work at night would get more money too. Why didn't you ask for that shift?"

"I wasn't offered a choice. All new dancers start with this shift I guess. Then as they bring in more money they go to nights; at least that was my impression. I'll worry about what to do with the kids after latchkey if I'm there that long."

"So, what's the place like? I've never been to one."

"It's dark, well dimly lit actually. If it were dark the men wouldn't be able to see anything would they," she giggled slightly. "It's very smoky. The owner's a jerk, as is the bartender and the girls are all so young. I feel like a mother hen in there, but I have to grin and bear it at least for a while. I'll be okay, don't worry."

****

In order to make more tips, Elizabeth knew she'd need different clothes for work. She searched through her closet for something she could alter, but nothing she owned seemed appropriate. 

The children were doing okay at the moment and thanks to the waitress at the diner, the children had enough food for the week. I won't spend too much, but in order to make the tips I have to dress the part better.

After her first day she'd taken part of her tips and went to the mall. Most of her time was spent at Value Village to get a comfortable pair of shoes then a skirt, blouse and dress she could alter into sexier outfits when she returned home. This looks close to what Candi wore yesterday, she thought to herself and draped the items over her arm before she headed to the checkout. Her last stop was at Fredrick's of Hollywood for a new bra, panties and hosiery from the clearance racks.

With the stares she'd been getting from staff as well as customers, she wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible. "Will that be cash or charge?"

"Cash, please."

"Thank you for shopping with us and you have fun with that clothing," the young sales girl mumbled when Elizabeth exited the store.

When she arrived home, she took the skirt from the bag and shortened its length by several inches then cut slits about every inch or so from the new hem to her hip. She took the blouse and altered the bodice to fit snug against her breasts and abs, replaced the buttons with snaps for easy removal and cut a slit in each arm from the cuff to her shoulder to show more skin before she'd take everything off.

Elizabeth's second day went better than her first as far as the dancing. She picked up ideas from watching Candi and the others dance and when their set was over she watched them mingle with the patrons. The girls seemed to love the attention, or at least they appeared to enjoy it. 

It was a completely different experience for Elizabeth though. The bar allowed touching, but Candi told her, "it wasn't mandatory; whatever a dancer feels comfortable with goes, but if you want to make the big bucks you learn to let them touch." 

Each day after work she'd cry the entire way home. Once home she'd sit and sulk for a few minutes about her situation and the lack of self-pride she'd felt after those men threw money at her breasts and tried to get her to let them touch her while giving a lap dance. 

The smoke filled bar did nothing for her breathing, not to mention her skin. When she'd finished crying she stepped into the hot shower. The steam aided her breathing as the water washed away germs and scents of the various men from her flesh. She hated to have her children come home and smell those things on her.

Elizabeth managed to stay at that particular bar for two weeks. Her last day she lied when she told the owner that she couldn't do this anymore because of a conflict with her children's schedule. She needed different hours and therefore had to look elsewhere for employment. The owner wished her luck as she walked outside.

With some experience under her belt, albeit only a couple weeks, yet more than she had two weeks prior, Elizabeth once again pounded the pavement in search of a more upscale establishment; one that respected their dancers and had a descent clientele. 

If one more sleazy lowlife in desperate need of a shower, not to mention teeth gropes my breasts, my ass, or tries to kiss me I'm gonna vomit. I'm sure they're everywhere, but hopefully not in abundance, Elizabeth thought to herself while she walked.

It didn't take her long. Up the street about three blocks she spotted a "gentleman's club." "That has to be better than the last place," she mumbled under her breath as she approached and entered. The music wasn't ungodly loud and the ambience seemed more relaxed as she watched girls chat to patrons and some on the well lit stage.

"Do you have auditions for dancers, sir?" she asked the bouncer at the door.

"Hold on a minute." The tall muscular gentleman walked toward the back room, only to return with a sophisticated looking female. "She can answer your questions better than I can ma'am."

Elizabeth repeated her question to the woman. "Well, normally we only do them on Wednesday nights, but seeing as we are short some girls this week I can give you one now, if you're ready."

"Great!" Elizabeth removed her coat and once again, all eyes were upon her. "I can change into something else if you'd like," she offered toward the woman with disapproving glance.

"We are a little more upscale that that dear, as you can see. You can change back there." The woman pointed to a closed door to the left of the stage.

The room was very small, but adequate for changing outfits. Elizabeth reappeared moments later in the black dress she'd worn to the first bar two weeks ago. She didn't change her shoes though, still wearing the black platform wedge as before. She was stunning and felt sexier this time as she sauntered slowly toward the side of the stage. 

Elizabeth slowly glanced around the rectangular shaped room, watching the faces of the men seated at the rail and in the booths. She'd hoped to make eye contact with at least one of them so that when her set ended she'd have an idea of where she was headed. 

The men here were more gentleman-like in their actions toward the dancers on and off stage. Most of them wore suits or sport coats and they all had teeth; at least the ones that smiled at her did. There wasn't any groping as far as she could see and the seating area was much more open; seats weren't stacked right on top of each other. 

The layout afforded plenty of space to move if she decided to comply with a patron's request. It was still smoky, but when it was evident of being bothersome the ceiling fans would clear the air quickly.

She recalled the many things Candi taught her during the past weeks and applied some of them here. She'd never had a problem talking to strangers, which helped in an establishment such as this. 

When her set ended she'd saunter around the room in search of that one "special" man, that one who caught her eye and locked into her gaze. She'd approach gently, "are you enjoying yourself?" she'd whisper against his ear.

"I most certainly am, now that you're here beside me."

"Would you like to go someplace a little more private? I'll get you all warmed up and then put a smile on that handsome face of yours," Leeza asked as she pressed her breasts against his arm, her hand slid down his back stopping just before his ass. The man nodded in agreement.

"Please follow me." Elizabeth grasped the man's hand gently and led him toward one of the small rooms. The bouncer stood at the door and took the man's money. When the man was seated, Leeza began her dance, her tease. The heart pounding rhythm aided her movements to tease and please. 

She moved seductively around her client with minimal distance, yet close enough for him to inhale her delectable scent. She could sense his desire to touch her, but she wasn't quite ready for contact yet.

"You dance beautifully, Leeza. I heard you're new, but you don't dance like it." The man tried hard to contain himself. His hands would rise to her hips; almost touching as he followed her moves with his eyes as well. 

Unsure of how far to go, that first dance didn't last long and the gentleman seemed a bit put off by her sudden dismissal, but attributed it to her being new and still unsure of what to do. When she left the room she made sure she invited him back again to see her. 

She was stunning for her age. Her breasts, firm beneath her silken dress; her abs toned. Her stomach lacked the identification that she had bared two children. Her thick hair, full and bouncy, glistened under the seductive glow from lights above. Her full, red, lustrous lips against her natural olive skin tone portrayed her as every bit the seductress she'd been during her shift. 

"Well hello beautiful, I'm so happy to see you here today," Elizabeth's least favorite client said when she walked in the back door.

"Well it's nice to see you here too sugar," she lied again.

She hung her coat in the dressing room and fixed her hair and make-up before she began her set on stage. Her music was fast and she did her best to keep up. The men at the rail pointed to the gold pole at the side of the stage. They wanted to see the fantasy of themselves between her toned thighs as she'd bend and squat around that shiny pole. 

Leeza began her act, touching herself as she locked eyes with the patrons.

To be continued



Dancin' For The Groceries Ch. 02



A note from the author:

I would like to thank everyone who assisted me with this story. Your ideas, suggestions and comments are greatly appreciated. I couldn't have done it without you. emap, mona, corsetlvr, carnevil9, sr71plt, Weird Harold, elfin_odalisque, keeblercrumb, Just-Legal, wyf and last but not least, ThePhoenixMan. 

A special thank you to my ever-patient editors on this story, michchick98 and ThePhoenixMan.

Thank you! 

For my readers- I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. It was a fun adventure! The characters and events in this story are fictional. It was penned for the sole purpose of entertainment, for the reader as well as the author. Thanks again for reading me and don't forget to vote!

**************************

"Mom? Mom are you home?" Jeremy called out when his grandmother brought the children home one evening after the sitter called ill. 

"What's all the ruckus?" Elizabeth rounded the corner in her bathrobe.

"Mom, we're having a career day at school next week and my teacher wanted to know what kind of jobs our parents have so we can share them in class. What should I tell her about your job?"

Embarrassed about his question, she responded, "well, honey, just tell them your mom is an actress," That's about what I do when I seduce those men anyway, she thought to herself.

"I did already and then she asked me if you'd come in and talk to my class about your acting, and maybe give the kids a demonstration. But I know that won't work because of what you really do. They'd kick me out of school and probably call social services, or something, for sure. So, what do I tell them now?"

Elizabeth questioned her son's comment in her mind, how does he know what I do? "Oh Jeremy, I'd love to help out in your class, but I can't take a day off yet; I just started there. I hope you understand."

Jeremy glanced up at her knowingly and nodded his head in agreement. 

"How important is this career day to you?" she planned an escape for them both.

"Really? I could care less. I know what I want to be after I graduate from college. I want to be a lawyer just like the one that helped us get away from dad."

"Well, you know how much we need this job to work out, so if you want, I can call grandma and ask if you and your sister can stay there for the day. That shouldn't be a problem. Neither of you miss school much, so I think it'll be fine for you to take one day off. That way you don't have to answer their questions and I won't miss a day of work."

"Hi mom, it's Liz. Jeremy just notified me of an extra day off from school. I can't take a day off work because I just started, that wouldn't look good, ya know. Anyway, I already tried Helen, but she has to work too, so I'm hoping you'd be able to watch the kids that day." Elizabeth lied to her son first and now her mother about her new job. I can't keep this up for long. It's just not me to lie to my own mother, she thought while she waited for a reply.

"Thanks mom, you're a lifesaver again." She ended the call then went to tell Jeremy the good news. 

"Thanks mom."

"Hey Jeremy, can you come here for a second?" Jeremy approached and sat on the foot of her bed. "What did you mean when you said my talking to your class wouldn't work because you know what I do? How do you know what I do?"

"Well, that time when grandma was sick and you went over there to take care of her for a couple days, dad had some movies in the house and when I got up to get a drink of water during the night I saw girls dancing and they had shoes just like the ones by your bed. I never seen you in those shoes before and I figured you just got a job dancing like those girls in the movie."

"How does that make you feel?"

"I think you're pretty mom and I know you'll do whatever it takes to take care of Maddie and me. So I guess it's okay as long as you don't bring any of them dirty men home with you or go out with them."

"Oh my, you sure know a lot for a boy your age, thanks to your father." Elizabeth ground her teeth then bit her lip to keep herself from going any further with the comment about her ex-husband. "Yes, I will do just about anything I can to keep you two happy, healthy and safe. I said almost anything, because I do have standards that I won't drop below. I can promise you, your mom will never walk the streets looking for money and won't ever put either of you in harms way, just for a job. Okay?"

"Okay mom. But remember, if you go prostituting or start takin' drugs, I will call grandma and Helen on you, got it?" Jeremy stood from her bed, hugged her then left the room.

"Prostituting?" she mouthed the word and wondered where he'd gotten that from. Her head dropped to her hands.  My babies are growing up way too fast. I know he's a teenager, but just barely. I wonder how much Madison knows that I have no clue about? Saturday night we will all sit down and have a long talk during dinner is all I can say.

****

As time passed, she'd learned the moves that brought in the bucks and the more she allowed her men to do to her or vise versa, the more money she made. She had more than one man begging for more of her talents. She often worked a double shift if a girl called in sick or someone quit without notice. Her children would stay at her mother's house for the night in those cases.

Leeza had been at the gentleman's club for six months when they offered her the night shift. She was so tempted, but she needed to find someone dependable to watch her children. She'd saved enough money to finally get them out of the hellhole they once lived in.

"If that offer is still available I'll take it," she told the owner on her next scheduled workday. "I have a sitter now and I could use the extra cash."

Leeza prepared her hair and make-up as usual and since this was her first performance on the night shift she strategically added a little glitter to her skin for a different effect. She strutted on the stage as the first song of her three-song set began. Slow And Easy by White Snake rocked her into the choreographed routine she'd been practicing at home. Her slowness of undress had the men's attention. She occasionally used the pole for support, swaying her hips during a seductive maneuver. 

Pleased with the money she had made thus far encouraged her to go further, give more. In private dances she allowed touching and found the nastier she moved the more money she made. Her erotic moves captivated the gentlemen into spending their hard earned money on her.

****

It had been nearly a year since Elizabeth first started stripping. The money soon afforded her a new apartment, she'd gotten her vehicle repaired and started accelerated courses at the local community college. She was well on her way to making a new life for her children as well as herself. She only hoped her energy level would continue long enough for her to finish school.

"Hey girl! I haven't seen you in ages," Helen said when she ran into Elizabeth at the grocery store. "So, how's that job going? You sure look good; not that you looked bad before," she added with a giggle.

"Oh it's going, but c'mon now, it hasn't been that long. I can't believe the money some of those girls bring in each night. But, then I've heard the more you give, the more you get. I'm just not willing to give that much of myself in those places because I might not want what they have to give, if you know what I mean." Elizabeth shrugged and shook her head. 

"I'm doing better now than I'd been before. I was able to start a bank account and get the children some new clothes and shoes, and we have plenty to eat. I found a company that gives grants to single parents and they're helping with my books and tuition, which is a relief. I've got a few more classes to take then my plan is to get a job at the hospital."

"That's wonderful Liz. Oh, by the way," she paused to pay for her purchases. "I ran into Mr. Foster the other day. You know he's still smitten over you, I couldn't believe it after all this time. You sure did a number on him during your divorce."

"Did a number on him? I never even touched him."

"You didn't have to. It was your demeanor and the way you carried yourself that got him. Oh yeah, and your eyes. He said he loves your eyes. He asked what you've been up to."

"Tell me you didn't say anything to him about my choi…"

"Of course not, Liz. That's your business, but I think you should give him a call. He's a decent guy with a lot to offer the right woman. And it's quite evident that you're her. I have his number for you." She handed the notepaper to Liz when they approached the parking lot.

"Well I don't have much of a social life between the kids, school and work, but I'll think about it, okay. If you see him again, tell him hello for me."

****

"Helen? We don't have any plans next weekend do we?" Steve asked as he closed his cell phone and slid it into his pocket.

"No. Why?"

"You'll never guess who's getting married! Finally!"

"Okay I give up. Who?"

"My cousin! After all these years of being a single man, some woman finally nabbed him. His buddies are planning a bachelor party for him and he asked me to be his best man, so of course I have to go." Steve raised a brow and gave a smirk.

"Where are they having the party? Who's going?" Helen asked inquisitively, as any wife would.

"Not sure exactly, but you know Steve wants to go to a strip club downtown. Not sure which one, but he said it's a clean place, he called it a gentleman's club I think."

"Okay, I trust you. Now who's going?" Helen asked a second time rubbing her hands over Steve's chest arousing his nipples until he gave in.

"Foster and a couple other guys from the office and some other guys. I think it's just gonna be a small gathering from the sound of it."

"Well, Please don't ask me how I know, but tell them the gentleman's club on Fourth Street downtown is a nice place and the guys are guaranteed a fun night." Helen placed a finger to her husband's lips when he began to speak as a questioning look covered his face. "I 'm not saying anything else and you aren't gonna ask any questions of me, remember?"

"The guys will have a lot of fun there; I promise," Helen said then pulled Steve in for a heated kiss that led them to the bedroom.

****

"Well, here we are. This is the place my wife recommended for some odd reason, but I guess she had her motives and I trust her." Steve pulled up to the valet.

They waited at the door for the rest of their group to arrive and entered together. Steve located a group of empty tables. "Looks like we got here at a good time," and motioned for a waitress. "This guy here is getting married next week and we're celebrating his last weekend as a free man," he told her.

"Well, you've come to the right place for that. Can I get you a drink while you get settled?"

Drinks were ordered all around and the guys settled into their chairs as they took in the sights. Some were right at home in the smoky, loud environment as scantily clad woman pranced around before them. Yet others, particularly Mr. Foster, were obviously embarrassed, with this being their first time in a place like this. Mr. Foster wasn't sure where to look as the heat increased in his loins and face.

The girls on the stage were finishing their last set when the guys walked in and by the time they were seated and had their drinks the next group of dancers had entered the stage area. "Holy shit!" Steve rubbed his eyes in disbelief.

"Hey what's wrong with you, too smoky for ya?" Steve's cousin asked.

"Um- - ahem - -no, thanks I'm okay," he replied as he focused on one of the dancers.

"Hey man, take it easy. Remember, you're married," another teased.

Steve nudged his cousin, "Hey, look up there. Is that who I think it is?" astounded to see Elizabeth in partial undress. Unable to take his eyes off her as she slid her toned legs around that golden pole while The Zoo by the Scorpions provided an excellent beat for her routine. 

"Oh, Dear Lord!" Mr. Foster gasped and tried to cover his face. She'll never go out with me after seeing me here. I just know it. He thought to himself, wishing now that he would've stayed home, but it was too late. The thought of not pursuing her, now knowing her new profession, never entered his mind. 

Elizabeth's eyes locked with Steve's and she nearly fainted. She covered her bare breasts then froze when she felt total embarrassment and fear flush over her. She'd thought that was bad, but as her eyes moved from his she saw his cousin and then Mr. Foster. A chill rose up her spine and she suddenly felt sick to her stomach. 

A dancer named Glimmer strutted her way toward Leeza. "Are you all right girl? You look like you've seen a ghost. Maybe you should sit down for a while." Glimmer tried to get Leeza to leave the stage, but she refused. She took a moment to compose herself then continued through her routine.

They were bound to find out sooner or later, she thought as she continued her sensual steps of undress. She kicked her skirt behind her just as the second song ended. The third song, Moist, by Janet Jackson began and it was time for her floor routine. 

As she danced she recalled her first attempt at this movement after watching Candi do it several times. She sauntered to the pole once again. With her back against it she lowered herself and perched on her heels, thighs spread apart as far as she could get them. With her hands on the floor she leaned forward and crawled like an animal on the prowl for fresh meat. Like a pro, her movements were graceful, yet hot, her gestures, erotic.

Like a tigress, her legs slid alternately as she moved toward the tip rail then leaned back against her thighs and touched her breasts to the sensual beat of the music. She fluffed her hair then turned and swayed her tight ass after a few very slow push-ups. Leeza memorized this song and knew the opportune time to execute a specific movement. She sang the words to herself, but would mouth the word "moist" along with the song. When she righted herself her g-string was stuffed with bills folded lengthwise. 

Her set was almost finished and she headed towards the back of the stage to make for a quick and easy exit after she'd gathered her discarded clothing. She felt the gaze of men's eyes burn through her during that routine. Often, she loved the attention, but tonight she just wanted the night to end as quickly as possible.

The girls disappeared behind the closed door momentarily. Once Leeza was dressed and presentable she made her presence known. Mr. Foster could hardly breathe as she made her way to their table. Feeling most comfortable with Steve, she slid up to him first. With the utmost grace and sultry voice she'd mastered over time, Leeza greeted his guests. 

Leeza felt the heat rise when she noticed Mr. Foster's stare; she approached him. "Hello." Her words carried a sound similar to that of sexual pleasure rather than a simple hello. "Would you like to go someplace a bit more private so we can talk, and perhaps I can replace that look of embarrassment with a smile?"

Mr. Foster stood and she grasped his arm then led him to the private room at the right of the stage. "How much for thirty minutes?" He questioned the bouncer at the entrance of the room. After listening to the list of options he added, "I want a lap dance, but I want her for thirty minutes, if she'll have me. I don't want any of that other stuff." Mr. Foster paid the quoted fee and entered after Leeza. 

She felt at ease being the only one in the room and had the bouncer to thank for that. A nice tip to the staff usually guaranteed a dancer's request. She wanted to explain her actions to Mr. Foster, but he wouldn't listen and placed a finger to her parted lips. "Dance for me, Eliz - - um - - I mean Leeza," he pleaded. A smile quickly replaced the face of embarrassment he wore when he entered. 

Nervous tension prevented her from dancing the way she would have for a stranger. "If you'd rather not I understand, but I did pay a lot of money for your company. I've been waiting so long to feel you, to kiss you, to hold you in my arms, but you won't return my advances, so when I saw you on that stage I lost it. I figured I'd get you one way or another. This isn't what I had planned though."

"You really want me to dance for you? Do you want me to dance like I know you or as I would for a regular patron?"

"Whatever you would normally do is fine. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable."

Leeza began her seduction to Wicked Garden by Stone Temple Pilots. The pounding beat of drums and guitar reverberated off the glass-tiled walls of the small room, as well as from the chair Mr. Foster sat, which aided to the intensity of her seduction. Her black dress slid against his suit and he shuddered. She grinned, "You like that?"

A finger pressed against his lips silenced his reply. She already knew the answer. Her movements continued. She stood in front of him with her ass near his face. He grasped his slacks tightly, afraid to touch her. 

Leeza's hands caressed her firm ass, sliding the material up her thighs to give more than a quick glimpse of her g-string. When she turned around her hands were behind her head. The top of her dress fell forward with a slight movement of her shoulders.

Mr. Fosters eyes widened, he licked his lips and exhaled deeply; hands still clenched his slacks. He felt his heart pound harder the closer she moved toward him. Straddling his thighs she grazed her pussy against his throbbing shaft. 

He shifted in his seat allowing her a flatter surface, which warranted greater contact of his erection. "Touching is allowed here, Mr. Foster," she whispered into his ear before she nibbled gently.

.

"Mmm. Please, call me Ryan," he breathed heavily against her neck while her body moved sensually against his.

She felt his hips rise against hers and she'd grind harder against him. She leaned toward his parted lips, "This isn't an act this time," her whisper almost silent, then rose from his lap. Leeza sauntered around him rubbing her hands over her flesh, inviting him to join her. He hesitated again. She grasped his hand in hers and placed it against a protruding nipple. Her hands moved to his hair, his face then his chest as she danced for him. 

Unlike the act she had performed for the numerous patrons in the past, her movements tonight were deliberate. She wanted to seduce him. She longed for more of him, the ache in her pussy so intense, her silent plea, so urgent. 

After the sixth song she knew she'd need to change her panties before attending to other patrons. Ryan had her so hot. Those moves were supposed to be for him; instead, she's the one who received fulfillment as the waves of her orgasm rippled through her. 

As her body calmed they talked a bit, but mostly she just held him and he breathed in her delicious scents, a combination of perfume and the sweet fragrance that rose from her pussy. Their erotic union interrupted by a knock on the smoky glass partition. 

"Time's up, Mr. Foster." The deep voice echoed off the glass.

"I don't want to leave yet," Ryan begged. A sudden sadness filled his soul when Leeza stood and said she had to go.

"I don't want you to spend all your money on me," she said before she leaned to kiss his lips gently. "No one else gets that." She stood slowly and sauntered out of the room with a glow about her she'd never felt before.

Ryan returned to his friends as Leeza disappeared behind yet another door. "So, is she worth the big bucks?" one of the party guests slurred. 

"Don't mind him, he's had too much to drink tonight, Ryan. Besides, we all know she's worth that and more and she shouldn't be in a place like this, but she's determined to get ahead. I can only imagine, they must make a ton of money, I just can't understand how they can do it; especially a woman like Elizab - - um - - I mean Leeza." Steve hesitated after the slip of her real name.




Dancin' For The Groceries Ch. 02



The party continued for several hours. Ryan and one other guest were the only two who opted for a "private" dance. Steve and his cousin were saving the experience and the thrill the girls dished out for their women when they returned home. 

"I'm gonna bring Helen here so she can learn some of those moves, then take her home and she can give me a private dance all night long." Steve snickered then blushed slightly realizing Leeza overheard him. 

Ryan sat content after his mind-blowing experience with the woman of his fantasies and dreams. Just before they decided to leave he reached into his pocket to retrieve one last tip for her, but pulled out a piece of paper with her phone number and a message that read "I want you," instead of the intended cash. His heart skipped a beat, his cock stiffened and once again she aroused him with merely a thought. 

****

"So, how was everything last night?" Helen asked, greeting her husband with a good morning kiss and caress of his stiff cock. "Mmm, that good hmm?"

"You know me, I just sat there and took it all in, just like my cousin. He said it wasn't all it was cracked up to be and he'd much rather go back home and fuck his woman than pay for a stranger to grope him and then leave him hard." Steve snickered. "I was sure hoping you'd be awake when I got home, but after looking at the clock when I dropped Steve off I knew I was outta luck." 

"Mr. Foster had a great time though. He found the perfect girl for himself and spent half an hour in a private dance with her." Steve raised a brow, grinned and nodded.

"Is that why you sent us there? You wanted me to spy on Liz? I just wish you would've given me some sort of warning is all. I didn't know what to say to her."

"Sorry. I didn't know how you'd react. How was she?"

"I thought she was gonna pass out right there on the stage when our eyes locked. But another dancer helped her through it. By the way, you wouldn't ever consider goin' there to learn some of those moves would ya?" Steve said before an elbow jabbed his ribs.

"If you want me to learn some of that stuff I don't have to go there, I can just have Liz show me. So don't get any funny ideas of going back, mister. I'm glad everyone had a good time. I just wish Ryan had hooked up with Liz though. He must not approve of her choice and figured he's better off without her now. But I can't believe he'd go spend thirty minutes with another woman knowing Liz likes him as much as he likes her. I guess he's not the man I thought he was, oh well."

"Well, I'm not so sure about that," another raised brow and smirk was directed toward Helen.

"You shit! It was Liz, wasn't it? He spent that much time with her? Really? I can't believe you did that to me," she said with another jab to his ribs.

****

Helen phoned Liz as soon as she dressed. She knew Elizabeth would be awake because of the children. "Hey girl, how'd it go last night?"

"I don't know whether to be mad at you or glad that you care so much about me." Elizabeth said before Helen heard a slight giggle and Liz telling someone "stop it." She knew it wasn't one of the kids because of the tone.

"You're not alone are you?"

"Well, not at the moment."

"Please tell me it's Mr. Foster and not some stranger you brought home from that club you work at." Helen said angrily.

"Well, if you must know, yes it's someone from the club. Why does that concern you so much who I'm with? My kids aren't here right now." Elizabeth actually was with Ryan, but she figured this was a good payback, for Helen not confiding in her about the guy's planned visit and more importantly, how she knew where she worked in the first place.

"Hey I gotta go, kinda busy, ya know?" she giggled and ended the call. She waited several minutes as she sat on the sofa fully clothed with Ryan beside her sharing good conversation and coffee. The children were in the kitchen eating their breakfast.

"Hey Jeremy, c'mere a minute. Do me a favor and call Helen, okay? When she answers just say "Gotcha!" and then hang up."

Jeremy did as requested. Helen arrived in a matter of minutes. "That wasn't funny. Not at all. I really wanted you and Mr. Foster to hook up and then you go and make me believe you brought some other man home. I was furious with you. Then when Jeremy called and hung up so quickly I just had to come talk to you."

"I know that. That's why I did it." Elizabeth smirked.

"Well, I think this is my cue to skedaddle outta here. I'll see you tonight for dinner, baby," Ryan told Elizabeth then kissed her cheek. He stopped off in the kitchen to hug the kids then left.

"Skedaddle? Wow, I haven't heard that word since my grandfather died," Helen commented to Ryan with a raised brow at his choice of words. Ryan didn't say another word. He just left with a wink and a smile plastered across his face. So now, fill me in," Helen insisted.

"Maddie, Jeremy, you two wanna watch a movie?" Before they could answer, Elizabeth slipped a disk into the DVD player. The advertisements started and the kids came running. 

"Let's go back here so we can talk."

Elizabeth told Helen almost every detail from the night before and the morning. Ryan hadn't spent the night. He followed her home to ensure her safety then called her when he arrived home just to say good night. Well, that and to ask her out to breakfast in the morning. "I want to talk to you, seriously, Elizabeth," was his reason.

"So, he asked you out? That's fabulous! Did you guys talk about what happened at the club?"

"You're getting sort of personal aren't you? I'll tell you we talked about our feelings and we talked about my leaving the club. I told him I wasn't set enough financially to leave yet, but that I would as soon as I finished school. He agreed and said he trusted me."

"Okay, okay good enough I guess. I don't need all the juicy details of what happened at the club. I trust you as a friend and I trust Steve, I'm just glad you and Ryan hooked up."

"Oh God! It was like a fantasy come true. He was so, so… well you know," Elizabeth blushed.

****

Eight months after they met, Ryan planned a special dinner for Elizabeth, where on bended knee, he proposed to her. "Elizabeth, my love. You are my guiding light, my hope for the future. You stole my heart when I first laid eyes on you. I never forgot the way my skin felt after touching your hand that first time. And when I saw you on that stage, you took my breath away. I know you had no other choice. I know how much you love your children, because that's how much I love you. I adore you. I crave you. Will you marry me?"

Ryan's heart sank and he felt a chill when she began to speak. He didn't hear what he expected and deep inside prepared himself for a decline to his proposal. "Ryan, I know things haven't been the best and I know how much you hated watching me enter that club night after night, but you are right in my reason for doing what I did…." 

She continued upon deaf ears. Ryan wasn't going to sit there and listen to her tell him goodbye or that she wasn't ready to leave the club because of some reason or another. He recalled his time spent with the kids and that one magical night that finally brought them together. He thought about anything so as not to hear her words. His eyes locked with hers, but it wasn't her he looked at.

"Ryan? Ryan? Did you hear a word I said?" she asked him. A touch of her hand to his face brought him back to reality. His eyes locked with hers once again and that sparkle made his heart skip a beat. "Hey, have you been listening to me?

"I - - I'm sorry you're not happy," he stammered.

"Not happy? Are you crazy? I've never been happier. My children will have a father figure again and Jeremy admires you so. I will have a lover I can dance for whenever the mood strikes me and it won't cost you a dime. Of course I'll marry you."  

Ryan was speechless. With his hands about her waist he twirled her around several times before he set her down and grasped her face. "I love you so much!" His mouth sought hers and gave a heated kiss. Their tongues danced erotically and both were happier than they've ever been. Elizabeth quit dancing the very next day. He assisted and supported her in the choice to find a job in the medical field. "You'll never have to dance for the groceries again, my love."

**** 

Ryan and Elizabeth were married three months later. It was a small yet beautiful ceremony. Jeremy was the best man and Maddie, the flower girl. Helen was Elizabeth's matron of honor; Steve was the photographer. Elizabeth invited Candi, Glimmer and her boss from her last job. Elizabeth's mother gave her away. 

The reception was held at the club. A few of Leeza's favorite customers as well as fellow dancers that weren't at the ceremony were invited to share in the celebration at the club. The bouncers had removed the dancer poles and some of the girls decorated the place with white lights, flowers and paper bells. Steve's cousin's wife made the wedding cake. 

"Everything is beautiful," Elizabeth told her boss before thanking her for hosting the reception. "I know I told everyone I didn't want anything special, but this is truly wonderful. Thank you." 

After the toss of her bouquet, which Candi caught, the cake was cut. One final group photo was taken then Ryan scooped Elizabeth in his arms. He thanked everyone for helping them celebrate the start of a wonderful life as he carried his new bride to the waiting limo. 

Ryan and Elizabeth didn't want a honeymoon away from home, but on their wedding night Helen took the children back to her house after the reception so Liz and Ryan could have one night of privacy. When the newlyweds arrived home Elizabeth excused herself, "I'm going to change into something more comfortable, love. I'll be back in a few minutes."

She headed up the stairs, her gown rustled behind her. She showered quickly to wash the scent of cigarette smoke out of her hair then stepped from the shower and grabbed her terry robe before she walked into the bedroom. 

Secretly, Elizabeth had gone shopping with Helen the previous weekend and purchased a new costume just for Ryan and this, their wedding night. She slipped into her white stockings and fastened the hem to the garters then pulled up her g-string adorned with sequins and pearls. 

The satin bra gave her cleavage a boost to fill out the bodice of the sexy little white dress. A plunging neckline revealed slight glimpses of the satin beneath when she moved just right. The side slits, similar to the little black number she used for her first audition at the strip bar, allowed sexy glimpses of her stockings and garter. She had thrown her platforms in the trash long ago, but replaced them with a pair of five-inch heels that she'd use only for pleasing her husband.

"I'm almost finished, sweetheart. Could you light the logs in the fireplace, please?" she asked then returned to finish her preparation.

Elizabeth refreshed her make-up then let down her hair and fluffed it before she returned to the mirror to refresh her lipstick one last time. She pressed her moist lips together, puckered into a kiss then moved right into her sultry gaze with a slight bite of her lower lip and a bat of her eye. A knockout if I have to say so myself, she thought then pushed play on the stereo and headed to the staircase. 

"Holy mother of God! How the hell did I get so damn lucky to snag this?" Ryan's cock immediately jumped to life in his tuxedo pants when he saw her come around the corner at the top of the stairs. She approached him and he recalled the memory of the song playing on the stereo. "That's our song!" Ryan waited in anticipation and amazement of his wife.

Elizabeth progressed down the staircase sensually. This was Ryan's wedding present and as she neared she began to softly sing Janet Jackson's Moist. She was insatiable, to say the least; she'd wanted to dance like this for him for the longest time, without the eyes of other's watching her. It was as if she was on a stage performing. 

The house was dim, only the glow of the fireplace and the small chandelier at the top of the staircase lit her way. Everything around her seemed to be an aphrodisiac and ignited her senses. The combination of her attire, the music, the lighting, her own thoughts and of course, the mere vision of that desirable man made her incredibly wet. 

Her heart raced and her flesh trembled at the prospects of claiming the fascinating man who stood in awe in the living room. She envisioned the bolt of electricity that would surge through her with just one touch of his hand. Although she enjoyed teasing and pleasing Ryan, her soul was in agony. 

Her insides ached for his power, for him to fill her, fulfill her. Elizabeth felt the wetness from her sex seep into the thin material of her g-string. She knew from experience that Ryan could definitely see her excitement when his gaze left hers and drifted across her open thighs. She wished he'd run to the stairs and take her right then and there, but then again, that would ruin her plan.

Her seductive moves and body language illustrated the essence of the evening she had planned as she continued to sing. Elizabeth felt comfortable and at ease while she performed for her husband, her gaze never parted with his. The once vulgar moves excited her now.

As she descended the staircase, her moves were deliberate, precise and oh so hot. The little white dress revealed flashes of bare skin and her hard nipples pressed against the satin confines of her bra, aching for release, for attention. Her timing was impeccable, as if she'd practiced this routine for hours on end prior to tonight. 

When she reached the bottom of the stairs she danced her way around the coffee table and before she'd made her way back to Ryan, scooped an ice cube into her hand and cooled her steamy flesh with it. The song faded just as she reached the sexy man waiting for her in the living room. 

Ryan started to disrobe, but she stopped him, "We didn't have a wedding dance at the reception and now I want to give you the rest of your present." She sauntered to the entertainment center and pushed play on the stereo, turned slightly to meet him and with her hands clenched in his hair she pulled him down to her for a passionate kiss, her body pressed against his. 

"I was hoping they would play this at the club that night you were there, but I guess I didn't tip the DJ enough the night before. That was then, but tonight, I'm in control," she said as the sensual music played and their bodies reacted. With that, Ryan sought out the ice cube from her hand and slipped it into his mouth. Elizabeth writhed from the combination of heat and cool wetness that emanated with each pleasure-seeking torturous kiss he executed. 

"Oh yeah. I've been waiting to grind with you, baby. Damn, you are so sexy tonight," his breath heavy. 

Passionate situations had always bee difficult for Ryan and he'd usually back away in embarrassment, but tonight he felt strong and secure in his actions as he pulled his beautiful bride closer to his chest and then continued. "Baby, I - - I know just what you want and I - - I got just what you need." 

Ryan managed to get his words out in between kisses and complete adoration of her body, as the music played. Elizabeth was intoxicating and Ryan could take no more pleasurable torture as a growl escaped his lips. He tugged to loosen his tie then pulled her into him as his hands explored her softness. 

Elizabeth backed away slightly to undress him as they danced. She slid his jacket off, then his tie and vest to the seductive sounds of R. Kelly singing Bump N' Grind. She was so hot for him, so wet - her breath erratic, her heart pounding. 

Although he relished the sensations her body delivered, he was impatient and wanted his clothes off immediately. In his attempt to finish his undress she pushed him back against the sofa. With her back to him, Elizabeth bent and removed his shoes, then socks. 

She lowered his feet back to the floor before she turned to face him and knelt between his legs. Slowly, smoothly, she unfastened the button of his pants. He stood to ease his undress. Next, his shirt; one button at a time unfastened. Elizabeth felt his breath on her neck. Shivers cascaded her spine, yet she continued. Once Ryan was totally disrobed she pulled up a chair and led him to it.

"No. Wait. I know you can move and you know how much your body turns me on. You already have me as hard as I can get. I want tonight to be romantic, special. So, I'm taking over from here, if only for tonight?" 

Elizabeth left the music play as she surrendered control over to Ryan. Never had Elizabeth experienced passion the way she has with Ryan and it was quite easy for her to relinquish her control tonight. He caressed her shoulders, her neck and with hands on either side of her face, he pulled her into him. His parted lips devoured hers. A kiss that started out tender, evolved into a frenzied, heated display of lust and desire.

With only one thought on his mind, to make mad, passionate love to his wife, Ryan pushed the coffee table aside with his leg and laid his Elizabeth gently on the white bear rug, mere feet from the fireplace. Their heat, intense; their senses on fire that burned stronger than that of the fireplace as the burning logs crackled, sending sparks into the air like miniature fireworks. None of that would compare to the fireworks Ryan and Elizabeth have yet to experience. 

A trail of saliva marked his path, as Ryan tasted Elizabeth for the first time. He removed her clothing as he devoured her flesh. Yes he'd kissed her lips before, dueled with her tongue, but this night was the first time he'd really tasted her, every inch of her. Their passionate lovemaking culminated after repeated orgasms, teasing, tasting and long awaited pleasures, which lasted well into the night. 

****

A year after their wedding, Ryan asked Elizabeth if he could adopt Jeremy and Maddie, since their own father hadn't bothered to see or even contact his children since the day he left them. In the courtroom Jeremy recited his new name to the judge, "Jeremy Ryan Foster. I like the sound of that dad. I love you."

Madison, who stood between her mom and Ryan, looked up, smiled and said, "Thanks for loving us back. I love my new family!"

The End