I AM IVY

Ivy's POV:

It's a Friday and I have my last meeting to conduct before I can begin my other activities here in Miami; before returning home in a couple of days. Tonight, I plan to visit and perform at one of the nightclubs on the strip; Z Strip Club.

It just so happens that this club is very unique. During the day it plays host to the business community; where private meetings are held, and deals take place. During business hours its name is simply Z Club; in the evening it becomes Z Strip.

I flew in Wednesday morning from California. It's my third night here in Miami and I'll be damned if I don't get the chance to bask in the Miami night life for once. What else am I supposed to do? I'm only 23. I might as well enjoy myself while I'm here. Since I'm going out tonight…. I'm going to make it work to my benefit.

After completing my meeting earlier than expected; I headed back to my very upscale and posh hotel room where I was staying. The room had every amenity known to man. The suite was huge, just walking across the carpet made you feel as though you had clouds underneath your feet.

The kitchen was to die for. Any self-respecting Chef would have been proud, and I was. I like to think of myself as a Master, self-taught Chef. The bar was fully stocked with wine, liquor, liqueur, mixers, beers, and sodas in the cooler.

Realizing the time, I quickly jump into shower, change into a pair of black high waist booty shorts, that show off my assets nicely... if I do say so myself; a royal blue short sleeve sheer bodysuit, minus the bra, black pan leather 7 inch platform heels. My earrings, bracelets and necklace are a blend of Silver and Sapphire jewels.

I packed the costume for tonight's show, in my duffle bag.

To ensure that I don't attract any unwanted attention as I pass through the hotel; I wore a tailor-made, long black duster blazer that falls mid-thigh, to complete the ensemble.

My hair was styled to perfection and my waves swung naturally. The perfume that I am wearing is pheromone based. This special blend of perfume was gifted to me by one of my clients back home and could not be purchased on the open market. Modeling in the mirror, making sure that everything was neat, in its place and dazzling; I am satisfied and approve my appearance. I called for a Lyft, gathered my things and left the hotel; destination Z Strip.

If it weren't for the fact that this is quick and easy money, I wouldn't consider this occupation. Unfortunately, life hasn't been kind and Lady Luck definitely didn't give two shits about me.

I grew up rough; no family after my mom died, on the streets and mostly homeless. No one ever knew my struggles and I intentionally made sure of that. I did not want to endure the ridicule from my classmates for being homeless.

My dad left when I was born, and I know nothing about him. My mother refused to talk about him, let alone acknowledge the fact he existed. The only thing I know is his name, Marcelleous Driver.

I always cringed at the idea that I would end up dating a brother, uncle or cousin. So, I made sure to scrutinize every man that I dated. I wouldn't even let them kiss me until I ran a full background check, obtain his credit reports... all 3 bureaus, and a DNA test.

You name it, I did it!!! If I were to ever find out that I was having an incestuous relationship, then I would have to kill him and myself. I've done many harmful and heartless things in my life. However, this was one thing I refuse to have added to my list of misdeeds; sending me straight to hell faster than I had planned to go.

My mother passed away when I was 14. She had a beautiful face, mind and spirit. She worked hard. But she never revealed much about herself to me. I never thought to ask. I always thought that I had time. This was my mom; but time is never your friend. She was never sick, nor did she ever talk about having any health issues. Her death took me by surprise and left me alone.

Now that I'm 23 and hindsight being 20/20; I wish I would have done things differently. Yes, the shoulda, woulda, coulda song that we all sing. I was singing it like a Canary. I should have applied myself more in high school; maybe join some clubs, made some friends, stuff like that.

I would have gone to college after graduating high school, but I didn't know how. I did not pay attention when the Counselors were talking about it. I never thought that I would want to go or need to go to college, so why listen to them talk?

What I really wanted to do and had a passion for; there were no colleges that offered a degree in that platform.

Yes, I am a very smart girl with a high IQ; and yes, I jumped a few grades. I was definitely an underachiever, yet an overachiever when it came to things that I like to do or are interested in.

After receiving a challenge; I decided to leave Indiana, with $50 dollars in my pocket, and migrated to California. By the time I arrived I was now 15 years old.

I could have obtained a better degree than the one that I received. At the time, I just needed something immediately to get a better paying job; so that I could support my daughter and myself. I thought, an accelerated business degree program was better than nothing; and it was. But, had I done the right things back in high school or even stopped long enough to think things through; then maybe.... just maybe....

Every other night I am on a stage naked. Performing in front of these horny, slimy, disgusting, good-for-nothing men, annoys me. They paw and claw at me constantly and it's totally humiliating. Hell, I disgust myself sometimes.

My life could've been worse; but fortunately, I saved my money, paid cash for a really nice car, purchased a home in a middle-class neighborhood and keep food on the table for me and my two-year-old daughter.

My daughter is babysat by her father's mother while I'm away on business or have to work. I pay her well for her services. Not that she wouldn't do it for free, but I learned a long time ago to pay as you go. If you pay people well, then they will always be there for you if you need them.

Even though I am here in Miami on business, my longtime friend lives here and I plan to visit her. She and I have always been ride-or-die friends. Like sisters, forever watching each other's back. She moved here 2 years ago and loves it!

Miami agrees with her personality and style; she is the owner of the Z Club/Z Strip. It is funny how her mind works; her dual personality is her niche, as evident in her business.

There are two sets of neon signs on the outside of the club. From 11 o'clock a.m. until 6 o'clock p.m., the white neon sign reads Z Club. But, at 6:01 p.m. the second sign is turned on and becomes a pulsating neon royal blue sign...Z Strip Club!

The club goes through a major transformation process when the time shifts, much like a Broadway Musical. The white fine linen tablecloths, linen napkins, cutlery, goblets and center pieces are removed; only to be replaced with royal blue fine linen tablecloths, napkins and aromatherapy candles.

Tables are rearranged to accommodate the addition of several platform stages. Some stages are circular, while others are rectangular in shape. Stripper poles are added into the center of these platform stages and are anchored down.

The private dining areas, where most business meetings are conducted during the day; are also transformed. The private areas become private booths and are customized per the customer's request. A mini Stripper pole, rectangular 5 ft. long stage, wet and food bar can all be added within minutes.

The Z Club shuts down at 5 p.m. and re-opens at 7 p.m. This allows for all the magical transformations to happen. I have been wanting to go on vacation for a long time. So I thought, since business requires me to be here, I might as well shave some fun of my own in Miami; hangout with my best friend and make a little extra change on the side. A win-win situation; definitely.