#triko

Cinder quickly adjusted the bright red feathers in her brown hair and walked over to where Iko was standing. It was late, but neither of them was tired. They both worked from eight until four at the Copacabana nightclub. She remembered the days where she used to get tired working, but now it didn’t bother her. A drink or three could easily get her through the long night of shows. 

Hearing her cue, Iko slinked onto the dance floor. It was easy to lose herself when she danced. Doing the same show five times a night, six days a week was no easy task. But she loved it. And had long ago memorized every single step. 

In fact, she had memorized the whole Copacabana. No one new ever started working there. It was practically the same costumers as well. Occasionally, she would spot a few new people at the bar, but that was it. The Copacabana was like a second home to her. No, it was home to her. 

Linking arms with Cinder, she started the more complex part of the dance. She would have to move in a circle with her for a few seconds and after that a whole routine. The only part of the dancing that bothered Iko was the shoes. She had to wear five-inch tall heels while dancing, and it was not exactly fun. But she loved the heels in general. 

They were a mint green color that matched her dress. If it could be called a dress. The dress itself was more of a costume. But she loved it. She loved the Copacabana, and Iko thought there would never be a time when she didn’t love it. 

A flash of blue caught Iko’s eye. Nearly tripping, she saved herself by adding a couple of spins to the routine. When she was finished, she realized that the icy blue was not a thing, but part of a person. 

Those were the prettiest blue eyes she had ever seen. It was hard to dance and stare at the same time, but Iko did it. Finally, she broke her gaze away from the eyes, and onto the girl. 

The girl. Iko had long ago figured that she was bisexual. But she had never been this attracted to a girl before. No. She had never been this attracted to anyone before. Suddenly, she was dying to talk to this girl. She was dying to know her name and everything else about her. 

She had never believed in love at first sight before. She still didn’t. But everything suddenly made more sense and no sense at all at the same time at the Copacabana. 

***

“What happened to you during the show?” Cinder asked her when they were back in their small dressing room. 

Of course, she was referring to the time Iko practically tripped and added three turns to the routine. Iko never failed at their routine. Cinder, on the other hand, was a bit more clumsy and often messed it up a little. But she never tripped. 

“I just tripped on my shoe. You know from experience that these heels are so hard to dance in.” 

Cinder nodded slowly, and Iko knew that she didn’t completely buy it. “So Iko, there’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.” 

This was something that snapped Iko out of her trance. Cinder’s at home life mostly stayed at home. She didn’t share lots of details, and Iko wasn’t going to force her too. Cinder had already admitted to her that she didn’t like dancing at the Copacabana. She had also explained that Iko had been a great friend who cared. So with this, she had concluded that Cinder was being forced to do the show here. 

“You know the rich merchant’s son who likes to come here?” Cinder asked her. 

Iko nodded. How could she forget a face like that? He had black hair that looked softer than the feathers she flaunted and copper brown eyes that she could swim in. But as far as she could tell, he didn’t like the Copacabana very much. It was unclear to her why he kept coming back. 

“Well,” Cinder looked uncomfortable, “He and I have been dating for the last two months.” Iko’s eyes went large. As far as she knew, Cinder had never had a boyfriend or any significant other.

Cinder looked mildly embarrassed. “I mean it’s not too serious, but my step-mother would kill me if she ever found out. And it’s not like we would ever be able to get married, his father wouldn’t approve of me. But I like him, and even if it’s only a fling, I’m glad we’re together.” 

“Cinder!” Iko exclaimed, “I’m so happy for you! I’m happy that you get to be happy, even if it’s not for very long. Everyone deserves to be happy.” 

Nodding, Cinder spoke, “I’m glad you think so.” 

“Of course I do!” Iko grinned, “Now let’s go get a drink. I’m more tired than usual.” 

*** 

“Can I have the usual?” Iko asked her bartender, not even looking up from her chair. There was no point in doing so. She got the same thing every night, and all the bartenders knew her. 

Her thoughts returned to that girl she saw when dancing. She had been pretty, but not that pretty. It had been something else. Even though she wasn’t pretty, Iko was still very attracted to her. Where had she gone?

“Oh um I’m sorry, but I’m new here and don’t know what your usual is.” 

Looking up, she saw the girl from her thoughts looking down on her. “Oh!” Iko stuttered, “A dry martini.” 

The girl nodded and went to go make her drink. Iko expected this to be the end of the conversation, but the girl continued talking to her. “My name’s Tressa. I’m working here because my older brother cut me off his money. But It’ll work out for me, I just know it.” 

From the other seat, Cinder snorted at Tressa. “Keep telling yourself that, and maybe It’ll come true.” 

Unfazed by Cinder’s pessimism, Tressa answered, “That’s what I’m hoping.” Ignoring Cinder, Iko smiled up at her. She liked Tressa’s optimism already. 

No. She didn’t have room for liking anyone in her life right now. She hardly had room in her life for sleep. There was no way she had room for a relationship.