“We are closed.” A fat woman was on her knees scrubbing the floor. “I am looking for Rosa.” Marina walked toward her. “What for?” “I am looking for work.” “I am Rosa.” The woman got to her feet with a great deal of grunting and groaning. “Let me see your legs.” Marina hesitated, but lifted the hem of her dress. “Higher.” Marina raised her dress to her waist. “Good legs. Can you dance?” Marina let her dress fall. “Well enough.” “Can you sing?” “A bit.” “Do you know any bawdy songs?” “Only in French.” “Room, board, five dollars a week, ten percent of the take on all the drinks you sell and I get fifty percent of what you make upstairs.” “Ten dollars a week and I do not take men upstairs.” The woman shook her head. “That is too much, unless you will entertain upstairs.” “I play poker and I win more than I lose. I will give you half my winnings.” “No deal.” “Very well.” Marina started for the door. “Be my new Salome and I will pay you twenty a week.”
