Early on I was a little more accommodating. I shared my Insta handle and accepted some phone numbers, but it always went south after a few DMs. Guys assumed I’d “perform” for them, or that I’d be game for nudity in other public situations. One fellow proposed we meet up at a bar, which, my date eagerly shared upon my arrival, was hosting a wet T-shirt contest. Fortunately, I’d brought Ming with me. She and I enjoyed a robust sampling of top-shelf cocktails on the guy’s tab before sneaking out the back while the audience was being probed for volunteers.

Tonight, though, with these particularly appealing facial features taking me in so intently, I’m willing to stick a toe over the line.

I smile, letting the slow spread hint at more interest than I’d usually reveal. His eyes dart to Ming. I shift my focus her way as well, watching the performance but also giving my new friend the opportunity to look me over.

Ming’s moved on to her sequined strapless gown. She teases the zipper down her side, holding the bust to her chest as the back of the dress peels away, revealing pearlescent flesh and the crimson rhinestones studding her bra band and shimmy belt. She dances her fingers over her ribs, trailing them sensuously along the indentations. With a shift of her hips, she drops the dress to expose her bead-draped backside.

I do a tease of my own, playing along my skin on the off chance there are eyes on me. Tipping my head to the side, I let my fingers light along my collarbone and slide up to my throat. I reverse the route and repeat the cycle, keeping the motions idle. It’s a move straight out of Burlesque 101: employ your hands to direct the audience to imagine their hands in place of your own.

I catch him watching me again. His look is cautious but direct, and when our eyes meet, he doesn’t avert his gaze. Bold move, Mr. GoodFace.

I jerk my chin toward the stage, giving him a hard time for missing the main event. He frowns, brows low, and I laugh. I can’t help it; he looks baffled.

Again, I turn to Ming: she’s in the process of removing her bra. She takes her time, and the band repeats a few measures of the song, heightening the tension until the reveal. Flicking open the final hook and eye, she tosses the rhinestoned double-D cups toward the band. The upright bassist plucks the glittering garment as it sails above his head, draping it over his shoulder and resuming playing in one graceful movement.