Sherri felt like she’d just been invited to the prom. Danny was at the center of resort life. He’d worked there for years, managing the golf shop and the pools. He knew everyone—the fellow employees and the guests, and even the celebrities who visited. He’d briefly dated a centerfold who’d visited the resort for a photo shoot. “Oh man, did I ever love her,” he told Sherri. “But then again, I’ve loved them all. I tell you, I’ve been in love many, many times.” He told stories about catching the members of Fleetwood Mac skinny-dipping when the pool was supposed to be closed, playing poker with Ricky Nelson and golfing with Jim Brown and President Ford. He walked through the halls as if he were Hef himself. He drove the resort van that took the women to off-site events, and he was so powerful that he had a master key that unlocked every door. Hefner hadn’t been to the property in years, and his room had become a sort of museum, reserved for special guests. Danny had once taken Sherri and Carmen upstairs to show them his suite. “Go ahead, jump on the waterbed,” he said.

“He even carpeted the walls!” Carmen was impressed.

Danny led them out to the patio that looked out onto the outdoor bar and dance floor. “He just stands here and watches the action from a distance.”

Sherri had heard all about Danny’s parties from the more seasoned Bunnies, although she hadn’t been invited to one yet, which made her feel like she was still in high school, where the popular kids had all the fun and everyone else was left to wonder what they were missing out on. Anyone could go to the bars, but a house party was special. And now Sherri had an invitation. She could feel the social sands shifting beneath her feet.

Val pulled a bottle of Galliano out of her drawer and poured two shots. “Bottoms up, Sister Sherri,” Val said, flicking her lighter and setting the surface of the liquor on fire. “Let’s show you how to have a good time.”

Val drove a rusty green Gremlin that was so light it skidded around on the icy roads like a Frisbee. The floor of the car was covered in pennies. When Sherri reached for one, Val stopped her abruptly. “Those are for luck. Don’t touch.”