Flaw Less by Shana Burton

twenty-four hours prior initially held such excitement and promise. Reginell’s manager and club owner, Ray Stokes, had scored her a singing audition with the up-and-coming R&B group, Intermission, who had performed in Savannah earlier that night and were coming through Paramours to unwind. Ray had promised Reginell that this was the big break she’d been waiting for; the years she’d spent hoping to get “discovered” had finally paid off. By the end of the night, Lawson, Sullivan, and everyone who’d doubted her would have to eat their words once she stepped out with a record deal and a shot at the kind of future she’d only imagined.
    Upon Intermission’s arrival, Ray escorted Reginell to the VIP section of the club. “Here she is, fellas, Miss Reginell Kerry,” announced Ray as he introduced Reginell to the members of the group. “Everybody around here knows her as Juicy.”
    â€œI see why,” replied a dreadlocked member of the band. “What’s up, sexy? I’m Hurricane.”
    â€œI can’t believe it’s really you! I’m a huge fan of your music!” gushed Reginell, shaking his hand profusely.
    Intermission’s lead vocalist approached her next. “Glad to hear it. My name is—”
    â€œYou don’t have to tell me,” butt in Reginell. “You’re Tron, right?”
    He smiled, pleased to be recognized. “Yeah, I’m Tron. Ray here tells me that you’re a singer.”
    â€œMore like a hummer,” cracked one of the bandmates. The others snickered.
    â€œMan, shut up. I’m trying to conduct some business here,” said Tron and put his attention back on Reginell. “So you sing, ma?”
    Reginell’s face lit up. “Yeah, I can sing something for you right now if you want.”
    Tron traced her lips with his finger. “Yeah, I bet you can do all sorts of things with that pretty mouth of yours.” The group members laughed again.
    â€œRay said that you’re looking for singers for your new record label,” stated Reginell, ignoring the inside joke between the guys.
    Tron nodded. “I’m looking for talent. You think you’ve got what it takes?”
    â€œI know I do,” guaranteed Reginell. “Just give me a chance to prove it.”
    â€œOh, you’ll get your chance,” promised Tron. “First, why don’t you show me some of those dance moves you were doing on stage up there.”
    â€œI thought you wanted to hear me sing,” said Reginell, a little deflated. “Ray said that you wanted me to audition.”
    Tron licked his lips. “So, you wanna audition for me, huh?”
    Her smile weakened. “Yes, I thought that was the whole point.”
    â€œMy office is available if you need her to audition in private,” offered Ray, obviously in on whatever they were plotting.
    Tron nodded. “It looks like I may have to take you up on that, Ray.”
    â€œAye, if you audition for Tron, you’ve got to audition for me too,” spoke up another member of the group.
    â€œLook, we’re talking about singing, right?” Reginell asked cautiously. “I’m not down for anything else.”
    Tron groped her. “We’re talking about you doing whatever it takes to impress me. And after you show me how good you are, you’ve gotta show my brothers too. They get final input on any new artists signed to the label.”
    â€œWhy can’t I just perform for you?” she bargained.
    â€œWe’re a family around here. What’s good for one is good for all,” hedged Tron. “Now, why don’t you show me where Ray’s office is?”
    Reginell knew that this so-called audition would include a romp on Ray’s couch, which was a common practice for men willing to shell out extra money for the service. Reginell hadn’t stooped to having sex with any of the club’s patrons