Free Chloe and Rafe by Moxie North Page B

the music was just loud enough you had to yell a bit to be heard, but not so bad as to cause permanent hearing damage. Chloe spotted a table one row back from the temporary stage they had set up. The front row was already full of women that looked like they could use a brownie more than a cocktail. Ahh well, what did they expect, hot guys shaking their booties was sure to draw the twig bitch crowd.
    Claiming the high-top, Chloe waved down a passing waitress.  “What will it be ladies? We have a special tonight, a bucket of domestic for $15 or wells are $5,” the waitress delivered her speech with a snap of her chewing gum.
    “We will take the bucket and a round of vodka tonics please,” Chloe ordered.
    “Both?” Izzy tried to whisper.
    “Oh girl, you need to lighten up!” Nikki said. “We are going to have fun and that means you too.”
    Their bucket of beers and round of drinks was delivered. Nikki offered up a toast, “To my BFF’s and some buff bods tonight!”
    “Cheers!” Chloe and Izzy offered with their own salutes.
    The lights in the bar lowered at that moment and a voice squeaked across the PA system causing everyone to cover their ears at the awful noise.
    “Sorry about that! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Fire District 17 Hot Bods charity fundraiser! All proceeds of our calendar will be going to the Pediatric Burn Unit at St. Joseph’s. But tonight, you get a preview for free. The winner tonight will get the honor of being the cover model for the calendar. Make sure you hoot, holler, and scream for your favorites. Pre-orders for the calendar can be made at the table in the back. Don’t forget they make excellent Christmas presents for Grandma!” The announcer joked.  There were screams and whistles throughout the bar.
    “Alright, please help me welcome our judges for the evening. First off we have Mark Winslow, you might recognize him as the channel 5 weatherman. He’s predicted that tonight is going to be hot and steamy!” More whistles and catcalls echoed that statement.
    “Second we have Casey Boone, owner of Boone Fine Motors at 703 Wilcoff Street. He can get you a deal on convertible to help you cool off after tonight!”
    “And last but not least, we have Wendy Acres, who you might recognize as the channel 7 lotto girl. Don’t worry boys; she knows how to handle balls.” A chorus of groans came after that weak attempt at MC humor.
    Luckily Chloe and the girls had finished their drinks and popped the tops on their beers and the jokes slowly seemed funnier.
    “I like him,” Izzy said with a hiccup and a giggle.  Obviously the alcohol was doing its job. Nikki gave her an eye-roll with a knowing smirk.
    “Ok, everyone, let’s put our hands together for our first contestant. Manuel is a 6-year veteran firefighter at District 17, he likes jogging, heading out on his boat on his days off, and rescuing pretty damsels in distress. Let’s give it up for Manuel!” The announcer said on a roar.
    The lights started flashing, strobe lights kicked on, and someone had installed a disco ball. A bit of overkill but what the heck.  Manuel presumably, came strutting onto the stage in a pair of swim trunks, a white tank top, and sunglasses.  He started dancing a little awkwardly to the music. You could tell he drew the short straw at having to go first.
    About half way through he seemed to loosen up with the encouraging whistles and yells from the ladies in the audience. Coming to the end of his dance, he reached for the neckline of his tank and gave it a tug, tearing it down the front.  He exposed a lean flat stomach, that looked like a runner’s physique.
    “Not bad,” Chloe offered, clapping her hands.
    “Eh, I like mine beefier,” Nikki yelled back.
    “I’m not that picky, he’ll do,” Izzy said around the bottle of beer she was nursing.
    Chloe waved to the waitress and gestured to the empty glasses and the girls at the table. She got a nod back from the busy