<span style="font-family: 'Didact Gothic', 'sans-serif'">Camilla sat on on the stool as Amos brought her a bowl of stew on a thick slice of cornbread. She didn't realize how hungry she truly was until the scent reached her nose. Her mouth practically watered as she scooped up a big helping and nearly swallows it whole. Amos watched her for a few moments shaking his head. <br/>
<br/>
"Dang gal. You look like you ain't had a meal in ages."<br/>
<br/>
Millie sat up and stared at him wiping her mouth with the cloth napkin. "I ain't really. Where I'm from, you lucky to get one meal a day."<br/>
<br/>
The young man frowned as she ate her meal. "Sounds like an awful place. But uh when ya finish I'll show you your room an all that."<br/>
<br/>
Millie nodded as she nibbled on the corner of the cornbread. Soon her bowl was empty. Stomach full, she could think clearly. She followed Amos up the stairs and down a hallway littered with doors. Some open some shut. <br/>
<br/>
"The other gals live here as well. You'll meet them all tonight. They usually sleepin' by now," he explained.<br/>
<br/>
Reaching one the doors towards the end of the hall, he pulled a set of keys and unlocked the door. Millie looked in curiously. The layout was simple. Bed against the far wall, dresser with wash basin on the opposite end. A room divider stood in the corner for changing. Amos swept his hand out. "Simple but it's clean and yours."<br/>
<br/>
Millie nodded. "Is there a washroom?"<br/>
<br/>
"All the girls share one. It's at the opposite end of the hallway. Need anything, I'll be downstairs helping Madeline with tonight's show. Rest up for ya audition."<br/>
<br/>
"Thanks again Amos. I 'preciate it," she said with a small smile.<br/>
<br/>
*-*-*<br/>
<br/>
Hours later after so much needed sleep, Millie made her way towards Madeline's quarters. The proprietor liked to be as close to the action as she could. Millie knocked on her door timidly until she heard a muffled response. Madeline was hunched over her sewing machine with a bundle of fabric. She peered over her bifocals at Millie and nodded. <br/>
<br/>
"Ah good. Ya here. Try this on for me."<br/>
<br/>
She got off her stool revealing the <a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fkz9k1T8.jpg&amp;hash=9d24756d3a9dd816ea2e7e92665d9d84" href="https://i.imgur.com/kz9k1T8.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">dress</a> to her. Millie's eyes widened. "Miss Madeline, it's beautiful."<br/>
<br/>
Madeline sniffed looking it over. "This is only half of it. There's a full skirt that attaches to the bodice. Makes it easier for movement. I have to hem a few pieces of lace, but you can go try it on. One of the gals will bring the skirt up for ya. Get ready."<br/>
<br/>
Millie wasted no time dressing in her outfit for the audition. One of the dancers, Savannah was kind enough to help with her hair and make up.<br/>
<br/>
Night fell quickly as more patrons entered the Desert Rose ready for the nights festivities. Either a cool drink or some warm company, these men ached for a peek.</span>