Book cover by the graphic artists at creative2u.com
From the Author
I love the magic of movies and the energy of Las Vegas. The Showgirl began as a screenplay, blending these two passions, but evolved into a novel to create a richer experience for readers. The story is filled with engaging dialogue, carried over from its script origins, and features a cast of intriguing characters. While entirely fictional, it does include a few anecdotal moments inspired by my roughly 50 trips to Vegas. I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Glenn
Synopsis
In the summer of 1980, Janice, a showgirl on the brink of eviction and financial ruin, refuses to surrender to defeat. Armed with intelligence, charm, and sheer determination, she fights to reclaim her life in the neon-lit world of Las Vegas.
One night, during a calculated hustle, she crosses paths with Jim, a gambler, and cons him out of $50. What begins as a scam quickly ignites into a passionate love affair—but their relationship is anything but smooth.
Janice’s close friend, Latisha, a keno runner, becomes entangled with a dangerous man, and Janice feels compelled to protect her. But her interference strains her relationship with Jim, who remains unaware of the full truth. When he finally discovers the extent of Janice’s involvement, it drives an even deeper wedge between them.
As she navigates the ruthless world of Vegas—where hustlers, criminals, and high-stakes gamblers lurk around every corner—Janice must decide what she truly wants. Will she find love and happiness, or will she be swallowed whole by the city of sin?
Introducing The Showgirl
Janice Hastings, a tall, attractive blonde with the quintessential Vegas showgirl figure, drags a large suitcase across the parking lot of her now-empty apartment. She lifts the hatch on her blue Toyota Corolla, affectionately named "Veronica," and struggles to heave the heavy case into the trunk. Years of bad decisions have condensed her life into this one battered piece of luggage. The rest of her belongings? Gone to hock. A debate rages in her mind. Fire up Veronica and skip town? Or return to her apartment and deal with the storage men she can’t afford to pay? In Vegas, dilemmas like these are often decided by chance. Janice flips a coin, watching as it lands in her palm before rolling onto her forearm. Taking a deep breath, she lifts her hand. Tails. She’s heading back inside. With no cash, she’ll need to negotiate another way to take care of the movers.
Janice steps inside and faces the two men. “Hey, fellas, let’s renegotiate my down payment.” One of them shakes his head. “I don’t think so. We want our money.” Janice smiles, undeterred. “Guys, how about a Vegas-style offer? You cover my down payment, and if I don’t pay you back in thirty days, you both get a special date with me.” She punctuates her pitch with a slow, sexy wink. The movers exchange glances, skeptical.
“How do we know you won’t back out?” Janice steps forward, letting her blouse slide from her shoulders, exposing the small of her back and the black bra strap bisecting it. She reaches behind and unhooks the clasp, letting the fabric slip down. The men catch a glimpse of the curves that tease beyond her ribcage. “Still think I’d chicken out?”
They hesitate. “We need more convincing.”
Janice responds with a knowing smirk, unzipping her skirt and letting it pool at her feet, leaving her in only a sliver of lace. “How about now?”
They nod, the deal sealed.