Roadshow

Annie, the story's protagonist, buys a fifth of whiskey from a liquor store near Starbucks because she feels restless and anticipates receiving money soon. This purchase is driven by a sense of urgency and emotional turmoil, possibly linked to Vera, another character whose behavior has unsettled her. Annie's actions suggest she is seeking temporary relief or distraction from an unresolved issue involving Vera. The whiskey, a fifth (a bottle containing one-fifth of a gallon, or approximately 750 milliliters), symbolizes her attempt to numb her emotions. The mention of Tom Selleck’s mustache and Vera’s repeated image hints at a recurring memory or fixation that has left Annie disturbed.

After consuming some whiskey, Annie visits a Salvation Army thrift store, where she purchases a tank top featuring a cartoon moose with exaggerated features, holding a beer stein. The shirt bears the phrase Get Wild in Hope, Alaska. Her choice of clothing reflects a deliberate attempt to adopt a bold, unconventional persona, possibly as a form of self-expression or to fit into an unfamiliar environment. The cashier initially seems wary of her but softens after Annie pays. Annie then parks her LeSabre (a model of Buick car) in front of a Chinese takeout place with darkened windows and falls asleep for an hour. Upon waking, she feels a mix of guilt and unease, though the cause remains unclear.

Annie arrives at a club where she is scheduled to perform. The day manager greets her in a shiny vest and introduces her to the other performers as Girls, Girls, Girls. He insists on escorting her to the dressing room, placing his hand on her back despite her polite attempts to decline. The dressing room is filled with women preparing for their performances, applying makeup and costumes. The manager introduces Annie as a DOG GIRL, a role she is unfamiliar with, and the other women react with indifference, suggesting they do not approve of the manager. The term DOG GIRL likely refers to a specific type of performance or costume, though its exact meaning is not explained in the text.

Inside the dressing room, Annie meets two women: one with curly hair and another wearing a pink wig, later identified as Star. The women enforce a no-drinking rule, but after Annie offers whiskey, they take turns drinking it in secret. Star, who is 22 years old and studying to become a veterinarian (vet school), shares that she is performing to fund her education. The atmosphere in the dressing room is tense but gradually relaxes as the women focus on their preparations. Annie notices the meticulous care the performers take in their appearance, blending aesthetics with athleticism, as they ready themselves for the stage.

Annie dons a mask and performs on stage to the song Legs by the band ZZ Top. The audience consists of men seated in dimly lit booths, watching quietly and drinking. The manager observes from the bar. Annie removes her jacket and trousers, dancing in a bedazzled bra and G-string. The men react by tipping her, placing bills into her G-string. Annie feels a sense of exhilaration and detachment from pain, describing her performance as almost supernatural. The song ends, and the men laugh among themselves, though Annie interprets their reactions as a mix of admiration and hidden meaning. The atmosphere is one of controlled excitement, with no overt shouting or hollering.

After her performance, Annie returns to the dressing room, where Star asks how it went. Annie responds positively but vaguely. Star then encourages her to mingle with the audience to earn additional money through private dances. Annie is reluctant, as she dislikes soliciting or groveling for tips. However, the whiskey helps her relax. Meanwhile, a young man in the audience, wearing a baseball cap and sensible shoes, approaches her. Annie gestures to him, and he follows her, despite his friend’s teasing. The young man’s demeanor suggests he is shy or impressionable, and his attire contrasts with the more flamboyant style of the performers.