While there weren't any parades for Mardi Gras this year, that didn't mean there wasn't some festive celebration elsewhere. With the epidemic reaching more manageable levels, the Meat Market was able to allow bigger crowds to come inside. Of course, masks and vaccination cards were still a requirement. But parties like this made them worth it.
Unsurprisingly, the Meat Market was done up in green, purple and gold. One noticeable change was that along with the usual dance music, there were some jazz numbers thrown in. Some might think that jazz music and pole-dancing might not go together, but the dancers have learned to be quite flexible. Besides, jazz can be a very lively form of music, as long as it wasn't the blues.
Anyways, with the lady dancers performing, it was hardly where most people would go on a date. So it was a bit surprising that Sylvia and Andrew showed up there. The bigger surprise was that Sylvia had insisted on it. Andrew's face went a peculiar shade of pink when he saw all the dancers. "Er, you sure you want to eat in there?" he asked, "There must be nicer...establishments."
"Relax, Andrew, live a little," said Sylvia before pulling him into the club. She seemed rather unfazed about the scantily-clad performers. She led him to a table and sat him down. She sat in the opposite chair and wrapped her tail around his legs and chair. By Animalian standards, it was the closest that snakes can get to playing 'footsie'. It also had the benefit of making sure that Andrew didn't run off without tripping. "So, what kind of drink are you wanting tonight?" asked Sylvia.
Andrew tried to keep his eyes fixed on Sylvia alone and asked, "Sylvia, are you trying to get some kind of confession out of me?"
"Confession?" asked Sylvia.
"Look, I haven't been seeing any women besides you," said Andrew, "I wouldn't go behind your back at that. If I wanted to date someone else, I would have told you personally first."
Sylvia sighed and said, "Well, that's a small relief. Though this really isn't about that. This is more of a test of your commitment."
"Did I do something to make you doubt me?" asked Andrew.
"No, but I want to know how far you're willing to go before you do something irreversible," said Sylvia.
"Conversion, you mean," said Andrew.
"You've been a great boyfriend, but I also don't want to pressure you into being my mate," said Sylvia.
"Well, there's a certain ethical dilemma about this," said Andrew.
"Well, I told you about why I became a rattlesnake," said Sylvia.
"No, about me going steady with my lawyer," said Andrew, "I could say you were-"
"Double-billing you to screw you over," said Sylvia, rolling her eyes, "I've heard all the lawyer jokes."
"Oh, surely there are more to be found," said Andrew, teasingly.
"Try to and you're paying for the whole dinner," said Sylvia with a warning rattle.
"Well, I suppose that before I want to commit, I need to know you better," said Andrew, "In some ways, I haven't seen more sides other than you being a snake or a lawyer. Though some may say-"
"What's the difference?" finished Sylvia, "It's a good thing you already have a day job, so don't try to pursue a career in professional comedy."
"Yeah, though I want to know if I really know you as a woman," said Andrew.
"Oh, you want to see how much of a woman I am?" asked Sylvia in a teasing tone. She reached up and started unbuttoning her shirt.
Andrew blushed and said, "Sylvia, we're out in public."
"Hmm...that's true," said Sylvia. She got the attention of a passing gazelle waitress and asked, "Do they let amateurs up on the stage?"
"Sure, but we also have poles over there," said Gazette, pointing at the corners of the club, "Less of an audience there. You'd be surprised how quickly stage fright can kick in."
"Sounds perfect," said Sylvia, "Come on, Andrew. Let's have a bit of fun."
Andrew wasn't quite sure what he was getting into as Sylvia dragged him over to that corner. One thing was sure was that he wouldn't be forgetting this Mardi Gras anytime soon.