Afterglow ❃ l.m.j

• chapter fifty two •

NO TOLERANCE POLICY NOW IN EFFECT

Heaven's Door has now implemented a zero tolerance policy as part of our commitment to providing a safe and comforting work environment for all employees, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or religion. All employees are responsible for conducting themselves in a professional and inclusive manner. Those unwilling or unable to do so, will be subject to disciplinary action alongside a potential termination. This policy covers harassment, bullying, and discrimination both inside and outside of the venue, thus providing a standard for addressing allegations of inappropriate behavior and ensuring fairness and equal treatment to all.

I blinked at the white sheet taped around the stripper quarters in bold. They were everywhere, even down to the bathroom doors. Surrounding each sheet stood a group of dancers who were equally confused.

I guess Ally really did have balls this time.

I turned to look for my girls but only Valencia was around. She was murmuring to another group, pointing at the sign and nodding to whatever was being said.

I looked at the paper again, biting my lip. It was a step in the right direction for sure. But just how lenient was everyone willing to be?

The topic of my body seemed to smooth over okay. People either treated me like normal or ignored me. But now there was a policy in place with grounds for termination. And that was sure to turn some dramatic heads.

The sound of heels clicking came from my left. Ally strutted into the room with a security guard in tow and a clipboard practically glued to her chest. She searched around the room for a brief headcount.

"Okay, nearly all of you are here. Good." She began to enunciate her voice. "Ladies, can I have everyone's attention please?"

Wary and curious eyes met hers. I was one of them. Her hair swished with the movement of her head.

"As of today, I'd like to make it abundantly clear that we at Heaven's Door are enacting a no tolerance policy." She walked to the middle of the room. "This means any acts of harassment, be it verbal, physical, and/or sexual, is grounds for termination. Any racism, homophobia, and/or transphobia is also grounds for termination. And any fighting within the club is, lastly, grounds for disciplinary action."

Stefanie stepped into the quarters just then, squinting her eyes at the signs around the room and then to Ally in the middle. She looked around until she found someone familiar.

"What's going on?" She mouthed.

I beckoned her over, whispering into her side. "I'll explain later."

"Do I make myself clear?" A chorus of eye rolls, head nods, and a sigh or two flew through the room. Allyson nodded indignantly. "Good. All of those who are not in favor or blatantly disagree, you may pack your bags and head out now. This is not a preemptive policy and will not be falling off. Understand that the minute your foot steps outside of these quarters, you are no longer considered an employee and will not be readmitted."

Everyone's facial expressions provided a range. Some angry, some surprised, some nonchalant, others calm. I watched as two different women waited a moment, scowls and pouts on their faces. Then they moved to gather their things and one by one, left the room. Nerves and uneasiness soared through the air. I folded my hands in front of me in an attempt to shield the clamminess.