In This Town: Chapter Fifteen: I Will Remember You

Chapter Fifteen: I Will Remember You

Riley called off and on all weekend. I left the phone on silent and screened all my calls, as I sat amidst boxes organizing my apartment. I gave the majority of my furniture to Max and Janet. Although she didn't like me she as pleased to have it, Max was sad to see me leaving.

I had called and let Ken know to find another person for class on Monday, it would be easier that way to not have to face him or Riley, for that matter. I informed my landlady and she said she'd send me a check to the new address with the remainder of the rent.

I spoke to no one, save had dinner at my parents to celebrate my big move, but spent the weekend, sipping chardonnay, listening to Tori Amos and Sarah McLachlan, and packing up my life.

On Monday morning, with my car all packed up with everything I really needed, I left the key in the landlady's box and slowly drove through town.

Later that day, perhaps after his class, Riley would come over. I'd left the door unlocked so he'd push it open, wander through the empty rooms, until he found a note in the bathroom,

“I'm sorry, Riley, you were wonderful but I just can't be who you want me to be. I'm off to follow my dreams, I hope the same for you, & I will never forget you, All the best, Anna.”

The early morning fog would blanket the town with an eerie stillness as I'd make my way over to the community college. Pulling into the faculty only parking lot, I'd sit in the car with my engine running until I'd see him. He'd park his car and get out, busying himself with his coffee cup, his bag, and assorted papers. I'd feel the urge to reach out, honk my horn, do something to make a connection but I'd sit frozen, waiting. Without knowing why, he'd turn in my direction. In a flash, he'd show recollection and smile, waving his hand slightly and nodding at me. I'd smile back, knowingly and taking all of him in with my gaze, in order to never forget.

Slowly, I'd pull out of the parking lot, as he turned and walked away. We'd see each other again, sooner or later, it didn't matter. The important thing is that we would both always remember.

I Will Remember You

(A footnote: This story is dedicated to my former love, mentor, and teacher, Joe D.)

In This Town: Chapter Twelve: Everything that begins must end

Part Two

Chapter Twelve: Everything that begins must end

Two months had passed since our reconciliation on the sidewalk outside my apartment building and nothing much had changed. Business as usual for this small-town call girl and the likes of those near and dear to her. My relationship with Joe was unchanged, there was an inbuilt understanding of trust connected with our discreet awareness and need. It was as if it was true, our souls had forever been entwined.

Yes, all was going along swimmingly, much as it had before, save for the fact that now I had Riley in tow and Max had Janet. To be quite sure, Max's relationship with Janet was a thousand times more “normal” and, well, healthier than that of mine with Riley. I couldn't exactly be one hundred percent honest with my boyfriend about my true business interactions and out of town trips. At one point after I returned from a visit with Ed in Seattle, Riley asked to see some of the photo work I'd done on my trip, I lied and said the proofs weren't available yet. My time with him was a knuckle-biting affair, wondering how long I could keep up the appearances of normalcy while pursuing my nightly ventures.

My out of town business trips had enlarged. Through Ed, I had become connected to more interested parties, those with deeper pockets and a wider cash-flow whose desires were more varied than even that of Mitch Wheeler, who by the way had just announced his candidacy for the town mayor. Our escapades at his riverfront house were less frequent then.

I had an invite for dinner at Jacob and Becky's house, to celebrate the birth of their second child. I took along Riley, not Joe, as date, thinking that in whatever means possible I could reflect the status quo of society as well as please the boyfriend was definitely beneficial.

The dinner was fairly uneventful, in a word, it was endless and boring. Even Riley agreed as we rode home together, in I might add my new turquoise Pruis; (“Modeling pays off,” I had lied to Riley.) The new baby and the “mini-me” version of Becky were cute to be fair but also were vivid reminders of my decision to not have children.

However, what came from that dinner was even more eventful. Joe had left a message to call when I returned home. When I did, he informed me of a new client with instructions of when and where to meet. “Tomorrow night, 7 pm, at the Marriot, room 216,” I wrote down the instructions as he gave them to me.

I arrived a half an hour early to the destination, a custom I had recently developed and felt added to my degree of professionalism. I walked into the Marriot, nodded briskly to Max in greeting but not showing too much recognition, and breezed into the elevator and ascended to the second floor.

Walking down the long hallway to room 216, my heart rate quickened along with my breathing in anticipation of that first entrance, as an actor awaiting their cue to enter the stage. I turned the doorknob and slipped into the room.

My client for the night stood at the bar of the room, his back to me, making drinks for us. A voice that seemed somewhat familiar instructed me that the money was on the side table by the door. I took it and slipped it into my purse. I was once again wearing my long tan coat, underneath black thigh-highs clipped to garter and over it a black lacy teddy. Black stilettos donned my feet. My hair was a perfect light curl and hung softly down my back and away from my face. My make-up was perfectly applied but not over-done.

The client turned to face me, with the drinks in hand, and stopped in cold shock. My mouth fell agape. For a few moments in what seemed like an eternity, we stared at one another. Finally, I found my voice:

“Jacob?”

“Anna?” He came back to me.

“Yeah,” I said at last. “How are you?” Which seemed quite absurd to say under the circumstances, as if we were reuniting at a high school reunion and not under the current situation.  Jacob moved towards the living room area of the room and sat in an armchair. I followed and sat across him in a matching chair. He set one drink on the table and I picked it up, sipping slowly.

“So, this is life modeling?” He asked, cocking his head to one side.

“No, that's a cover,” I explained. He looked at me, with that sarcastic grin I had seen so much in school, the one that said, 'I'm about to tease you and you are going to like it' and said,

“Nice one, really.”

I took a larger sip of my drink, a gin and tonic, and then fired back,

“Why are you here?”

He thought for a moment and then said, “For the same reason you are.”

“Okay, why do you think I'm here?” I shot back.

“Exploration,” he admitted. I was taken aback by this.

“What about Becky?” I asked.

“She isn't...really up for...everything,” he stammered out. “And besides, she's all caught up with the kids and stuff and the whole image thing, you know.”

“So, you want to sow your wild oats, experience the bad side of things?” I asked looking for confirmation.

“Yeah, something like that,” he nodded. I looked him over and then rose slowly. I stood there for a moment and then put my drink down.

“Well,” I said, at last. “I should get going.”

“What, why?” he asked, looking at me with a piercing gaze.

“Well, you don't think we should, I mean,” I broke off.

“Why not? I paid for you,” he pointed out. He had a good point there so I brought out the money from my purse and moved to return it.

“No,” he shook his head. “That won't suffice.”

Reluctantly, I put the money back in my purse and stood back from him.

“So, what do you want?” Secretly hoping he wasn't like his father and that I could just get this over with, go home, take a hot bath, laugh it off with Max.

He looked me over and said, “Dance for me.”

I put my purse down on my chair and because tonight I needed it more than ever before, I gulped down my drink. Slowly I began swaying and moving around the room in a seductive fashion. I slowly brought the coat down around me until I let it fall to the ground. I heard him gasp in astonished satisfaction at the sight of my undergarments. I moved over to him and proceeded to give him a lap dance, feeling the bulge in his pants rising. I closed my eyes as I let my bottom rub against it, trying to visualize myself far away, anywhere but here. When I did, I saw the face of Riley float up at me. My eyes snapped open abruptly.

I turned and began unbuttoning Jacob's shirt and kissing his bare chest, moving my hands down to his pants. I was very careful about not giving him an open mouth kiss, too intimate for this situation. With his penis out, I slipped a condom on, then slipped myself. He put his hands on my shoulders and pulled himself inside of me. My eyes focused passed him onto the wall, I sucked in air and tried not to think.

What seemed like forever finally came to an end. I crawled off of him and returned to my coat and purse.

He smiled up at me and said, “I will call for you again.”

I cringed inside but dutifully turned and nodded, smiling in mock agreement.

I headed out the door, down the elevator, and through the lobby without acknowledging Max at all. Upon coming home, I headed into my bathroom and collapsed against the toilet and for the first time after a client, vomited. Not from the alcohol but from the shame of it.

The next morning I confessed it all to Max and was barely able to finish my breakfast without feeling sick. I had modeling that day so I managed to pull myself together for work and an after class delight for Ken.

Riley met me, as per our custom, in the cafeteria of the college. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Joe sitting at a table and when Riley leaned to kiss me on the mouth, I moved my face so it fell against my cheek. I had not told Joe about Riley as of yet. How would I explain that?

Riley looked at me, a little hurt and asked, “Something wrong?”

“No, uh, I forgot to brush my teeth, breath smells rancid, I'm sure,” I managed to say.

“Oh, okay,” he accepted that in true Riley fashion. “Hungry? You want something to eat?”

That was also true Riley fashion, he always bought me food or anything really, treated me with such care and adoration I really felt like royalty and to be honest sometimes like glass, with any movement I might break. Or was that just me and my double life I needed to keep hidden?

As we walked to class, we held hands and laughed together, just like any normal couple in our age group would do. Nodding to Ken in silent confirmation of our after class meeting, I quickly began undressing and moved into the necessary poses for the class.

After class, I was on my knees behind Ken Payne's desk with his penis deep in my mouth while he groaned quietly above me. There was a knock on the door and then without waiting for an answer, it opened. Behind and above me, I heard a gasp of horror and shock. I froze.

“Anna?” came Riley's horrified voice above me. “Mr...Payne?”

I pulled myself out and tried to stand up. Mr. Payne grabbed my hand to stop me. I looked at him with horror and disgust.

“Riley, I..,” I began, then looked from him to Ken for some sort of answer or clarity. “I can explain, I will explain.”

Riley's eyes flashed at mine with anger.

“No need, Anna,” he growled. “No need, you whore.”

My insides cringed and shriveled tightly inside of me. I tried to move towards him but Ken restrained me, as if to remind me his time was not up yet. Riley turned and slammed the door behind him as he left. I heard his footsteps pounding down the hallway away from me.

After eventually leaving Ken's office, I grabbed my phone and anxiously called Riley's phone, to no answer. I drove home and entered the apartment frantically, hoping to catch Max before he went off to work. I found him and Janet sitting in each other's arms, happily on the sofa. She glanced up at me with disgust and marched off into his bedroom. Max got up and came towards me.

“Anna,” he said excitedly before I could speak. “I need to talk to you.”

“Yeah?” I managed.

“You okay?”

“Yeah, just stuff with Riley,” I managed. “So, what's up?”

He gestured for me to sit on the sofa so I did.

“Janet and I were talking, we think we'd like to take this relationship to the next level,” he began. I looked him over, waiting. “I've asked her to move in with me.”

I nodded, taking this in. This wasn't a surprise to me at all. Janet knew about my profession and did not like it nor me. She was not at all quiet about this dislike either. For his part though, I was happy for Max and wanted to see him that way. He was after all my best friend. He just wanted us to get along.

“That's fine,” I began. “When do I need to move out?”

“Uh, the end of the month, okay? Unless you need more time?”

“That should be fine,” I confirmed. I looked down as my phone vibrated. Riley! “I have to take this,” I told Max, moving into my bedroom.

“Hello?” I said expectantly.

“Meet me at the waterfront park...now,” was all I got before I heard the click.

As I drove into the parking lot of the park, heavy storm clouds were deepening in the sky. The wind was kicking up and blowing litter about as I walked down the sidewalk into the park, looking for Riley. I saw him standing at fence overlooking the river below.  Behind him was a park bench. I walked up to him and touched his shoulder, he shook it off.

“Riley,” I began.

“Why, Anna, why?” he barked at me. “Why him? Its not like you need a grade...is that how you got the job?”

“No,” I began and the tears welled in my eyes. “That's not it.”

Without hesitation, I began to tell the truth.

“I do that for money,” I stated. “Not just with him, but with lots of men. All my out of town trips and...”

Riley glared at me and said in utter shock, angry, and disgust, “In this town?”

“Yeah,” I said quietly looking down. I heard him sigh, turn back to the water, and sigh again.

“Say something!” I begged him.

“I can't,” he began. I waited. “I can't do this, I can't be with you.”

“Please, Riley,” was all I could say. He turned and looked at me, again glaring.  I looked up at him, my eyes imploring.  He flinched and I saw his lower lip tremble.  Then without saying a word, he turned and stormed off just as the first drops of rain began to fall. 

I walked over to the bench and sat. The rain poured harder and harder but I did not mind it, I needed to feel the cold icy sting of the wetness. My tears mingling with the raindrops.

Alone, I sobbed, wondering what to do now, I looked up at the sky, at the falling rain, and screamed,

“Why?”

The Shape of You

In This Town: Chapter Ten: Teacher: The Subject of Young Girl Fantasy

Chapter Ten: Teacher: The Subject of Young Girl Fantasy

I called Joe when I got into the apartment. He listened quietly to my accounts of my time with Ed in Seattle but said little. I invited him over for dinner but he said he was busy for the weekend. He gave me the weekend off to rest, but said he'd be in touch early next week.

Early Monday afternoon, I made my way over to the college for my modeling gig. I stopped by the theatre department but Joe's class was already in session. So, I headed over to the cafeteria for a cup of coffee before my class started. Sitting down at a table with my coffee steaming before me, I opened a book, one that Ed had recommended last week. I am a confessed book nerd and usually have a stack of books I'm reading at one time. As I had opened the first page, I began reading quietly while sipping my drink. Someone walked up to me, I could feel their nearness, and cleared their throat to get my attention. I looked up and saw Riley, in all his charming geekiness, grinning down at me. I smiled, feeling the butterflies bouncing in my stomach.

“Hi,” he began. “How was your trip?”

“Good,” I replied.

“Successful?”

“Yes, of course,” I replied, smiling mysteriously.

“Good,” he began. “So you still want to watch Inuyasha later?”

I smiled up at him, his boldness, and felt an appreciation for his attention. But, my mind flashed to my phone conversation a few days back with Joe, remembering that he promised to get a hold of me.

“I think I might be busy,” I stated. He looked crestfallen so I added, “But I'll let you know.” He perked up a bit at that and said,

“Great, I'll see you in class.” He waved off and headed towards the art building. I put my book away, picked up my coffee, and made my way in that direction, slowly trailing behind him.

Upon entering the classroom, Ken secured me privately into the corner, on the ruse that he needed to discuss poses for that day when in fact he informed me of an upcoming arrangement he had made with Joe on our behalf. We were to meet tomorrow night at the Motel 6 for the full treatment, as he referred to it. I looked him over and winced inwardly, he must have saved up for this, but outwardly I smiled discreetly and invitingly.

“I'll see you then,” I gave, in my best attempt at an “I can hardly wait, come hither” look. He smiled, then turned off to address the class and begin the day's lesson.

After class, I quickly dressed and made my way over to the theatre department. The day's acting class was letting out and I asked a student if Joe was still in the classroom. The student nodded and I made my way towards the back of the auditorium, opening the door a crack to check if he was alone.

He wasn't.

Joe was talking to a student, a young pretty female student. They were laughing in that knowing way that shows interest. I could see the familiar swagger and flirtatious grin across his face. I stared motionless, not saying anything and not trying to reveal myself. I didn't want to watch yet I couldn't move. Through the muddle of the conversation, I heard the words from Joe's mouth “We'll hook up later” swim upwards towards me. I gulped back my tears. That was it, I clamored out the back, letting the door slam loudly behind me.

Biting back tears, I walked quickly towards my car. What was I thinking? Why was this such a big deal? Its not like I had a hold on Joe's affections and attentions, its not like this hadn't happened before. The first time we were together he was married, for God's sake. It wasn't like we were exclusive, so why did this sting? Why was my stomach tying itself up in knots? Tears welled up in my eyes and I blinked to hold them back.

Blurry eyed,  I hurried to my car. Behind me, I heard: “Anna?”

I turned, hoping against hope to see...and there stood Riley, coming forward.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Yeah,” I lied. “Just tired.”

“Oh,” was all he could say.

“How are you?” I gave.

“All right,” he began. “You left class so quickly.”

“Yeah, I...” I began but then trailed off not wanting to remember and swallowed my words, my tears. “Do you need a ride to work?”

“No, I got the day off,” he began. “Gladly so, got a lot of homework to catch up on.”

“Okay,” I said. Then before I could think it through, I said, “Do you want to watch that movie later?”

He smiled brightly and said, “I would love that.”

Without thinking, I gave him my cell number, the private line I gave to family and close friends, as he punched it into his phone under “Anna Reisling”. (I knew that because I had to spell out my last name three times before he really got it.)

I hurried off to my car and reached home a few minutes before Max headed off for work. I collapsed onto the couch in tears and he came and sat next to me.

“What's up?” he asked.

Sobbing, I managed, “I saw...Joe...”

“Yeah, and?”

“He was flirting with...another...student,” I coughed out sobbing.

“So?” was all Max could say, wonderingly.

“So?”

“Well, its not like you have a “normal” relationship,” Max began slowly. “I mean, he's like your, um, pimp, for what's it worth.”

I swallowed and dried my tears on the couch blanket. He had a point there, I knew, but I couldn't help feeling the pain. I nodded at him, knowingly, but the tears continued to roll down my face.

“When did this all become so complicated?” I asked.

Max looked at me and sighed.

“Maybe its time you take a look at your life and where its going,” he said, pushing my hair back out of my eyes. He was right, of course, he always was. I leaned against him.

“Careful,” he began. “I don't want your mascara running on my work clothes.”

I laughed and looked up at him. He grinned down at me.

“Max, you are more than a room-mate,” I started. “You are my bestest friend.”

“Ah, well I've finally achieved something,” he looked down at me. Then said, “You working tonight?”

“No, tomorrow,” I gulped remembering. “I've got a date with Ken Payne.”

Max looked at me and then rolled his head back against the chair laughing. I had told him all about my meetings with the art teacher.

“Is this a $200 deal?” he asked, still laughing.

“No,” I said. “I think he managed to scrape up a few more bucks.”

“Well, try and have fun,” he said, still laughing. “Enjoy your night off.”

“Yeah, I will,” then I remembered. “I invited Riley over.”

Max looked at me, disapprovingly.

“Oh no, don't start that,” he said at last. “Are you ready for a “normal” one?”

“What do you mean?” I asked, feigning innocently. “It's just a movie.”

“Sure, sure it is,” he stated. “Just be careful with that one.”

He headed off to work and two hours later Riley showed up at my door, movie and pizza in hand, gluten-free just like I asked. I offered to pay half but he shrugged it off. We sat on the couch, eating the pizza and sipping boxed red wine. The movie was quite entertaining. As the credits rolled, I looked over at Riley and noticed for the first time how quite handsome he was. His firm chin line jutted out, then his face sloped up to piercing blue eyes, and soft wavy brown hair. It flashed in my mind, could I actually do this without receiving any money for it?

He smiled down at me and our eyes met. I melted inside. For what seemed like a long time, we stayed like that. I was wondering if he was going to make the first move or if I should. I was used to men more forward or at least who knew what they want, as they had paid for it after all. Finally, he smiled at me, pushed back my hair from my face, stroked my cheek, then leaned down and kissed my lips. I leaned into him and drank in his scent. The next moment we were kissing passionately.

In The Arms of An Angel

Laying in my bed later that night, I experienced an odd feeling of contentment. Next to me, Riley slept soundlessly, every now and then releasing a small snore. Having a man in my bed, who hadn't paid for sex was an unknown factor to me. Laying there motionless, I heard Max enter the apartment and thought I heard two more footsteps following him. I thought I heard a girl's giggle stifled as he headed into his bedroom. This shouldn't have surprised me at all. Max was a young, hot-blooded guy, he was allowed his sexual relations as I was. So what if he had never had a girl over as yet in our living together!

I closed my eyes and feigned sleep, counting the minutes until morning.

Around ten am, Riley stirred next to me. He pressed himself against me, wrapping his arms around me. I turned to look at him and he smiled at me.

“Good morning,” he said. Warmly, I kissed his cheek.

“You want some coffee?”

“That'd be great,” came his reply. I got up and grabbed my bathrobe and padded into the kitchen. As I busied myself with coffee, Max came out of his room. He beamed at me.

“Morning,” he said and I looked him over.

“Good night last night?” I asked.

“Yeah, actually,” he started. “About that--”

He was interrupted as simultaneously a girl came out of his room and Riley came out of mine. They stood awkwardly staring around at us. I moved towards Riley with a cup of coffee and handed to him.

“Max?” I began. “This is Riley.”

“Hello, Riley,” Max said. “I'm Max, Anna's room-mate, that's all.”

He then turned to the girl and put his arm around her.

“Anna, Riley, this is Janet,” he said slowly, then finished with, “My ex, well, not anymore.”

She smiled up at him and he kissed her. So, this was the ex that had brought him down here and taken off, breaking his heart? Well, who was I to judge with all my relationship woes and sexual exploits?

“Nice to meet you,” was all I said. I knew Max and I would have our living room pow-wow later on, after they had left, and both of us would have our warnings to give each other.

After Riley had dressed and I bid him off, saying I'd call later. I padded into my bedroom to check my phone and email messages. There was a missed phone call from Joe. I clicked over to voice-mail and listened.

“Busy last night, sorry I didn't get in touch. Call me when you can.”

I put the phone down and pulled my knees up to my chest. So, that was it. The reality of it hit hard.

I didn't know who I should feel more sorry for, the new student fling or myself. Here I was, reliving it all again.   

Don't Stand So Close To Me

In this Town: Chapter Seven: Bondage & Friends

Chapter 7: Bondage & Friends

I arrived at the riverfront house just shy of 8 pm and pulled into the driveway. The memory of my first evening at this place flashed back into my mind. I stepped out of my car, wearing my tan long coat, the one I'd worn on my first encounter with Ken, and headed up the walkway. Knocking on the door, I breathed in with anticipation, who would I meet on the other side?

The door swung open and before me stood, Mitch Wheeler, top town lawyer and father of my former class-mates, Jacob and Becky, in nothing but black leather shorts and a long leash and collar around his neck. His chest was bare with a smattering of black hair across it. A flicker of recognition danced across his face before he handed me a folded up neat wad of cash which I deposited quickly into my purse. I stepped in and immediately was all business.

“You will address me as “Mistress” from here on,” I commanded. He nodded dutifully. I turned my back to him and demanded he help me out of my coat, which he did bowing his head.

“Down on all fours, dog,” I pointed towards the ground.

“Yes, mistress,” he said, immediately ducking down onto the ground. Standing there, in a very short skin-tight black dress and heels to match, I took his leash in hand and yanked. “Lead me to the bedroom.”

He started crawling towards the hallway and down we went towards the bedroom. I tried to keep from my mind the memory of the time I spent with Joe in that room. We entered and I noticed he had laid out several tools necessary for the evening, a couple differently sized whips, handcuffs, and attached to the bed frame were two long ties for hands. I pulled the chain and commanded him to kneel in the corner. He did so and I walked towards the table, picking up a long slender whip and blindfold and headed towards him.  I walked back to him slowly, stroking the whip between my hands. Tying the blindfold tightly over his face, I then ran the whip softly down his cheek, down his hairy chest, played it slowly over his crotch, before dragging it luxuriously towards his backside where I slapped it against him. He let out a groan of delight. I hit him again and again. He groaned pleasurably ever louder. I found myself loving this for the sheer joy of it.

“Dog,” I said, helping him to his feet. “Follow me.”

I commanded him to lay on the bed and tied his hands above his head to the bedposts. I dragged the whip over his body again and down towards his crotch. His bulge growing increasing more and more larger. With my free hand, I began pulling down his shorts slowly. I leaned down and brushed my tongue on either side of his penis. He wailed slowly and writhed in ecstasy. I smacked the whip on his chest and he whimpered in delight.

I quietly made my way to the front hallway and pulled a condom out of my purse. When I reached the room again, I surveyed him before me. Here was the top lawyer of the town, powerful and well-known for his successes in the courtroom, stripped and tied laying blindfolded before me, legs open. A feeling of power surged over me as I wondered what other town secrets and sins would I discover in this vocation. I walked over to him and slipped the condom over his penis. He licked his lips hungrily as I stroked him with my hands, then let the whip's edge do the same. Pulling up my dress around my waist, I climbed atop him and guided him into me. As I rode him, he buckled beneath me and I hit his chest deliciously with the chest as I brought him to completion.

Once down, I slid out of him and let his body unravel before untying him and removing the blindfold. He stood before me on the bed, almost like a lost puppy on a street corner. I smiled at him, as I pulled down my dress preparing to depart.

“You look familiar?” he said at last. “Do I know you?”

“Maybe, maybe not,” was all I would give.

“What's your name?” he asked at last.

“Anna,” was all I would give.

“Anna what?”

I thought to myself, then smiling saying, “Anna Zin, the Duchess of the Night.”

He smiled up at me then and said, “Well, Anna Zin, The Duchess of the Night, so nice to meet you, I hope to meet again.”

I looked down at him and said, “Please you to remember me as 'mistress.'

He nodded, “Of course, Mistress.” As I started to leave the room, he called out to me, “If you ever need anything, some help in the outside world, call me.”

I turned and nodded with a smile, then tossed my hair and quickly left. Grabbing my coat and purse and heading into the night.

The next day I began packing up my meagre house-hold items preparing for the move into Max's apartment, one more step into freedom and my new life.

That evening I handed Max a wad of bills in the amount he had requested, he took it with a grin and we toasted with cheap red wine in plastic glasses with Disney cartoons on them before he headed off to the work at the hotel.

Joe called and wanted to come over to see the new place. He arrived a half hour later, bearing a bag full of Chinese take out. We ate it, finishing the red wine along with it and I told him of the night previous.  He chuckled over the details of the top lawyer's tastes and loved the new title I had claimed.

Later after “watching cartoons” in my new bedroom on the bed that had been left by a former room-mate of Max's, we held each other in the darkness, our naked bodies pressed against each other.

“Well, quite a success our little venture has been,” he whispered to me. I looked up at him and smiled in the dark. “Yes, it has.”

He leaned down and gave me a long kiss. When he pulled away, I whispered, “Shouldn't you be getting ready to leave?”

He was quiet for a moment, never taking his arm from me, and then said, “No, I think I'll stay.”

Without thinking, I replied, “For how long?”

“As long as I can.”

That was satisfactory. I snuggled up against him and fell fast asleep with delight.   

To Sir With Love

In This Town

Chapter Five: A New Day

Saturday morning I woke up laying next to Joe, his arms around me as his face, fast asleep, burrowed into my neck. I sighed as I took in his delicious warmth, felt the glow of the sunshine hitting my face, burning warmer and warmer until the heat was unbearable and I awoke to find myself alone in my own bed. I stretched, remembering myself driving through the streets towards my home, still feeling the after effects of Joe's love-making upon my skin. Shivering in the remembrance, I let my hand trail down my naked body to feel the slight stickiness of my vagina, hungry for more.

The telephone rang.

Before I could lose myself in my own self-pleasuring, I quickly withdrew and reached for my cell-phone and pressed the green phone button. Joe's voice came bursting through the other end.

“Hello, beautiful,” he began and I squirmed with delight. “What are you up to this fine Saturday morning?”

Thinking of my last few moments, I quickly replied, “Nothing...just waking up.”

“Well, get yourself ready for this,” he laughed. “I've got a friend in town, a potential new instructor for the theatre department, he'd like a little night entertainment.”

I sat up in bed and waiting for the details responded, “Yes?”

“He'd like to arrange a meeting at his hotel, the Marriot on 7^th, tonight at 8 pm,” he began, then continued. “Dinner in his room, then, well, use your imagination.”

“Okay,” I began and hesitated, then went on, “How much do I charge?”

“You leave that up to me but do trust me, you'll be more than compensated.”

I smiled with glee and said my good-byes and thank you's and hung up. Now for the preparation. What should I wear? I got out of bed and stretched my body in full, feeling the warmth of the sunlight like spiritual fire feeding my bones before moving to my closet. Opening it, I peered in and saw, my little black number, short skirt and form-fitting. The red one, I thought, would look to 'hooker-esque' if that really indeed was a word. Now, for my cover story, if needed, what would I tell my parents? According to their thoughts, where was I going and with whom?

Looking at the dress, I decided on drinks and dinner with “friends” from high school down-town. With any hope, they would have had a few already and would not ask questions.

I headed down to the bathroom to shower before heading out for the day, coffee, breakfast, bank, and maybe a few groceries. My parents' selection of food in the house seemed lacking in my Portland experience of all organic, gluten-free, anti-GMO.

I let the hot water, steam around me, as it poured down my body. Running a loofah over my body, I spent careful attention to my lower regions, cleanliness and fresh smelling was the best bet in my line of work.

Out of the shower and once dry, I lathered my whole body thoroughly with not to fragrant lotion from Bed, Bath & Beyond. I noticed my toe nail polish and nails, both hand and foot, would need a touch up. Gratefully, peering into the mirror once wiping away the steam, I did not notice any new blemishes or unwanted hair. Once done running my fingers through my hair and toweling it dry, I headed down the hallway to dress quickly in skinny blue jeans and spaghetti top tank top.

A few moments later, I called out to my parents as I ran out the door, 'going down town for coffee', before high-tailing it to my old yet faithful blue VW bug, thinking gladly that now did I not have to worry about buying myself a simple cup of coffee but perhaps soon I would be able to purchase a better car. (I made a mental note that I should park my car a little ways from the hotel so as not to break the illusion of high class.)

After dashing into Downtown Grounds to purchase both latte and muffin, then heading over to Wells Fargo to deposit the remainder of the $500 Joe had given me as down payment before an overdraft fee came through. Deliciously loving the fact that I would very soon not have this as a main concern of my life. No more counting pennies or barely scraping by each month was well worth the effort of having to be discreet with my profession, I would imagine.

There was a well-dressed and fit older man before me at the ATM when I got to the bank. I waited a ways behind him. When he turned, I thought I recognized his blonde, blue eyed freckling yet rugged face. He nodded at me, somewhat in recognition, before heading down the block. I quickly deposited the money then started for my car to make my way to Safeway.

Pushing my cart through the aisle, I looked down at the ad on the child's seat with the same face of the man at the bank staring up at me, Mitch Wheeler, the town's main lawyer. Aha, that's right and his son, Jacob had been in my class at school. I wondered whatever happened to him. I hurried down the aisles towards the fruits and vegetables, then over to the cereal aisle to see their selection of gluten-free and non-dairy milk. Ahead of me in the aisle, a beautifully poised blonde woman pushed a matching beautiful blonde girl in her cart. I studied the boxes of cereal behind me I heard,

“Ana? Ana Reisling?” I turned and Becky Stone, aka the beautiful blonde woman, coming towards me.

“Hi,” I said, trying to search my mind already for a means out of this conversation.

“Oh my gosh, how long as it been?” She laughed and not waiting for my reply, “What are you doing here? Back from college?”

“Yes,” I smiled weakly.

“So, what now?” she wanted to know.

“Oh, you know, trying to figure that out.”

“Working?”

“Um, yeah,” I searched my mind, then, “Yeah, at the college.”

“Yeah? What are you doing there?” she asked.

“Um, life model.” It took her a moment to register that and then a cringe of disapproval ran across her face. Oh, if she only knew the truth. I changed the subject, “What have you been up to?”

“Well, I went to the college for a few years, before Jacob finally popped the question and then came along this beauty,” she said motioning to her “mini-me”. “This is Kimberly and we have another one coming soon.”

She patted her stomach with satisfaction. I smiled. It figures she would marry Jacob, they were the Teen It Couple of high school. I looked down at the picture of Mitch Wheeler, so this was her father in law after all.

“And Jacob, what's he doing now?” I asked, not really listening.

“Oh, he's working in his daddy's firm, junior partner, probably will take over the business someday,” she said with utter superiority and self-satisfaction at her good fortune. I nodded and made my excuses, had to get back home, mom needed help with cleaning.

As I left the store, my grocery bags tucked under my arm, the key dangling from my hand, I saw Jacob standing at a nearby white pt cruiser helping his lovely wife and daughter pack the car. He looked over at me and nodded his recognition. I returned the sign and headed to my car.

I arrived at the hotel, parking the bug a block away as planned, at 7:30. I had worn the red dress as it was more revealing after all. My hair was gently curled and my make-up was donned perfectly. Nails trimmed and beautified. I felt like an actress about to make my entrance. In my small purse was neatly arranged, slim wallet, extra make-up for touch ups, small brush, condoms, cell-phone, tweezers, toothbrush, floss, and breath mints. Heading into the hotel, I nodded at the receptionist, a young male, breezing by so as to not arouse any suspicion or get in any unwanted conversation. In the elevator, I counted the floors with anticipation.

Top floor, room 704, penthouse. I knocked, calmed my breathing, before making my grand entrance.

“Hello,” came the warm smile of the fairly handsome man who answered. “Thank you for arriving early, I'm Ron Jones.”

He extended his hand and I could see a wedding ring tan-line. In the other hand, he handed me a hefty wad of cash which I quickly deposited into my purse. Before the window a table was waiting for two. He took my hand and led me to table, sitting me down and pouring me a glass of red wine. I sipped it gently, making a mental note to not drink too much whilst on the job. The dinner was three course, salad, pasta, and then chocolate pudding for dessert. I allowed him to feed me with his fingers the pudding and I returned the favor. He pulled me towards him and we were walking towards the large windows looking over the city, kissing passionately. He began slowly undressing me and I quickly slipped a condom into his hand. Then, I returned the favor of undressing him. Against the window he flattened me, while his lips started trailing down my body. Putting his head between my legs, he drank me in and I nearly buckled over with delight. This could be better than anything I had ever experienced. This man was a pro of which I could learn a few things.

He raised himself and after dressing his penis he placed himself inside me, still flattened against the window. I could feel the coldness of the window pane on my bare back and was curious to know if any one in the city below was looking up at that exact moment and was curious themselves. Still hard, he led me to the bedroom where he bade me crawl on top of him and ride him to full orgasm.

Later while he slept in satisfaction, I quietly and quickly dressed, making my way back to the elevator, the lobby, and out to the cool night air to my little bug waiting for me.

Getting ready to exit the lobby, I heard a voice behind me cry out, “Hey.” I turned and saw the male receptionist motion me over to me. Hesitating, I obliged.

“So, who are you?” came his voice. He was British of some sort.

“Um, Ana,” was all I said.

“I'm Max,” he explained.

“Not from around here?” I asked.

“No, came over as a student, stayed for the fun, got hooked on the American Way,” he laughed. “I'm a writer or try to be.”

“Where are you from?”

“Wales,” he replied. “So, what do you do?”

I blushed and looked down. He guessed,

“Really? In this town?”

Exactly, I thought. Then looked up at him, “First night on the job.”

“With whom? How?”

I smiled, head down and eyes up, discreetly. He shook his head understandingly.

“Okay, no details,” he began. “But I would love to...um...we could help each other out.”

“How so?”

“Friends...with benefits,” I cringed at his forwardness. “Not like that,” he continued. “I'll look out for you while you are here, you can give me whatever stories you want to share, nothing specific or anything, might help me with my writing.”

“I'm a writer too.”

“Really?” He grinned. “Nice.”

And, I could tell this was a kindred spirit. I grinned back.

“Let's get coffee some time,” I replied. He handed me a card with his number.

Live to Tell