That heaviness returned and the smile slowly faded off my face. I licked my lips and looked down at my ring finger—now bare. The lightened skin still there because I only stopped wearing my ring a few months ago. "Hada wife... she died four years ago."
"Oh my God," she gasped, pressing her hand to her chest. "I'm so sorry. I was just joking, I didn't know."
I looked back over at her shocked face. "It's all good. But that's the reason. Haven't been with anyone since."
She nodded like she understood, her face softening. "Say no more. I understand." She sighed, standing. "I just got out of a horrible relationship so I'm not looking for forever, but…I hope you find the woman who helps you heal."
I looked up at her. "Appreciate you, love."
She kissed my cheek gently. "Enjoy your night." With a wave she walked off.
I watched her blend into the crowd and picked up my cup. I wasn’t ready to jump in headfirst tonight, but when the right woman came along—I'd be ready.
Chapter3
Iknocked lightly on Madam’s office door.
“Come in,” she called out.
Madam's office was just as polished and luxurious as the rest of the house but with her signature touch. The room was decorated in shades of grey with pops of red and silver. The contrast was beautiful. She sat behind a custom red marble desk, glasses low on her nose as she studied something on a tablet.
Madam was a stunning woman. Statuesque and stacked like a Pringles can. She looked like she was an Amazon in her past life. I wasn’t sure of her age, but I would throw big bands at her based on looks alone.
She looked up. "Gianna, come have a seat, doll.”
I stepped in, closing the door softly behind me. Lowering myself into the chair across from her desk, I smoothed my dress over my thighs.
She gave me a small smile. "How are you feeling?"
I smiled back. "Good. Me and Ronnie went out and had way more drinks than we should've, but we had a ball."
"That one is firecracker." Madam smirked.
"True," I laughed softly. "But she's the sweetest thing ever when you get to know her," I vouched.
Madam nodded. "I don't doubt that. The feisty ones usually are. But I like her."
My brow raised 'cause I wasn't expecting that.
Madam looked at me over her glasses with a knowing smile. "What? You think just because I'm firm that I'm a bitch?"
I laughed because—yes—I did. "I ain't say all that," I replied.
"You didn’t have too," she chuckled. "I know the impression I leave. But just so you know, I have nothing but your best interest at heart. I protect my girls like a mama bear, you hear me? And if you have any problems, you come to me."
I nodded quickly. "Yes, ma'am. Thank you."
"Wonderful." She pushed her glasses back on her nose and held up the tablet screen for me. "We've completed your profile." I leaned forward. “This,” she said, “is how our booking system works.”
Several professional photos from a photo shoot me and the newbies did stared back at me. It was a long day, complete with full hair and makeup, but the pictures staring back at me were flawless as she swiped through.
There were four in total: A headshot. A side profile with my hair pulled back. A full body in regular clothes. The last one was me in a black lace and bra set with garters and heels.
The next page was a bio Madam had helped me write, followed by a list of my experiences, and my do's and do not's.
Clients could request a number of services including companionship, the girlfriend experience, dinner conversation. BDSM, role-playing, etc. and so forth. Madam had this shit set up like a Fortune 500 company. I was equal parts impressed and nervous. This was new territory for me. Working with dope boys and now white-collar rich men, was a completely different ball game. But I was ready to make this money.
"It looks amazing, Madam." I smiled "You think I can get copy of those pictures?"