I pushed the door open and stepped in, Ronnie right behind me.
Madam was seated behind her desk, composed as always, a tablet in front of her. She looked up at us, her expression calm. “Good,” she said. “You’re here.”
I stepped forward, folding my arms loosely across my chest. “We need to understand what’s going on.”
Madam gestured toward the chairs in front of her desk. “Please sit down.”
Ronnie didn’t move. “I’d rather stand.”
Madam’s eyes flicked to her briefly, then back to me. “Suit yourself.”
I sat.
Madam folded her hands together, resting them on the desk. “As I stated, your bookings have been temporarily suspended pending testing.”
“For what reason?” I asked, keeping my tone even.
She studied me for a moment before answering. “I received multiple reports,” she said carefully, “from clients expressing concern.”
My stomach dropped. “Concern about what?” I pressed.
Madam didn’t hesitate this time. “Possible exposure.”
Silence.
Ronnie let out a sharp, disbelieving laugh. “That’s bullshit. You know this has the claws of that jealous bitch Monroe all over it, Madam.”
"I don't make assumptions without a plausible reason," Madam replied.
I leaned forward slightly, my voice quieter now, but sharper. “Who made the reports?”
Madam’s expression didn’t change. “Client confidentiality protects both parties. You know that.”
I sat back slowly, my mind already putting the pieces together. Monroe didn’t have to say anything directly to us. All she had to do was whisper. Plant doubt—let it spread and the system would handle the rest.
I pressed my lips together, nodding once. “Alright,” I said. “We'll do the testing." I looked up at Ronnie. "Right, Ronnie?"
Ronnie rolled her eyes. "My pussy clean as a whistle so I have no problem getting tested." She shrugged. Her eyes moved to Madam's. "But if I find out Monroe is behind this—I'ma drag that bitch from here to Fremont Street."
Madam sighed heavily. "Ronnie—please. I will investigate on my own." Straightening in her seat she rolled her neck. "The doctor and nurse are on their way. You'll be getting blood drawnas well. Go have a seat in the lounge. I'll let you know when they've arrived."
Ronnie opened the door and stormed out.
I stood slowly though. "Thank you, Madam. I know you're just doing your job," I said calmly.
She let out a soft sigh. "I am. And I want you to know that I also plan to follow up with the clients and talk to the girls. I don't like mess in my house, so I'll do my due diligence to nip this in the bud." She leaned back in her chair. "In the meantime…get some rest. I have a feeling that once this is all over with, your schedule will be back being as busy as ever. You and Ronnie's" She held my gaze. "You ready for that?"
I paused. With all the gaps I had, I had been spending a lot of time with Remy and Melo. Soft mornings filled with Melo's giggles. Late nights wrapped in his arms. It had been a wonderful distraction. But…I had a goal. A few months tops and I would be able to meet it. Only then would I feel comfortable leaving. "I'm ready," I answered finally.
Madam nodded.
I walked out closing the door quietly behind me. Ronnie was in the lounge area. Her legs and arms were crossed tightly together, leg bouncing in agitation as I sat down next to her.
Placing my hand on her knee I leaned in. "You have got to keep it together, sis. Don't let these bitches think they can fluster us with some gossip, aight?"
Ronnie let out a huge breath and nodded. Uncrossing her arms, she licked her lips. "You right. I'm cool."
Patting her knee, I sat back and pulled out my phone. My usual good morning message from Remy was on the screen. Smiling, I typed my reply.
