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Alexis’s eyes grew wider. She and I both knew we had just entered into a whole mess of trouble.
The brunette, Jessica, came back, and took our coats from us. Luckily, because we had chosen such extravagant go-go outfits, we didn't look much different from the other girls, except somehow we looked less classy. Something about the way they, the working girls if that’s even what they called themselves, carried themselves, exuded an air of mystery and poise that we just couldn't handle. After Jessica took our coats, she came back with outfits for us. “I think it's cute that you tried to dress like us, but these will fit you better.”
She gave Alexis a yellow corset and booty ruffle shorts, and gave me a black matching set. I knew Alexis would look good in hers; her tanned skin complexion always looked good with yellow. My dark hair would match the black fairly well. But what was behind the doors? If we were getting dressed, did that mean that we were about to be sold to the highest bidder? Jessica sat on the sofa, smoking a cigarette, and talking to one of the other girls. I approached her slowly.
“What happens when we go to the club?”
Jessica just looked at me, but the blonde she was sitting with started to explain. “Oh, honey, it's so easy,” she said, in a thick southern accent. “First, you go in, and you just talk to the boys. And then, if someone's interested in you, they go behind the curtain. Then, the Madame makes the deal. It's a 50-50 split, and the money’s always good. And most of the time you don't even have to… you know.”
I shook my head. “No, I don't know.”
She put up her hand, as if to block Jessica's view. “The sex, honey. Most of these men don't even expect it these days. There's always a couple of guys, especially the younger Buyers, but that’s just more money for you. Since you’re new, I’ll give you a tip. Find an older guy in a gray suit. The Judge. He’s real nice.”
I nodded. “Thanks.”
So, I was about to be sold to the highest bidder. And then I might have to have sex with him. Was I really in this dire of a financial situation? Because I was certainly considering what she had just said as a method of income. And then, part of me was desperate to know what it was like behind those doors. More girls had started to collect in the entryway, and I looked at Alexis. I nodded for her to come with me. But she stood frozen with her arms crossed over her chest. I walked back to her, as Jessica and the blonde also stood, and made their way to the entrance of the club.
“Alexis, what are you doing?”
She shook her head back and forth. “I can’t do this. This isn’t what we signed up for! I can't believe you're even considering going in there.”
It was time to come clean. I sighed. “Listen, Alexis, I need the money. I have got to admit that some part of this excites me. If you don't want to be a part of it, fine. You’ve just got to promise me you’ll never tell anyone that we were here.”
I could see the shock written all over her face, but she simply nodded. She started to walk away, back to closet we had seen Jessica put our coats in, but I called after her.
“I'm going to be fine. I promise. Don't worry, okay?”
She smiled at me, just a little. “You are always more of a badass than me. I am always just pretending to be as confident as you really are. Go get ‘em.” She rushed back and threw her arms around me. I cherished the quick hug, before she turned and ran out the door. I know she didn't want any of the other girls to see her. Perhaps the first girl had been right. If we shared their secret, I was sure something horrible would happened. But I didn't think Alexis would admit to anyone she was ever here. Hopefully, she would be safe.
I took a deep breath and turned around to see the girls filtering out through another large wooden door. I was terrified. I fixed my chest, my corset, and followed them through the doors. As I touched the handle, I considered closing the door and running like Alexis did. But I couldn’t do it. I had to know what was inside.
I followed the women into a smoky scene of men in business suits sitting at small circular tables. Some were playing cards, while others were smoking cigars and doing shots. I watched Jessica out of the corner my eye as she approached a table of clear businessmen; their suits were of the highest quality. She sat down on one of their laps, and started to make conversation. The other girls around me started to do the same; some approached the bar to get a drink while others sat down at the tables, or landed quick kisses on men's cheeks. There was no jealousy, only business. I realized that within minutes I was the only girl still standing, and I watched as hungry eyes began to assess me. I was the new girl, the Virgin, fresh meat. I quickly spotted an older gentleman, sitting in the corner at a table alone, smoking a cigar. He looked like the easiest target. Gray suit, too. Could be the judge the blonde referred to. I crossed the room, quickly avoiding eye contact with the other man as I passed. One reached out, and grabbed my hand, but when I turned he was not at all that I expected.
“You’re new.”
I sucked in a deep breath, and tried to muster my confidence. “What an astute observation that is, but if you'll excuse me I already made my choice for the night.”
He sat lazily in the chair with one leg crossed over another, and a glass of what I assumed was whiskey was in his hand. He was in his late twenties with a red tie around his neck, and a crisp black suit. Something about him annoyed me. But it also intrigued me. His beautiful dark brown eyes said more than his clear superiority did. His eyebrows were raised at me in interest; something I had said had made him wonder.
“You've already chosen for the night? I guess you don't know how this works.”
I pulled my hand away from him. “Actually, I don't think you do.”
“You’re a lot to handle. I like that.”
I rolled my eyes.
“I’m Hudson James. You are?”
“Leaving.”
I continued on my path toward the older man in the corner, when I heard Hudson and his friends laughing behind me. “She's a firecracker, that one. I'll definitely have to talk to the Madame about her.” I heard the clinking of glasses, but I didn't turn around.
When I finally reached the back corner, I could tell the man was surprised to see me.
“Is anyone sitting here?”
He sat up straighter, fixing his dark tie and buttoning his suit. The buttons bulged across his portly belly. It was clear that he wasn’t as high up as the younger guy had been; his suit was gray and his shoes were worn. But I didn't care. He looked lonely, and I thought he would be a good introduction into whatever lifestyle I was about to get into.
