I think for a moment. He is making an effort, so what should I do? I write back.
I’ve been thinking about you.
“Would you like another drink?” the bartender asks.
I nod. “Yes, please.”
A reply comes in.
I can guarantee you that you haven’t been thinking about me as much as I’ve been thinking about you.
Spend the night with me, Ashley
My breath catches and I frown as I write back.
I’m not a prostitute, Cameron.
You can’t buy me.
A reply comes in.
I know that:
If I could take you out for dinner,
I would.
I can’t, so… think of this as a date
in a protected environment.
I smile. A date in a protected environment. I think on it for a while, This could either be really, really stupid, or it could be really, really good. I don’t know what to do. I sip my drink while I sit and think. He messages me again.
So… I will meet you in the Exotic lounge at 9pm?
I inhale sharply as nerves flutter in my stomach. Why am I even contemplating this? I take out my phone and ring Eliza.
“Hello.”
“Hello, Eliza. It’s Ashley…” I murmur.
“Hey, Ashley.”
I swallow the lump in my throat. “I’ve been thinking about your offer.”
“Yes.”
“Is it too late to accept?”
“I’ll call him back right away and let him know you’ve changed your mind.”
I smile. “Thank you.”
“Come in two hours earlier tonight and I’ll be here. We can go through everything then.”
I nod. “That would be great. I’m very nervous.”
“Don’t be nervous, dear. He clearly had his heart set on you. He’ll be a very happy man.”
I smile as I imagine the night we’re going to have together. “Thank you. See you tonight.”
“Just turn right there, darling.”
I close my eyes in horror and turn to face Eliza. “I don’t think I can do this.”
Why in the hell didn’t I remember the stupid fashion parade? I’ve been walking up and down this damn catwalk for twenty minutes now and I still can’t get it. I’m wobbling all over the place in these ridiculously high shoes.
“Of course you can. You’re a natural.” She smiles calmly.
I look at her, deadpan.
“We’re just perfecting the delivery, that’s all.”
It’s 9.30 and the Escape Lounge is just about to open. Quite clearly, I didn’t think this through at all. I have to do a fashion parade before I get to see him, and now I wish I’d paid more attention to what the girls do in this stupid line up.
“Ashley, come with me.” Eliza holds her hand out. I nervously take it and follow her out the back where she takes me into a room filled with mirrors. She stands behind me and smiles. “Look at yourself. Take a good look at yourself.”
My eyes rise to the mirror and I stare at my reflection. My honey colored hair is loose and full from my earlier hair appointment. They applied my makeup model style, and because I was so early to arrive here, I got to choose my dress first. It’s amazing—white spaghetti strapped, fitted with tiny crystals that are embedded around the neckline, before it then drops softly to the floor with crystals scattered all over.
It’s super sexy without being cheap. In fact, it kind of looks like a dress you’d see at The Grammy Awards. I have sky-high, silver, strappy heels on. Underneath, I’m wearing a white, lace suspender belt and sheer white stockings with a sexy, matching strapless bra.
“Look at how beautiful you look?” Eliza smiles. “Do you know how blessed the man is going to be who gets you tonight?”
I smile.
“Now, as this is your first night, the men may be quite aggressive in securing your company. I want you to prepare yourself for that.”
I frown. “What do you mean?”
“New blood—new beautiful blood—means the men will be circling and competing against one another. This is a power game to them, but it’s you who gets to chose who you want.”
I frown.
“You don’t have to pick the man who invited you here. You can choose anyone you want.”
My eyes hold hers. I only want him.
“So, how does it work?” I ask.
“Well, you now can go in and have a few cocktails with the girls, half strength cocktails, of course. You’re not permitted to get drunk while working, but you are expected to drink for pleasure and to relax. Then the fashion show will begin.”