Page 15 of First Time
Scotlyn adjusts in her chair. “Have you ever been to a casino?”
I nod.
“Did any of the tables have dancers on them?”
Another nod.
“Imagine your firm having a casino night. If you want it to be like Vegas, you bring in dancers. At Society X, you can hire any of the dancers for your event. Or, say you need someone to carry those giant cards with whatever round it is for a boxing match. Our staff does those sorts of things.”
“What about jumping out of a cake?”
Scotlyn’s eyes widen. “Yes!”
“I get it,” I tell her. “It’s just not my thing.”
Even though I’m going to hopefully utilize a feature.
“It’s not for everyone.”
“So, I’ve got to ask, do you feel comfortable working at the club? I’m not judging, but it feels so different from what your dreams were when we were in high school. I’m just curious. I don’t know, I guess I feel this way because I’ve never been into a strip club before.”
The waiter returns with our drinks and asks for our order. I haven’t even looked at the menu because I’m too busy admiring Scotlyn. I glance quickly, see a club sandwich, and tell the waiter. Scotlyn orders an alfredo pasta dish, which sounds delicious.
“Of course, I feel comfortable at the club,” she says, laughing as if it’s an absurd question. “Our security guys are the best.” She shrugs and smiles. “I feel safer there than anywhere else in the city.”
Our food arrives and we take a few minutes to dig in.
“Okay, now tell me what’s going on with you. Married, divorced, kids?” she asks.
“None of the above,” I tell her and then add, “No girlfriend, either. Or boyfriend.”
“Boyfriend? Are you . . .?”
My eyes widen and my mouth drops open. Did I give her that impression? Shit, I must’ve. “No, I’m not,” I tell her. “And nothing against those who are. I’m attracted to women.”
Believe me, I’m attracted to you.
Scotlyn smiles, and I want to think it’s because she likes me, even though it’s a far-fetched notion. She can get any guy she wants. There’s no way she’s attracted to me—not with the men she must see on a daily basis at Society X. I’m plain, boring, and a virgin. I wouldn’t even know how to satisfy her. Not to mention it would be embarrassing for me when I shy away from her touch.
I need help.
“Do you ever think about going back to Texas?” I ask, changing the subject. I have to get my mind off sex and sex with her because neither are going to happen.
“At times. I do miss the weather, but Portland has a lot to offer. An hour plus west or east and you’re at the beach or at the mountain. It’s kind of like having the best of both worlds in a sense.”
“It rains a lot.”
“It does, but springtime is gorgeous when everything blooms, and they have an amazing festival here in June. That’s when the ships come in.”
“Ships?”
She nods. “Fleet week.”
Ah, so she’s referring to sailors who defend our country. Yep, she’s out of my league.
“How’s your mom?” she asks.
“She’s doing well,” I tell her. “Retired and living in some community for people her age, driving around in a golf cart but not golfing.”