Page 19 of The Grand Duel
She shrugs, her smile sly. “I don’t know, but my vagina is probably thankful for it.”
I laugh and pour the two drinks, taking her order and my own to the members. We end up back at the gin bottle not fifteen minutes later.
She rolls her eyes and waits for me to finish.
“I think you suit the floor better, you know,” I say in jest.
“I prefer the floor. You would too.” She knocks my shoulder with her own. “I’ve seen those wandering eyes this week.”
“My wandering eyes?” I mimic, smiling. “What ever do you mean?”
“Was it not you I saw watching upstairs on Tuesday? I could be mistaken.” She knows she wasn’t.
The first time I went upstairs with Christian, the rooms on the upper level were mostly unoccupied. On Tuesday, it was later, and there were more occupied rooms than not.
It was anexperience. And I’ve not been able to think about much else since.
I shrug. “I’m not ashamed to admit the goings on around here intrigue me.” I reach for the vermouth, my cheeks flushing.
She readies two glasses and then smiles across at me.
“How do you decide if you’ll use a private room or a viewing room? I’ve been watching you during my shifts, and you make it seem so effortless and natural. Is it not awkward?”
She shakes her head as she laughs. “Sometimes I sense they feel a little awkward asking, but I tend to squash it with a simple smile or touch, something that will make them feel important to me and not stupid. It helps that I want the exchange as much as they do.”
I nod. “That makes sense. I think the one drink rule would be the death of me. I’d need at least three to find the courage.”
“The one drink rule is there to protect us, don’t forget that, but I totally get it. You have to be in the right frame of mind tocommit to any kind of intimacy. Bronwyn is pretty strict on our mental state and wellbeing. We meet with her weekly. It’s why we’re so short-staffed right now.”
I frown. “What if you don’t want to go to a room with someone? What if they aren’t doing it for you?”
“I say no.” She catches my eye as I look between her and the drinks I’m pouring. “I’ve definitely pushed my own boundaries and bedded men I probably wouldn’t if I wasn’t getting paid. But for the most part, I enjoy it. I love sex, and you’ve seen the people walking around in here.”
I roll my lips, smiling as I reach for two olives. She’s right, everyone seems to be stupidly hot or attractive in their own unique way. “I think I’m jealous, Iona. It’s been too long for me.”
“Since you’ve had sex?” She takes the drinks and serves them to the members. When she turns back to me, I can tell she wants an answer.
I nod. “It’s been like…eighteen months.”
“No, that’s long. I couldn’t.”
“I’m struggling,” I say with a chuckle, holding up my hand. “I’m this close to asking Bronwyn to sign me up.”
She grabs my pinched fingers and lowers them. “Shh.” She laughs, nodding at where Bronwyn now stands at the side door. “We’re short on numbers on the floor. Some of the girls have the flu. Our ratios are way off.”
I thought it seemed busier tonight.
“Bron,” she calls, and I step around her, clearing away the two glasses left at the bar. “Am I still okay to leave for my appointment. It’s at eight.” She checks her watch and then unclips her keys.
“What appointment?” Bronwyn asks.
“My wax lady only had the late appointment. I told you about it last week.”
“Shit.”
“You need me to stay?”
“Yes. But you’re not working the rooms anyway tonight. Go. We’ll figure it out.”