Choices

by Galia Ryan

  She received the package later that day. As before, inside the cream box on a maroon cushion was a gold bead. It was slightly different from the other two; this one was a filigree of twisted strands. She was smiling as she threaded it alongside the others. Then, lifting the bracelet to her lips, she kissed it.

  She called Stephanie to discuss her extended hours. Stephanie was pleased that she would be more readily available and reminded her again of the more lucrative opportunities she could offer.

  “Just to give you an idea, only last week a very good client wanted two of our ladies at the same time. I understand that he was extremely generous. Are you sure you wouldn’t be willing to consider that type of arrangement?”

  “You know I’ve never done anything like that before.”

  “I do. But if you are looking for a way to secure your future you should consider it.”

  “I know.”

  “And you know you don’t have to do anything you are uncomfortable with.”

  “I understand that, too.”

  “But you will think about it?”

  “Okay.”

  Now that Anna had met some of the other escorts the idea did not seem so preposterous. Not that she was inclined in that direction ... but she supposed that as long as the client’s expectation was that he would be served by two women—rather than having two women give him a private performance—she might be able to handle it.

  * * *

  Eddie’s building company was doing all right. A little larger than a one-man operation, Eddie employed two carpenters and an apprentice and specialised in refurbishments. He was a considerate employer, paying his workers on time and even joining them for a drink after work on a Friday night.

  Eddie had married three times and been unfaithful to each wife, usually with one of the other two. It wasn’t in his nature to be unkind, so when one of his exes called, well, he couldn’t just ignore them, could he? As a result, he had four kids he acknowledged as his but also knew of at least one other—if not two—he could claim. So what? He couldn’t help it if women fancied him, could he?

  It was lunchtime, and he was horny. In the bottom desk drawer was a well-thumbed magazine featuring voluptuous curvy women. According to the blurb, the models were “all natural no silicone.” He knew he wasn’t doing himself any favours by looking at it, but he never had been any good at resisting temptation. He’d talked to a mate once about escort agencies. “All the pleasure, none of the pain,” his mate had said. Apart from having to pay, of course. But didn’t you do that anyway, one way or another? It wasn’t something he had come to do regularly, but what was the saying? “A little bit of what you fancy.” He made sure his office door was closed and booked a motel room, nothing flash. After all it was only for an hour or two, and who’d be looking at the décor?

  An hour later, though, he was pacing anxiously. The room, while unarguably suitable for the purpose, was definitely on the dingy side, and he was worried she would think he was cheap. He should have raised the bar, gone for somewhere a little more up-market. Then there was a tap on the door. Eddie was there in an instant.

  “Chloe? Great. You made it then. Come on, come on in.”

  She was definitely a looker and a lot more classy than his usual tarts. He watched her take in her surroundings. Shit, he thought. Nothing he could do about now. He’d be smarter next time.

  “Sorry about this place. All I could get at the last minute.”

  “It’s usually the way,” she replied, smiling.

  “Drink? Didn’t expect a fully stocked mini-bar in a place like this so I brought my own.” Eddie pointed to the bottle of vodka on the bedside.

  “Perfect.”

  “Great. We already share the same taste then.”

  * * *

  Her client poured two generous quantities into tumblers he had found in the bathroom. Anna hoped he’d rinsed them first.

  “Bottom’s up!”

  Anna lifted her glass but the liquor hardly wet her lips.

  “So, how much then?”

  He produced a large roll of notes and she casually tucked those he gave her into her bag. Running her finger down the front of his polo shirt, she asked, “And how has your day been so far?”

  “Not bad, not bad. Getting better, I reckon.”

  Eddie put his arm around her and pulled her closer.

  “So what makes a girl like you do a job like this?”

  She realized that he wanted her to say something such as, Because I’m insatiable, but she smiled and said, “The same reason everyone works. For the money.”

  “At least you’re honest.” He drained his glass. “I like you. So, you going to get your clothes off then? Might as well make use of that bed. Tell you what, leave on your bra and panties. I’ll take them off you when I’m ready.”

  * * *

  Wishing he’d made a bit more use of the mini-gym at the back of his garage, Eddie sat down and pulled the polo shirt over his head. There was no denying that Chloe was gorgeous. Young, and with a body to die for. He knew there was no way in a million years she would normally look at a bloke like him, so he was determined to show her a good time. Fucking was definitely his forte.

  She was in for a treat.

  Chapter 19.

  Sharing a common bond, Anna found she enjoyed the company of the other girls who worked for the agency, Leah and Sabine in particular. Not having to constantly watch what she said in case she inadvertently exposed herself to probing questions was such a relief. It was this freedom as much as anything that made her regret they couldn’t get together as often as she would have liked. Most of the girls worked long into the evenings, and even the weekends could be busy. But it was Marina’s birthday, and birthday’s called for an effort. Around the table the five of them were celebrating. The pub was crowded and more than a little noisy. Not surprising, this being a Saturday.

  “Hang on, let me get this right,” Marina was frowning as she leaned forward to question Leah over the din. “You met this guy, you liked him, and when he asked what you did for a living you told him you were a social worker?”

  “Yes. Why not? Isn’t that what we do? Take care of other people’s problems?”

  “Leah!”

  Anna laughed along with the others. Of all of them Leah was the one she most liked. Perhaps it was the touch of Irish in her that made her accept things for what they were. Nothing seemed to faze her.

  “Well,” she countered, “what do you say when you meet someone outside work?”

  “Never had the problem.” Anna shrugged, draining the last of her wine.

  “So you just come right out and tell them?”

  “No. I’ve never had the problem because, apart from the couple of times I have been out with you, I haven’t socialised for a long while.”

  “You’re kidding.” Sabine was astonished. “You haven’t been out? Not at all?”

  “No. I just couldn’t be bothered.”

  “Well that’ll change now that you are part of the sisterhood.”

  There was a chorus of approval and glasses were raised in salute.

  “So where are we going? The Pier?”

  “Sounds good to me. But I don’t want to stay here until then. Anyone fancy moving to O’Carroll’s after this?”

  “Amber has a thing for one of the barmen,” Leah sighed dramatically.

  “And why not? Have you seen him?” With her dusky skin and almond eyes Amber was one of the agency’s most exotic offerings. She also had a habit of falling for the most unsuitable men.

  “I think he’s married.” Leah was frowning.

  “Are you sure? He never said anything to me.”

  “Well, he wouldn’t, would he? Not when he was taking your knickers off.”

  Anna was happy. She’d had no idea how much she had missed having friends to talk to or go out with now that she had deliberately cut herself off from her old life. Leah, Sabine and the others seemed to take being escorts all in their strid
e; the career was as acceptable to them as working in a bank had been for her. She wished she could think of it that way, but still couldn’t get past the stigma.

  “Another round? I’ll go,” she offered, seeing as how she seemed to have finished before the others.

  She pushed her way towards a gap at the bar.

  “Hey, how are you?”

  She turned to focus on the guy smiling at her.

  “Great. Thanks.” She vaguely recognised him, but from where? She racked her brain, not wanting to seem rude.

  “Jake. From the apartments,” he said.

  “Oh gosh, yes. The gym.”

  “That’s right. So what are you up to? Haven’t seen you down there for a while.”

  “Yes, love?” the barman cut in.

  “Two glasses of house sav, a Pinot Noir and two bourbon and cokes. Long glasses, thanks.” She turned back to Jake. “No, I moved out.”

  “Oh really?”

  “Yes, about six weeks ago.”

  Without thinking, she named her new apartment block.

  He whistled. “Very nice.”

  “It’s okay.”

  “So, girls night out?”

  “A birthday.”

  Jake looked over at the others.

  “Looks like it might be a long night.”

  “It probably will be.” She laughed, even though she was beginning to feel a little uncomfortable.

  “I’ve not seen you in here before.”

  “No.” She looked back to where the girls were in a huddle. Both Leah and Sabine were giggling madly. Why had she volunteered to come to the bar right at that moment?

  “Still working out?” Jake was obviously intending to renew the acquaintance.

  “Yes. Whenever I can. You?”

  “Regular as clockwork. I’m training for an ironman.”

  “That’s impressive.”

  “Not really. I’m doing it on a dare. Must have been mad!”

  The barman was lining up her drinks and looking at her pointedly. With an apology she passed over a credit card.

  “Thought you might need a hand.”

  Anna turned to see Sabine looking admiringly at Jake.

  “Great. Can you grab those?” Anna indicated the white wines. “I’ll bring the rest. Sorry. Got to go. It was nice catching up.” She retrieved her card and collected the remaining drinks.

  “Might see you in here again.” He sounded hopeful.

  “Might do.”

  “Hey, I still don’t know your name!”

  “Anna,” she threw back over her shoulder.

  “Who is that?” Leah was the first to ask.

  “No one. Just someone from my old apartment block.”

  “Wow. Not bad! Friend, or something more?”

  “Not even a friend. I met him once in the gym.”

  “So he’s up for grabs?” Marina asked, looking over Amber’s shoulder to where Jake had resumed his conversation with a couple of other guys.

  “I’ve no idea.”

  “Reminds me of the guy who starred in The Wedding Planner.” She sounded wistful.

  “Matthew McConaughey?” Anna glanced back. Jake was good looking, she thought. A shame, really.

  “That’s it. Matthew McConaughey. It’s the hair, I think. Or maybe the body. Introduce me; it is my birthday after all.” She grinned.

  “No.”

  Laughter erupted around the table.

  “Are you sure he’s just someone you met in the gym?”

  “Positive.”

  Chapter 20.

  “Got a client for tonight. A repeat,” Maddie told her. Anna had been with the agency for nearly six months and was getting more and more repeat bookings.

  “Sure. Who is it?”

  Anna immediately thought of Sam, a very sweet grandfather of seven who loved to watch her suck his cock. He had told her he would be in town, so she was expecting his call.

  “Adam. You’ve seen him a few times before.” There was no reply. “Are you still there, hon?”

  “Yes, sorry Maddie. Just thinking about something else.”

  “So, I can book you out?”

  It was madness to accept. Complete and utter insanity. She had no idea what lengths he would push her to.

  “Yes, of course.”

  Thanks to a cancellation, she spent the afternoon at her favourite spa having as many treatments as time allowed. Back at her apartment she pinned up her hair—now longer and more highlighted than ever—and recalled how she had so admired the look on Stephanie. With only an hour to go she rummaged through her underwear drawer, looking for just the right pieces to please him.

  The pile of discards grew—white lace, red satin, French designs and luxury brands all ended up scattered on her bed. Just as she was ready to vent her frustration she remembered the slim box on the shelf in the wardrobe. Carefully she lifted out the delicate silk slip. It was beautiful—an impulse buy she’d never thought she’d have the occasion to wear but had wanted to own nonetheless.

  It flowed easily over her head and slid down her body, moulding itself to her breasts and belly and becoming instantly warm to the touch. She felt a frisson of excitement. He would love it, she was sure. She selected a figure-hugging dress with a lace detail and finished off the ensemble with a pair of strappy high-heeled shoes.

  Finally she added the bracelet.

  “Anna, I know it sounds clichéd, but you really are more beautiful every time I see you.”

  To her embarrassment she felt herself blush.

  They were in Oscar’s, a place she couldn’t afford to frequent regularly but liked for its casual aloofness. He caught the eye of a waiter.

  “I thought we’d have a drink here and then go on to dinner. How does that sound?” Adam asked.

  “That sounds lovely.”

  “So, shall we start with champagne?”

  “That would be perfect.” She gave him a deliberately flirty look, placing her elbow on the table and her chin on her hand.

  “So tell me,” Adam said, “what have you been up to since we last met?”

  His eyes were alight as if he was aware of her darkest secrets and she felt her heart pound uncomfortably. She wished she could reply in a way that would show her life wasn’t as mundane as she knew it to be. She hadn’t been anywhere exciting nor had she done anything out of the ordinary. And she certainly couldn’t talk about her other clients.

  “Hopefully one day I’ll be able to tell you that I’ve just come back from Biarritz or Bali, or somewhere equally as exotic. But not today, sadly. What about you? What have you been up to?”

  “Well, I have been somewhere exotic, if you can call Cyprus exotic.”

  “What were you doing there?”

  “Oh, just a bit of business. My company has offices all over the world and someone has to show the flag.”

  “Sounds like hard work,” she teased.

  “I’m glad you appreciate it. Not many do.”

  “And I expect you fly first class when you travel all over the world. Another hardship?”

  Adam laughed. “I usually fly business. Or take the company jet,” he threw in nonchalantly.

  The waiter, who had returned with an ice bucket on a stand, pulled the cork and filled two flutes with froth and bubbles. As Anna sipped her champagne, she wondered if Adam was serious or laughing at her. He was serious, she decided.

  Adam had reserved a table at a restaurant known for its world-class chef. Aware of the long waiting list for tables, she was duly impressed. But then she realised she shouldn’t be. Didn’t he always get what he wanted? Later that evening, over demitasses of pungent coffee, she asked the question that had been plaguing her.

  “Why?”

  “Why what?” he countered, stroking a finger down the back of her hand.

  It was an effort to breathe. “Adam, we both know you could have anyone you want. I don’t know if you’re married, but even if you were, there would still be plenty of women willing to
sleep with you.”

  “Thank you for the compliment. And of course you’re right. I could be as ugly as sin but as long as I have money I could still get laid.”

  “That’s a bit harsh.”

  “But true.” He leaned back and looked at her. “You could say I’m selfish. Selfish with my time, selfish emotionally.”

  “Sounds like you have a commitment phobia.” She smiled to soften the words.

  “I’ve no doubt you’re right.”

  “So, I take it you are not married?” For some reason she held her breath.

  “No. I’ve come close a few times.”

  “But you escaped. That still doesn’t explain why you choose to pay.”

  “Doesn’t it? Human beings can be so very complicated, especially where matters of the heart are concerned. I like to fuck and I’m happy to pay. What I don’t want to do is to pay over and over again for the same privilege.”

  “But isn’t that what you are doing with me?”

  “Ah, but there’s a difference. With you courtesy doesn’t demand I call you the morning after.”

  He was right, of course. There was little she could say.

  As they left the restaurant he suggested they walk a little, enjoy the city at night. She agreed, and was even happier when he put his arm around her and drew her close.

  “There’s a little place I know that has a jazz pianist most nights. Shall we try our luck for a nightcap?”

  “Is it far?”

  “No.”

  “Then why don’t I know of it?” she asked.

  “Perhaps because it is the type of place you either know of or you don’t.”

  “Touché.” She laughed.

  Hidden in one of the narrow, older streets between a designer boutique and Greek restaurant, the club was small, dark and wonderfully intimate. A place for those in love. She stole a look around. There weren’t many tables, but at each one hands were being held and words uttered so softly and privately as to be indistinguishable to anyone else. In a corner a couple were gazing soulfully into each other’s eyes. Even the pianist was lost in his own world.

  “So,” Adam said, lifting his cognac to study the depth of its colour in the candlelight.