by Hawke, Jessa
“You work from the saloon?”
“From the rooms above. I own the building with my husband... Francis.”
~
Janice knocked on the frosted glass window of the office door. Once Maggie asked her to enter, Janice opened the door. She stepped into the office which was dimly lit and misted with tobacco smoke. Staring into Maggie’s eyes, Janice coldly stated, “Before I make the decision. I need to know what kinda money I be earning.”
“Every dollar you earn is yours. All I charge is a fee for your room.”
“And...” Janice closed her eyes as she feared the answer to her following question. “What do I am expected to do?”
“Do what comes natural.”
“I don’t really follow.”
Maggie took off her spectacles and closed the heavy ledger. “Well, do you know how to please a man?”
“I like to think so? But... I have only... you know...”
“You have to be frank in the business, Missy.”
Janice felt her confidence melt like snow in the rain. “What do you mean by frank?”
“Well in this world. A cock doesn’t have a pair of wings or live in coop, and when we talk about pussy, we’re not talking about the ginger tomcat that just shit in your front yard.”
“Then I guess teats are that the ones you find on the end of a pacifier.”
“Almost right.” Maggie placed her rolled cigarette between her thin lips. “But...” She then struck a match before lighting the end of her cigarette. “I think you mean tits... With a heavy set like yours men will be sucking on ‘em like a half starved child.”
“Oh my... I have never dreamt of such a thing.”
“A girl will have to get used to this and more.”
“I feel like a lost lamb in a field of foxes. “Janice’s voice quivered like a scorned child. “But I‘m not sure if I can find my inner...”
“Inner whore?”
“I was going to say inner demon.”
“Don’t forget what I told you a few moments ago.” Maggie drew back on her cigarette, before expelling a toxic cloud as if she was a smoke stack “In this game a cock is a co...”
“OK, I got it. Bloody hell.”
“Every girl has the potential to be a whore... we’re born with the tools of the trade, after all. We just have to practice our art if we want to become masters.”
“You’re still not helping me.”
Janice stubbed out her cigarette. “Look.” She then leaned back in her chair. “As daft as it sounds. You just have to be yourself... but at the same time lose your inhibition.”
“But how can you do that? I’m naturally an introvert.”
“Shy women are quite popular, makes men feel like they’re soiling the innocent.”
“But I feel uncomfortable if I’m asked to sing in the choir, or even more so if someone spots me while I’m paddling in the summer.”
“My dear... you’re going to be doing a lot more than paddling.” With a fresh cigarette wedged between her lips, Maggie stood from her chair. “When I say be yourself. I mean, act as if what you’re doing is natural. “She stood beside Janice and admired her. “You have to please.” With her bony finger raised she brushed it along Janice’s skin... feeling her tremble. “Nah, nah. Don’t go all rigid and frigid now.”
“I don’t know if I can do this.”
“Just think of Philadelphia. We’ll get you back all safe and sound. Just a wiser woman... that’s all.”
“Wiser? Broken would be more appropriate.” Janice wasn’t sure if it was the stress or the tobacco smoke that caused her eyes to burn. “Philadelphia can’t come quick enough.”
“Your hard work will pay off.”
“I intend to work my bottom off.”
“You see..? That’s the inner whore I was talking about... Sodomy is a sure way bringing in the dollars. You have a head for business.”
“Good Lord” I just meant...” Janice hung her head. Now I’m really scared.”
“There is a reason why I recommend a girl develops a healthy taste of scotch. Dulls the pain and dampens the fear.”
“But I hate the taste.”
“It’s better than the taste of...”
“OK, I got it.” Janice slumped her shoulders. She felt that she was becoming everything she hated. “Maybe a little pre work tipple wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
“Liquor and dollar bills and what’s more... not all the men are horrible. You never know, you might find your prince charming among them.”
“I feel dead.”
“Far from it!” There was not a trace of doubt in Maggie’s expression. “You’re alive.”
“How is selling myself... a life?”
“By not relying on a husband or parents.”
“What’s wrong with a bit of parental support?”
“You’re being independent. Doing things yourself. “Janice leaned towards a lit match so she could light the cigarette. “You’re suffering now for a better future. That’s what life is all about... Not doing so would merely be existing under someone else’s influence. ” Maggie smiled, and then rested her hand on Janice’s back. “There is a good group of girls here. I suggest you get to know them before you go about claiming to be walking dead. We do in fact have a decent clientele too.”
“What decent man would frequent an establishment such as this one?”
“You’ll be surprised... we have men from all walks of life. And I mean all walks. ” Maggie banged on the wall. “Chantelle, are you free?”
“Yeah. Just tidying myself up. Why?”
“Get yourself in here? I got a newbie in here. Come and introduce yourself, girl.”
“A fresher! Great. I’m coming.”
Maggie turned back to face Janice. “I’m putting you in the room opposite Chantelle. Have done it for good reason too.” Her face appeared full of pride. “She’s my most experienced girl. Four years on the job, meaning she’s seen and done it all.” She tapped Janice’s hand. “I know for sure that she’ll keep an eye on you.”
The door flung open and rattled against the wall. A tall buxom blonde stood in the doorway. Clearly brimming with confidence, her long legs strode into the room wearing a velvet knee-length gown while smoking a cigarette. Her face appeared porcelain and her lips caked in seductive red lipstick. “Howdy. I’m Chantelle.”
“Hi.”
“Now, aren’t you a looker..? You’ll have men pawing at you like hungry puppies.”
“I... ”Janice sighed. “I can’t wait.”
“No need to look glum. I remember my first day on the job. I could hardly breathe... let alone work.”
“Oh.”
“But believe me.” Chantelle sat on the desk, seemingly not worried about the fact her breast had broken free of her gown. “After a few nights... possibly a week at the most. You’ll be hopping from cock to cock as if you were scared of missing out on one.”
“God... have mercy.” Janice glanced at Maggie who just smiled. Clearly Maggie had heard it all before... and more. Janice shook her head. “My ears feel like they’re on fire after such language.”
Chantelle chuckled while picking her blood red nails. “They won’t be the only orifices burning.” She then spoke with a motherly tone as she stared at Maggie. “We’ll have to make sure she has some Vaseline. Don’t want her suffering from a training rash.”
“Yeah... I’ll get her a tub from downstairs.”
Janice groaned. “Talk about slippery slopes”
“Vaseline is a girl’s best friend.” Maggie turned to Chantelle. “Can you explain to the poor girl what it’s like working here? Put her worried mind at ease. Tell about the clientele.”
“There are all sorts of characters. Like, Pervert Bill.”
“He’s no problem at all.”
Giggling, Chantelle slapped Janice’s shoulder while she told her story, “Bill just stands in the cupboard for hours.”
Janice felt confused. “Where i
s the joy, standing in a dark cupboard all evening?”
“Well, he stares through a peephole, wanking away while I go through the motions with my clients. Been a regular for years, but never touched me other than to shake my hand with his sticky fingers.”
“Ewe.”
Maggie leaned across to rearrange Chantelle’s robe to cover her breast. “Tell her about Cranky Wanky.”
“Old Cranky likes me to dress as a judge... he’s a lawyer, you see.”
“A lawyer?” Janice widened her eyes. “You have a man of the law as a client?”
“Of course. He brings me a judge’s wig and robe to wear. The routine is always the same. Gets naked before climbing on the bed. Then pleasures himself while listening to me read a script which he has prepared. I don’t think I’ve ever passed judgment before he’s emptied himself.”
“That’s rather... strange.”
“You think that’s strange? There’s Windy Willy.”
Maggie interrupted the pair with her laughter. “Oh, Windy Willy is something else.”
“Windy Willy pays me just to break wind.”
Janice scoffed, “Disgusting.”
“Easy money though. We have dinner together, always beans and fried eggs of course. Then after twenty minutes I’m blowing like a winter gale.”
Maggie chuckled. “We always open the windows when Windy comes to town.”
“Windy is my favorite though, quite handsome for a pervert. He’s busy on weekends with his family. But always keeps me company two or three evenings during the week.”
“So.” Maggie slapped Janice knee. “What do you say? Are you on board?”
“Yes.” Janice let out a nervous laugh. “Yes I am.”
~
Dressed in a lace-up bodice encrusted with small silver grommets, Janice’s felt mortified by just how much cleavage she was displaying. Standing in front of a full length mirror, she stepped back to view her lower half. A voluminous double-layered over skirt which was trimmed in hot pink satin ruffles, draped over her legs. Wearing an unsure smile she glanced at an approving Chantelle. “Do I really look OK?”
“More than OK. In fact I’m worried that you’re going to pinching my regulars.”
“I’m worried about my cleavage though.”
“Why... a woman needs to know what her biggest assets are. Although you’re pretty as a china doll, that bosom of yours needs to be loud and proud.”
“Loud and proud... my cleavage is practically screaming.”
“I never thought I had much of a chest.” Janice placed her hands on her ample breasts. “But this bodice has given me tits that I never knew existed.” She peered down her cleavage. ”I mean. I’m pretty sure I could stick a rolled up newspaper down there.”
“That’s the whole point... but it won’t be newspaper.”
“It’s just. I know we’re not supposed to be modest women... but?”
Chantelle folded her arms. “You’re not going to the races, Janice.”
“Sadly not.”
“Although, I’m sure you’re going to get your regulars who will want to start wining and dining you.”
Janice felt skeptical. “Why would a man want to date a woman who can be bought by others?”
“Men don’t think like women.”
“But surely.”
Chantelle checked her makeup in the mirror. “Believe me. I’ve eaten in every restaurant, stayed in hotels a girl can only dream of.” Her luscious lips blew a seductive kiss into the mirror. She then turned to pout at Janice. “This is more than just a common whorehouse... Maggie picks the best... and every man in town knows it.”
“I just don’t understand what makes me tick.”
“They’re simple beasts. As long as you’re pretty and rabid beneath the sheets... he’ll proudly walk the streets arm in arm... as long as his wife is out of town, of course”
“One thing I still don’t understand is that I’ve walked every street in this town and seen nothing to suggest a lavish life style... It’s as poor as poor can get.”
Chantelle stepped to the window and pulled back the red netted curtains. “You’ve obviously stayed on the wrong side of the tracks; we’re surrounded by mining houses and mill workers here.” She then pointed towards a distant hill. “But on the far side, just beyond that hill, is Mount Pleasant. There you’ve got enough business men to keep us employed and on our backs. Cranky Wanky comes from Pleasant.”
“But I thought if you’re rich in pocket, then you’d be rich in mind.”
“Please! They might have clean shirts, Janice. But their minds are as filthy as beggars’ underpants. Believe me, whenever they feel the urge they venture from their leafy streets and mix with the rest of us commoners.”
“Mount Pleasant? Mount Pervert more like.”
“Exactly.” Chantelle glanced at the wall clock. “Right... Stay here.”
“Don’t I come downstairs with you and the rest?”
“No. Not tonight.”
“Why ever not?”
Chantelle placed her hand on the doorknob. “Because Maggie has already got a customer lined up for you.”
“Already?”
“No time like the present. Don’t forget to ring the service bell when all is done... and Maggie will help you with your first business transaction.
~
Janice paced around the bedroom. Her skin felt clammy while her heart thumped away in her chest. She opened the bedside cabinet and took out a tub of Vaseline. “I suppose I’ll be needing that.” After placing the tub on the surface of the cabinet she shook her head before hiding the Vaseline back in its drawer. “What am I doing here..? I need to get out. ” Walking across the room to the window the sound of the heels echoed around the room. Her knees began to tremble as she peered down a long queue of men. “Bloody hell.” She felt her stomach churn. “Calm down... just think of Philadelphia.”
The door knock caused Janice to open her eyes. After muttering a quiet prayer she answered, “Come in.” She smiled the best she could as the door opened and in stepped a middle aged man wearing a bowler hat and suit. He looked as if he had just finished his shift in the bank. “Good evening, Sir.”
“Good evening, Madam... My name is Samuel.”
“I’m Janice.”
“I must say...” Samuel took hold of Janice’s trembling hand, sensing her fear as he raised it to his mustached lips. “You’re absolutely delightful.”
“Thank you.”
“But you quiver like a captured bird.”
“I’m new.”
Samuel smiled. He took off his bowler to reveal his slicked hair. He then placed the hat on the stand which stood in corner of the room. “So Maggie told me.” Feeding his arm out of his overcoat, he then hung his jacket next to hat bowler. “There’s no need to be frightened... I know how to treat a woman.”
“I have Vaseline if that’s what you mean.”
“Vaseline..?” Samuel blushed. “Someone has a bit of experience.”
“I haven’t.”
“I might start calling you Ms. Vaseline.”
“I was just told it helps. I’ve never used it before, honest. I never really needed to.” Janice spoke faster with every word she spoke. “Don’t have the wrong opinion of me. I shouldn’t be here. It’s just circumstances have put me in this place, rather than any desire for whoring.”
Samuel took Janice’s hand and led her to the bed where he sat and gestured her to do the same. “So where do I begin.”
“A bedroom is much the same as a ballroom.”
“In what sense?”
“The man is supposed to lead his woman.”
“We’ve obviously never met before, have we?”
Janice bit her lip while panicking over her faltering start. She couldn’t focus nor could she control her breathing. “I’m new, not just to this house... but in all facets of this trade.”
“Believe me, there is no need to tremble, I will treat you like a woman.”<
br />
“I’m sorry. But you’re my first client I will be better if you wish to visit me a second time.”
“I feel honored to be your first.”
Janice’s body felt rigid. “Please be gentle with me.”
“All I want from you is your ears for listening. As I wish to talk about my broken heart that will not heal.”
“That’s great!” Janice then covered her mouth. “Oh Lord... I mean. I know it’s not great for you.” Janice placed her hand on Samuel’s shoulder who faced the wall. “Sorry, Samuel. Christ... I didn’t mean any offense. ”
“It’s OK.”
“This isn’t going well. Is it?”
“It could be better.” Samuel turned back to face Janice. “But I’m not overly offended.”
“Are you still interested in talking?”
“Of course.”
Janice lightly tapped Samuel’s knee. “I’m all ears.”
“Maybe not something I should admit too. But I’m a regular to this establishment. I have done since Meredith passed away three years ago.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. How did she pass?”
“During the birth to our second son. I lost the both of them.”
Janice yelped. “That’s horrendous.” She then placed a hand on his back, and felt him rock as he began to relive his raw emotions. “Oh you poor man.”
“Life can feel cruel sometimes.”
“You must miss her.”
“Terribly. She was my soul-mate. For months I found it difficult to live... never mind leave the house to work” Samuel shook his head while a rivulet of tears ran the length of his cheeks. “My days felt pointless. I opened the shop and only to sit behind the register to cry.”
“Did your loved ones help you?”
“They might mean well. But listening to people tell me how sorry they were... or to keep my chin up, meant nothing to me as no one could understand the sadness I felt.”
“She must have been a good woman.”
“The best I have ever met.”
Janice’s mind searched her for appropriate questions. “Tell me about her. What did she look like?”
“You bear more than a passing resemblance... maybe half a stone lighter than she was.”