Page 62 of A Little Light

Hi. How’s your evening going? I’m with a client right now and we’re at a new restaurant. I have to bring you here. The food is divine!

Rachel smiled when Andi started to respond. Was she sitting around waiting to hear from Rachel? In some way, she really hoped so.

Very quiet and boring. I’d love to try a new restaurant. But dinner is on me next time! Be safe getting home tonight.

God, could this woman be any more adorable? Rachel sighed, smiling as she stared down at her phone. It was almost Christmas, and she had someone very special in her life. Cloud nine was an understatement!

You know, I won’t be much longer here.

Rachel came out of the stall, checking her makeup in the mirror.

If you’re hinting at what I think you are, then you know I’d love to see you. But please don’t go out of your way to do so. You’ve been working. I understand if you want to get home and put your feet up.

So Andi did want to see her. That was certain. Rachel quickly washed her hands and replied to Andi.

Maybe I’ll see how I’m feeling once I’ve finished work. I’d love to see you too.

Rachel would leave it at that. But before this night was over, she would find herself kissing Andi.

She quickly washed her hands and left the bathroom, clearing her throat as her client walked towards her. “Everything okay?”

“Of course. I’ve taken care of the bill. I have to unexpectedly call into the office and pick up some paperwork. I hope you don’t mind.” Rachel was fond of this particular client. Amanda was respectful. She didn’t overstep. Rachel had been seeing her now for the last five months or so since Amanda’s pretty intense break-up. Her ex-wife had really done her over.

“I don’t mind. I understand.”

“Come on. Let’s walk out together.” Amanda placed her hand on the small of Rachel’s back as she always did, offering her a gentle smile. “Thanks for a great evening again. I can always count on you to make me smile.”

Rachel nodded. “It’s what I’m here for.”

“I know. But it must get to be tedious at times. I hope I’m pleasant enough that you enjoy your evenings with me as much as I enjoy mine with you…”

“I do. You know I do.” Rachel hailed a cab for Amanda. “So, I’ll wait to hear from you?”

“Yes. I have a hectic week coming up at work, but I will be in touch.” Amanda leaned in and kissed Rachel on the cheek. She held her hand, slyly putting a hefty tip in her palm. “If I don’t see you before Christmas, that’s a thank you from me.”

Rachel frowned. Amanda always tipped well—a few hundred here and there. But this felt much bulkier. “Thank you. Have a great Christmas, okay?”

“I will. I’ll check your schedule online.” Amanda jumped into the waiting cab and waved as it drove off.

Before Rachel hailed a cab of her own, she put her tip away safely in her bag. Whatever the amount, she was always appreciative. Rachel knew how lucky she was to enjoy this line of work so much.

“Rachel?”

She turned around and found Andi’s best friend looking back at her, wearing a frown. “Sally, hi. How are you?”

“Are you… Was that… You’re involved?” Sally stepped closer, a hand on her chest. “She…was very handsy. You’re not…you know?”

“I’m not what?”

Sally sighed. “Oh, Andi is going to be so upset when she finds out about this. She does nothing but talk about you, and I really enjoyed getting to know you at the party.”

“Sally, everything is fine. Andi knows about this. She…knows I’m here tonight.”

“Does she know that women have their hands on you?”

Rachel offered a lopsided smile. Andi hadn’t told Sally about her job. “Yes. She does. Well, not the way you make it sound, but she does know that I do this.”

Sally shook her head. “I don’t understand. Why would Andi be okay with you having another partner?”

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