Page 2 of Enthrall
“S and M,” I said.
Mistress Scarlet was giving me a taste of how she made her client’s feel.
“Sadism and masochism?” I made it a question.
“Pleasure and pain,” said BlackBerry user. “What does your mom think of you working here?”
Understandably I’d not gotten asked that when I’d been interviewed for Stella Willem’s art store. “She died years ago. I have a step-mom.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” She rested her cell on the table. “Does your step-mom know you’re here?”
“Yes, of course,” I lied.
Mistress Scarlet steepled her fingers. “We pride ourselves on hearing secrets and keeping them. This is more than a club. It’s a society for well-balanced adults who enjoy exploring their predilections in a safe and nurturing environment.”
“I have to be honest,” said Ms. BlackBerry. “Which we pride ourselves on here, you don’t seem comfortable with your sexuality.”
I had no answer for that.
Mistress Scarlet continued, “We can’t have the receptionist blushing every time a client comes in.”
“What Mistress Scarlet is saying,” added Ms. BlackBerry, “is we have clients visit from all over the world. Exclusive members. Their contentment is our priority.”
“My best friend’s gay,” I said. “I’m open minded. We shared a dorm.”
“Areyougay?” said Ms. BlackBerry.
I wriggled uncomfortably. Weren’t there rules in interviews?
Mistress Scarlet threw her colleague a look before nodding at me. “Mia?”
“No,” I said, blushing.
Raven-haired added, “Mia, we don’t abide by rules that you find in other places of employment. Perhaps you’d be more comfortable in that kind of job? We applaud your visit here today. We do.”
My stunned silence lingered.
Mistress Scarlet leaned forward. “Self-control, tact, maturity, wisdom, these are all traits we need in our staff.”
The room fell quiet.
“I’ve always been good at putting people at ease,” I said softly.
A telephone rang from somewhere down the hallway, breaking the silence but not touching the tension.
“What we need,” said Mistress Scarlet, “is a receptionist to facilitate appointments. Sign in our clients. It’s an important job. We need an individual who can respect our member’s privacy and make them feel welcome. As the senior dominant’s secretary, you’ll be expected to possess excellent communication and organizational skills.”
“I have that,” I said.
Raven-haired raised her chin. “Well that’s good.”
There came another awkward silence.
“Thank you for coming in,” said Mistress Scarlet.
I rose and reached into my handbag. “Here are my....um...Victoria’s Secret.” I placed my lacey underwear on the table before Mistress Scarlet.
Cheeks burning, I backed away and headed for the door.
