Page 5 of Hers to Rule

“She’s smart too, straight A student,” Sara brags. I don’t know what that has to do with anything but Angelica looks impressed.

“That’s good, there are a lot of people who like to have conversations with women who can hold a conversation with depth.”

“I was in debate and public speaking classes in high school,” I add.

“Good, there’s nothing worse than a woman who doesn’t speak or is too quiet. Know when to listen but also know when to speak. These people are often just looking for conversations and company,” Angelica explains.

“Okay.” I nod.

“You’re very beautiful, Sara said so but she’s right. You have amazing features.” I blush. I am not used to being put on display so much. I usually leave that to my twin sister, Reagan.

“Thank you.” I smile. As much as I was nervous about this, the more I talk to Angelica, the more I feel I can relax. I don’t think this sweet old woman will put me in harm’s way.

“Are you able to start tonight?”

“Sure.” Sara had warned me that she might want me to work tonight. It was one of those, only come if you’re serious notions.

“Sara will be on a date in the same hotel as you tonight. The guy you’re seeing is a regular, very sweet and just likes to meet all the new girls I get. I’ve never had any complaints from him so I hope not to have any tonight.” She shoots me a warning glance.

“Of course not.”

“Good. It’s at the hotel on 5thAve, you’ll be having dinner together and drinks after at the bar. He’s paid in advance so there’s nothing you need to get from him. I’ll call later tonight with an update and let you know your cut. I always take a twenty five percent fee off the top. That’s non-negotiable and very low for someone in this business. I’m just looking to get what I’ve earned,” she explains.

“Okay.” I nod. She is throwing a lot at me at once and I am trying to keep up, but I think I get it all. Be nice, have dinner and drinks, Sara will be there, and she takes a cut.

“Perfect, well, you ladies better get going.” She shoos us out of the room and we let ourselves out.

“How are you feeling?” Sara asks as she takes a hit of her vape pen. It is a terrible habit but at least I’ve gotten her not to do it in the apartment.

“I think I’m good, I just feel underdressed for dinner and drinks,” I explain. I am wearing heels and leather jeans but I don’t feel as dressed up as I should be.

“No, you’re perfect. I’m wearing a dress because that’s what my client likes, but Jerry is a great date. He’s very funny and mainly does all the talking. He’ll just be happy to get to know you.”

“Do I tell the truth?” I raise an eyebrow.

“That’s up to you. I do, but you do whatever feels comfortable and natural.” Sara smiles and takes another long hit.

“Okay.” I nod. This is starting to feel more natural than I expected it to.

“Ready?” She takes one last hit and then hails us a cab.

“Yes,” I say confidently. Tonight is the first night of my new life, and I am going to start it confidently. I can do this. I want to do this.

* * *

“So where are you from?”Jerry asks, pouring me a glass of wine. He made a point to order the most expensive bottle on the menu and have the waiter leave it with us. I can’t tell if that was a move to impress me or not. Do guys like this want to impress the women they are with? Or is it more part of the show?

“Seaside, Oregon. I grew up there,” I say honestly. Jerry is harmless as far as I can tell. He is just lonely but incredibly interested in me and the things I have to say.

“How was that? Or maybe you’d rather not talk about it since you no longer live there?” he guesses.

“I actually love it there. I chose a small town for college because I love the environment so much, but I just wanted a fresh start away from anyone I knew in high school. It’s hard being a queer woman in a small town,” I admit. His eyes light up at my admittance of being queer, and I brace myself for the usual string of questions that come along.Have I ever been with a man? Was I sure I was a lesbian? Did I ever want to try being with a man?

“I’ve never met a queer woman so confident about who she is.” He smiles.

“Thank you.” I take a sip of the wine and close my eyes. It is delicious.

“Good, isn’t it?” he asks proudly.

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