In the Service of Women

by Shayne McClendon

  When we were both naked, I watched her examine me. “You are very fit, strong. I like that.” I stepped closer to her, running my hands over her bare shoulders. She was strong as well. Heavier than was popular, but carrying her weight the way I figured I would one day, evenly distributed. Her full breasts and hips gave her a womanly softness, strong legs and arms showed her physical ability.

  I stepped into the shower and pulled her with me, watching as the water coursed over her skin, much the way I hoped to do with my tongue and hands. She was practical at first, washing her hair and body. I followed her lead and enjoyed rinsing away the sweat from working in a hot kitchen for several hours. When I saw her move to her razor, I offered to shave her. She laughed, “It’s a lot to shave but you may if you wish.”

  I knelt on the floor and spread a natural gel over her skin, whisking it away with the razor. Her calves were incredibly thick and hard from many hours spent on her feet. I took my time, making sure I covered every inch of her before gently touching up the bikini area and then stood to get beneath her arms. I was hairless, by design, on most of my body and for once wished I wasn’t. It was erotic to shave someone else.

  When I rinsed her thoroughly, I pulled her into my arms in a tight embrace, kissing her deeply as her hair cascaded over my arm around her back. I took my time kissing her, letting her know this was about her; I was here for her…something she grew to appreciate since her days were spent in the service of others.

  I kissed every part of her face, lightly caressing one full breast with my other hand. When her head dropped back in pleasure, I took the opportunity to trail small bites along her neck, whispering to her as I did, “You are a beautiful woman. I’m very lucky to be here with you right now.”

  The thing was, I meant it…each and every time I said it while she was my client.

  When her legs wobbled beneath her, I reached back to shut off the water and opened the shower door. As I dried her, she watched me closely, and I blushed. “Why are you staring at me?” I asked, strangely self-conscious.

  “I watch you to find artifice. I see none.” She placed her fingertips beneath my chin, bringing my gaze to her own, “I like that very much.”

  I walked backwards into her bedroom, pulling her with me. One wall looked out on the ocean and the street below, abandoned at this late hour. “Let me take care of you.”

  When she was fully reclined on the bed, stretched out on her stomach, I straddled her and began a massage at her neck and shoulders. She moaned with delight and asked me to talk to her about my life as a child while I worked on her muscles.

  I obliged, leaving out the unpleasant parts, and wasn’t surprised when she fell asleep a few minutes later. I continued working her muscles and when I’d finished, I curled up next to her and pulled the blankets over both of us. Surprisingly, I fell asleep myself.

  A couple of hours later, I woke to the sensation of Michaela’s tongue on my pussy and it was a beautiful way to regain consciousness of the world around me. She was curled at the foot of the bed, between my legs, licking me as if it was the most natural thing on Earth.

  I tensed, loving the feel of her mouth on me. She was in no hurry and seemed truly relaxed. She licked me in a lazy circular motion that sent chills up and down my spine. I grabbed the pillows behind me, reveling in the attention to detail as she sucked each part of me separately, licking the entire area before beginning again. Her fingers held my lips apart, so she could see all of me. I fondled my own breasts until that simply wasn’t enough.

  “Please turn around so I can taste you, too.” I whispered. She uncoiled and stretched her body out in my direction, one leg bent to make her pussy accessible to me. I assumed the same position and duplicated every movement she made on me. I put two fingers inside her, loving the heat of her. Watching as her thighs contracted against me. There was no hurry and I enjoyed the feast. Licking her slowly and loving the taste of her cream on my lips.

  I pulled her above me, straddling my head with her knees on either side, and ate her with unquenchable appetite. Using my teeth, I raked a path from her clit to her pussy, then continued fucking her with my fingers as droplets of her come fell on my face.

  I used one hand to massage the entrance of her ass, watching as it tightened. Tiny circles around the entrance, never stopping with my tongue. When she came, she shouted, “Oh, god, yes. My come wants to spill for you. I must come for you. Don’t stop.” I wouldn’t have dreamt of it.

  She fell to licking me furiously, talking to me all the while, “The pleasure you give me, I must give it to you. I need to have you come for me, to give your pussy release because my tongue licking you makes you happy. To feel you tighten and climax from my fingers inside you. I must have it.” She followed this with a string of Portuguese whispered in her soft and sensual voice.

  I was so close, and hearing her speak to me like that pushed me over the edge. When I came, I hugged around her body, my face against her abdomen as the last remnants of her own orgasm coursed through her.

  We spent the rest of the night curled together, talking. It was unusual for me not to service my clients again and again during our sessions but I enjoyed the change. When the sun crested the horizon, we climbed from the bed and showered again.

  She made me an omelet for breakfast and we ate on her patio, watching the beach begin to fill and relishing the slightly cooler air of Florida in autumn. The thing I remember most about all my time with Michaela is how she could make me laugh. Her sarcastic wit and honest enjoyment of life made every moment with her interesting.

  Chapter Twenty-Three – Just Business…

  November 2000

  Tricia belted Someone to Watch Over Me in a way that made it seem you’d never heard the song before. I’d been enjoying the last few songs, clapping enthusiastically at the end of each one.

  Her loser boyfriend had passed me outside, his latest piece of arm-candy walking giddily at his side. Jerrod had zero class. Not bad to look at but with an oily way about him and beady little eyes I couldn’t believe Tricia had ever seen an ounce of sincerity in.

  The valet was opening the car door and extended a hand to help me exit. He knew me and he knew my time with Tricia made her happy for a little while. Adorable face, very nice body, excellent manners. Simon had been hired at the club a few days after I first met Tricia.

  He was putting himself through law school on his untouchable tip money. He’d helped Tricia when she moved into her house. Jerrod was nowhere to be found when there was something useful to be done. He’d also looked after her when she’d been down with bronchitis a few months before.

  Tricia’s would-be boyfriend/manager was already pawing his little protégé and snapped his fingers in Simon’s direction. The younger man took his time responding. When he did, Jerrod slapped a ridiculous tip in his hand for show, and told him to put a rush on bringing the car around because he had “something important to do”. The girl beside him giggled and tried to appear coy, difficult in the skin tight band aid she called a dress, and the clear acrylic fuck me pumps on her feet.

  Simon looked at Jerrod, gave a quick glance at the girl he knew was not Tricia, and didn’t hesitate. He handed him back his money, stepped behind the valet stand where he promptly through the keys to him, saying quite clearly, “Get it yourself, asshole.”

  I winked at Simon on my way in and he nodded. I made a note to give that man a huge hug on my way out later. That was class. Recognizing the posers and letting them know you knew.

  I’d settled into my usual table in the back, Dixie the cocktail waitress delivering my standard sparkling water and lemon. I loved the place and tipped well.

  Bobby, the bartender, stopped by my table to say hello and we talked for a few minutes about his brand new baby. I ooh’d and aah’d over the pictures of the typically wrinkled and pissed off baby while he beamed.

  Tricia came out and started her second set. She looked beautiful as usual, her hair swept back. Her dress was green a
nd sexy without looking trashy and there were simple heeled slides on her feet. Easy on the jewelry and makeup, big on the talent.

  I knew if she could break away from the loser she dated, she’d find the right company to broadcast her to the world. Talent like that shouldn’t be hidden away. This was a nice club but not what she needed.

  She was completely at ease on stage and I envied her the ability to captivate a crowd without seeming to try. She moved back and forth, singing to each area of the crowded club, making everyone feel welcome and happy to be there. Every table was filled and the staff was busy. When Dixie dropped off a little bowl of maraschino cherries, I smiled happily.

  A little Unforgettable and I was totally relaxed, having long forgotten Jerrod and his hoochie du jour. I’d known Tricia for a while now and had fulfilled most of her desires in the sexual arena. I’d made a decision when I saw Jerrod out front that I would make one more attempt to make her see reason and dump the bastard before he sucked one more penny or ounce of self-respect from her.

  The second set ended an hour later and I watched as Tricia took her bows and a bouquet of flowers from a couple in the front row. She blew kisses to the crowd and exited the stage. I left another lovely tip for Dixie, handed Bobby a hundred and mouthed “for the baby” with a huge smile, before following her to the back.

  She was really crying this time when I walked in. I immediately went to her, kneeling on the floor at her feet. “Tricia, tell me what’s wrong.”

  She lifted her head and tears streamed freely down her face. “I saw, Sarah. I figure you did, too. He left with the newest little slut, whom he refers to as his assistant, before my first set even started.”

  I was impressed she’d dealt with that and gone back on stage to do her thing. Never once looking heart-broken. “You know him, Tricia. You know he uses you. How long are you going to put up with it? How long before you drop his dumb ass and find someone who really appreciates you?”

  I wiped her cheek with my fingers, one hand patting her thigh in the age-old ritual of soothing a friend who’s dating a scumbag. Hell, even my lines were trite. “I’m not going to bullshit you, and if you’re too accustomed to hearing what you want, I’m sorry. But he is shit. Dump him and move on. You’re young and talented, beyond beautiful, with a giving soul…and you’re giving it to the wrong person!”

  She took a deep breath and sat back in her chair, her robe pulled tightly around her. “It isn’t that easy, Sarah. I’m not like you. I’m not independent. I need someone to come home to.”

  “That’s a cop out and you know it, because his sorry ass doesn’t come home half the time. You need someone who loves you more than you love them.” I stood and dug in my purse for my cigarette case, lighting one in a rare moment of stress. “Why don’t you think you deserve better? Are you the only one who doesn’t see how great you are?”

  She cocked her head as she looked at me. I knew what was going to come out of her mouth before she said it, and wished with all my heart she wouldn’t. I was not to be so lucky.

  “What about you, Sarah? We care very much for each other…why can’t we see where our relationship goes? You read me so well, care for me…”

  I shook my head sadly, “Because in your heart, you need a man, honey. You love our time together because I listen to you. I hear you. I fulfill needs you need fulfilled. You’re mistaking that for almost-love. You know you don’t love me. You know that.”

  I watched her processing what I’d said. I could see her hurt feelings but she knew I was telling the truth. We both did. I adored Tricia but I didn’t love her and I wasn’t going to start leading her on the way Jerrod did.

  “Isn’t there anyone you admire? Someone you’d be interested in if you weren’t shackled to Jerrod?” I had a thought in my mind, but wanted her to really think about it.

  She shook her head, “Not really. I mean, of course there are cute guys who seem nice, but I’ve been with Jerrod forever. I wouldn’t know the first thing about dating.”

  She turned to take off her makeup. I stepped behind her and massaged her shoulders. “I don’t think you’re looking hard enough.” I leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “I think I should take you to dinner and let you think tonight.”

  She looked startled to hear that, “But we always go back to my place. Don’t you want to come home with me?”

  I laughed, “Tricia, I love going home with you. But I think having me as a crutch is making it impossible to see why you need one. I’d like you to consider allowing me to fix you up on a blind date for tomorrow. Would you trust my judgment?”

  She had a “little girl lost” look and put down the makeup wipe she was using. “I guess, but I can’t imagine anyone you’d find on such short notice. And what do I do? Jerrod doesn’t live with me anymore, with ‘needing his own space’ and all since the summer, but technically I’m still dating him.” She paused to turn and meet my gaze. “Seems kind of trashy to step out on someone, don’t you think?”

  “I’ll tell you one thing you should be prepared for, the moment his meal ticket starts checking out the rest of the population, he is going to come on strong. He treats you like crap because you allow it. When you stop allowing it, he’s going to pull out all the stops to charm you. And honey, I hope you can see through it when it happens.”

  I let her get changed and stayed quiet so she could think about what I’d said. I wasn’t about to let this go. I liked Tricia and it was time for someone to step in. She had a sister she was really close to, but she was a bad example, having stayed with her abusive husband for years because ‘she loved him’. I found love like that poisonous.

  When she was ready, I walked her through the club and we said goodnight to the rest of the staff. The place was emptying out but there was still good music with the house band. We walked outside and Simon rushed to open the back doors of the Town Car for us. I smiled at him and passed him my number before climbing in. He looked perplexed but nodded at me before shutting the door.

  True to my word, I took Tricia for a nice dinner and dropped her home with a chaste kiss. I’d explain the situation to Vivienne the next day. I knew she’d understand. After hearing details of my session with Michaela, she sang my praises for a week. She knew I had my quirks, but the customer really was my main concern, which was ultimately good for business.

  I wasn’t surprised when my cell phone rang about the time the club would be closing at 2am. Simon seemed unsure how to start a conversation so I saved him the effort. “Do you own a suit?”

  He paused a moment before replying, certainly wondering where this was going. “Uh, yeah, of course. But, Sarah, I…”

  I cut him off before he could continue, “I’m not calling about me, Simon. Relax. You so could not handle me. I’m calling about Tricia.” I filled him in on some of the conversation I’d had with her earlier. “I need to know exactly what you feel for her.”

  His speech sounded like a teenager discussing his first sexual experience with his grandma, which really made me laugh on the inside. He started and stopped several times before getting the flow. “The truth is Sarah, I’m totally into her. I think she’s beautiful and talented and funny and a good person. The last one is high on my list. I just don’t want to be some rebound guy or the guy she uses to make her loser boyfriend pay more attention to her.”

  Just as I suspected. Men simply didn’t help you move out of the goodness of their heart. “Excellent. Be prepared to sweep her off her feet. Don’t disappoint me, because I want Jerrod out of her life for good and to know she’s with a good man.”

  “Um, I mean, does this mean, how do I ask this?” He stammered.

  “I’m still seeing her, but know I shouldn’t be, how’s that? I need to end things with her because right now I’m enabling her to limp through a damaging and pathetic relationship. I care about her too much to let her go out like this.”

  That seemed to sum it up and he agreed. We ended the call with a promise from me to plan
a lovely evening for them. “All you have to do is be there and bring your natural charm and good manners.”

  I asked Katie to take me to the penthouse when I ended my call with Simon. We drove in silence for a few minutes before she said, “I think you’re doing the right thing, Sarah. In a way that makes things right for all parties.”

  “Thanks.” I said. “I think, I hope, I’m doing the right thing. I don’t want to hurt her, but I can’t be her knight in shining armor either. It isn’t healthy for her.”

  We spent the rest of the drive catching up. Talking about books and movies and places we’d visited. Her list was, of course, much longer on that last one. When she pulled into the underground garage, I thanked her for being so normal. “Sometimes I forget how bizarre my life is. I need to get my feet under me, you know what I mean?”

  “Oh yeah, Sarah…I know.” We said goodbye and I rode the elevator to Viv’s penthouse. The place was quiet and I crashed in one of the guest bedrooms with one of the for-show classics from the library. I ended up sleeping for a little while, but was up well before anyone else. I headed for the kitchen and started making eggs Benedict.

  The smell did its’ job and before long, Sonia was perched on one of the stools looking sleepy and begging for coffee. She was so hot but I always thought of Marilyn Monroe when I looked at her, which always made me a little sad. I gave her a steaming cup and she loved the ground pecans I added to the blend.

  Paige was next down the stairs, looking like she’d gone into hair and makeup, as per usual. I placed herbal tea in front of her and she slipped daintily into the space next to Sonia. She was fully dressed in slacks and a sweater, cute flats on her feet. Like she’d stepped out of a Chadwick catalogue.

  Vivienne entered the kitchen in her robe as I began plating the food and laughed. “We’re like a fucked up Brady Bunch around here.”