I frown. “No, why should I?”
“Oh Gosh! You really do need to go, Camden Market is the dogs bollox, trust me, you’ll love it.” She’s buzzing with excitement. “So what made you move from Plymouth to London?”
“Just wanted a fresh start, so where are we going to eat?” I really hope she gets the message that I don’t want to talk about things and change the subject.
“Hmm, how about Nando’s?”
I’m already nodding. “Yeah sounds good. So how long have you been working for Midnight Lovers?”
“Oh, a few years now. Penelope is so generous and loving. She cares deeply about us girls, from what I gather, she cares about you a lot more than some. You’ve made a great impression on her, I can tell by the way she talks about you.” There’s no jealousy in her voice, no bitchiness, just curiosity.
“Pen means a lot to me too, I honestly have no idea where I’d be without her. She’s wormed her way into my life and I’m grateful for that,” I tell her honestly and instantly regret it, I can tell by the inquisitive look on her face that she’s going to ask me even more questions.
“Did she save you too? She saved me; when I was seventeen, she saved me from a man that tried to take me from a bar I shouldn’t have been in. She’s been a part of my life ever since.” Her hand that’s holding my arm tightens, like she’s remembering that bad time in her life. “She’s one of a kind, our Pen, there’s no one in this world who’s quite like her. I owe her the world and there’s no way I could ever repay her.”
Isn’t that the truth? “You and me both.”
“So, you never did say how you and Pen met.” Of course, she’ll ask that. She’s like a bloody dog with a bone.
“I met her a few years ago, then we bumped into each other a few months ago and she asked me if I wanted a job as she knew I needed one so here I am.” I don’t tell her the whole truth, more like the twisted truth.
“Oh wow, so you and Pen have known each other a long time then?”
“I wouldn’t put it like that, we’re more like acquaintances, we met once years ago and a chance meeting happened a few months ago,” I say and try not to laugh, a chance meeting my arse. Penelope had been searching for me for some time, she got lucky in finding me when she did.
“Sounds intriguing,” Stef says with a smirk, she’s dying for me to tell her something juicy but that’s not me. “What about your family, are they living here with you? Do they visit you?”
My palms begin to sweat and my pulse races. She’s asking me way too many questions, I don’t like it, it’s making me jittery. I can’t tell her to fuck off because of Pen. We enter the restaurant and get seated, I pull out my phone and send Penelope a message just as the waitress comes over to take our order, bloody hell they don’t give you much time, do they? I quickly order and hit send on the typed-out message.
Me: Pen, Stef’s way to nosy for her own good. She’s asking questions that I can’t answer.
It doesn’t take long for Pen to send me a message back.
Pen: Don’t even think of running, I’ll talk to Stef and get it sorted.
Me: Okay.
I’m not sure if she’ll talk to her or not, I’m not comfortable telling anyone else my secret, I feel dirty and disgusted by the things that I’ve done. Stefanie isn’t a prostitute, she’s clean and happy. She’s everything that I’m not, I don’t want her to look down on me as though I’m scum. I may have been tainted by that arsehole of a stepdad of mine, but I’ve made myself dirtier by every client I’ve slept with. I understand what I’m doing isn’t the way to thrive, isn’t the way to move on but it’s the only thing I can do, it’s how I survive.
The waitress returns with our drinks and I lift my glass of wine to my lips and take a sip, it’s not the first time I’ve had alcohol, but I find it incredibly weird that I’m not asked for any ID, I’m not blind, I look older than I am, but I don’t look that much older. Maybe it’s because I’m with Stef? But even then, Stef doesn’t look twenty-one. I should take it as a complement.
“What do you think of the events we work? The first one that I worked I was shocked, I couldn’t believe how the posh were. The men were so forward, and the client kept grabbing me. It was a shock, but I got used to it, I actually have a favourite client. Tim, he’s gay and hides it from his family so when he has to go to Gala’s and events, he hires me so that he can keep his secret safe. He’s the reason those evenings are really enjoyable.” She seems to care about him. It’s in her voice, her tone got soft as did her eyes.
That’s something I never thought about before, getting attached to your clients. What’s going to happen when she leaves, will she stay in contact with them? It would be a bit weird if she did. I’d prefer to have them at arm's length, that way there’s no attachments. I’ve already made one attachment more than I had ever planned on making.
“I’m still adjusting to it. I’m not a fancy person so these events are a nightmare, they’re boring and the men even more so. They talk out of their arses and it’s literally a night spent listening to them try to one up each other. Once they’re away from that environment they instantly change, gone is the pompous prat and in its place is a true gentlemen. They don’t care that I’m a whore, they just want the company, although most I’ve been with so far are married.” That pisses me off, why the hell do married men think it’s okay to hire an escort? Do they believe that it’s not cheating? I have no idea what goes through their thick skulls.
Stef’s face reddens at my words. “I hate cheaters, there’s absolutely no need for it whatsoever, there’s no justification at all for cheating on someone.” She’s spitting mad, venom in her voice. She’s one person I’d hate to get on the wrong side of, she looks as though she’d kill you and no one would find your body.
“Tell me about it. If you don’t think you can keep it in your pants, don’t get into a relationship it’s that simple. Although, women are just as bad as the men, they’re just sneakier about it,” I say with a nod to the left, where a woman is sitting and has eavesdropped on our conversation, both her and the man she’s with have their heads down and they pack up their stuff, oops, I think we’ve hit a nerve with them.
Stef tsks. “Damn it, bloody cheaters everywhere,” she mumbles looking pissed off, yes, she’s definitely been cheated on. “Anyway, forget about that crap, let’s have a good night and enjoy ourselves.” She raises her glass. “To a fabulous evening, darling,” she says in the best posh accent I’ve heard.
I raise my glass too and we toast. “To a fabulous evening,” I say, and we both laugh. I actually think we’re going to get along fine.
Chapter 7
Tonight, I’m in a dark purple bodycon dress from River Island, it’s a tight fit but it actually accentuates my curves. I’ve been complimented on it five times already, this posh lot should really shop high street, they’d be amazed at the stylish clothes they could get. This particular dress is strapless and sleeveless, I’m lucky that my boobs can hold it up without wearing a bra. There’s no way you could wear one with this. Today however I am wearing a thong, I don’t mind going commando but tonight’s not the night. I’ve teamed it up with a pair of black heels and a black clutch.
My date for the evening is Rodger. He’s a balding man who’s actually really lovely. He’s a heavyish guy who’s turning sixty in a few weeks, he’s a widower, has been for four years. He usually hires out an escort for company, he’s never had sex with them before. Tonight however, he wants to and I’m the lucky one to be chosen. I understand that a man has needs and desires and it’s been a long time since he’s acted on those so I’m not one to complain, he’s old enough to be my grandad and that’s really off putting.
“There you are, I’ve been looking for you.” His breath hot against my ear, I close my eyes as his hand lands on my arse, giving my cheek a squeeze. It takes everything I have in me not to cringe away from his touch, I think this is the hardest client I’ve ever had. Usually I’m fine, they
can touch me, and I don’t even care but for some reason Rodger is really getting to me.
“Have you?” I reply, pasting on my fake smile, goosepimples break out on my arms, someone’s watching me, turning my head slightly I spot Stefanie in the crowd she’s staring at me.
He chuckles, and I look back at him, a dirty grin on his face. “You’re a cheeky minx aren’t you?” His hand squeezes my arse cheek harder, there’s a strong smell of Brandy off of him too, the man’s hit the drink hard tonight. Here’s hoping he’s not an arsehole when drunk.
I move away from his hand and his eyes narrow at me, he’s mad. I hold up a finger. “Just going to go to the lady’s room, I’ll be back in a minute.”
It seems to appease him, he looks relieved and gives me a smile. “Don’t be too long.” There’s an edge to his tone, and I’m really not looking forward to later on.
“I won’t,” I tell him glad to be getting a reprieve, I turn and walk toward the bathroom. Glancing around, I can’t find Stef, maybe she’s gone? I walk past a few women who are talking about some bitch who’s been going out with the husband of a mate of theirs. Sounds like the woman who the man’s cheating with is here tonight, she’s got some brass balls coming to an event where the wife usually comes, that’s just asking for trouble.
Turning the corner, I spot Stef opening the door to the bathroom, looks as though I’m not the only one needing a break. I follow into the room behind her and she’s standing at the sinks, she’s upset, I can tell by her reflection in the mirror but as soon as she spots me, she stands up tall, whatever is bothering her she’s not going to say anything.
“Bored yet?” She asks me, and I can’t help but smile, of course I’m bloody bored. I’m at this stupid swanky Gala. She raises her brows. “God, you got stuck with a dud, huh?”
Crossing my arms over my chest I sigh. “Yes, ugh, he wants to bring me to his hotel room afterward.” I can't keep the disgust off my face. The thought of having sex with that man is repulsive. It’s what I have to do, though, and I’ll get through it as I have plenty of times before, as long as the client believes I’m having a good time, that’s all that matters.
“Can you blame him?” She gives me a sweeping look, Stef always comments on how gorgeous I am. Beauty is all that matters in this business, hell in life.
“Happy birthday to me.” I paste on my fake cheerful smile as the sadness creeps in, God, another year and I’m still alone celebrating my birthday.
“Happy Birthday!” Her arms open and I walk into them, her arms close around me, giving me a hug. “How old are you now?”
I toy with myself on whether or not I should lie to her, but I don’t. “The big one eight!” I say cheerful and instantly horror seeps into her eyes, yep, it’s time to leave. “Anyway, I had better go back out there, no doubt he’ll send a search party if I don’t. Have a good night, Stef.” I turn and leave, not bothering to look back, that horror I saw in her eyes was enough to tell me that she’s disgusted. She was my friend and I’ve no doubt that is no longer the case. Maybe I had the right idea all along, connections for people like me shouldn’t be made.
Walking back out into the event, I clock Stef’s date standing by the men’s toilet, he’s practically bouncing with excitement. it’s not down to him getting lucky and sleeping with Stef, so I have no idea what’s got him so worked up. I continue on walking; those same women are still talking about their friend’s marriage and how much Valerie is going to be hurting over James cheating on her. I’ve no idea who they are, it sounds like they need to keep their business to themselves and they need to get new friends.
“There you are, my dear.” That voice sends shivers down my spine and not in a good way.
Looking up, I spot Rodger standing there with a glass of Brandy in his hand. He’s going to be pissed tonight. I’m wondering if he’ll be so drunk, he’ll pass out before we even get undressed. Here’s hoping. “Where have you been hiding?” His arm goes around my waist and he pulls me against him.
“I told you I’d only be gone a minute. I had to use the little girl’s room.” I add a bite to my tone as I push away from him, he doesn’t let me.
Instead, his grip on my waist gets tighter.
The air leaves my lungs as I try to fight off the images that are trying to come. “Get your fucking hand off of me,” I say through gritted teeth, I don’t want to cause a scene, so I say it quietly but there’s enough steel in my tone to tell him I’m not messing around.
His hand moves from my waist to my wrist and squeezes tight. “You should really watch your mouth. I’m paying good money for you, so you’d best do as I say.” His fingers dig tightly into my wrists as he drags me towards the exit, I don’t fight it, I just let him do it.
There’s no fucking way I’m doing anything with this arsehole. Once we get outside, he continues his tirade. “You’re nothing but a whore, and whores should do as they’re told.” Spit flies from his mouth as his anger comes to the forefront. His hand on my wrist is getting tighter, and it’s causing pain to shoot up my arm.
“This is the last time that I’ll be saying this. Get your hands off of me.” I try to pull my wrist from him, but he’s got me in a tight hold, and I wince in pain. His grip is way too tight. “Rodger, you’ve five seconds to let go of me or I won’t be accountable for my actions,” I warn him, but I can tell by the look on his face that he has no inclination of letting me go.
His nostrils flare as his eyes get a wild look in them. “Listen to me whore, I’ve paid for you to do as I please. Now you’d better shut that dirty mouth of yours and get to work.”
I scoff. “What? You want me to get on my knees right here, right now?”
He releases my wrist, and I can only watch as his hand comes up towards my head, I move out of his reach, which only further enrages him. “I’ll have your job for this,” he fumes. “How dare you do this to me? Do you have any idea who I am? I’ll have you fired, then you’ll be working the street corners for money. You stupid slag.” He turns and walks back into the hotel where the Gala is going on, leaving me standing outside.
Glancing down at my wrist, it’s red where he had a grip on me. His finger marks bright against my pale skin. No doubt I’ll have a bruise tomorrow. Why do men all have to be pricks? I mean there was absolutely no need for him to be so aggressive and rude. Rooting through my clutch for my phone, I need to call Pen and let her in on what’s happened. I’ll probably be told off, but I don’t give a shit, she shouldn’t have clients that don’t have respect or that can’t handle their alcohol.
Finding my phone, I call Pen, putting the phone to my ear I walk away from the hotel, I want to put as much distance between this place and me as I can. She doesn’t take long to answer.
“Natalie? I thought you were with Rodger tonight?” she asks her voice full of anxiety.
“Yeah I was, but something happened, and I thought I should tell you as soon as I could.”
She sighs heavily and asks accusingly, “What happened?”
“Well Mr Big Bucks got drunk and in doing so got handsy. He wouldn’t let go of me even after asking him,” I tell her, but continue on before she can say anything else. “Then the arsehole called me a whore and a slag. No doubt you’ll be getting a call soon telling you that you must fire me.”
“Right, thank you for calling me.” Her voice is tight, the anger is there too, but she’s doing a good job of reining it in. She’ll probably call me later or tomorrow and go mental once she’s calmed down.
“Yep, you’re welcome. I’m going home now.” A fucking great birthday this has turned out to be, I hang up on her and continue to walk towards home.
As I’m halfway there I realise I’ve no food in the house, I was supposed to go shopping tomorrow morning. I’d presumed that I would have been fed at that gala, that didn’t happen though. I need to stop off at a supermarket and get some grub, I’ll be starved by the time I get home. I spot an Asda up ahead and go in, I’ll grab a few things for
tonight and then I’ll do the proper shopping tomorrow.
No matter how small of a shop I do, I always have to have a look down every aisle, see if there’s anything I’d like. I’m a sucker for sweets and chocolate, that’s always the last aisle I’ll go down because I always get something from it. I grab some chicken breasts and a two jars of tikka masala curry sauce, I do love a curry and having one on my birthday will cheer me the hell up. I continue to walk down the aisles and grab a six pack of Coke Zero, before making my way down the bread aisle, I need some bread for the morning and some naan bread for dinner.
Placing them into my basket my eyes travel towards the cakes, my mouth waters as I gaze at them. I’d eat cake and sweets until I’m physically sick. I spy some cupcakes with chocolate frosting and put them into my basket.
I’m leaving Asda with three bags of shopping and only enough food for dinner and breakfast, the rest of the stuff is junk food, I also spent thirty-seven pound on three bags of shopping. I’m still not used to doing this, going in and buying whatever I want and not worrying about how much it’s going to cost, when the cashier told me the price, it sent my heart racing. I guess it’s going to take a while for me to adjust to having money.
As soon as I walk up the steps to my house my phone rings, I ignore it because I’ve got my hands full. Once I’m on the top step I place the bags down and search my clutch for my keys. I find them and open the door, my phone rings again and I ignore it once more, whoever it is I’ll ring them back once I’ve put the shopping away but whoever it is must be eager as my phone constantly keeps ringing. As soon as I’m in the house, I dump the bags on the floor and answer my phone.
“Hello?” I ask irritated.
A car horn beeps and I pull the phone away so it doesn’t burst my ear drum. “Well hello to you too, where are you?” Penelope asks, and I’m shocked that it’s her calling me, although I’m not sure why I’m shocked there’s only two people who have this number, one is Pen and the other is Stef and the last time I saw Stef was at that poxy gala.
The Scars Of Life (The Working Girls Book 4) Page 6
