Escort

by Emily Hayes

  “Saying you’re my best friend and I would come would have sufficed, but alright,” Trisha mumbled sarcastically to Ashley.

  Ashley laughed and bid Trisha goodbye.

  “Joanna, I’ll be out for the remainder of the day, if there are any important calls let me know,” Ashley told her secretary over the intercom.

  Ashley made her way home to get ready for Kevin’s birthday party.

  Kevin Marsh was one of the most successful businessmen in New York. He was the co-founder and CEO of Marsh and McLennan. His birthday was celebrated royally every year. Ashley never minded attending the event, not just because Kevin was her friend, but because his parties were a chance to network and pick up as many new and very wealthy clients as possible. Ashley was no doubt the best at what she did. However, her dazzling charm was why people booked her to organize and put on their events. To dazzle the most wealthy people in New York, she needed to be in front of them, and Kevin Marsh’s party would put her right there in poll position.

  Ashley got out of her BMW and handed the keys to the valet. The party was held at one of the farmhouses Kevin owned, and the place was decorated to perfection by Ashley’s team. The entrance consisted of a golden carpet spread to welcome the guests, with silver columns standing erect towering over the entering guests.

  The theme was minimalistic metallics. Several tables with golden linen cloths were scattered neatly around the farmhouse lawn, with Chiavari chairs. Metallic balloons were put around the main table on which the birthday cake was to be displayed.

  The party was similar to any other elite party, conversation, canapés, and wine. Free-flowing wine.

  Kevin and Trisha greeted Ashley at the entrance.

  “You made it!” Trisha hugged Ashley, welcoming her.

  “Of course, I did. I told you I’d come.” Ashley replied, pulling back from the hug to look at Trisha.

  Trisha wore an off-shoulder dark grey long satin dress, and her dark hair was twisted and pinned.

  With Kevin at her side dressed in a dark grey suit and gazing at Trisha lovingly, the two looked the perfect couple. Appearances can be deceptive.

  “You look amazing, Trish.” Ashley looked at her stunning friend in genuine admiration.

  “Thank you! You too, Ash. I love you in green!”

  Ashley smoothed down the dark green silk shirt. She liked the way it brought out her eyes.

  “Happy birthday, Kevin. You look handsome.” Ashley wished Kevin, pulling him in for a hug. Handing her gift to him, she smiled.

  “Thank you, Ashley. You look beautiful, yourself.” Kevin replied, putting the gift with the rest of the presents on the table beside him.

  “Enjoy your evening,” Kevin said to Ashley as she walked to where the rest of the guests were.

  “Oh, Ashley, it’s so good to see you again! You came here alone?”

  A significant reason Ashley despised these gatherings, was the constant irksome questions everyone had about her personal life.

  “Well, Mrs. Becker, my success doesn’t count as a legitimate life partner, so yes,” Ashley replied dryly.

  This was getting too bothersome. She might have to stop attending these events altogether and send her secretary to cover for her. Ashley gulped down her drink and looked at the woman currently on a mission to get on her nerves.

  “Poor you. All these riches but no one to share them with. Sad. I know you are a lesbian, dear, and it doesn’t matter, you know. There are lots of lovely women out there.” Mrs. Becker charged again with her comments. Did this woman not understand the meaning of the word privacy? Ashley thought to herself.

  A hand wrapped itself around Ashley’s waist, pulling her away from the nosey woman.

  “Hey Ash, Kevin wanted to see you. Would you come with me for a minute?” Trisha, the savior, jumped into the painful conversation, saving Ashley. She then faced the older woman apologetically and said,

  “Sorry Mrs. Becker, I’m going to have to steal Ashley for a while. I hope you don’t mind.” Trisha pulled Ashley away from the woman without even giving her a chance to reply.

  “You’re a lifesaver, Trish.” Ashley let out a sigh and then winked at Trisha.

  “You’re welcome, hon'. I couldn’t help but pity you.” Trisha laughed at Ashley’s murderous glare before continuing,

  “That condescending old hag had her paws right in you. She wanted to keep you to herself for the rest of the night. I had to come to the rescue. Oh, and by the way, if it doesn’t work out with Kev, you’re still my backup.” Trisha winked, both of them ending up laughing.

  Ashley and Trisha moved to the bar and ordered their drinks before taking a seat at the bar stools. They talked for a while, sipping their drinks before Ashley decided to voice out her thoughts. Who better to confess to than her own best friend?

  “You know Trish, maybe Mrs. Becker is right. I don’t have someone to share my life with. Perhaps it is lonely at the end of the day, despite all this grandeur lifestyle.

  “Really? You don’t admit to things like this, normally. I usually have to force it out of you.” Trisha looked at her, surprised by her sudden confession.

  Ashley let out a laugh at and said,

  “I’m joking. I LOVE this lifestyle. All these people can go to hell and take their suggestions with them.” She winked at Trisha, taking a sip of her drink.

  “You are impossible at times,” Trisha replied, rolling her eyes.

  “Oh, you love me.” Ashley winked at her.

  “Yes, I do,” Trisha admitted, smiling.

  “On a serious note, maybe it would be a good idea, though.” Ashley started only to be interrupted by Trisha.

  “You sleep with the hottest women in the city! You can have whoever you want. And since you’re not looking for a full-time relationship, neither are you settling down, what more do you want?”

  “No, I don’t mean sex. I mean like a fake girlfriend, you know, for parties like these and to appear publicly with me so wherever I go, I don’t get the ‘aw you so lonely' chant. Although, I’m not sure I know anyone who would do that without it becoming, you know, complicated.” Ashley explained. If people could mind their own business, none of this would be necessary, but as the wealthiest people in New York seemed unable to do that, maybe Ashley needed to address it.

  “Oh. Well, I’ve got just the thing to help you. Come here, let me show you something.” Trisha took out her phone, opening a website, she gave the phone to Ashley.

  “Really? Porn is your solution?” Ashley asked her, which made Trisha roll her eyes.

  “It isn’t a porn website. It’s an escort agency – Black Label. It is the absolute best there is. I once did a story on them. They exist to serve wealthy women. You could hire one of their finest girls and problem solved- you have a fake girlfriend.”

  Ashley inspected the website, impressed.

  “This sounds good, but will they keep it all discreet? I mean, no one can find out it’s a sham girlfriend and not an actual partner. That could dent my reputation big time.” She told Trisha.

  “Don’t worry about that. A lot of their clients are celebrities. Discretion is what they thrive on. You just need to say the magic word, and we can free you from Mrs. Becker’s exasperating nagging the next time she sees you.”

  “Okay, text me the details, and I’ll check them out.” Ashley was intrigued, handing back her cellphone.

  When she arrived home, Ashley opened the escort agency website that Trisha had sent her. Contemplating for a while, whether or not to do this, Ashley finally gave in and dialed the agency number.

  It was a good thing the company had a 24/7 service.

  “Good evening, Black Label, how may I help you?” a voice answered on the other end.

  “Hello, this is Ashley Davidson. I’d like to speak to a manager.” Ashley asked the woman.

  “Just a second, ma’am.” The voice replied as Ashley waited for her to connect the call with the manager.

  “I’m directin
g your call to the manager, you may speak to him now.”

  “Thank you.” Ashley politely responded as the call connected with the manager.

  “Hello, this is Mason Park.” A gruff male voice said.

  “Hi. This Ashley Davidson. I wanted to speak to you about the escorts. Could you give me some information regarding that?”

  “Oh, Ms. Davidson, it’s a pleasure speaking to you. Yes. Yes, of course, I can. The company works to provide escorts for pleasure and company. You can hire an escort for as long as you want, of course, with a reasonable fee. Your escort will be able to provide you with whatever services you require while you are paying for their time. We provide male or female escorts, or if you want an escort of less binary gender, please just give us the best description of what you want, and we will provide it for you.” The man finished.

  “I see. Well, I would like to meet the best female escort you have. I want a long term regular arrangement. The cost is no issue. I need someone feminine, intelligent, educated, and charming. Kindly have her meet me at my apartment for a short interview. I am at 53 West 53. Top floor.” Ashley responded.

  “Of course, Ms. Davidson. Our top girl is available for a new long term arrangement. Did you want exclusive rights to her or just priority?”

  “Priority would be fine. I don’t need exclusivity.”

  “Perfect. We will have her come over to your home tomorrow morning. Is that alright?” Mason inquired.

  “That’s wonderful. Thank you, Mr. Park.” Ashley responded.

  “I would like to request the details of this interaction and any future dealings between your company and me be kept extremely private.” Ashley asserted.

  “We ensure the privacy of every client, Ms. Davidson; you do not have to worry about a thing,” Mason replied.

  “Alright, thank you once again,” Ashley said, ending the call.

  Hanging up the phone, she sighed and laid back on the sofa. There was no going back now, she thought.

  4

  The next morning at 10 am precisely, Ashley buzzed in Vienna from Black Label. As Vienna walked into her apartment, Ashley’s eyes widened slightly. This woman, this escort, was stunning. She wore a tight black pencil skirt and heels and a red ruffled top. She had blonde hair, long down her back, and these enchanting green eyes that just wouldn’t quit. Ashley had never seen anyone that looked like her.

  “Hello, I’m Vienna.” The woman spoke, her voice like warm honey, extending her hand.

  Ashley recovered from her shock immediately and shook Vienna’s hand.

  “Hello. I think you’re already aware of who I am. Come on in, please.” Ashley said to Vienna, allowing her to enter the penthouse.

  Ashley was in Sunday morning casual wear, sweatpants, and a white tank top with no bra. Still, Vienna immediately noticed how attractive she was, in an androgynous way and how prominent her nipples were. The penthouse apartment was incredible, but Vienna was used to the homes of the extremely wealthy.

  “You have a beautiful home,” Vienna said to her, her sharp green eyes admiring the house as the light hit different planes of her lovely, delicate featured face.

  “Thank you,” Ashley replied as Vienna took a seat on the sofa, putting her purse on the coffee table.

  “I’m sure you hear this all the time, but your beauty is dazzling,” said Ashley with a certain crunch in her voice.

  “Thank you, Ms. Davidson. Beauty is a significant part of what it takes to be the best in the escort world.”

  “Please, call me Ashley,” Ashley said gently. To which Vienna replied with a respectful nod. “So, you are the best, then?”

  Vienna nodded again. “Yes. I have worked very hard to be recognized as such. I am so much more than just my face and body.”

  Ashley smiled to herself. She loved this young woman’s confidence.

  “Would you like something to eat or drink? It’s still fairly early in the morning. Breakfast?” Ashley asked her.

  “Oh, no, no. Thank you. Just a glass of water, please.” Vienna told her.

  Ashley got her a glass of water and then went to sit down on the sofa across from Vienna.

  They sat in silence before Ashley decided to break it.

  “I asked for this meeting to see if you’d be the right one for the job. I don’t need anyone for sex or something of that sort. I can pick up women for sex. I just need someone to accompany me to the parties and events that I attend and be lovely, charming, and convincing as my partner. Being in the business world, you’re not spared from these gatherings and certainly not spared when you show up alone.” Ashley explained to Vienna. “I want a fake girlfriend.”

  “Absolutely. I can do that. Do you want me to be educated, confident, and politically aware, or innocent naive insipid hottie, or sex bomb without too many brains? Or, if there are any other character traits you want, please, just specify. I can be anyone you want me to be.”

  Ashley watched her, her breasts full under the red silk. Ashley was very intrigued by her.

  “The first version. I want you to be able to hold your own in intelligent company. But, don’t be controversial, keep people happy. Make them love you.”

  “No problem at all. So dress wise, classy, feminine, and smart?”

  “Yes.”

  “What do you want my name to be?”

  “Vienna is fine.”

  “A long term arrangement?” Vienna enquired, her lips were swollen and red and overtly sexual.

  “I have some important events to attend throughout the year, and I must have someone by my side, romantically speaking. I can give you my calendar ahead of time. So, yes. A long term arrangement. If you can commit to that.” Ashley elaborated further.

  “I see. However, I’m sure you didn’t just ask to meet me to tell me all that. You have questions of your own as well. Am I right?” Vienna said to her.

  “Yes, that’s right,” Ashley affirmed, resting against the sofa and then continued,

  “Can you tell me more about yourself, your real self?”

  Vienna smiled and began, “Well, I’m 28 years old. I’m originally from Detroit. I went to high school there and then moved to New York when I was 18, looking for something better. Meredith Bowes herself took me in, showed me Black Label, and promised if I learned and learned well, I would have an incredible future. She put me through my double bachelor’s in philosophy and art history, criticism, and conservation from Princeton University. I like to read a lot, and US and world affairs are things I like to keep myself updated about. My favorite writer is Cormac McCarthy. I like to draw in my free time. Mostly paintings.

  Last but not least, my job is something that I take very seriously, and that is why I am the best there is. I love my job, and I love my clients. I am the ultimate professional. You will be more than satisfied with your decision to hire me.” Vienna smiled, lovely in the light. “And, if you do change your mind on the sex thing, while you are paying for my time, you are my absolute priority. Anything you want. Just ask at any time.” Her voice was like silk.

  Ashley looked lost in her thoughts for a while. Vienna had this effect on people almost all the time, but this particular one lasted longer.

  “Everything alright?” inquired Vienna.

  “Nothing I just thought that–..”

  “–That I am overqualified to work for an escort agency?” Vienna chipped in before Ashley could complete her sentence.

  “I can charm anyone you want me to. I will be the best date you have ever had. I can make people believe we are in love, but at the same time, I will never overstep. Give me a chance, and you will see.” Vienna continued, she was mesmerizing in her confidence.

  “If you want me regularly, you will need to fill in this contract committing to paying my retainer. That way, you will get priority on me, but not exclusivity. Will that be ok?”

  Ashley nodded and signed the contract that Vienna had displayed in front of her after giving it a thorough read. The papers contained all th
e terms and conditions of their deal. Vienna signed the documents after Ashley had done so, and they both took a copy.

  Ashley walked Vienna to the door.

  “I’ll have my calendar sent through to you. Please confirm your availability for all dates.” Ashley told her.

  Vienna nodded and exited the penthouse. The black skirt was tight around her ass.

  Ashley couldn’t stop watching her ass as she walked away.

  Get a grip, Ashley. She’s a fucking escort.

  The cellphone rang twice as Vienna picked it out of her purse and answered.

  “Hello, Vienna. How are you doing?” Ashley’s voice came from the other side.

  “Hi, Ashley. I’m good. Just out shopping. How are you?” Vienna replied.

  “Good, good. I know my secretary arranged to have you accompany me to the charity function tonight. I’ll pick you up at seven if you text me your address. I’ll need you to wear something elegant, femme and classy. Nothing slutty.” said Ashley.

  “Yes. I’ll be waiting. See you then.” Vienna’s voice was positive and warm.

  “Splendid. See you tonight.” came Ashley’s reply as the call ended.

  Sparing a look at her watch, Vienna gathered her stuff and headed home from her shopping trip. She had three hours until Ashley arrived, and Vienna had lots of time to look her best for an excellent first impression.

  Vienna showered and loved the feel of the water hot on her body. She washed thoroughly. She wrapped a towel around herself and walked to her closet, picking out a long one-shoulder burgundy satin dress. I’ll give you classy. She styled her hair retro curls resting on one side. Her makeup and understated jewelry finished the look.

  Taking a look at the clock on the living room wall, Vienna sat down on the sofa and waited for Ashley.

  Fifteen minutes later, the bell buzzed—Ashley’s BMW outside of Vienna’s gates. Vienna pressed the button to open the gate and headed outside.

  “Hey. You look amazing.” Vienna greeted Ashley as she got out of the car to open the passenger door for Vienna, complementing her.