Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26238 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 105(@250wpm)___ 87(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26238 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 105(@250wpm)___ 87(@300wpm)
Nella nods because she gets it. “Good things take time to unfold, girlfriend. You’ll find your exit if that’s what you’re looking for,” she reassures. “Just you wait!”
But I have big plans, and take a deep breath to let Nella in on them.
“Actually, I’ve decided to move on sooner rather than later. You don’t want the agency to have the “talk” with you after all, you know the one where they tell you you’re not a fit anymore, yada yada yada. So I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands, and tonight’s the night. I’m going on my last City Girls date tonight, Nells.”
My friend squeals.
“Are you serious?”
I pause while applying blush.
“Yeah definitely. I’ve been saving a lot, and I finally have enough to open a candy store. You know I’ve wanted to for a super long time, right? Can you believe it, Nells? Me, a small business owner?”
My friend merely nods and laughs.
“Oh my god, that’s so great, Sansa,” she replies animatedly. “What is it going to be called? Have you thought of a name?”
“A Mouthful of Sweets,” I proclaim proudly.
She laughs. “OMG, that’s perfect.”
“Thank you!” I giggle. “I thought so myself too.”
But my friend isn’t done. “I have to say though, I’m a little surprised, Sans. I always thought you’d end up opening some sort of health and wellness center because you’re so health-conscious, right? Candy, on the other hand …”
I laugh.
“I know, I know. But no one can live on beet juice and tofu forever. Everyone needs something to perk them up sometimes, and that thing can be candy. Besides, candy is fun. I plan to channel my artistic instincts into creating the most colorful, sweet, and joyful treats to eat in all of New York City.”
“OMG, it’s going to be amazing,” my friend enthuses. “I can’t wait to see what you create.”
“But in the meantime,” I groan, my mood shifting to a momentary state of dread, “I have to get through one more City Girls date. Just one more, and then it’ll be done.”
“Have you told Marlene yet?” Nella asks, referring to our manager.
“No, but I will as soon as tonight’s over. I’m going to go on the date, come home, shoot her an email, and then presto bingo! I’ll be out and able to devote all my attention to A Mouthful of Sweets.”
Nella nods with understanding.
“Still, girlfriend, you never know what City Girls will bring,” she says in a sly voice. “Maybe you’ll even enjoy yourself tonight. Anything can happen, after all.”
I laugh at this outlandish thought. It’s been so long since I’ve enjoyed myself while being an escort. It’s not that the clients are so terrible per se, it’s just that I have no more enthusiasm for this lifestyle anymore. Sometimes, I feel like if I smile any harder, my face will crack open like a porcelain doll that’s been hit a bit too hard on the head.
“Yeah, hopefully tonight will be okay. I’m sure the client will be fine,” I say. Nella laughs gently, but reiterates her point.
“You never know,” she repeats in a sing-song voice. “Leave yourself open to possibility, girlfriend. Let your chakra flow.”
Then, my phone dings, and I start. Oh shit, time’s slipping by and I’m going to be late for my date if I don’t hurry.
“Listen Nells, thanks for talking, but I’ve got to fly. I’ll chat with you later, okay? Give Cassidy and Claire a kiss for me.”
“Of course,” she laughs. “So long as the girls hold still long enough for their kisses!”
With that, my buddy wishes me luck before we hang up, and to my surprise, I’m actually sort-of looking forward to my date now. I think it’s because I know it’s my last one ever, so I want to exit with a flourish and feel good about myself. I head to my closet and begin thumbing through various cocktail dresses, looking for the perfect one for this evening. I’m meeting tonight’s client at the Hotel Verve, a trendy venue known for its thirty-dollar cocktails and well-heeled guests. It’s important I look elegant, yet modern and sexy too.
Ah, I’ve got just the thing. I pull a vibrant red cocktail dress out from the closet and instantly know that this is the one. The material hugs my curves and makes me look va-va-voom but not trampy with its modest sweetheart neckline and mid-thigh hem. I pull out a sexy pair of red heels and a scarlet velour purse to match.
Before leaving the apartment, I take one last look in the mirror. I’ve done my makeup to look natural, yet sexy. My eyes sparkle beneath shimmery brown shadow, and my glossy lips look like they are begging to be kissed. I admire my carefully curled hair, flowing in long waves down my back, which lead to a big, but saucy bottom. I give it a waggle before giggling and turning to leave. My date tonight is going to be blown away, which is neither here nor there given the circumstances. He could be a troll, a gremlin, or a dwarf, but it’s all good because I’m going to enjoy myself no matter what. After that, it’s goodbye City Girls … and hello, my new life.