chapter 1
fiction
HUFFINGTON
09.23.12
and brought him coffee and when he seemed calm and satisfied, she sat down with him at the table.
“You’re being so loving,” he said. “What a week we had,
didn’t we?” He warmed his palms against the mug. “And you
look great in that suit, Janet. Like one hot businesswoman.”
She brought a piece of paper onto the table. And then
nodded, as if to signal herself to begin.
“I know it’s odd,” she said, with no introduction, “but
for whatever reason, I can’t seem to summon up any desire
right now to do it without payment.” Her voice was the same
one from the lingerie store when she’d walked out with the
bustier on. “I need a specific
amount, each time,” she said,
“or,” clearing her throat, “I feel
SHE ADJUSTED
I will melt into nothingness.”
THE CUFFS OF HER
She adjusted the cuffs of her
SUIT JACKET SO
suit jacket so that the buttons
lined up right with the gateway
THAT THE BUTTONS
into her hand.
LINED UP RIGHT
“What’s that paper?”
WITH THE GATEWAY
“Just for notes.”
INTO HER HAND.
“Are you going somewhere
later?” he asked, sipping his
coffee.
“Did you hear what I said?”
“I’m getting to that,” he said. “You’re just all dressed up,
I was trying now to figure out why.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” she said coldly. “I dressed
up for you.”
He replaced his coffee in the center of the small white
napkin. “Well, you look very nice,” he said. “As usual. But
Janet,” he said, “please, will you tell me why, more money,
why? If it’s to please me, I am so pleased. You and I had a
wonderful time this week and I will remember it forever.”
“Me too,” she said, nodding. “Forever.”