“Hm?” Cassi asks.
“I know you both hooked up. We’ve never shared details, though, which isn’t like us. Now you know why I didn’t share mine because, I mean, I wasn’t exactly proud. Your turn bitches—spill.”
I panic for a moment, not sure if I’m ready to fess up yet, and then my phone rings. It’s just my mom, but I’ll take any kind of distraction right now.
“Oh, got to take this. See you guys later!” I cry and quite literally run off.
“Hello?” I answer, once I’m far enough away.
“Hi, sweetie. Sorry to bother you. I just wanted to know what you’d like for dinner tonight?”
I can’t help but laugh. “Anything is good with me, Mom.”
It’s been over two weeks since I’ve seen or heard from Kolter. Which isn’t surprising, I suppose. I went years without seeing or hearing from him last time, so I think it’s safe to say he’s gone for good. Again.
Mom still watches the door at each family dinner, even after Nick’s told her he isn’t coming. I hate how much it hurts her that he chose his dad over her; that he chose people who turned their backs on him over his true family.
Cassi and I were able to make up. I apologized for how judgmental and out of line I was; she apologized for throwing my virginity in my face. Honestly, though, I don’t blame her for doing so. I don’t think it was just out of malice. She’s on to something, and it’s time I rip off the dang Band-Aid.
That’s how I’ve ended up back at X—the elusive, brandless sex club that started all three of us down this journey. I didn’t tell anyone I was coming. In hindsight, maybe that wasn’t a great idea. Though this is much safer than going out downtown and possibly getting roofied, I still can’t help but feel… nervous.
I stare at myself in the bathroom mirror, then close my eyes and blow out a deep breath. “You can do this. You are sexy, you are desired. Anyone would be happy to snatch your V-card off you. Tonight is the night.”
Feeling more secure after my little pep talk, I wash my hands then slip out of the bathroom. There’s an employee standing at the bottom of the stairs with a tablet in his hand who smiles at me when I make eye contact.
I do my best to hide the subtle shaking in my hands as I make my way towards him.
“Hi. Um, I was wondering where I could find a partner for, um, sex?”
Cringe. Could the ground maybe swallow me up now please?
The man smiles at me patiently. “I always suggest mingling at one of our many bars to ensure you make the right match. If you’re looking for something a little less personal, though, you can simply step into one of our rooms and hang a colored card on the door handle. Silver means you’re looking for a single partner. Gold means you’re looking for many. Red is… well, I think you’ll be set with silver or gold.”
I nod. “And, um, where do I find these cards? And the rooms?” I wince. “Sorry.”
He shakes his head and smiles as he gestures someone over. “Not a problem. Claudette will take you where you need to go. A private room please. One where she can invite a partner. Will you also show her the cards?”
“Of course.” She smiles at me. “This way.”
I follow the pretty woman up the stairs.
“Is this your first time here?” she asks.
“No, I just haven’t done… this part before.”
She looks back at me, attempting to conceal her smile. “Well, let me tell you, looking the way you do, I don’t think you’ll have any trouble at all finding a partner for the night.”
Her tone is warm, encouraging. She basically just told me I’d have no problem getting laid in the same way a stranger would tell you they love your skirt. It’s a little strange how different this world is, and I can’t help but laugh.
When we reach the private rooms, Claudette opens an empty one for me and lets me inside.
Instantly, my jaw is on the floor. Holy moly. This is way nicer than the other rooms I experienced. Everything is luxe, leather and… posh? But like in a BDSM kind of way. It’s hard to explain. I definitely didn’t expect anything near this nice.
I turn to Claudette. “Who pays for all of this?” I ask.
“Hm?”
“The rooms, the entertainment. I haven’t been asked to pay for a thing besides drinks both times I’ve been inside. I can’t help but wonder who funds this place.”