LISA

Okay, I've said it. I've planted the suggestion in her mind. Jennie wanted me; I could see it in her eyes, and I wonder if she sensed the same desire in mine. She disappeared so fast I barely saw her leave, her tires screeching as she drove off. Last week, she didn't leave until ten am, so I know she's early and has too much time on her hands to think. I imagine her sitting in the car in front of the yoga studio, wondering what the fuck just happened. Flushed, taking long, deep breaths in the driver's seat, her eyes closed and her head tilted back, exposing her delicate, elegant neck. A rush of arousal courses through me and I imagine running my tongue over it. I didn't mean to make her feel uncomfortable, but she'll come around and I'm confident she won't file a complaint against me.

My flirting was reckless, but I don't regret it. Although I desperately wanted to kiss her and I believe she may have welcomed my mouth, I couldn't. Not only because it would have been highly inappropriate considering I'm here to work but also because it would have sent out the message that I'm seriously into her. Yes, I find myself drawn to her, but she can never know that. This way, if she books me, I get to sleep with a woman I'm attracted to and Jennie gets to explore her sexuality and feel very, very satisfied afterward.

My clients feel good after a visit from me, not because I'm so amazing at what I do, but because they crave physical contact and attention, and because deep down, they've always been curious about women. I've been doing this work for three years and I've yet to come across an 'out' lesbian client. Most of them are straight, or so they claim, and it's liberating for them to let go without having to worry about their family finding out, or their friends judging them. They don't have to stress about being a good lover in an unknown territory either. They can simply lie back and enjoy the ride. Jennie is no different and if she takes the plunge, I know I can make her feel amazing. And if she changes her mind and decides women are not her thing, well, then at least I've helped her figure that part out.

It was a lucky coincidence that my Tuesday night became available. Worried that Mrs. Ashworth was getting too invested after our run in during lunch, Jihyo cancelled her standing booking. I'm not comfortable with her talking to Lily and knowing where I live, and I don't want to see her again. Certain clients have gone a step too far over the years, following me around or declaring their eternal love, and that's the point where I call it a day. I'm not on social media and they don't know my real name but people with money have a way of figuring out what I don't want them to know. There is no love between an escort and a client; it's all in their heads. It's a fantasy that would never work in real life, but some fail to acknowledge that. I simply don't see how a transaction and feelings can go hand in hand, they're two entirely different concepts. Love is not for sale, ever, and love can only develop when the circumstances are realistic. Everything else is just a jumble of false emotions and desire.

When the front door slams and the housekeeper walks in, I realize I've been daydreaming, still standing next to the terrace table where Jennie left me with my coffee in hand.

"Good morning. It's Lisa, right?" She says, leaning against the back door. "I'm Nola."

"Yes, good morning, Nola. How are you?"

"I'm good, thank you. Is Miss Kim not in?" She glances over her shoulder around the open living space, then out at the yard.

"She went to yoga," I say, and down my coffee. "She just left."

"Oh." Nola frowns as she checks her watch, then walks back into the kitchen. "Do you want another coffee?" she asks, turning on the machine.

"No thank you, I'd better get back to work." I don't think Nola hears me as the sound of grinding beans echoes through the kitchen.

"How is Barry?" she yells over the noise.

"I'm not sure," I say honestly. "I don't know him very well, but they've scheduled me in for six weeks, so I suppose that's when they expect him to be back at work."

"Okay, I hope he recovers." Just as I'm about to turn back to the pool, Nola brings two coffees over. "Anyway, if I'll be seeing you on a regular basis, we might as well get to know each other, right?" She hands me a cup. "I'm here three to four days a week, just half days. Miss Kim doesn't make much mess on her own, so I work for other people too."

"Jen—" I stop myself there. "Miss Kim seems like a nice person to work for."

Nola shoots me a puzzled look, aware that I was about to use her first name. She stares at me for a beat, then continues without enquiring further. "Yes, she's very kind. I promise you won't have any trouble working here. Where do you live?"

"Sag Harbor. I have an apartment on Main Street."

Nola whistles through her teeth. "That's pricey. How can you afford that?"

I'm not surprised she asks me this. We're both staff on basic pay, no different to each other and Sag Harbor is pricey indeed. Truth is, if it wasn't for my escort job, we would have still lived with my father. "It's only small. I make it work."

"Hmm…" She pauses and regards me again. "I live in Holbrook, close to the airport. In a basement apartment with my husband and two kids," she adds. "Troublemakers, all of them including my husband. Are you married?"

"No, but I have a young daughter."

"Oh..." Nola sits down and props her feet up. "Tell me about her." She clearly has no intention of doing any work quite yet. Glancing at my watch, then at the spotless pool, I decide that I can spare another five minutes, so I sit down with her and enjoy the morning sun.