om, click the lock when I shut it, and head strai

s overcome with the fear that owned

o pull a Kleenex from the box by the sink. Bracing my hands on the counte

in the city meeting with a new potenti

en I didn't have a leg to stand on. And another to allow the tremors and the doubt and the fear and the holy shit to own every part of my bo

ck wig-with impeccable makeup and clothes expensive looking enough to rival Carte

ls. No jerks thinking they get more than what they've paid for

n I received the text earlier. And you challenged him and stood your ground

rivilege, material items, reputation, power-but i

r of my appearance, I prepare myself to

legs are crossed at the knee, and a highball glass filled with vodka is in her hands. Even

, Vee," she says b

kay?"

ot bobs up and down as she brings the drink to her lips with an unsteady hand. I fight

se I

ss. That's it. If I look to them for friendship or approval, I'm only settin

wa

ard, and when your guard i

issed.

u shou

r heels thumping on the thick carpet, the champagne color of the decor a soft hu

lay a hand on you. He paid for companionship, Lo. A date to be

he one line I repeatedly drill into my girls' heads. The one caveat that

ill in

oba

yond the window, and I thank God that if this were to happen

book two rooms per gig. I used to be pissed at how much of m

vers the cost. That's wh

get it. Now I understand. Getting through that door to a safe space was all I could think about. Telling him I had blindfolds and bindings in here that he could use on me was the only way

and the one who I butt heads with. I nod, even though

're not doing this for our health now, are we?" She turns to look at

el like a riot of chaos inside. "Exactly, and that's why the

with the smudged mascara and her bloodshot eyes.

I'd take c

just

right in

s still on s