His Virgin
By: Nikki ChaseKatie always has way more friends than I do, both because I’m always busy working and because it takes time for me to warm up to someone. I’d have no social life without her.
I brace myself.
“Okay. You know how I’m saving up for the Europe trip?” Katie adjusts her position and leans closer conspiratorially
“You only talk about it, like, seven times a day.”
“Okay. Good. So. Um, I'm just going to say it.” Katie takes a deep breath. This is not a good sign. A sane person about to deliver a sane idea doesn't get that nervous. “Lingerie waitress.”
“What?” I can't believe what I’m hearing. Even by Katie's standards, this is crazy.
“Lingerie waitress,” she repeats.
“I heard you the first time. I just can't believe you're actually considering this. Isn't that, like, illegal or something?”
“It's not prostitution, Daisy.” Katie rolls her eyes. “It's just like any of your other waitressing jobs, only you do it while wearing lingerie.”
“I can be a waitress elsewhere.”
“Sure you can, but do any of those other jobs pay $5,000 per night?”
My eyes widen in shock—and greed, too, I suppose. I raise my hand and hold up my palm, all five fingers outstretched. “$5,000? Are you serious?”
“Dead serious.” Katie’s eyes shine with excitement. She knows she’s caught my interest.
I mentally make calculations in my head. I think about the bills, the debts, the due dates, and the portion of my pay check that will be left after taking care of the essentials like rent and food.
I could really use the money.
“Don't think about it too much. This is a no-brainer. That's a crazy amount of money for one night’s work. If you think about it, it's just like working at Hooters, except you wear a little less clothing.”
I turn to look at Katie like she’s a genius. “You're right. I didn't see it that way. Yeah, it is just like working at Hooters. What's wrong with that?”
“Nothing,” Katie says.
“Nothing,” I parrot. Is this starting to sound not-crazy or have I gone crazy?
“We're really lucky with the timing. They don't usually have vacancies because the job pays so well, but they just had a bunch of girls quit and now that it's party season, they're overwhelmed and understaffed. An opportunity like this doesn't come often.” Katie levels her gaze at me. “So, you're in, right?”
“No, wait. I mean, give me some time to think.”
“The party's tomorrow night. I know you're not working tomorrow, so it's perfect.”
“Tomorrow?”
“Yeah. That's why they urgently need girls,” Katie says.
“Are you sure there won't be anything...weird?”
“Well, depends on what you consider weird. Knowing you, you’re probably worried about safeguarding your precious virginity.” Katie rolls her eyes.
“It’s not precious, Katie. It just hasn’t happened yet. That’s all.”
“Okay. Whatever. Since we’ll basically be walking around in our underwear, talking to men, some of them are probably going to try something. Like, you might get offers. But there’s security.
“To be honest, I do know a couple of girls who have actually taken the men up on their offers. They did it out of their own free will and they got paid really well. These men are super rich. If you’re interested, you may be able to charge a premium for your virginity.” Katie grins and raises one eyebrow.
I frown. That seems seedy as hell.
“Don't worry, it's a high-class event at some swanky private house. Important people will be there, people who don't want to risk their reputations over some scandal with regular girls like us. Why bother when they can date supermodels?”
“That doesn't sound too dangerous,” I admit.
“Of course not. I wouldn't drag you into dangerous situations.” Katie pauses when she sees the look I’m giving her. “Okay, maybe once or twice I’ve tried, but you're too smart to get involved in something dangerous. I can tell you already think it's worth trying. Believe in yourself,” Katie says, emphasizing the last sentence like she’s some motivational speaker.
