Page 43 of Her Patron
Holly pouted, hand on cheek.What do I say beyond that?They weren’t friends. They were barely good at faking a mutual sexual attraction for the right clients. That was part of being a professional. Something Holly still had trouble getting a grip on from time to time.
Before June could find a new way to reprimand her again, Holly slapped her hand over her eyes, refusing to cry.
Ah, shit. All June could do was sit on the edge of the young woman’s bed and pat her on the back. No sense saying anything. What could she say? Whatever bothered Holly was deeply personal. Like no two employees of the Manoir had the same experience or relationship with sex as another, no two could know how to console each other about it. Yet part of June’s job as courtesan liaison was to interpret what was happening behind the scenes and do something about it, if applicable.
“I don’t know what it was like for you before you came here,” June said, “but you need to know that this is a place where your safety is the most important thing. No one has the right to even pay you to treat you like that.”
“Has anyone done that to you?”
“Many times. Not in a long, long time, though.”
“Why do you keep doing this? Don’t you get tired of it?”
Here we go. Everyone wanted to know why June hadn’t retired by thirty.
“I do it because I love it. It’s not my job. It’s my career. It’s okay if you think it’s a job and that you will move on when the time is right. Don’t let anyone tell you that it’s not okay to enjoy what you do here. Likewise, it’s okay to have a bad day, or to realize that it’s not always going to be great.” Nothing worse than a newbie who had romanticized it all. “We’re in a unique situation, because most people treat what we do with disrespect and disdain. Most of what we do here is unregulated and illegal. Monique and I work every day to make sure you’re safe and that we all don’t get arrested. This is one of the best places you could work to make money.”
“I guess.”
Oh, the young. That was as close to“I guess you’re right”that June was going to get from Holly. “I simply want to make sureyou understand that this was not acceptable, no matter what. We can’t have those types of clients coming around, let alone spreading the word that we allow that shit. It’s not just your safety. It’s our reputation. Our reputation means the best, well-paying, and respectful clients.”
“They’re not all respectful.”
“This is true. Unfortunately, it’s the nature of our business.” June put a sturdy hand on Holly’s shoulder. “Are we okay here? You can take the night off if you want.”
“No way. I’ve got appointments to keep. One of those clients could become my patron.”
“I’m sure Monique is going to focus on you as soon as my business is settled. Don’t worry. We won’t expand what we’re doing until you’re secured here.”
“Good. I’m tired of being the new girl. Hire some more so I can have my peace.”
June left Holly in her room, but made sure the bedroom door was ajar. If Holly really wanted it closed, she could get up and do it herself.
“Everything all right?” Monique asked at the top of the grand staircase. “That man won’t be coming back here again. I’m glad you kept an eye on it.”
“She’s fine.” Probably. “You should talk to her later, though. Give her some space now.”
“I don’t doubt it. She reminds me a lot of you.”
June was taken aback. “How so?”
“Do I have to tell you? She’s ambitious and knows how to play her game. She’s going to make us a lot of money here as soon as she matures a bit. I’ve already got regular clients of hers asking about patronage.”
“She’ll be glad to hear that.”
“I’m sure, but like you, she’s also stubborn.”
“I won’t argue with that.” June shrugged. “At least I know how to pick my battles.”
“You’re ten years older than her. I should hope so.” Monique turned toward the hallway. “You’ve got an appointment with Ms. Bolivar to get ready for, right?”
“She could show up to me, brushing my teeth in a parka, and would throw thousands of dollars at me.”
“Be that as it may, we have an image to uphold.”
June went to her room, finished her toenail upkeep, and dithered between a gold dress or a crimson pantsuit to entertain her patron that night. She’s never seen me in a pantsuit before. That could be fun. With any luck, Miquela would be okay with stalling sex so they could enjoy themselves in the rooms that night. There was a movie (and strip poker) party slated for eight, and June wanted in. The more clothes she wore with the pantsuit, the more likely she would win the tournament. Miquela is a master of cards, right? Her family runs casinos…
As her stomach rumbled for dinner, Monique appeared. Her face was flushed.
