Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 144(@200wpm)___ 115(@250wpm)___ 96(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 144(@200wpm)___ 115(@250wpm)___ 96(@300wpm)
Ramona shoots me a droll look.
“You think?”
I giggle.
“Okay yeah, so we’re definitely walking on the wild side. But is there something else?”
My friend sighs deeply. “I guess we haven’t really talked much about why I’m at Club Z,” my buddy says quietly. Then Ramona goes silent, picking at invisible lint on my bedspread, so I take the initiative.
“You’re doing it for the money of course! That, and the hot sex with billionaires,” I grin.
But Ramona doesn’t look up, continuing to worry a loose thread on my bedspread.
“Yeah, but the thing is that you know I’m just in New York for the summer right? That I’m actually from the Midwest?”
I nod.
“Yes, but lots of peeps in NYC are from other places. There’s no such thing as a true New Yorker, in my opinion, and I’ve lived here for my whole life. I mean, I’m not ‘more’ New York than anyone else.”
Ramona nods, still circling the subject.
“Yes, but I’m actually still in school, so I’m returning to Chicago in the fall. To start my sophomore year of college,” she clarifies in a slightly stiff voice.
“No shit,” I say in a slow voice. “Wow. You’re real smart then.”
Ramona looks up and smiles briefly.
“Yes, but not that smart because my school’s expensive. Tuition these days is up the wazoo, and my family, while comfortable, isn’t really able to help me. That’s why I’m here.”
I stare at her.
“So you’re working as a hostess to earn money for school?”
Ramona nods and bites her lip, looking down again.
“Yeah.”
I wave my hand and pshaw.
“That’s nothing to be ashamed of! Hell, girl, that’s really amazing and totally legit. I’m glad you’re putting your earnings to good use.”
Ramona’s smile is a little trembly, but then she shakes her head.
“Yeah, but the problem is that my family and friends back in Chicago actually think I’m here for an internship. They think I’m working at a really prestigious architectural firm for the summer, but the fact is that I’m actually using this summer to moonlight as a sex worker to make as much money as possible.”
I stare at her.
“Holy shit. Really? No one knows what you’re really out here for?”
She bites her lip and shakes her head.
“No, because I’d be embarrassed and ashamed. My family would be shocked too. More than shocked. I think my parents would have a heart attack if they found out what I was really up to.”
I raise my eyebrows. “But is there someone who could help with tuition? Maybe a loan, even if there’s crazy interest?”
Ramona shakes her head, her brown curls falling over her shoulders with the move. “No, I wish. Honestly, I didn’t even ask because there’s no one in my social circle that has the money, so there was no point. So here I am,” she says with a small smile. “Secret sex party hostess extraordinaire.”
“Wow,” I say respectfully. “It must be so hard leading a double life, girl. But what do you say when your parents ask you about work?” I ask as my friend sits up straight, stretching a bit.
She shrugs. “I’m just really vague, like ‘oh I learned about all kinds of new roofing techniques today,’ which I know is silly, but they seem to buy it. I mean, it’s not like they know anything about architecture, so they wouldn’t even know where to start questioning my lie.”
I nod.
“Wow,” is my murmur, humbled by Ramona’s situation and feeling a tad guilty for how fortunate I’ve been when it comes to money. “Well, it could be worse,” I say slowly. “At least all of the guys at Club Z are rich and handsome. Not to mention they have more money than they know what to do with. It’s practically leaking out of their ears sometimes.”
Ramona giggles a little, sitting down on my bed. “Yeah, or spurting out of their crotches. But life is what it is, right? Besides, I’ll be honest and admit that although I thought this was going to be a terrible experience, it’s actually been amazing. I guess I’m a ho because I adore working at Club Z. It’s kind of nice turning off the lights upstairs, and just being a sex toy for rich men sometimes,” she admits with a blush.
“Oh girl, trust me, I know,” I gush. “I love it too and I’m just doing it for kicks. You know I don’t need the money, right?” I ask.
Ramona nods.
“I kind of guessed when you invited me to this townhouse the first time. I mean it’s huge. Do you live here alone?” she whispers with awe.
I shake my head.
“No need to whisper because it’s only me and Sam here, and he’s never at home. So it’s basically just me rattling around this giant house by myself, kind of like the heroine from that book Rebecca. Or was it Flowers in the Attic? I always get so confused.”