It's remarkable how a heavy snow can temporarily transform the dusty old city into a wonderland. Traffic slows and is hushed, and pedestrians take time to actually look at their changed surroundings. Sure, it'll turn to slush by tomorrow, but for a little while at least, the often-harsh city lights are softly reflected on the white coating and blurred through the falling snow. Even the eternal noise of the city is muted. The Friday night crowds lining up for admission in the theater district look festive under the colorful marquees, the coats and hats of the theater goers dusted with snow.
The slowed traffic is a mixed blessing, though. I sat in the cab, stalled, fidgeting with impatience as we sat there, the meter ticking away. I wanted to get to Sly's apartment early enough to change into my working clothes: my diaphanous teddy, and stockings and heels, before my client arrived. I hoped that he too would be stuck in traffic. I knew Sly would not be pleased if I were late and he was forced to entertain an impatient client until I got there. Sly's social skills have improved considerably since I met him, but they're still pretty primitive. Like many big guys he is usually taciturn, and he doesn't have a lot of small talk suitable for clients. A rough life on the streets doesn't make for a lot of topics of general interest.
"Clients"? Yes, that's what I call them, and after considerable effort ("nagging", he calls it) I've managed to get Sly to call them that too. Sure, I sell sex, but I like to think of myself as a professional, and Sly's original word sounded harsh to me. Besides, I only work as a professional party girl part time: during the day I'm a copy reader for a prestigious law firm in the city. If you're wondering how I got into this business, it's a bit of a long story, but to make it short let's just say Sly blackmailed me into putting out for some of his friends, whereupon we both discovered (a) I had a talent for the business, and (b) I rather liked it, both the money and the sex. As a result, Sly suggested a partnership and I agreed. It's been a fun and profitable ride ever since.
Eventually I made it to Sly's apartment. And, as luck would have it, the client was late as well.
"Jesus, Princess," Sly said by way of greeting, "where the fuck've you been. It's late."
"I love you too," I said. "And hello. It may not have permeated into your little insulated world, here, but it's snowing out there."
"Don't be a fuckin' smartass, hunh? I know it's snowin'. Ya shoulda left earlier."
Sly is sensitive to the enormous discrepancy between my lily-white upper-class background and his own and resents being reminded of it. Usually I'm careful, but once in a while I let it show. Too, as our respect for each other's abilities and contributions to our little enterprise has grown he's become more tolerant, which has allowed me to relax my censor a bit.
I smiled at him to take the sting out. I really do like Sly, and don't want to hurt him. He's been very decent to me since we've been partners. It helps too, that well beneath his tough and cynical exterior he's a pretty good guy.
"Anyway," I said, I've got time to get dressed. If he gets here before I'm ready, the anticipation will do him wonders. Just let him sit and think. Now, tell me a little more about the guy, will you? You didn't say much over the phone."
"He's a pretty well-heeled businessman, near as I can make out. What I got was that he had just scored a big deal or a promotion or somethin' and wants to celebrate. You're part of the celebration."
"You mean like the lady who pops up out of the cake?"
He smiled. "Yeah, sorta. But without the cake, okay?"
"I'll do what I can."
"Atta girl, Princess. You're the best."
Sometimes I think Sly feels the need to be my coach. It's cute.
I went into the bedroom where I keep my various outfits for entertaining clients in Sly's apartment. I chose a frilly little red nylon number with matching stockings and heels. It seemed somehow celebratory. Also, it draped nicely over my breasts, and the thong was more discreet than most, suitable for a 'businessman', yet still quite accessible.
When I came out, Sly looked me over carefully. He smiled his approval. "Nice," he said, which for Sly is exuberant praise.
A few minutes later the bell rang. Showtime. I headed for the bedroom. Through the door I heard Sly admitting the client and going over terms with him. In a minute he opened the bedroom door to reveal me standing there, looking provocative. I appreciated the way the client's eyes got wide, and then he smiled and turned to Sly.
"Jesus, she's gorgeous. You weren't kidding." He turned back to me, and I'm pretty sure Sly ceased to exist for him. In any case, Sly discretely retired to a corner chair to keep a watchful eye on the proceedings. I prefer having him nearby on incalls in case things go pear shaped. If a client objects, he'll go to the bedroom. Most don't, though. Some even like an audience.
"What's your name, Honey?"
"Vicki," I said. "With an i."
"I like it. And I like you. A lot."