I glanced toward the door just as my friend Melody strolled in. Well, Melody seldom just walks anywhere; she makes an entrance. We've been close friends since high school. Though I'm twenty-four now, working and settled, I'm still living down a reputation because of the wild behavior Mel and I got up to. I mean, we never got into trouble; it was mainly sexual adventurism. Promiscuity would not be a far-off description.
Melody could easily be a model. She is tall and slinky with blondish hair, enhanced by an expensive salon. Every male eye was instantly on her. I must say, though, that I'd drawn plenty of attention myself while I sat at the bar. I'm just 5'2" and petite, but I have a classic figure, a narrow waist, and large firm breasts that are completely natural. I don't wish to sound conceited, but we were both used to being noticed.
The bartender was accommodating and kept us well-supplied with exotic but potent cocktails. We talked and laughed together for some time between interruptions from men trying their luck. Melody's phone sounded, and she excused herself to take the call. We were ready to move to a nearby restaurant for dinner, but the bartender brought two more drinks. "Compliments of that gentleman," he told me. I looked in the direction he indicated. The man was probably fifty, not particularly handsome but obviously well-heeled. Most likely a wealthy business type.
I nodded my appreciation for the drink. I suppose he took that for encouragement because he approached my stool. "I was hoping to speak for just a moment," he began, "I realize you're probably busy this evening, but I'd like to arrange an appointment for another time."
He thought I was an escort! Before I could correct that notion, he continued, "My son's eighteenth birthday is Saturday, and I want to give him something he'll never forget. You're stunning in every respect, exactly what I had in mind."
Well, I supposed I should take that as a compliment. "If you give me your business number, I'll call tomorrow to arrange details," he continued. "Any donation you require won't be an issue."
I started to object but hesitated. His assumption didn't astonish me because this had happened to me once or twice. As I said, Melody and I have attracted male attention since our teens. I only had my regular smartphone, but I let him have that number. Please don't ask what I was thinking. I don't know.
The next day, he texted me to ask if speaking was convenient. I slipped into an empty office for privacy and took the call. He proposed meeting him and his son for dinner at an upscale DC hotel. He'd arrange a room there, too. After dinner, I'd accompany his son to the room and... entertain him. For fun, or so I told myself, I'd considered a possible fee for my services, and decided that $1000 an hour was in the range. He threw me a little when he said he'd like to book me 'dinner til breakfast.'