The Girlfriend Experience: (Closed Thread)

[The_gladiator]

The Girlfriend Experience
By Glad and SandS


Daniel “Dan” Thompson paced in his hotel room glaring at the phone in his hand. A part of him hoped that his irritation with the person on the other end didn’t translate into his tone of voice.

“No Mom, I just came into the city tonight, I’m at my hotel now… … no Mom I don’t want to come out to the house tonight… … yes I know my old room is still there.” Dan would have to spend days with his family, in that very room. There was no need to begin the “torture” any sooner than necessary.

“You know how I am Mom, I like my space that’s why I moved away… … yes mom I know this is a very important wedding … … yes I haven’t forgotten about the family reunion either… … yes I know half of the town will be at the wedding.” He rolled his eyes, even more reason not to go there tonight. The town was not very big and if he did, he would have to see everyone and he already had a big old weekend full of the whole fam damnly to look forward to. “” Mom, my girlfriend and I haven’t had a night to ourselves in a while, both our schedules have been very busy.” He said trying to make up a plausible excuse for why he wasn’t going out to the old homestead tonight. “Yes, Mom I brought my girlfriend, you’ll get to meet her tomorrow I promise.” He assured his mother and finally was able to get off the phone.

Taking a deep breath Dan let it out slowly. He sat down on the edge of the bed telling himself he had to relax. Some of what he told his mother was true; some of it was a lie. He was meeting his “Girlfriend” tonight. However, she really wasn’t his girlfriend and it hadn’t been a long time since they had seen one another. In actuality, Dan had placed a call into a high-class escort service to hire a woman to come in and be his date. This wedding was a big deal. His oldest brother, the Mayor of their little town was getting married. There would then be a family reunion the next day, and probably bunches of other get togethers surrounding this one huge wedding. Dan of course was expected to be there. Despite the fact that he lived multiple states away; he was still expected to come home for the occasion. Moreover, Dan was even supposed to be in the wedding, all the brothers were. One might ask why Dan was so reluctant to go; Dan loved his family, but he didn’t always like them. Just as an example, they constantly tried to get him to date tons of girls, wanting to know why he didn’t have a girlfriend. They didn’t like the excuse that he was busy with work, or they didn’t like the excuse he was awkward around women. The truth was Dan had a terrible history with previous lovers and dates. Experiences so bad, that he had just given up one day. He had chosen to hire the escort both because he needed a date for this all-important wedding, and it would silence his family about why didn’t he have a girlfriend.

She was due to arrive any moment. They would have this Thursday night to get to know one another to perfect their act so to speak, to become boyfriend and girlfriend, before the rehearsal dinner the next day, to be followed by the big day after that.

Dan tried not to mess up his neatly brushed brown hair. He was still in his business suit, figuring that it would make a better impression on the woman he was meeting than the jeans or sweatpants he longed to be in. His green eyes flicked from his watch to the door. He had never met an escort before; he wondered what she would be like. He also wondered how much she had been told by the person Dan had spoken to on the phone. Would he have to explain the entire situation to her? The 30-year-old businessman made himself take a deep breath. He hoped that the woman he met would be at least his age. He just didn’t want a 21-year-old that he wouldn’t even know how to talk to, but at this point he figured he really couldn’t afford to be picky. His watch now showed that she was 2 minutes late. He took a deep breath and tried to make himself relax, why in the world was he so nervous anyway?


(Narrator's Note: This introduction, minus some edits was once part of a thread that was done over 8 years ago. Please join me and SandS13 as we spin a new tale from an old storyline.

 

[SandS13]

Her make up was perfect, natural looking but polished. Her hair was loose, red and wavy down to almost her hips. She had had it trimmed two weeks ago. By then it had been past her ass. It was a source of pride, a bit of vanity and in truth, a security blanket of sorts. Jocelyn also warned her it was a liability. Any man could grab her hair and control her with it.

Emily looked in the mirrored wall and rubbed her lips together. Her lip gloss was a soft pink. It made her rosebud shaped mouth look delicate and kissable. Her blue dress was a simple but flattering cut. She had chosen the classic cocktail dress because she was told her client was a businessman who wanted the girlfriend experience. She figured he was in town on a business trip and wanted to go to a late dinner, drinks. It hadn’t been overly clear how long the contract was going to be for but Jocelyn had said minimum two days. The small suitcase and attached weekender bag had everything Emily needed from toiletries to books, jeans to work out gear. The one other piece of luggage was a suit bag that held a variety of dresses and dress pants as well as some lingerie. She liked to be prepared. She had been doing this for five years now and that experience meant she knew how to plan for just about anything and how to adapt when needed.

Blue eyes stared back at her as her mind drifted to her first few jobs. She had been in debt, as every student without a trust fund seemed to be. It was an easy job. Look pretty on some guys arm and if he paid enough, sleep with him. She had gotten lucky when she connected with Jocelyn and her agency. She was high class enough to vet her clients but not so overpriced that the clientele list was small. Emily had heard horror stories of some of the other girls who had started out in less reputable places. She counted herself lucky that she got in where and when she did. Just like most she said she would be done when she was done school. Yet, here she was with a masters degree in business economics and still doing it. Of course, she hadn’t counted on there only being unpaid internships when she graduated. Everyone wanted years of schooling and experience. Internships were great but a girl had bills and needed to eat so here she was.

She stepped out of the elevator, pulling her suitcase and balancing the suit bag in her other hand. She straightened her back and walked to the hotel room that had been given to her. Emily felt the familiar flutter of nerves that she got every time she met a new client. What would he be like? How tall? How old? She rarely saw men who were close to her age of twenty eight. In truth, most escorts were hired by older men..with about fifty three being the average as far as Emily could tell.

Would he smell nice? Was he nervous or did he do this in every city he travelled to?

Those and other questions moved through her mind as she stopped in front of the door. The suitcase was settled and she used her now free hand to knock lightly on the door.

 

[The_gladiator]

Dan stared again at his watch. The numbers now read that she was 5 minutes late. Maybe she wasn’t coming. Was he ok with that? Should he be pissed, relieved? He would certainly have to call Jocelyn and request a refund. This little venture hadn’t been cheap.

Just then he heard a knock on his door. He bounced off the bed and to his feet, jerking his jacket straight and wiping his almost sweating palms on his pants. He moved quickly to the door. Opening it, he took in the image there before him. She was everything he could have hoped for and more. The blue of her dress matched his suit to perfection, it was like they had planned it. A deep Navy, with a white shirt. He wasn’t good with describing colors, he would have to guess her dress was more of a royal blue color.

He let his eyes sweep down her form, from head to toe and back up. She was a little less than a head shorter than his 5’11” form. She honestly looked like she would partner him well in any dance. He suddenly seemed to realize that he had been checking her out and flushing just a bit he stepped out of the doorway, allowing her to enter. “I’m dan,” he introduced himself offering her a hand once she had entered and set down her bags. He was already impressed with how she seemed to match him in age, and her attire matched his business attire. Though hers was for sure a bit less formal than his, but she looked like she was ready to go out, and he looked like he had come from the office. Somehow, they seemed to go well together.

 

[SandS13]

Emily held her breath as she waited for the door to open. In honesty, he was not what she expected. He was closer to her age than sixty. He was handsome in a way that was actually unsettling. Not bad, just not the sort that typically ordered girls like her. His eyes were soft, kind looking so she wasn't immediately worried that he was the hidden rage sort. They always had this strange gleam in their eyes.

His suit was a nice cut, it spoke of quality. She looked up at him. 5'10...no...12? She was glad she had worn two inch heels. She would look natural on his arm. Emily smiled as he stood there staring at her. He blushed and Emily immediately found it endearing.

She stepped into the room and put her bags down. She took his offered hand. Her nails were perfectly manicured but not the long overdone type. Sculpted, clean, clear gloss and white tips. Her hand was soft. His didn't speak of a man who did manual labour. "Emily, a pleasure to meet you Dan. Do you prefer Dan or would you like me to call you something else?"

"I am told you would like the girlfriend experience but I wasn't told much else about it or you. Can I pour us a drink and you can tell me more about what you are looking for? If you don't drink I can get you water and will refrain from drinking around you." She smiled. "I brought champagne and sparkling water with me." She always did. It helped put them at ease. She was here for them but she wasn't expected to be catered to...unless that was what they wanted. However, this first meeting the first moments were all about setting the scene, the boundaries and learning what they wanted from their time with her.

 

[The_gladiator]

Dan took her hand and shook it. He was struck by the softness of her hand. He could imagine how good it would feel to have her hand caressing his skin. He shut down that line of thinking quickly. It was not helpful. Women were nothing but trouble. That’s why he was paying one, less stress, right?

Though it seemed as if this one wanted to talk, and it made sense for them to discuss things. He honestly was asking a lot of her. “I’ll drink with you.” Perhaps a drink would help to relax him. “I don’t mind drinking, though honestly do a lot less of it than the average member of my family.” He realized after a moment that he had held her hand a bit longer than he probably should have and letting go, he moved to the small table in the room and sat down.

“So, what I’m looking for. I’m not sure what the woman I spoke to on the phone told you, but essentially, I need you to be my girlfriend for a weekend so my family will shut the fuck up. No more gay jokes, what ever the equivalent of a male old maid jokes, I’m just done with them. If a shit hole town can be said to have royalty, then my father is the king of the rodeo.” He paused to make sure she was still with him. Watching as she poured the champagne. “Well, he’s more like the retired king of the rodeo. The new king, well Mayor honestly, my eldest brother is getting married. This weekend involves a rehearsal dinner, a wedding, and a family reunion on Sunday. My mother is so excited that I am finally bringing a girlfriend. My grandmother might not ask me ‘do you enjoy The Butt Sex’ this time.” Dan said unable not to roll his eyes at the butt sex comment. He paused, waiting for her to start running for the door, if he was her, he most certainly would.

 

[SandS13]

When Dan said he would drink Emily smiled. He held her hand still, a good sign. She could sense he was nervous. She had to be a good read of people. It was part of her job.

She pulled the bottle of champagne out. She got two glasses from the little coffee station and popped the cork. She listened intently as she poured them each a glass. Emily approached him, hips swaying just a little as she walked. She moved with ease, not overly sensuous though she could if it was needed. No, now she was looking for relaxed.

Emily slid the glass into his hand, her fingers making contact, silently telling him that it was okay, that she was here and listening. She nodded her head, just a little. "I have a few questions, Dan. Can we sit?" She looked around and took a seat on the end of the bed. She crossed her left leg over her right.

"I can be your girlfriend for the weekend. I can be whatever you need. I would like to know a little more. Firstly, please do not take offense but are you gay or are they simply narrow minded? Secondly, what are some key things they need to see in order for them to not make this weekend a living hell for you?" She smiled. "We can talk other details, like if you prefer displays of affection, would you like me to have a certain job and physical level of connection in a moment."

Her hand raised her glass to her lips and she took a drink of the champagne. Her free hand rested on her lap. As she swallowed she watched him.

 

[The_gladiator]

Dan felt her hand brush over his causing him to shiver, just a bit as she placed the glass in his grip. He took a long swallow as he continued his story. She sat on the bed rather than the chair across from him. It actually gave him a better view of her, a sight that was definitely pleasant. He nodded at her assertion that she had questions, encouraging her to go on.

He spluttered over his drink at her first question and then listened as she practically played out things he hadn’t thought about yet. Her greater experience with this was more than obvious. “Of course, I’m not gay.” He said emphatically, “I mean there’s nothing wrong with those that are gay.” He backpedaled from his vehemence, “I’m just not. I mean there was that one time in college,” here he blushed, “But we don’t talk about that.” He took a deep breath and another drink trying to settle his nerves which were clear in his words to her. “I just don’t have time to meet people, and honestly I’m just done with the drama,” he said throwing up his hands as if to ward off any questions as to why he didn’t have a girlfriend from even her. “And honestly, it’s been so long since I had a girlfriend, I have no idea what I would need for them to leave me be. Girlfriend stuff,” he said with a shrug and a look that said shouldn’t she know what that meant?

 

[SandS13]

He was almost impossibly adorable in his awkwardness. Emily smiled as she raised the glass to her lips once more.

"Of course there is nothing wrong with being gay. I needed to know though. In truth, some of my favourite clients are gay men who need a pretty woman on their arm. Some of the best sex are gay women looking for some company. We all have those one time's." She winked at him.

She uncrossed her leg and recrossed them, right over left now. "Well, as someone who is a professional date I can help you navigate the girlfriend stuff. Your family will have nothing to comment on, I promise."

Emily licked her lips. "I need to know a few more things Dan. Just so we are on the same page, as I said." She licked her lips. "What do you expect from me this weekend Dan? Holding my hand? Kissing me?" She was watching his reactions. "Sex?"

She wondered if he would blush or stumble over himself trying to answer. She bet he had not really thought about it.

"None of which is expected. I am here to do what you wish, to be who you want. Not the other way around."

 

[The_gladiator]

He had a flash of relief when she smoothed over his stumbling words about his sexuality. He felt a flash of relief when she said she could play the part around his family, that his family would not know she wasn’t authentic, and as she said that his smile came and changed his face taking away the awkwardness with a flash of relief.

However, the awkward came right back as she continued on. She was asking very practical things, that he honestly should have thought of. “I uh… wow…” he paused, “I guess in public, hand holding, kissing if the moment seems right, we will be at a wedding, my arm around you, that all sounds reasonable to me…” he said trailing off. He steadfastly avoided the sex question. It had been so long. He of course hadn’t thought about that either. He had hired an escort, it was extremely likely that she would offer to sleep with him, but he hadn’t thought about it, this just seemed a chance to silence the family. However, he was getting the impression she’d only let him dodge the question for so long. He covered his silence with another drink, waiting for her to respond about what he thought of for public displays of affection.

 

[SandS13]

Emily smiled and leaned towards him. "Dan..." Her hand was placed gently on his arm, the gesture meant to comfort and ease his concerns.

"Hand holding, kissing when appropriate, arm around me. Sounds perfect and if at any time you need to change those boundaries you are free to do so, more or less." She nodded to assure him it was all okay."

Her smile softened. "Sex can be on or off the table, at your desire. I am not offended if I am not your type. I am good for impressing family but I am not everyone's cup of tea in terms or what gets them turned on. You don't have to answer the question. I can see you weren't really ready to think about and that is okay. You have a lot of pressure with the whole family weekend."

She pulled her hand away and took a sip of her champagne. "So, what do you do Dan? It will seem very odd if I can't talk about you and your work if we are dating."

 

[The_gladiator]

Dan shivered at her touch, and just that little tell had to tell her he found her attractive. If that didn’t his words spilling out next would. “You’re gorgeous and I couldn’t have found a woman that was more my type physically if I tried… Just the thought of doing that with you…well yeah.” Here he broke off.

He seemed to latch onto the safer topic that she offered him. “I have my hands in a lot of pies honestly.” Dan said, “My degrees are in business. I generally try to make musicians money. I’ve done talent scouting, tour managing. I try to manage anything that has to do with money and contracts. I don’t do artwork, the only artistic bone in my body is the one that allows me to play and experience music, I wouldn’t know good photography or visual art if it bit me in the ass, my art director’s words, not mine,” he said with a chuckle. Just like that he seemed to be relaxing as he spoke about something, he was much more comfortable with. “Of course, my family thinks it’s a bunch of crap, but honestly,” here he spread his arms indicating himself, “Can you imagine this farming, ranching, or mining?” he asked listing the towns biggest industries.

 

[SandS13]

Emily was pleased. He found her attractive. That was a bonus. It would make the act between them easier. The comment spilled from him like water poured from a glass and it make her want to hug him.

She said nothing as he shifted to the safer topic. She laughed as he commented about someone who looked like him farming or ranching. "No, you are right. You don't have the right cowboy with a hint of Brokeback Mountain vibe." She winked, hoping he would get the tease that tied into his family's seemingly liberal use of gay as a joke.

Emily really liked the confidence, the way he settled in and was more sure as he talked about work. "I have a degree in business economics! How funny is that? Well, we certainly have that in common though I know nothing about the music industry."

She leaned forward. "Okay so conversation should be easy to come by between us. How long have we been together?"

 

[The_gladiator]

Her joke made Dan laugh. He could appreciate her humor, and the joke further helped to loosen the tension. “I don’t like sheep nearly enough,” he teased back, “I never saw the movie to be honest,” he finally admitted, “But well played.”

He considered her question, “I haven’t talked about you for too long to my mother, What would be a good length of time so you wouldn’t look like I just asked a coworker to fake it with me, but not so long that we couldn’t make a few mistakes if we forget our story.” He pondered scratching his chin, nails scraping on the barest hint of stubble there, like he’d shaved that morning. “6 months?”

 

[SandS13]

"I would say five or six months, at least that we are still in that getting to know each other, comfortable around each other but haven't moved in together phase."

Emily stood and put her glass down the bureau. "We can talk more about the little details as we go." She approached her suitcases. She took the suit bag and hung it in the closet. She then took her suitcase and weekender bag and put it in the bottom of the closet.

"What would you like to do with the rest of our evening? We could go out, get to know each other over food and drinks, stay in and do the same." She left the other suggestions unsaid.

 

[The_gladiator]

“I’ll be honest with you, I’m nervous in this room, we should go out, we should try to participating together in public.” He didn’t say he needed to experience her touching him without shivering in delight, or something equally embarrassing.

“There’s a place that has nice steaks, down by the river. We could eat and then go for a walk,” he suggested. He was actually proud of that suggestion, it sounded like he’d been on a date before, in the last 5 years. How long had it been anyway?

He stood up and rebuttoned his suit jacket. It was clearly a habit drilled into him from a young age, you unbuttoned when you sat down and buttoned when you stood up. “At least I don’t have to give a speech in the reception. I just walk down the isle and look pretty.” He commented offhandedly as he moved to the door. Silently he offered her his arm, wondering if she would take it, would she touch him? A thrill ran through him at the idea that she would be touching him again soon.

 

[SandS13]

"A wonderful suggestion." Emily smiled and found her hand bag. The little black purse was classy and just big enough to hold the essentials.

She smoothed her dress, pressed her lips together to check her lip gloss and turned to look at him. He was manners incarnate. The jacket re-buttoned, the posture straight. Emily stepped in beside him, her arm slipping into his.

"What shall I call you? When not calling you Dan? A term of endearment...something couples do to show familiarity."

 

[The_gladiator]

Dan shrugged. She had some really good questions, he had to admit. “I am not sure. You have my permission to try a few on and see which sticks?” he said smiling at her as he checked to be sure that he had the key in his wallet and let the hotel door close behind them. They walked together down the hallway. Dan was struck by the fact that she moved with him. Following his lead. Dan was conscious that she was far out of his league. He was soft, not muscled. He wasn’t fluffy, but he worked at a desk, he was a bachelor that ate out too often. The gym was a bad word to him. He was lucky that a fast metabolism kept him from being severely overweight, but he wasn’t going to be on the cover of GQ anytime soon. She on the other hand was beautiful to his eyes.

“What will we tell my family when they say that you are out of my league?” he asked as they stood in the elevator and he could turn to look at her. “I know that I’m not unattractive, but the only thing keeping me from weighing a ton is a fast metabolism, honestly I have to eat every couple hour. But you’re beautiful. What will you tell them about why you stay with me? I’m not rich…” he was surprised that he had actually asked a good question, or so he thought. He wondered how she’d respond. “I’m not hung like a weasel, but I wouldn’t impress a locker-room either. So, what is it about me that makes you stay?” he posed the question as if she were really his girlfriend, trying to fall into the role.

 

[SandS13]

"I am sorry?" She batted her eyes at him as they stepped into the elevator. Emily smiled. "Valid questions."

She turned a little, half facing him. One arm slid around his neck, her other hand went to his chest. She stared into his eyes. "We can come up with all sorts of reasons. We share common likes...business, music. I can tell that that you satisfy me in the bedroom unlike other lovers. One does not need to be huge to be good." Emily smirked a little. "I am only out of your league if you cannot look at me and convince them with your eyes, your looks or glancing touches that am in fact your girlfriend."

Her eyes moved taking in his face. "When they see me looking at you they will see happiness in my eyes. They will see a woman who is looking at a man she finds quite handsome, despite his insistence. They will see me listening to your every word as if I cannot stop listening to you talk."

She was so tempted to lean in and kiss him but she feared she was already pushing him too fast by being this close. Emily smiled. "Don't worry. I will give them no room to question."

The elevator stopped, the door opening. An elderly couple was waiting to get on and the woman chuckled. "Aren't they sweet?"

Emily smoothed the front of Dan's suit jacket. "There babe."

She took his arm again and let him lead her out. She flashed a smile at the couple.

 

[The_gladiator]

Her touch made him freeze like a deer in the headlights. It felt so good. What she described was what he had always wanted, but thought he would never have. To have that even for a weekend was an intoxicating thought.

She even proved it as the older couple smiled at them, and Emily turned her touch into smoothing his jacket. “Thank you, sweetie,” he offered her, trying on a pet name for size.

“All your ideas are good. Hell, you even made my heart miss a beat or two,” he said tucking her hand through his elbow again. “You are so much better at this than I am. But you’re right. I just have to get used to the fact I can touch you, and you won’t stop me, first.” He didn’t say that she was paid to not see him as a pariah, but he thought it, instead leaving it at that as they walked down the street towards the restaurant that overlooked the river.

 

[SandS13]

Emily smiled. "I have practice. And yes, Dan you can touch me however you like. It has to be natural. If you seem to be second guessing every move then your family will know something isn't right."

They arrived at the restaurant and were seated. She across from him. He was brought the wine list and both given menus. When the waiter left, she looked up at him. "So if we have been together for a bit now you would, for instance touch or hold my hand while we waited for our wine. You don't have to worry about my reaction. I will welcome you touching me."

Her eyes moved over the menu. "What are you thinking, babe? Steak or chicken?"

 

[The_gladiator]

Dan reached across the table and her hand was in his. So soft, so wonderful. “Do you play piano with hands like this?” he asked fingertips idly stroking along her slender fingers. That brief touch telling her that he was a lot more tactile than he initially let on.

“Steak to answer your question, always steak at this place, it’s so good, and worth every penny.” Dan had avoided saying something about how she would welcome his touch. He decided to just try it and see if it was true, if she really did. “How about you? What are you in the mood for?”

 

[SandS13]

Emily smiled as he touched her hand. His fingertips moved over her fingers. The touch was nice, comfortable. She let her hand shift up, pressing up against his. She was hoping to encourage him to keep going. She leaned forward, turning her hand so if he chose, he could hold her hand.

"I will follow your lead and go with steak. I trust your recommendation, babe." She licked her lips. "To answer your question I don't play the piano. I don't play any instrument. Do you?"

Her eyes met his.

The waiter approached and asked Dan for the wine order.

 

[The_gladiator]

As she turned her hand, he took it between both of his smiling as she allowed him to touch her. Before he could answer the waiter came to ask what wine they wanted, “A bottle of your house cab, please, “Dan Said.

“What do you think about the stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer? “Dan asked pulling his hands back briefly to flip open to the picture of the appetizer for her.

As he let her study the offering for an appetizer, he answered her question. “I play multiple instruments. Guitar and bass. I can also play a little piano and sing. Though I’m better at selling musicians than I am one, thank goodness or the people I manage would be broke,” he winked at her.

 

[SandS13]

Emily was very much enjoying how Dan was relaxing. There was a sweet, boyish charm to the way he took her hand, how he smiled. This was going to be one of the nicer jobs she had had. It was nice to be taken out, shown off but there was something so genuine about him. It didn't hurt that she loved the idea of making his terrible sounding family shut their mouths and eat their words this weekend.

He ordered Cabernet for the wine. Emily smiled. She liked that he hadn't made a show of it. He didn't try to impress her. He just ordered. She watched him, wondering how it was possible he didn't have a girlfriend. He had said he was busy and he was done with drama. She didn't press and wouldn't now but it made her wonder...

The wink took her by surprise. It made her chuckle. Hey was definitely playful when he wasn't feeling awkward. If she kept him relaxed then they would have no trouble convincing his family.

"I love stuffed mushrooms. Honestly, I love to eat." Emily laughed lightly. "Thank god for gyms!"

The waiter came back, poured the wine and took their food orders. Once they were left alone again, Emily reached out to stroke the top of his hand. She hoped by touching him often like this he would become used to her touch. "Multiple instruments...see all I can imagine now after hearing you play guitar, piano and bass is that you must be very good with your fingering technique." Her tone was playful, her innuendo clear. "Sing? I bet you have a wonderful voice. Do you manage for a recording company or individual basis?"

 

[The_gladiator]

Dan ordered a sirloin for his teak. He informed Emily that the way the cooked the sirloin it was almost as tender as the filet but more economical. Grinning when he said economical remembering her degree specialized in economics.

Quite predictably he blushed a dark red as she mentioned his fingering technique. He lifted his free hand, highlighting the long graceful fingers. “Piano hands,” he said with a laugh, “I find they come in handy.” He was surprised he had dared to make an inuendo back to her.

“I work for a company, that’s why I wear so many hats, because we’re still small, and don’t have quite the number of employees big labels and management firms have. I really try to help artists be successful without signing their lives away. Of course, since I don’t stick it to them, I’m not getting rich either. It’s a delicate balance.”


He felt her hand stroke his and smiled at her, it was an honest smile that said her touch was welcome, that he enjoyed it. “It’s been a long time since anyone’s touched me so freely.” He added offhandedly as he took a sip of his wine. He seemed to be considering the flavor, “It’ll do.” He offered and then snorted at himself, “I can only fake class so far, I wouldn’t know a good cabernet from a bad one, but I fake it pretty well, don't you think?” he said, not sure why he had let her behind the curtain.