Part II: Meeting My First Client
As one door closed, and another opened…
A week later, I stepped into that world for the first time. Tammy’s emails flooded my personal inbox, each full of client requests. I let them pile up, too nervous to begin. Sensing this, Tammy invited me to a meet-and-greet she would be hosting at a local hotel, an easy, low-pressure way to connect with her clients and other providers.
I entered the hotel wearing the suit Tammy approved for my interview, only this time with more cleavage, higher heels, and some jewelry. Jeremy met me in the lobby and led me up to the penthouse. The room buzzed with energy; girls my age dressed beautifully, men in sharp suits. I became acutely aware of how dull my own outfit seemed.
I dashed to the bathroom, shoved my ugly cotton bra in my bag, undid two more buttons, and put on red lipstick. Tammy found me as I came out, handed me a drink, gave a quick tour, introduced me around, then vanished. I stood, admiring the girls, soaking it all in.
After twenty minutes, I realized it wasn’t my scene and decided to leave quietly. As I wove through the crowd, I met someone who would become my first client.
He was in his early 30s, just over ten years my senior, and nothing like the stereotype I’d naively imagined. He invited me to sit beside him, and conversation flowed instantly, like we’d met at a cozy house party by chance.
He said he’d been out of the dating world for a decade after a long relationship ended in a broken engagement. As I listened, I admired his stunning watch.
I was intrigued. We bonded over our love of humanitarian work and volunteering abroad.
I told him about the interview with Tammy. When he joked that he hated cauliflower too, we laughed. The connection felt natural.
Nerves and excitement twisted together. I was so turned on.
I felt his gaze on my cleavage. I wanted him.
I told Tammy I wanted to meet him, and she quickly arranged a date for the next week - my very first client date. It would last six hours, plenty of time to pick up where we left off.
All I had to do was use my new name and leave behind my ugly cotton bra. I went lingerie shopping the morning of our date, already picturing the envelope in my hand. First stop: Erewhon, to splurge on sardines for my cats, then send an extra-large payment towards my student loans. Dreamin' big, baby!
Tammy sent me the meeting details, and I drove to his hotel, my heart racing as I thought about him. The door swung open, and he bent down to hug me. My pulse skipped a beat as he pulled me in.
To be continued in part III…
