Part II: Meeting My First Client
As the next chapter unfolded…
With one door closed and another opening, my adventure was just beginning.
A week later, I found myself stepping into that world for the very first time. Emails from Tammy started flooding my personal inbox (yes, the same one I used for family), each filled with client requests. I let them pile up, as I was too nervous to begin meeting clients.
She must have sensed it, because she invited me to a meet-and-greet later that week, presenting it as a chance to mingle with other providers. I got to meet other girls like me? I didn’t have any friends in this world, and the idea of making connections pulled me forward.
When the day of the party arrived, I stepped into the hotel wearing the same suit Tammy had approved during the interview, this time with more cleavage, higher heels, and a touch of gold jewelry. Jeremy was waiting downstairs to bring me up to the penthouse suite. When I stepped inside, it was packed and buzzing with energy. Girls my age were dressed beautifully, while men wore sharp suits, and I immediately felt out of place.
I overheard a conversation about lingerie brands, whispered with familiarity and ease. I had never really owned anything so beautiful or delicate, and instantly felt frumpy in the clothes I was in. I slipped into the bathroom and removed my Hanes cotton grandma-looking bra, stuffed it into my handbag, and applied some red lipstick. I walked out to find Tammy standing there. She handed me a drink, gave me a quick tour, introduced me to a few people, and then disappeared, leaving me to figure it out.
After about twenty minutes, I was still feeling out of place, so I decided I would quietly make my exit. I was weaving through the crowd to head out when I met him, someone who would become my first client.
Early 30’s and just over ten years older than me, he was the complete opposite of the stereotype I had naïvely imagined. He motioned for me to sit beside him on the couch, and we clicked instantly, like two people who had accidentally found each other at a cozy house party.
He confessed that he had been out of the dating world for over a decade, having been deeply entrenched in a long relationship that ended in a broken engagement. I listened as I admired the stunning watch on his wrist.
I was intrigued.
We discussed our shared passions, especially our love for humanitarian work and volunteering abroad. When he mentioned his disdain for cauliflower, we laughed together - the connection felt organic.
My nerves and excitement tangled together, and I was SO turned on. I felt ready. I wanted him.
I later told Tammy I was interested in seeing him again, and she happily arranged a date for the following week. It would be my very first client date. She said it would be a six-hour date, which meant plenty of time to pick up where we had left off.
I just had to remember to go by my stage name and retire my ugly cotton bra! I went lingerie shopping the morning of the date, already imagining my cats eating sardines in spring water from Erewhon and an extra-large payment headed straight to the debt collector. Dreamin’ big, baby!
To be continued…
