The Arrangement Anthology 1(108)
“You’re a high-maintenance pain in the ass, that’s why. Every time she gives you another chance, you screw it up. It’s like you’re doing it on purpose.”
“I am not! I want this job. I need this job.”
He studies me for a moment. “You really don’t mind the idea of it being some random guy this time?” I mind. I mind a lot, but it’s the best I can do. It’s like he can read my mind. Marty leans forward and lowers his voice, “Then, don’t do it. Quit.”
“What? Did you hit your head? I can’t quit. I’m going to get hit with a ton of hospital bills, plus my regular stuff. My car is totaled. I don’t have enough money to replace it and eat. It’s not like I have a choice, Marty.”
He sighs and watches me for a moment. “Then, tell me how I can help.”
“I don’t think you can, not unless you want to go shopping again. I have to but a slutty outfit tomorrow. No more wholesome girl stuff. Mel isn’t around tonight. She took a midweek client. You want to come?” Marty’s eyes drop to the table. He looks at my hands and seems like he’s lost in his thoughts. “It’ll be the same as last time, well, without Mel calling you names.”
I realize that I want him to come. Marty is one of the people that puts me at ease, and this stuff with Black has me strung out. I don’t want a new client. I want Sean, but I can’t have what I want. Besides, Sean probably had a different girl every day this week. They’re probably all tied up under his bed.
Marty touches the back of my hand. He trails his finger over my smooth skin. The touch pulls me from my thoughts. I look up at his face, into those dark eyes. “I’ll come. Anything for you, Avery. You know that.”
I let out a rush of air. I didn’t realize I was so tense about everything. I slip out of the booth and go around to his side. I slide in next to him and give him a hug. He doesn’t hug me back. Instead he puts his arm behind my neck and rests it along the back of the booth.
Marty pushes the rest of his pie toward me. “Here, finish it.”
I release him and sit up. I devour the rest of the pie like I haven’t eaten in weeks. My life is finally getting under control again.
CHAPTER 9
“What about this one?” Marty asks, pulling out a tiny hanger with a red string on it. Seriously, it’s a string. I don’t even know what it is. A bottom? A bra? A shirt?
I walk over and touch it, then look up at him. Leaning in close, I ask, “What is it?”
He laughs. “I don’t know. I was hoping you knew.”
We both giggle quietly and put it back. I’m in one of the shops that Miss Black said to buy my lingerie in, but I don’t know what I want. It’s weird. Last time I did this, I thought of Sean and bought things that I wanted him to see me in. This time, I don’t even know who I’m going to be with. I guess I should pick out things for me, but I’m not really into it.
Marty wanders away, browsing racks. He picks up something white and I shake my head. I’m not making that mistake again. I tell him about the rules and he nods and wanders off. When I turn around, I see a red satin bra that seems cut so low that it wouldn’t contain my girls. I lift the hanger and hold it up.
A salesgirl comes over. “Do you like it? That’s one of our bestsellers.” I turn around. The salesgirl is a little taller than me, wearing a stunning blue dress that makes her hair look like gold. She’s smiling at me. “Would you like to try it on?”
I nod, “I think so. It seems a little low in front.”
“It’s supposed to be.” She smiles at me and must recognize the blank look on my face, because she explains. “It’s a hybrid shelf and peek-a-boo bra. It holds you up, creates beautiful cleavage, but is still revealing. The panty you had before is the matching bottom.”
“The string?”
She nods and picks up the red string. “It wraps around the side, after you step into it. Then, tie it on the hip.” She selects pieces that are my size. “Is there anything else you’d like to try?”
I glance around. “I don’t know.” Where’d Marty go?
“Is there something in particular that you’re looking for?” I tell her something sexy and she makes a few more selections for me.
On the way back to the dressing room, I see Marty. He falls in step with me. “Try this one too.” He hands me something blue. I nod and take it.
The salesgirl doesn’t say anything about Marty following me back. I think about that red set and worry about him seeing me in it. I don’t really care about him seeing me in my underwear, but exposed nipples with those bottoms—I don’t know. Gay or not, that’s a little bit overexposed for my preference.