The next day at school, Alex walked with a confidence she’d never had before, her hips swaying lightly as she sauntered into class. There was a soreness between her legs, but it wasn’t too bad and it quickly faded as the day went on. Where Alex once walked meekly through the halls, now she strutted. Where she once kept her head down, she now kept her chin up with pride. A newfound self-assurance wafted off of her in almost tangible waves. People noticed, too, and that only heightened the intoxicating sense of living a double life. Alex couldn’t help but feel superior to her classmates, who didn’t know the delicious secrets she now harbored.

As school dragged on, Alex grew impatient. She checked her phone constantly, waiting for Shawna’s call to tell her about a new booking. When it finally came, she practically ran out of the classroom to take it.

“Hey, Shawna! You have something for me?” she asked excitedly as soon as she picked up the phone.

Shawna laughed on the other end of the line, “Oh, do I ever! We have a client who specifically asked for you. The client from last night left an absolutely glowing review on your profile, and after reading it, this new guy flat-out told Lydia that he wouldn’t see any of our other girls but you.”

A surge of pride and excitement flooded Alex’s veins. “Wow, really? Hang on, I want to read the review for myself!” She went to the agency app on the phone Lydia had given her and opened it up to view her profile. Sure enough, a five-star review from the man she’d fucked last night was right there beneath her name and other information. It read:

"Hot. Fucking. Damn. This girl is INCREDIBLE. So fucking tight I could barely keep myself together the entire time. And I’ll be damned if she didn’t cum like a geyser all over my cock multiple times. She was so eager to please and so sexy and goddamn cute, and she has this unbelievable stamina that left me wanting more. I cannot recommend her enough - if you get the chance to book her, do it, do it now! She’s got the whole package: great attitude, fresh face, bangin’ body, you name it. Worth every penny!”

Alex couldn’t help but read it with a huge grin on her face. “Wow,” she breathed. “I...I don’t know what to say. He really enjoyed being with me that much?”

“Believe it, girlfriend,” Shawna said with dry humor. “Hell, you left more of an impression on him than I did! Now, would you like to know your next booking?”

“Absolutely! Who is it?”

“It’s this college kid named Brian over at the local community college. He lives in one of the on-campus apartments. He recently got dumped by his bitch of a girlfriend, the poor guy, so why don’t you see if you can...raise his spirits?”

Alex giggled at the dirty joke. Shawna continued.

“This’ll be different than last night, though. Last night, it was all about the sex. Tonight, you need to not only blow him away in the bedroom, but also make him feel desired, wanted, special. You need to make him feel like he’s not worthless, ’cause his confidence has really taken a beating. The way his ex dumped him was absolutely brutal. A gentle, compassionate touch is what’s needed for this session. Think you’re up to the challenge, Alex? Wanna help this poor guy out?”

“Of course. I can do that,” Alex said, determination etched in her voice. No one deserved to feel unwanted and she wanted to help Brian feel better if she could.

After school, as she drove to the community college campus where Brian lived, Alex couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. This would be her second client, and while last night had been amazing, she knew she needed to step up her game this time around. Brian needed some TLC, not just sex. Alex had always been a people person, and she was determined to give him the best experience possible.

As she pulled up to the apartment complex where he lived, she took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves. She checked her reflection in the rearview mirror, ensuring that her hair and makeup were perfect, and then made her way over to his building. When she found his apartment number, she knocked on the door. She heard some shuffling around before the door swung open and there he was – Brian.

He was a tall, lanky guy with shaggy brown hair and a pair of glasses that sat low on his nose. He looked at her with a mixture of confusion and longing, and she knew she had her work cut out for her.

“Brian? I’m Alex, from Cherry Blossom Escorts,” she said, giving him a kind smile.

“Oh, hi,” he replied, looking down at his feet. “Um, come on in.”

She stepped inside and took a moment to survey the room. It was small but clean, with a small kitchenette to the left, a living area in front of her, and a hallway leading to what she assumed were the bedrooms.

“So, Brian,” she began, taking a seat on the worn-out couch. “I’ve been told about your situation, and I’m here to help you feel better.”

He looked at her with a mixture of hope and terror in his eyes.

“I don’t know if you can,” he said softly.

She smiled and moved closer to him, placing a hand on his arm. “Oh, I can. I promise you, Brian, that by the time I leave here tonight, you’ll be feeling like a new man.”

She leaned in and kissed him, long and lewdly, her hand going to his crotch and feeling it harden. After a few minutes, though, Alex pulled away.

“Why don’t we get a little more comfortable?”

Without waiting for an answer, she stood up and began to undress, slowly peeling off her clothes one by one until she was standing in front of him in nothing but her bra and panties.

She could feel his gaze on her, taking in every inch of her body, and it sent a shiver of pleasure down her spine to be the center of such attention.

“God, you’re beautiful,” he breathed, his eyes wide as they roamed over her curves.

She smiled and stepped closer to him, pressing her body against his and feeling him respond instantly. His hands came up to cup her breasts, his thumbs brushing over her nipples through the lacy fabric of her bra. She moaned and arched her back, pressing herself into his touch. Then, she stepped back just enough to look him in the face.

“Your ex didn’t deserve you,” she said quietly and firmly, meeting his gaze. “You’re a good guy, and you deserve to feel desired and wanted. Brian, what she did to you was inexcusable. You may not believe me when I say this, but you’re better off without her. I’m going to show you how a girl should treat a man, and tomorrow, you’ll have forgotten all about her.” With that, she leaned down and kissed him again, this time with more urgency. Her hands were all over him, stroking his chest and stomach before making their way down to his pants. She could feel his hardness straining against the fabric, and she couldn’t wait to free it.

Alex undid his belt and lowered his zipper, reaching inside and pulling out his cock. It was long and thick and pulsing with need. She wrapped her fingers around it, feeling its warmth and hardness.

“Your ex doesn’t know what she’s missing,” Alex purred. “Such a cute cock for such a cute guy. I can’t believe she walked away from this.” She began stroking it gently, up and down. “You know, Brian, it’s said nice guys finish last. Don’t believe it. You’re a good, sweet guy, and long after you’ve found someone, that bitch who dumped you will be all alone. I bet you were really loyal and good to her, bringing her flowers and doing all that things a good boyfriend should do. It’s not your fault what happened.”

Alex cupped his cheek with her hand as she continued stroking his dick with the other. She truly did feel sorry for him and wanted to make him feel better. “It’s not your fault, sweetie,” she repeated in a gentle voice. “Do you understand, Brian? You’re not to blame. You deserve someone who appreciates you, and that bitch didn’t. You’re not a loser, and I’m glad you decided to see me so I can help you realize that.”

Brian’s eyes filled with tears. He looked embarrassed, but Alex kissed his shaft and murmured. “Shhhh. Don’t be ashamed. It’s okay, Brian. Tonight, you can let it all out. You can be vulnerable with me. I won’t hurt you like she did. Instead, I’ll make you feel really, really good.” Remembering what Shawna had taught her, Alex added, “Sex isn’t the only part of what I do, you know. Being an escort also means being a companion, a listening ear. So when I say that I feel for you and want to help, I’m telling the truth. I’m not saying it just because you’re paying me for my time. You’re not just a client, you’re a human being who deserves to be happy. Do you understand?” She leaned in a little, enunciating each word for emphasis. “I care about you, Brian.”

Brian blinked back tears as Alex looked up at him, her bright blue eyes full of warmth and understanding. She ran a hand through his shaggy brown hair and pulled him close, holding him in a tight embrace. He could feel her breasts pressing against his chest, and the warmth of her body through the thin fabric of her bra was intoxicating.

She whispered soothingly in his ear, “Let it all out, sweetie. You’re safe with me. I can tell by your body language how tense you are, how much pain and heartache you’re carrying around inside of you, and it kills me to see someone else in this much agony when I could easily make it better. Let me make you feel better, Brian.”

With those words, she let go of him and kissed her way around his cock until finally taking his length in her mouth.

Brian let out a low moan as she began to suck him off. She swirled her tongue around the tip of his cock before taking him deeply into her mouth. He was large, but she was determined to pleasure him fully.

She moved her mouth up and down, twisting her hand at the same time. Her pace was steady as she sucked him off, paying extra attention to the head of his cock. She could feel him getting closer to the edge as she felt his balls tighten up. He buried his hands in her hair and thrust his hips forward, fucking her mouth harder and deeper.

Alex took every inch of him, gagging slightly but never stopping.

“Fuck, your mouth feels so fucking good,” Brian grunted, his hips stuttering as he tried to hold back. But he was too far gone, and with a loud groan, he came hard in her mouth. Alex swallowed every drop, sucking him dry before pulling off with a wet slurp.

Panting, she looked up at him with a satisfied smile. “Feel better?”

Brian looked stunned as he nodded, still trying to catch his breath. “Y-yeah. I feel...incredible.”

Alex gave him a satisfied smile. “I’m glad.” She replied, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “But don’t think that’s it for you tonight, baby. I’m just getting started.”

With that, she stood up and began to strip off her bra and panties. Brian watched in awe as she revealed her perfect body to him. Her perky breasts were firm and full, with small pink nipples that were already hard with desire. Her pink pussy, so tight and wet, glistened in the dim light.

“Why don’t you dump your next load in my tight teen cunt?” Alex whispered huskily. “Ever give a girl a creampie before? I bet your bitchy ex never let you do that. Most escorts don’t let their clients do it either. But I’ll let you do it, Brian. If you want.” Only a few days before, Alex wouldn’t have been able to imagine herself talking like that. But now it seemed to come naturally and she thrilled at the naughtiness of it!

Brian swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. “I…I…”

Alex kissed him again. “I’ll take that as a yes. Lie back on that couch for me, baby. Just relax, okay? Let me take real good care of you.” She caressed his cheek with a finger. Shawna had shown her that trick. “I promise it’ll be so much better than anything your bitch ex-girlfriend ever gave you.” Alex climbed onto his lap, her legs straddling him as she positioned his still-hard cock at her entrance.

Brian didn’t waste any time. He grabbed her hips and thrust up into her, burying himself to the hilt in one swift motion. The feeling of being inside her was indescribable. It was like she was made just for him - her pussy was warm and wet and tight, and it hugged his cock like a vice as he moved inside her.

Alex let out a loud moan as she felt him fill her up completely. She started to ride him slowly, grinding her hips against his as she moved up and down on his cock. Brian’s hands gripped her hips, guiding her movements as she picked up the pace until she was merrily fucking away.

“You feel so good inside me,” Alex gasped, throwing her head back in pleasure. “So big! So hard! What an amazing cock you have!”

Brian grunted in agreement, his eyes glued to the sight of her bouncing on top of him. Her perky breasts were bouncing in rhythm with her movements, and he couldn’t help but reach up and squeeze them. Tears rolled freely down his cheeks, but Alex licked them away.

“No tears,” she panted as she bounced on his dick with glee. “No tears, baby. Just let yourself feel. Let yourself go. Live in the moment, and leave that bitch behind!”

She redoubled her efforts and started to ride him harder and faster, feeling herself getting closer and closer to the edge even as she drove him wild.

“Oh fuck, Brian, I’m gonna cum!” she cried out, her voice filled with pleasure. “You feel so fucking good inside me, Brian! Don’t stop! Don’t you dare stop!”

Brian grunted in response, his thrusts becoming more urgent as he felt himself getting close to the edge. He could feel her pussy clenching around his cock, milking him for all he was worth.

Alex could feel the orgasm building inside her, and she knew it was going to be a big one. “Does my pussy feel better then your ex-girlfriend’s? Is it tighter? Wetter?” She asked with a breathless laugh. The room was filled with the sound of their bodies smacking together.

Brian’s nodded. His eyes were squeezed shut, sweat beading on his brow as he tried to hold back. He didn’t want this to end anytime soon; it felt too good. The way she moved, the way she felt, the way she spoke to him…

Brian’s balls were tightening, and he knew he couldn’t hold back much longer. “I’m close, Alex,” he grunted, his hands gripping her hips tighter as he tried to hold on just a few moments longer.

“Good! Cum for me, baby,” Alex gasped, her nails digging into his shoulders. “I want you to fill me up! Give me your cum, every drop! I want it! I want it so much! Please!”

Her words sent Brian over the edge. With a loud groan, he thrust up into her one last time and came hard, his hot seed filling her to the brim. Alex could feel him pulsing deep inside of her, and it sent her over the edge as well. She cried out as she came hard, wave after wave of pleasure coursing through her body as she milked every last drop from him. Alex’s eyes rolled up in her head and she let the ecstasy carry her away.

As the aftershocks of their orgasms faded, they collapsed onto the couch, both of them panting and covered in sweat.

Brian’s cock was still buried deep inside of her, and Alex could feel his seed leaking out of her and down her thighs. She shivered at the sensation.

“Goddamn, Alex,” Brian whispered, his voice filled with awe. “That was...that was amazing.”

Alex grinned. “You weren’t so bad yourself! See what I mean? You’re a great guy and I’m sure there’s a girl out there for you, someone will treat you the way you deserve to be treated.” She kissed his chest, collarbone, and up the side of his neck, then nibbled on his lower lip before finally kissing him deeply, tangling her tongue in his. “Remember,” she said, poking him to emphasize her words. “You. Have. Value. Never let anyone make you think you’re worthless, because you’re not. With a face that cute and a personality that sweet and a cock that nice, you’re bound to get an awesome girl one day soon. You just need to have confidence and know your worth!”

Brian smiled softly, and Alex could see the weight of his ex-girlfriend’s words finally lifting off his shoulders. She knew that he wouldn’t recover from the emotional damage overnight, but she also knew that she had managed to help him start to heal, and that meant her work here was done.

She climbed off him, her knees trembling slightly as she stood up. Brian’s seed still was dripping down her legs, and she found herself strangely turned on by the sight of her own wetness. “Fuck, I think I needed that as much as you did,” she breathed as she stood up. “But I’m afraid that’s all the time we have, Brian. Thanks for booking me. I had an awesome time with you!” Her legs felt shaky beneath her as she gave him a hug before reaching for her clothes. “Feel free to book me again soon, and don’t forget to leave a good review for me, okay? I’m actually just starting out in this business myself, so I’d love for you to be one of my regulars--until you get a girlfriend, of course!” Alex winked.

Brian nodded so vigorously that he almost gave himself whiplash. “Of course I will! I’d love to see you again. Thanks, Alex. You were amazing, and you’re right, you did make me feel a lot better!”

Alex grinned and finished getting dressed. “You don’t have to thank me, sweetie. I had just as much fun as you did and I’m happy I could help you. Now, I hate to run, but I’ve got to get going, okay? Nothing personal, I just have a schedule to keep.” She needed to get home before her parents got suspicious, but Brian didn’t need to know that. Alex gave him one final peck on the cheek, collected her payment of $450, blew him a kiss on the way to the door, and then darted out of his apartment. As she waited for the Uber to come pick her up, she was all smiles. She was already thinking of what she could spend the money on. Her new career as an escort was taking off, and the sky really did seem to be the limit!

The Uber finally pulled up to her location, snapping her out of her daydream, and Alex gave the driver her address as she slipped into the passenger seat. She was pleasantly tired and couldn’t wait to get some sleep. She knew she’d need it!

Her parents, of course, suspected nothing. In fact, they were so engrossed in watching the news on TV--some political nonsense Alex couldn’t care less about--that they barely even looked up when she walked in the door. Alex bade them good night, hurried upstairs, and took a shower before climbing into the sheets. She fell asleep with a contented sigh.

And so it went. Over the next two weeks following Alex’s first plunge into becoming an escort and the loss of her virginity, she worked hard to make her budding career take off. Alex was eager to build her reputation and saw as many clients as Lydia could give her--in just fourteen days, she saw no fewer than ten. She was surprised, at first, at just how nice many of them were. They treated her well, paid her well, and even left her generous tips as well as good reviews on her profile on the agency’s website. Already, Alex had a five-star rating and was determined to keep it that way. A few of her clients even gave her gifts on top of her fee: one of them, a real estate agent in his mid-forties who’d recently been divorced, had been so grateful for Alex’s company that he’d taken her out for dinner at a fancy steakhouse afterward, while another had given her an Amazon gift card. A third had even gone so far as to ask her to be his girlfriend, but Alex remembered what Shawna and Lydia said about getting involved with clients and gently declined. She knew it was important to keep her boundaries in place and she didn’t want the agency to terminate her.

The thrill of what she was doing, the sheer taboo nature of it, never got old. Alex felt both exhilarated and anxious about her new career choice, especially since she was still keeping it a secret from her parents and friends. She knew they would never approve of her being a sex worker, but she couldn’t deny the rush she got from pleasuring men and making them feel good. Every time she was with a client she discovered new ways to give and receive pleasure, and each of them had their own stories to tell. Alex listened to them all. In a way, she felt almost like a kind of healer, providing comfort and companionship in the most intimate of ways to those who needed and desired it most. She wanted to have a reputation as an escort who genuinely cared about her clients, not just one who was in it for the money.

The money certainly helped, though. Alex made over two thousand from those ten clients, and all of it went straight into a new bank account she opened to help keep her secret career hidden. Her parents had access to her regular one, so she couldn’t deposit her earnings there.

But most of all, she loved the sex. More than the money, more than the praise and flattery, Alex loved, loved, loved having sex. Her libido had been unleashed and could never again be restrained. She reveled in the physical connection she made with each of her clients, and they seemed to appreciate her enthusiasm as much as she did. They praised her for being so “wet” and “tight” and “responsive.” They told her she was the best they’d ever had and told her she was beautiful, and she knew they meant every word. It was intoxicating, empowering, utterly liberating. For the very first time in her life, Alex felt like she was the one in control, not her parents, not her teachers, not her pastor. She felt free in a way she never could have imagined, and she wasn’t about to let anything or anyone take that away from her. She genuinely, unreservedly loved her work and everything about it. Getting into the sex industry was the best decision Alex ever made. And Cherry Blossom Escorts was her sanctuary, the one place where she felt truly free to be herself and explore her wildest desires. As she walked into the agency’s office building to have her weekly meeting with Lydia, Alex was all smiles.

“Alex, welcome!” Lydia said, when Alex walked into her spacious office. “Come on in, have a seat. You got another review from the client you saw last night--another five-star! Here, read it.” She turned her computer monitor toward Alex so she could see.

The review read:

"Alex was absolutely amazing. I’ve never had an experience like that before. She was so passionate, so attentive, so caring...and she made me feel like a king. She’s a true professional in every sense of the word, and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a truly unforgettable experience. I can’t wait to see her again!"

Alex couldn’t help but blush at the glowing praise. Lydia beamed with pride.

“Alex, I’ve seen a lot of girls come into this business, but no one has taken it as fast as you have. You’ve only been with us for a few weeks, but you’re already becoming one of our most highly-sought after girls. I’m so proud of you!” Lydia exclaimed, clapping her hands together. “And the best part is, you seem to genuinely love what you’re doing. That’s what sets you apart from a lot of other girls in this business. You’re not just here for the money--you actually care about your clients and their experiences.”

Alex couldn’t help but smile at the compliment. She had to admit, she did love what she was doing. Every time she saw a new client, it was like embarking on an exciting new adventure. She never knew what she was going to get, and that kept things interesting. Some clients were nice and sweet, and some were dirty and demanding, but they all had one thing in common: they wanted to be with Alex, and they were willing to pay handsomely for the privilege.

“Are you learning a lot from Shawna?” Lydia asked. Alex had been meeting with Shawna several times a week to learn from the older woman’s experience and wisdom. Shawna was an encyclopedia of knowledge when it came to sex work, and her advice had been absolutely invaluable.

Alex nodded.

“Shawna’s been great,” she replied. “She’s taught me so much about the business, and about myself too. I never realized how important it is to know your own body, to know what you like and what you don’t like. And she’s also taught me how to make my clients feel comfortable and at ease, how to read their body language better and gauge their moods. It’s like she keeps telling me: what makes a good escort is not just the physical pleasure, it’s about the emotional connection too. That’s something I never really understood before, but I get it now. And honestly, I like connecting with my clients like that. I want them to know I see them as people, not just dollar signs. I’m actually surprised at how...nice many of them are.” Then she leaned in a little. “So...do you have another client for me?”

Lydia nodded. “Yes, but it may be more challenging than what you’ve experienced so far. We have been contacted by several young men who are throwing their friend a party for his 21st birthday. They would like to enlist your services, not just for their friend, but for themselves as well. In short, this will be a...well, to put it bluntly, a gangbang. I have reservations, though. You are still so new to this, and gangbangs can be extremely draining even for veteran escorts. Being with so many men in such a relatively short amount of time could push you past your limit. I wanted to discuss it with you before I agreed to make the booking. What do you think, Alex? If you feel like you’re not ready, that’s perfectly fine.”

Alex’s heart skipped a beat as she imagined herself in the sort of situation Lydia described. It was an experience she’d never considered, and part of her was terrified by the idea. But another part of her was intrigued. She knew that if she were to do this, it would push her boundaries in ways she had never imagined. And she was beginning to realize that, for her, that was part of the appeal of being an escort in the first place. The idea of being desired by so many men at the same time was also hugely attractive, and when she thought of herself like that, naked, at their mercy, fucking them all one after another or even several at once, it made her pussy grow damp with excitement.

“I think...” Alex began, her heart racing with anticipation as she said the words “I think I want to do it. I want to know what it’s like, and I want to push myself, challenge myself. I became an escort because I wanted to do things I’ve never done before, to experience things most people never get to. And I think this definitely qualifies. Please, make the booking.”

Lydia studied her for a second. “Are you sure?”

Alex nodded, her resolve growing firm. “Yes, I’m sure. I want this. I want to know what it’s like to be with so many men at once. Most girls never get to have an experience like that, and who knows when another opportunity will come? I’ll be fine, Lydia. I trust you and the agency to vet my clients and ensure my safety.”

Alex nodded, her resolve growing firm. “Yes, I’m sure. I want this. I want to know what it’s like to be with so many men at once. Most girls never get to have an experience like that, and who knows when another opportunity will come? I’ll be fine, Lydia. I trust you and the agency to vet my clients and ensure my safety. Will each of the guys be paying my fee, or just the birthday boy?”

Lydia laughed out loud. “Oh, they will all be paying you for two hours of your time each--there are five of them, including the birthday boy, and your rate is $450 an hour, so...do the math.”

Alex did. She’d always been good at math. If each young man was paying a total of $900, that amounted to...

She sucked in a sharp breath. “Oh, wow.”

“I know,” giggled Lydia. “Neat, huh? You’ll make a killing!”

Alex couldn’t help but let out a nervous laugh. “Okay, then. I’ll need to get ready. When’s the booking?”

“Tomorrow night.”

“Got it,” she said. “So, Lydia, do you have any advice for something like this? Anything I should make sure to know beforehand?”

“I do,” Shawna’s voice said from behind her.

Alex turned and smiled as her friend walked into the room.

“So you’re gonna go on a gangbang, huh?" Shawna asked. "Nice. I’ve only had two or three of those myself, so I can definitely give you some tips. First of all, don’t be afraid to ask for breaks. Fucking that many guys is exhausting, and if you need to hit the pause button to get some water or catch your breath, that’s absolutely fine. Second, if you’re being fucked by multiple guys at once--like, if one’s fucking your pussy and another your ass, and you’re sucking the cock of a third--remember to keep your knees apart and breathe through your nose and do it in the right position. Usually, you lie on top of the guy fucking your pussy, while the guy fucking your ass takes you from behind as you ride the first guy, and the third guy’s up in front and you suck his dick as you get pounded on the other two. It takes a lot of concentration and focus to keep a steady rhythm, so don’t let yourself get distracted.”

Alex felt her cheeks turn hot. Shawna’s bluntness never failed to take her aback. “O-okay. What else?”

“You’re going to get messy,” Shawna went on. “Like, really messy. By the end of it you’ll have cum in your hair, on your face, in your ears, between your toes...you name it. Make sure you bring along lots of baby wipes or, ideally, make sure you can shower before you go home. Wouldn’t want your parents spoiling all the fun you’ve been having would we? Also, when guys really get going and their sex drive takes over, they can get pretty rough, even if they don’t meant to. You can expect to be lightly tossed, thrown, have your hair pulled, or even some mild choking if they clutch your throat while they fuck you. This is all normal, and the next morning you might have some mild bruising. It’s nothing to panic about, but you should keep that in mind. It’s not like they’re deliberately trying to hurt you, they’re just enjoying the ride. Your pussy and ass and boobs will also probably be sore from all the handling.”

She turned serious for a moment.

“But if they get too rough or start treating you with disrespect, end the session immediately and leave. I know Lydia and I have both said this before, but you are in ultimate control.”

The older escort paused, thinking. “You should also plan on bringing a change of clothes and stop by the office before heading out. This is a big booking and we want you to look your best, so I think you should let the agency see to your makeup and hair.”

That all made perfect sense to Alex and she reflected yet again how lucky she was to have Shawna as a mentor. “Thanks, Shawna. I’ll keep all that in mind and I’ll make sure all five of the boys have the time of their lives!” Eagerness crept into her voice.

“Oh, we know,” Lydia said, giving her hand a squeeze.

“How are you handling the other stuff?” Shawna wanted to know. “Like, are you doing okay balancing this with your home life and school?”

“I’m...managing,” Alex said, frowning. “It’s hard sometimes. My parents are super-strict and they know I’m not exactly a party animal, so I’ve had to come up with some excuses for why I’m not at home as often anymore. I’ve been telling them I’m doing volunteer work or studying at the library or staying with friends. Thankfully, my grades haven’t suffered or anything, so they haven’t been too pushy about it yet, but...it’s stressful, you know? Sooner or later, they’ll start getting suspicious. What will I do then?”

“You could always tell them the truth,” Lydia suggested. “Or you could bring them into the agency and let them see for themselves that it’s not some sort of seedy underworld operation. I mean, we’re not a strip club or anything like that.”

Alex shook her head. “You don’t know them like I do. They’d never understand--they’d declare the agency and everything about it sinful and wicked and a crime against God, and they’d accuse me of whoring myself out, of degrading myself, of embracing wickedness. They would never, ever listen to me. They’d sooner see this whole building burn than watch me set foot inside of it.”

“You want my advice?” Shawna asked. “Start saving for an apartment and move in as soon as you graduate. You’re 18, after all, and you can live on your own if you want to. If you’ve got your own place, you won’t have to tiptoe around your folks all the time.”

Alex considered this for a moment. “I’ve thought about that, but...my parents would be so disappointed. They’d say I was abandoning them.”

“But they’re fine with you moving out for college?”

“No.” Alex bit her lip. “I’m planning on attending the local college. Daddy thinks that girls should be kept on a tight leash, otherwise, they’ll get into trouble. Heck, it was a struggle to convince him to let me go to college at all. If he had his way, I’d be married by next year and turned into a good little housewife.” Bitterness colored her words.

Shawna and Lydia shared sympathetic glances. “Well, we’re here for you if you ever need to talk or vent,” Shawna said, squeezing Alex’s shoulder. “It’s not fair for you to have to live under those kinds of conditions. You’re a smart, capable young woman who’s making her own way in the world and there’s no shame in who you are or what you’re doing. You should be able to live however you want, and with whomever you want.”

Alex smiled wanly. “I wish my parents agreed. They’re so focused on their own idea of what a good life looks like that they can’t see anything else. It’s like they’re stuck in this bubble where everyone has to fit into this perfect mold of what they think is right. They can’t understand that there are other ways to be happy, that maybe their way isn’t the only way.”

“Well, fuck ’em,” Shawna declared. “You’re an amazing girl and if they can’t see that, it’s their problem. Not yours.”

“Have you been getting along with the other girls here?” Lydia wanted to know. “You and Shawna have grown close, but I hope you’ve been able to establish good rapport with some of the others.”

“Oh, yes,” Alex said, brightening at the change of subject. “It’s actually been really nice to have people to talk to who understand what I’m going through. They don’t judge me or try to make me feel guilty about my choices. It’s...it’s really helped me to feel more confident in myself and my decisions. This place...it’s become like a sanctuary to me. A refuge.”

Shawna nodded in agreement. “That’s how I felt when I first started out too. It’s tough, you know? You have this whole other life going on that no one else knows about, and you have to keep it hidden just to keep the peace. But once you find your niche here, once you start to see how much this agency helps not just you but all of these other girls as your career takes off, it’s hard not to feel a sense of pride and purpose.”

“I can’t imagine doing anything else,” Alex said forcefully. “This job is amazing! I don’t regret becoming an escort, not one bit.”

“That’s the spirit!” Shawna exclaimed, giving Alex a high five.

“Well, it seems we’ve covered everything,” Lydia cut in, clearing her throat politely. “Alex, I continue to be impressed and pleased with your performance so far, and you have a bright future ahead of you here at Cherry Blossom Escorts. I look forward to hearing how your booking with the birthday boy and his friends went. In fact...” she turned and typed on her computer. “We have another request for tonight that you might be interested in, if you’re up for two bookings on two nights in a row. A young man has just turned 18 and his well-meaning parents are concerned that he doesn’t get out much. They worry that his lack of exposure and experience with women will hamper him in the long term, and they would like one of our girls to guide him through his first sexual experience. Alex, you only recently lost your virginity yourself, so you can understand how important it is for the first time to be memorable. Would you like to take this booking?”

Alex couldn’t agree fast enough. It was an honor to be trusted with such an important responsibility, but she knew how vulnerable the young man would be. She remembered her own first experience and how shy and vulnerable she’d felt, so she definitely empathized. Sitting up straighter, she nodded to Lydia. “I’d be happy to take the booking. I’ll make sure his first time is an experience he remembers forever.”

“Excellent! Then, in that case, the client’s parents would like to meet with you a few hours before the session begins. They want to go over everything, get to know you a little, and make sure their boy is in good hands. They have already made a reservation at a local high-end restaurant for a late lunch at three this afternoon. Does that sound agreeable?”

“Oh, absolutely!” Alex nodded eagerly. “I’d be happy to meet with them and I entirely understand why they want to sit down with me. It’s important for them to feel comfortable with me, and for me to understand what their expectations are. It’s just as much my job to make sure they trust me with their son’s first time as it is to make sure he has a good experience.”

“God, you were made for this business,” Shawna giggled. “Where’s the sheltered little girl I met only a few weeks ago?”

“Dead,” Alex said cheerfully, rising to her feet. She had a lot to do to prepare for tonight’s session and she wanted to look her best when she met the young man’s mother and father. She availed herself of the agency’s salon to do her hair and nails, then carefully applied just enough makeup to accentuate her femininity without looking gaudy. Then she headed off to the restaurant and got there five minutes early. Shawna had taught her very early on how important it was to be punctual.