Shyla Picket thought it was amazing how fast life could change. Sometimes, it felt like things would stay the same forever— then, one day, something would happen. Sometimes, it was something so small you might not notice it at first, but eventually it would affect everything in your life. To Shyla, change felt like dominoes— once ones started falling, everything would slowly begin to flip until everything around you was different.
She leaned her head against the passenger-side window, thinking her life had surely changed. It had unexpectedly taken a U-turn, especially when it came to how she spent her weekends. Shyla smiled to herself as she watched the snow coming down around them as they dove through a small mountain pass. Countless trees lined the road, their branches were all covered in snow. Everything looked like it was covered int a wintery blanket of white. She thought nothing could be more beautiful— more peaceful— than this moment.
She let out a pleasant sigh and turned towards her boyfriend. He was driving and listening to the latest sports stats come over the radio. He was so focused on the road ahead, yet also struggling to get bits of pretzel out of his teeth. She could tell he was nervous to the point where it was cute. After months of dating, Liam was taking her to spend the weekend with his family. They had wanted to meet her ever since they learned about their relationship but Liam had been dragging his feet. He continuously made excuses as to why they couldn't schedule a meeting or acted as if he'd simply forgotten what day they were all supposed to get together.
After a while, Shyla began to wonder if Liam was avoiding introducing her to his family because he was ashamed of her. Yet when she asked him, he quickly assured her it wasn't her but them. He told her that if he had his way, she wouldn't meet his family for years. Maybe after they were married and their kids were in college, he'd be more then happy to introduce them. He admitted he was afraid they might offend her or even scare her off. She assured him she didn't scare so easily and that she loved him far too much to let anyone run her off.
When his parents asked him to come skiing this weekend and he learned she'd never been, he invited her to finally meet them. This way Shyla could at least do something new and fun. Besides, if his parents got too scary, they could always head for the hills for a few hours and claim they got lost.
As they came around a bend on the mountain road, Liam let out a heavy sigh and told her they were getting close. She suddenly found herself growing nervous but tried not to let it show. She didn't want Liam to know that skiing wouldn't be the only new experience this weekend. She had never met any of her boyfriend's parents before.
All of her relationships up to this point had never been serious. In high school, her boyfriends had never lasted more then a few weeks, and in college, she spent most her time studying or 'working.' Up until a few months ago, she'd been an escort. It wasn't something she was proud of, but it had payed for college.
She'd stopped shortly after meeting Liam. She still hadn't told him and hoped she wouldn't have to anytime soon. She wasn't sure how he'd taken it. Some people could be very open-minded, while others were less so. To be fair, in the beginning, Shyla herself had been wary of it.
In her first year of college a nude model sat for her art class. Shyla didn't know how anyone could be so bold. After class, she approached her and they got to talking. Eventually Shyla asked her how she could undress in front of a room full of strangers. The model was open and honest, explaining that she was comfortable with herself and didn't mind helping others improve their artistic abilities.
She also admitted while she got paid to pose, her main income came from being an escort. Shyla found herself fascinated and had so many questions, which the model was only too happy to answer. She even suggested that Shyla, as a college student should give it a try. The hours were flexible, and the pay was excellent. The model was so friendly, but Shyla didn't understand how anyone could sell themselves to strangers. It didn't seem right to share something so personal—intimate —for cash. The model gave her a card, and Shyla took it but she pushed it all to the back of her mind, almost forgetting about it.
In her second year her roommate dropped out of college to go traveling and Shyla desperately needed money to pay the bills. She got a job on campus at first but it didn't pay enough between, rent, food, tuition and school supplies. She got a second job working at a movie theater but barely had any time left to study for her classes, let alone do her art. Which was the whole reason she'd gone to college in the first place.
She got so tired she began failing some of her classes. How was she supposed to learn anything from college when in order to pay for it, she had to spend all her time working? One of her professors suggested she take a year or two off and work but Shyla had heard to many stories about others doing that and never coming back. The program she had gotten into was also exclusive.
They only chose twenty-five students every year. What if she didn't make the cut again?
The more stressed she got, the more desperate she became. She would look over the boards at school for any odd jobs that paid well and left her time for classes. One day she saw that model again. She was shopping at one of the places Shyla was applying to work at. Awkwardly she approached her, asking if she still escorted.
The model said yes and even treated Shyla to lunch at a place she could never afford. She learned her name was Vanessa. Shyla admitted she needed money and was interested in becoming an escort but didn't know if she could sleep with someone she didn't know. Vanessa told her it was a misconception just because she was an escort, didn't mean she slept with her clients.
She told Shyla to think of it like going on a normal date. The clients just needed someone pretty to keep them company. Sometimes Vanessa would get to go to a gallery opening, fundraisers, or even travel abroad. All she had to do was just hang out, and if at some point the client wanted more. She always had the right to say no and walk out like with any normal date. However, if she wanted a tip, then maybe she'd do more, here or there. But it was always her decision. She was always in control.
Vanessa made it sound easy and even exciting. Like Shyla could just go to a gallery opening and make a few hundred dollars. Vanessa gave Shyla another card from her escort company and told her to try it for a few weeks and see for herself. Shyla took the card but still wasn't sure about it. Yet after she nearly failed one of her math exams, she finally broke down and called the number on the card.
She spoke to a very nice receptionist who invited her to come in for an interview. The company's headquarters was nearby and she went in just to check it out. It was a really nice place and everyone was super friendly. It wasn't at all like what she expected. They had her fill out an application and a woman met with her after she turned it in. It felt like a normal job interview. She asked where Shyla had previously worked, what she was studying and if she had any special talents. The only part that was a little different was when the woman asked her about her sexual health and had her stand up and slowly turn around. It was a little weird but not too bad.
The woman took a few notes then offered her a job right there on the spot. Shyla took it and was a little worried she'd have to start right away, never having done this before but found out they had a flexible six week training program. When she found out they paid her for training and just how much it was, she took some time off from her two jobs and came in the next day after one of her classes.
The first thing they did was have her sign paperwork. Some of it was pretty standard but she read everything very carefully. She found out while they paid for her training she would be expected to pay back some expenses she might incur. There was a two page list of possible services she might need. She almost didn't sign thinking it would cost a fortune. What if this didn't work out? She'd be in more debt then she already was. The woman who interviewed her saw her uneasiness and assure her it was an investment on both their parts.
It also might seem like a lot but really it wasn't. Shyla was to be paid a flat fee for every date and was allowed to keep 70 percent of all her tips. If she owed an exegeses they would take a percentage off each date and it would be paid off over time. The training and services were important because the better she presented the more dates she was bound to get. So investing in her would in turn be investing in the company.
It seemed fair enough. When she got to the last few pages and found out how much she made for each date before tips she was also floored. It was more then both her jobs combined and she couldn't sign fast enough. She knew it was a risk but she really needed the cash and admittedly was a little excited. She was young and this was her first real adventure into something she knew litlte about.
Over the next four days she took classes on how to be an escort. They worked around her college schedule and had everything broken up into nice little segments. How to handle the client, her safety, money and privacy above all. They were not allowed to discuss their clients with anyone. Each escort never used their real name nor gave out any other escorts real name. They were only allowed to meet with a client if the escort service set it up first. Each escort was given a special cell phone this was how they would receive their dates and enter any information or payments. Each phone monitored their location when on a date and had a panic button should the date become unsafe.
They had a class on how to handle awkward questions from family, friends or the police should need be. They even had a class on what to do if a date went bad or even became dangerous. Shyla was a little wary after hearing about some crazy dates and clients but other girls assured her the company always took care of them. If she ever got a 'creeper client' who became too 'attached' the company would put them with another girl or even blacklist them from using the service but they would handle the whole situation so she wouldn't have to do a thing. She felt a bit better after that, everything was a lot to take in but she found it all very helpful and learned a lot. It was also kind of exciting. It almost felt like she was a spy, leading a double life.
After some classes she got a full makeover on the weekend. They cut, dyed and styled her hair. Then showed her how to apply her makeup to enhance her features. After her cosmetics were done they worked on her wardrobe. The escort service had a personal seamstress and stylist who put together several outfits. From her underwear the what jackets to wear they picked out what best suited her and set up a little closet for her. Each date she'd be told what to wear based on the clients needs. All of the clothes were to stay at the service unless she was on a date.
She was given a locker and her own personal makeup table with the makeup they taught her to use. When she got a date she'd be called on her phone with a date and time. She was required to show up an hour early to get dressed and changed. Then she'd be driven to her dates location with the escorts personal car service. After the date she'd use her phone to be picked up then brought back to the escort service. They had special entrances and exits just for dates and if anyone ever followed them they simply needed to go up to the front desk and say Toadstool. Any cash would need to be turned in at the front desk in a pouch with their name. It would later be counted out and paid to their accounts. Any money directly paid to the escort service would be immediately processed and added to their accounts. She could check her balance at any time with a card. She could pay anything she owed overtime or all at once if she liked. Once business was taken care of she could take a shower, change back into her normal wear and leave until her next date.
In her second week they did a full photo shoot with her and some of the other girls. They made a website page just for her using her escort name "Starlight." They gave her a false backstory and had business cards printed up for her as well as the escort serviced should she see any potential clients or escorts. They had her take three etiquette class, two self defense classes and a full day on nothing but conversation. Finally they made up a fake date, testing her on what she had learned and gave her pointers on how she could improve. She had no idea so much went into being an escort. Every company was different but the one she worked for had been doing this for nearly fifty years and had it down flat.
When her training was done they gave her a surprise bonus for doing so well and a certificate. They put her live on the website and then it was only a matter of time. It was nearly nerve wracking waiting for that first date. She would stare at her phone throughout classes. When it came time to go back to work she kept it on her but didn't know what she'd do if she suddenly had to leave. When her firs call finally came a week later she was so so so nervous answering it. She thought her heart was going to explode answering it. They told her she'd gotten her first request.
It was something simple, a man needed an escort to a wedding party and had chosen her profile. Shyla was asked to appear conservative and the stylist dressed her accordingly in a nice blouse and long skirt. She was even given long jacket and a nice hat with some flower on it. Her jewelry was simple nothing flashy. Her hands were shaking once she was dressed and waiting for the car to take her to to the date. They dropped her off a block from the wedding. When she met the client, Hank, she was surprised to find he was just as nervous as she was. He looked to be in his forties, maybe older, he'd lost some hair and his eyes looked tired.
He stumbled over his words and apologized a lot. He tried to explain himself not wanting Shyla to think he was a pervert. He told her that his younger brother was getting married. His brother was always more successful than him, especially with the ladies. Whenever Hank showed up to any family get-togethers alone, they'd always fuss over him, put him down or tried to set him up with someone he didn't like. He told Shyla he just wanted to attend his brother's wedding and be left alone. That it would be nice if she could say that, they met through his shoe store and had been dating for a few weeks, maybe a month at most. She also needed to pretend her name was Opal.
He seemed like a such a nice guy. Shyla hoped she could do it but had never pretended to be anyone else before. When they got to the party and met his family and friends they seemed surprised, She played her part and it was actually kind of fun, trilling even. She felt like she was playing a game or once again being a spy.
At first things seemed to move very quickly she wasn't quiet sure what Hank wanted to do at the wedding but as the night went on, he seemed to just wanted her to sit beside him and eat. He wasn't a very good dancer and spent most the time talking about work. He made shoes and had his own business. As they talked, Shyla could tell he was lonely and happy for the company.
When they left the wedding Shyla was a little nervous on how thing would go but Hank was a gentleman. He kissed her hand and thanked her for helping him through the wedding. After that, she got nearly six hundred dollars. Shyla couldn't believe it. She must have only spent three or four hours with him. She wonder how much the date must have cost if she was, getting this much. One she handed everything in and had changed out she thought no knew she could do this and quit both her jobs the next day.
Hank quickly became one of her regulars after that. They'd often had coffee once a week. Sometimes they'd feed the bird together in the park or see a broad way show together. One afternoon he took her to his shoe shop and showed her how the shoes were made. She thought it would be cool if he was her only client. But over the next few weeks her phone rang more and more.
Her second client took her and another escort to a sports game and an after party. He got rather rowdy towards the end and quite drunk. The girls had to call him a cab home but the date itself wasn't that bad. In fact Shyla began to have a lot fun.
Her next few dates took her to all sorts of places, picnics, gallery openings, hiking, and even a golf tournament. There were a few lame dates where she had to hide her boredom or hold her tongue when they talked about things she didn't agree with. Some dates were rude or ended quickly but there were also a lot of dates she almost didn't want to end. All things considered those first few months were pretty great.
One or two jobs a weekend for a few hours paid for everything. Shyla didn't have to work any other jobs and was able to play the rent in advance, buy real food, pay her tuition on time and even get some extra art supplies. Whenever she was offered "a tip" Shyla quickly turned them down but admittedly there were one of two guys, she found rather handsome. They would pay for the entire weekend and she get to know them a little. She soon found herself tempted to go further.
She sought advice from some of the other escorts. They said it was a really good idea. One of the girls suggested that if Shyla wanted to do more she could make enough money to actually pay off her school loans completely and save up enough so she never had to work again. Of course...that was the dream of most the escorts...having so many clients you never needed to worry about money again. Shyla was surprised by some of the stories she'd heard and was tempted by the possibility of not just surviving school but paying it off.
Yet she wasn't sure if she could really go that far with a stranger. She wasn't sure how she'd feel about herself, once she started getting paid for sexual favors. One girl told her to just give one of her clients a blow job or even a hand job to see how she felt. Start out light and see how things went from there.
Shyla decided to give it a shot. The first time she ever accepted "a tip", the guy was handsome. He was a lawyer that had just made partner at an up and coming firm. He wanted someone to celebrate with. They went out drinking and dancing for hours. When the date was nearly over Shyla waited for him to ask if she wanted a tip. It didn't take long. He asked her what she would be willing to do, and she told him, she would go down on him. The man nodded with interest and discussed a three hundred dollar tip. Shyla started pulling down the man's zipper and unbuttoning his pants.
The man smiled when he quickly realized it was Shyla's first time doing something like this. Her hands shook as she took him out and held him. For a few seconds she just stared at him, taking in what she was doing. He was semi hard and they were in the back of his town car. Shyla looked up at him then back at his penis.
She licked her lips then closed her eyes and went for it. She slowly moved her hands over his member gently caressed him then applied more pressure and rhythm. She worked him until he got stiff. He made all sorts of little noises and she had to keep herself from giggling she was so nervous. She told herself to be professional but she nearly lost it, letting a few laughs out. The man asked her what was so funny and she quickly put her mouth on his member so she wouldn't have to explain she giggled sometimes when she got really nervous.
He tasted musky and a bit salty as she started at the top and slowly worked her way down. The man forgot all about her laughing and quickly leaned back in the car. He moaned loudly as she made her way up and down his shaft. Her hands moved to cup his balls and he ran his hands through her hair. Before she could really get into it, the man came and she almost didn't know what to do. Some of it spilled onto the seat and she coughed a bit up her nose.
The man quickly apologized for not warning her, claiming he didn't realize he was going to come so soon. After Shyla cleaned up, he paid her twice the amount they had agreed upon. She cleaned up the back seat a little then had the car service pick her up. She waited a few days to see if there were any regrets but when the next weekend rolled around and she was still feeling good about things, she decided that if she found a client charming or sexy she'd go for "a tip".
For weeks, she continued only giving blow jobs. It almost became mechanical. She'd think of what she needed to do for classes or what she wanted to pick up at the grocery store. She made sure that they never knew that she wasn't focused on them. Apparently she was pretty good at it.
The first time she had sex with a client was out of pity. A few times she had gone out with a man named Phillip. He had recently lost his wife in childbirth. He was depressed and at first, he just wanted someone to talk to and spend time with who didn't know him. He was lonely.
The man said he'd seen Shyla's picture on the escort website and that her eyes had reminded him of his wife's. She tried to comfort him knowing a little about loss. At one point she kissed him, and one thing led to another. They had sex and it all felt so natural. After she had enough to pay off her training expenses. She felt a little strange afterwards but told herself it was okay. She didn't do sexual favors for everyone. It was still her choice...her decision if anything she felt in control of her life and somewhat empowered. She liked not having to work so much and she carried herself differently. There was something about being desired that was nice. Knowing men would pay just to have you near them was a bit intoxicating and gave her self-esteem a little boost.
She was able to pick up her grades and even work on her art again. When summer came she was opened her availability and went on more dates then ever. By the end of it she made enough to pay off most of her loans in little over a year. She was also able to live comfortably almost too comfortably. She got a new apartment in a really good location between the college and the escort service. It was also near a ton of little shops and a movie theater. She loved going on walks, catching a moving or grabbing some coffee and fresh baked bread. She got a gym membership to make sure she didn't put on any weight and started dressing better outside of work. She got herself some better canvas and expensive brushes and paints.
She was a little worried she might become dependent on the income. She learned from some of the other girls that having so much money could easily become addicting. Once the money started coming in they would buy themselves things, and got used to a way of living that could no longer be satisfied by a normal everyday income. Shyla made a point not to buy things she didn't need and started setting aside a little money from each date. She planned to only escort until college was over. Once she graduated she'd get a job with her degree and quit the business.
A few of the other escorts thought it was funny she wanted to work at all. She found a common goal in the business was to find a rich client and become their wife or mistress, if they were already married. Shyla pointed out they weren't suppose to make dates that weren't scheduled by the service but they said if they met Mr. Right they'd just quit. They also said the company had something called a buy out bonus. Shyla hadn't heard of it in training but apparently each escort had a secret number the company thought they could make and if the client bought them out, they'd take down the escorts profiles and have her removed from every reputable escort service so she couldn't work again. It was suppose to be a good thing because it meant the client only wanted the escort for themselves and the escort would get their name printed in gold on their success wall and the name could never be used again. It didn't happen all that often but when it did there was always a crazy celebration. The ultimate dream was to be a kept woman and have a nice place down town with an allowance to boot. Shyla didn't say anything and tried not to think much about it.
A month or so later, Phillip bought out another escort named, Tandy. Shyla had trained with her and she was so sweet. They company threw a big party for her and all the escorts got together to send her off into retirement. Apparently Phillip was going to marry her. The ring was massive. Apparently Phillip was an heir to some fortune. At one point during the celebration Tandy asked if Shyla was mad that she stole one of her clients. Shyla told her she wasn't mad at all. Whens he really thought about it she realized she didn't want to meet her husband through escorting nor did she ever ant to be 'kept' by a man.
Her mother had always been dependent on her father. She remembered her having to ask him to do the smallest of things. Sometimes it was really sad that she needed his permission to do something. Shyla had cared for her father but vowed never to let a man rule her life. She felt she could never be in a relationship where she wasn't the equal of her partner. She wanted them to build their life together. She didn't want them to have to compete for control and struggle on uneven ground. She wanted to love and to be loved in return. If somehow someday she did depend on a man….then he'd better depend on her just as much.
As Shyla started her next year of college, she thought that she had a pretty level head on her shoulders. She had dreams and goals that she was determined to complete. With her escort job, she thought she was going to have a good start on her future. However, after one of her dates became dangerous, Shyla began to rethink he choices.
It had been the best-paying job she'd ever had —booked for a full three-day weekend. It was their first and last date. The client had been handsome, charming and even amazing in bed. But as the weekend came to an end he didn't want to let her go. He kept asking for her real name and address. When she wouldn't give it to him he became unhinged. He thought he could just buy her with a downtown apartment and an allowance. He quickly got to be too much for her.
She had been in the middle of nowhere when she decided it was over. She told him she had to use the bathroom then snuck out and used her phone. She had to hide in the brush along the road in nothing but a bed sheet, for over an hour and almost got caught several times. When she got back the the escort service she told management what happened and assumed they'd just handle it but the client was relentless.
He kept calling the escort service day after day, week after week, trying to get another date. He sent flowers, chocolates and all sorts of gifts to the point where he filled up the lobby. It was crazy. Each had a little note asking just to talk. He tried to buy her out, for twice her estimated number. The service told her about it but she made it clear she wanted nothing to do with him. The service tried to set him up with other escorts but all he wanted was her. He tried to bribe several of the other girls but none of them knew her real name or address. The escort service ended up having to blacklist him but even then he did not relent.
She heard he sent a man to the escort agency with several pictures of her. She had no idea how he got them but offered money for any information. She could no longer go to the building and didn't feel comfortable going out on dates with any new clients. She made sure to only stick with ones she knew and even cut those way back. She had enough money and considered seriously quitting. It just wasn't worth it
She took some time for herself and began to spend her weekends sketching at a coffee shop near her apartment. She liked the atmosphere and after a few weekends she met Liam. He was sweet and funny. She had seen him around a few times, banging on his laptop and almost spilling his coffee. One day when she looked over at him, he was looking back at her and the sun was shining on him. He smiled at her and there was something about that smile that still made her heart leap.
They started talking and one thing led to another. He asked her out to a movie and she accepted. They went out for dinner after and played some arcade games. Their relationship quickly took off and grew beyond anything she had ever experienced with any of her clients. She found it easy to let herself go and found herself falling hard and fast for Liam. He seemed to care for her just as much and she felt they were on equal footing. He didn't demand anything from her or make her ask permission for anything.
When they started having sex, she finally quit the escort service. She took one last appointment to attend Hank's wedding to a woman who made socks of all things. Then said her goodbyes to the other escorts and then turned in her resignation. The escort service was sad to see her go but offered her a job if she ever needed it.
Shyla yawned and stretched in the car. It made her tired thinking of it all. Liam smiled at her as they pulled into a long driveway. Shyla saw what looked like a large lodge. She felt bad now for thinking about her past as they were driving. She wanted this weekend to be great and wasn't going to let her past spoil it. One day she might tell Liam about everything but not this weekend.
Liam stopped the car in front of the entrance to the lodge and then grabbed Shyla's hand. He squeezed it gently, saying, "I just want you to know that I did warn you. If, after meeting my family, you never want to see them again, I understand."
Shyla laughed, shaking her head, and gave him a quick kiss. "It will be fine, love. I'm sure they'll like me. And even if they don't, you do."
"That I do." said Liam, getting out of the car. Some men that worked at the lodge came out, getting their luggage and the car keys.
It was quite cold out as the two quickly made their way up a large staircase. The lodge was lit fairly well and as they reached the front doors, someone opened them. A man stepped up, taking Liam's coat and scarf. Liam turned to Shyla and helped her to take off her scarf and then her coat. He looked all the more nervous.
Shyla tried to calm him down as their coats were taken away. "Where do you think the front desk is? Have you ever been to this lodge before?"
Liam looked like he was going to be sick. Shyla continued to look around the room and it was fantastic. The entry hall had gorgeous vaulted ceilings There was a large winding staircase and everything was beautifully decorated. There was a pleasant smell in the air and though it had been cold outside, it was just right inside. Shyla smiled, "This is so amazing! I've never stayed in a lodge before," Shyla turned to Liam and reached out for him," Cheer up! This place must have dozens of rooms. If things get too tense with your family we could always get lost for a while."
She was trying to be cute, if not funny but Liam seemed beside himself. After a moment he sighed and said, "Uh...there is something I didn't tell you...this- this isn't a lodge Shyla. This is my families winter home. Well one of them..."
Shyla laughed thinking he was joking, "Yeah right." She rolled her eyes.
"No. No it's true," said Liam gloomily. He kicked his foot into the carpet as men carried their bags inside and up the stairs. Shyla crinkled her forehead as Liam cleared his throat and continued, "You see, uhh I don't like to talk about it very much but my family has money, a lot of money."
"Oh," said Shyla, realizing he was being serious. She took another sweep of the room and thought of his earlier statement. 'This was his families winter home...one of them.' Did that mean they had more then one home or specifically more then one winter home?
Liam scratched his head uncomfortably as he watched Shyla take it all in, "Yeah, I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. It's just from personal experience it usually affects people when they find out. It can make some people act fake or pull away. It also affects my family's opinion of people. They can be. rather judgmental. They think everyone's out to get their well our money."
"Right." said Shyla slowly. She suddenly understood why some people might have been intimidated or even offended. This was not at all how she'd pictured Liam's family. To be far she hadn't really thought about them all that much. She'd assumed they were a normal middle class family, maybe poorer.
When she'd first met Liam, he'd lived in a nice area, but his apartment was all but bare. He had two folding chairs and a bed that was just a mattress on the floor. He practically lived with her, considering all the time they'd spent together. Nothing said he or his family had a lot of money. If anything it seemed to be the last thing on Liam's mind. His art was his passion. He painted, sculpted, and studied architecture. He did take a few business classes but Shyla had always thought it was because he wanted to open his own art shop or something. Now she wondered if there was something more to it...
Liam squeezed Shyla's hand bringing her out of her thoughts. Again he apologized, "I'm so sorry I didn't tell you earlier."
Shyla thought she knew Liam pretty well and she was taken aback by all this but at the same time she could only imagine how big of an issue this must have been, for him to feel the need to keep it such a secret. She bit her lip and tried to make light of things once more, teasing, "Oh, you'll pay for this...later but you'll pay," She scowled at him playfully. "Especially now that I know you can."
He leaned in kissing her gently before he let out a small chuckle, "I'm sure I will. I'm sure I will."
The two stood there for a moment before deciding it was time to get this over with. Together they made their way through the lodge...no...the mansion until they found Liam's mother in one of the sitting rooms.
She had short styled blonde hair and was wearing a tanned sweater with white dress slacks and tan designer high-heels. Her earrings sparkled as she read a book on law. When she saw them enter, she got up and went to Liam, hugging him. "Oh good Leigh, you made it! Rotham called and said the roads are getting just terrible out there. He, Petra and the children are going to be late, if they come at all."
"Ah, so Rotham is coming?" said Liam pulling back. "I thought he was too busy and couldn't make it."
"That was before your father called him. He was very insistent that Rotham make an appearance this weekend." said Liam's mother. "I'm thrilled that he's going to make it. We're only going to get so many more of these family get-togethers. What with your father's poor health, and I for one would like to spend some time with my grandchildren, while I can still get out of bed."
"I'm sure things will be fine for quiet some time mother. You look fantastic and you and father are probably the healthiest people I know."
"Oh you are such a poor liar. It's good you didn't go in to law dear." said Liam's mother brushing her hands over his shoulders. Shyla thought his mother sounded a bit condescending but told herself she was probably joking.
Almost like a hawk, seeking out its prey Liam's mother turned her attentions to Shyla. She looked her up and down, her warm expression turning cold. Shyla felt awkward under her gaze but kept a smile plastered on her face. Silence filled the room and the air felt thick as things became tense. After nearly a minute Liam's mother finally spoke. Her tone was different slow and skeptical. "You...must be...Shyla Picket is it?."
"Yes," said Shyla swallowing hard. She suddenly bowed her head in greeting like his mother was some queen. She realized what she was doing and tried to pretends she hadn't just done that. Her voice squeaked a bit as she said "It is so nice to meet you, ma'am, I mean Mrs. Aindridge
"
"Call me Claire, I'm not that old yet." said Claire. Without warning she reached out and took Shyla's arm in her own pulling her along. Shyla stumbled a bit but managed to keep pace with her. "Why don't I take you on a tour while Liam goes and catches up with his father? He's waiting for you in the study dear. Don't make him wait too long and try to be a good boy and not touch any of the gin."
Liam sighed heavily. Shyla could sense something more was going on here but didn't have the time to ask him about it. Within seconds, she was whisked away. Claire took her through the downstairs, showing her a massive dinning room with a long table that was being set by several maids for dinner. From the dinnering room they went into a large kitchen with a full staff. It reminded Shyla of a restaurant as they all rushed around preparing dinner. She wondered if all of this really was just for the family or if they had other guests staying over this weekend. Hadn't there been a parking lot outside. Perhaps they had purchased the lodge years ago and converted it that or they hosted a lot of guests.
Claire seemed to be judging Shyla's expressions as she took her through the second and third kitchens followed by the various sitting rooms. She showed her the 'multiple' pools, hot tubes and sauna. Then they stepped outside to look at the outdoor spa and personal ski lift. Claire gave a little history about every room they entered and mentioned the ski lift was currently down for maintenance and wouldn't be available this weekend. Shyla just stared wide eyed at it and kept thinking, 'Who had their own ski lift!'
Back inside she showed Shyla the first floor ball room before they moved onto the second floor ball room. There were mirror everywhere and chandeliers that sparkled like the sun. They walkd through the master suites and Claire mentioned some famous people that had strayed over. They moved to an even bigger dinning room with a table that had to seat at least fifty people. From there they entered another two kitchens then half a dozen sitting rooms and a massive library that started on the second floor and went up to the third floor. There was an indoor tennis court, a home movie theater and a wreck room that had its own bowling alley. She had seen some pretty nice places escorting but this was getting to be ridiculous. Claire told her that the house had been in the family for generations and that they upgraded it every few years depending on their moods and the latest styles. They went up to the third floor but it was just room after room. After a while they all began to blend together.
When the tour was finished, they went back to the second floor and Claire showed Shyla the room she would be staying in. Her things were already unpacked and placed in the closet and dresser. She guessed they did that here. Shyla had never seen it done before but had heard about it. She didn't like the idea of a strangers going through her stuff but was too overwhelmed to think about it too much.
Instead, she turned to Claire and asked, "I noticed that only my things are in the closet. Where are Liam's?"
Claire looked at Shyla, a bit taken aback. "In his room, of course. Certainly you didn't expect to share a room with him!"
"Of course not." Shyla quickly lied. Claire must have been old fashioned. Shyla smiled and tried to dig herself out of the hole she was making. "I was just curious where his room was?"
Claire scowled at her"I must say that really isn't appropriate,"
"Right I'm sorry." said Shyla thinking this was beyond old school. She wasn't even allowed to know where his room was. It took everything for Shyla to hold her smile. She ended up biting her lower lip nervously.
"Oh, don't do that dear. It's such bad habit." said Claire and the awkwardness grew. Claire sniffed the air delicately."You should really freshen up before dinner. When you're finished, please come down to the first sitting room we were in."
Shyla politely nodded. After Claire left she let out a long winded groan. She collapsed on her bed and rolled her eyes. She couldn't believe Liam and her wouldn't be sharing a room. How was she going to talk to him about anything that was going on?
After a minute or two Shyla sat up, she looked around the room some more trying to stay positive. At least she got her own bathroom. That was something right? She sighed and went to her closet wondering what she should wear to dinner.
It was one of those times where having been an escort really came in handy. Back in the day, she would have only packed a sweater and jeans. Now Shyla knew to be ready for any event. She put on a nice simple dress and a comfortable pair of high-heels. When she looked in the mirror, she realized her breasts showed a bit so she added a nice sweater over the top just to be safe.
She fixed her hair up, put on some new earrings and touched up her makeup. When she was done, she thought she looked nice, nothing too fancy or trashy. As Shyla left the room, she hoped this wouldn't be a total disaster. She got lost on her way but eventually found the front door and from there, the sitting room. Thankfully Liam was the only one in the room. He was sitting on the couch with a drink in his hand. His mood seemed low. Shyla wanted to talk to him about everything but found herself concerned.
"Is everything alright?" she asked, stepping up to him.
Liam lifted his head to look at her and smiled. Shyla was happy she could brighten his mood. "Now it is." He said reached out for her. She took his hand and then joined him on the couch. The two kissed and Shyla could smell the alcohol on his breath. It was rare as he normally didn't drink, at least that she could recall.
They sat on the couch for a while and rather then complain Shyla asked, "So what do I do? I mean, here? What would you're family like best?"
"Nothing." Liam quietly chuckled to himself before looking bitter. He finished off his drink and then sighed. Shyla looked at him worried. After a moment he stroked her cheek and put on a half smile, "Just- Just be yourself Shyla. Don't let them get to you. Especially my brother and his wife."
"I take it you don't like your brother." said Shyla.
"We have our moments." said Liam rubbing a hand over his face. "I used to idolize him when I was younger. He's a genius, had his own company before middle school. Sometimes he'd help me out but mostly he loved showing me how much better he was then me. As we grew up, everything became a competition. We used to fight over our parents' affection, in sports, grades, and money. When he got married and one of his companies became a big success, I didn't hear the end of it for years. I heard he couldn't make it this weekend. Supposedly he had to much on his plate. I thought it would be safe to introduce you but now he's coming after all, this weekend is just getting better and better."
"Hey, don't be so down on yourself. I'm sure he's not as great as you think he is." said Shyla grasping his hand. She gave it a tight squeeze. "I bet he has tons of flaws, just look at his name. What kind of a name is Rotham...Rot Ham. Rotting Ham ehh" She stuck out her tongue.
Liam burst into laughter but quickly stiffed it. He cleared his throat and warned Shyla" You might not want to mock it in front of anyone else, especially Mother. It's a family name, belonged to my grandfather. Still, I guess you're right, Liam is a lot better then Rotham" The two shared a chuckle.
A moment later a man walked into the room and informed them that dinner was ready before leaving. Together, they walked hand and hand to the dining room. Liam's father sat at the end of the long table with Claire on his right.
As they approached the table Claire called out to Shyla, "Come sit next to me dear. Women sit on the right and men sit on the left."
Shyla grasped Liam's hand tightly, not wanting to sit apart from him but she eventually let go and moved to sit next to Claire. She was beginning to think she was going to be separated from Liam for most of the weekend. Save for the few moments they could steal away.
Once everyone was seated Claire announced, "We don't know how long Rotham and the others will be, so we have decided to begin. There is no point in allowing the food to get cold. I can't abide reheated food,"
Liam's father nodded in agreement before he looked at Shyla briefly, through his small glasses. Like his wife, he didn't seem too impressed. Shyla took a moment to take him in. He had dark hair that was graying at the edges and a large mustache. There were wrinkles around his eyes and mouth but he didn't look too old. She could see Liam and he shared the same kind of nose.
Claire made a small sound, clearing her throat before she casually said "It's not polite to stare, especially when you haven't been properly introduced."
Shyla quickly averted her eyes to the ornate table clothe and found herself in awe, that Claire had not only scolded her but Liam as well in the same remark.
"Forgive me," said Liam, "Shyla this is my father, Richard Aindridge
. Father this is Shyla,"
"Do you have a job?" asked Richard gruffly, right off the bat.
"Father!" said Liam under his teeth.
"What? I have every right to inquire!"
"I told you! She's a college student an artist like me."
"And how does she pay for it?"
Shyla went to answer but Liam did instead, "That's none of your business!"
"It is my business when it comes to the family."
"I told you she didn't know anything before tonight."
"Right and I'm sure she's never watched the news, listened to the radio or picked up a magazine."
Liam groaned loudly"I know you're mad at me because I turned down your internship but don't take it out on my girlfriend."
Richard glared at Liam "Don't discuss our business at the table."
Liam sighed and Shyla intervened. "Really I don't mind answering your questions. I don't have a job right now as I am in college but I've made a lot of connections and hope to have a job once I graduate. As for how I pay for college, its already paid for."
Richard scoffed "Hoping for a job is not having a job and just how did you afford to pay it?
Shyla let out a small laugh. She felt like she was being interviewed or a job maybe even interrogated.
Thankfully Claire intervened," The soup is here." She glanced at Shyla. "This soup is a rare delicacy. I discovered it during my last trip to Belize. Would you believe that the locals only eat it after fasting for two weeks?"
Shyla watched as the staff propped open the double doors and began bringing in serving platters. Each serving platter gleamed and was inlaid with beautiful scrollwork. On each platter was a simple, yet beautiful porcelain bowl filled with this mystery soup. Next to the bowl was a soup spoon and a small embroidered cloth napkin.
When Shyla's soup was set down before her she didn't recognize the color or the odd scent it was giving off. She waited to see if there was anything the family did before eating but they simply began to eat. Shyla picked up her soup spoon and tried a spoonful. It tasted like salted dust. After a few polite spoonfuls, she decided that the people of Belize weren't fasting. They were starving and this soup was a meal of last resort. She considered putting her spoon down but didn't want to be rude. Instead she pretended to keep eating it and enjoyed the silence.
The next dish came in a few minutes later. It included steamed vegetables and lettuce styled in a tower. Just as Shyla started to eat hers, one of the servants entered and said, "Rotham and Petra have arrived with the children."
Shyla hoped their arrival would lighten the mood. While she enjoyed the silence, the tension of the room and the taste of the food was getting to her. She sighed thinking she could really, really go for a hamburger right now. She began to dread the next few days as Liam had. She looked over at him and found he was looking at her. Without thinking she mouthed, "So going to pay."
Liam chuckled and his mother picked up her wine glass. "We do not whisper to one another at the table, dear."
Shyla wanted to point out that she hadn't whispered but in fact mouthed what she said. She also wanted to ask Claire to stop calling her dear. Yet she didn't want to make things any worse for herself. Shyla wondered how Liam had survived in such an environment as this and still turned out to be as nice and easy going as he was.
The double doors to the dining room opened again and Shyla heard a baby screaming. A man came in carrying a two-year-old child. Next to him was a woman dressed in a beautiful black dress, her hair done up. An adorable little girl was holding her hand. She had her hair done up like her mothers and was wearing a white long button up coat. Within seconds, a woman came in and took the toddler from the man.
Shyla glanced at the man. He had short styled black hair and sophisticated black-rimmed glasses covered his eyes. He wore a fancy black tailored suit and- something about him was vaguely familiar. Shyla tried to place where she had seen him before as he stepped up to the woman who took his son. He handed her a bottle saying, "Two drops every two hours."
The woman nodded saying, "Yes sir." She took the hand of the little girl and left with both the children. The small boy could be heard crying for several minutes after. Shyla felt bad for him. He must have been sick.
Richard stood up as the man walked over to the table with his wife. Shyla assumed this was Rotham and Petra. Claire stood up, as did Liam, so Shyla stood up too.
"Claire!" said Petra, walking from her husband's side. Claire went to greet her and the two lightly hugged and kissed each other's cheeks. Shyla had a disturbing thought. If she married Liam, would she have to do the same thing? On the other side of the table, Rotham shook his father's hand before Claire moved to greet her son. Rotham kissed her cheek before apologizing, "Sorry for our lateness,"
Petra moved to sit next to Shyla. Their eyes met briefly as they stood behind their chairs. Shyla awkwardly wondered if she should introduce herself or offer to switch places with her, so that when Rotham sat they could be across from one another. Most of all she'd love to put some distance btween here and Claire's scathing gaze. However Petra quickly sat down before Shyla got the chance to stay a word. Rotham moved next to Liam and gave his brother a slight nod before pulling out the chair next to him. He didn't sit but waited for his parents to return to their chairs.
"Oh, we're just pleased that you made it here uneventfully," said Claire as she made it back to her chair.
"Yes, it seems we just made it. I dare say we'll be snowed in at the rate it's coming down out there."
As everyone went to sit back down, Shyla looked across the table, taking Rotham in head on for the first time. They both froze for a second looking at each other. Rotham tiled his head slightly as they sat and her eyes lit up. She turned her head away from him suddenly recognizing him. She'd just been thinking of him hours before! He'd been her best paying job and worst client as an escort. She'd spent an entire fucking weekend with him but never knew his name...until now. Shyla hoped more then anything that he wouldn't recognize her. She felt like she was going to be sick. Her skin crawled and her face turned pale from the sheer utter horror of the situation.
She locked eyes with Petra who seemed to pick up on her sudden distress. She said nothing but gave her a sharp peculiar look. Shyla quickly turned her head back, facing forward. Yet she dropped her chin and settled her gaze down at the table cloth. She bit her lower lip nearly tearing it open. How was she ever going to escape her past, when part of her past was related to Liam and sitting right across from her? Rotham seemed to stare at her for a moment then looked away, drinking some wine.
Claire leaned forward in her chair. "Rotham, Petra, I'd like to introduce you to Shyla Picket, Liam's…'friend.'"
Liam sighed slightly in irritation. Shyla was too freaked out to notice what his mother had done. Rotham pursed his lips together for a second before clearing his throat and saying, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Shyla Picket"
Shyla had no choice but to look up at him and smile. "It's nice to meet you too."
She quickly turned to his wife and greeted her as well. Petra was polite but raised an eyebrow.
While no one else in the room seemed to recognize that Shyla and Rotham had indeed met before, Petra easily caught on to the subtle hints between the two. Now she would have to find out just who this Shyla was.
"Tell me what's wrong with baby Ian?" asked Claire.
"He has an ear ache." said Petra, turning her gaze onto her mother-in-law.
"Oh, how dreadful. I remember when Rotham and Liam used to get those. They can be horrid, especially at that age. Every time they got an infection, they cried so loudly that we had to move the nursery to the south wing for a month!"
"Yes, well, our nanny is sick as well. That's why we didn't bring her." said Petra.
"Oh, my you should have two we had what was it three or four at one time, live in of course" said Claire covering her mouth as if she could get sick at any moment. "Let's hope none us get sick this weekend. It would just ruin all our plans."
"Right." said Richard gruffly.
The next course was served and Shyla looked up for a second at Rotham. It was possible that he hadn't recognized her but if he had, hopefully he wouldn't say anything. Maybe they could go on as if nothing had ever happened between the two. Liam smiled at Shyla as he sipped his glass of wine. Ot took Shyla a second to notice but she smiled back at him then finished off her wine, thinking this was going to be the longest weekend of her life.
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