“Italy?”
His eyes lit up as he nodded. I smiled sadly as I thanked him before walking towards my house. I leaned against the door as I saw my father standing in front of me, his eyes dark as he scanned my face.
“Lucas Deacon?”
FUCK!
7
ZANE
“Hello?” I answered breathlessly as I jogged along the final part of my run.
“Zane Fallon?”
“Speaking.”
“This is Elite. Password, please.”
I slowed down to a brisk walk as I caught my breath.
“Raven.”
“Excellent. Zane, you know you are our most sought-after companion...”
I sensed a ‘but’ coming, and I braced myself for it.
“The feedback we are getting is excellent, but the companions are wanting, shall we say, more than just good conversation. Would you consider extending your services?”
I laughed, unable to contain my disbelief. I’d had this conversation recently with this same woman, yet here we are again.
“It’s still a no, I’m afraid,” I said softly as she sighed.
“The women want more, Zane. They’re willing to pay a hell of a lot for it too. Why don’t you consider it?”
“Because I’mnota prostitute,” I answered calmly before ending the call.
I wasn’t willing to have this conversation. I could always start tutoring younger students, the money would be nowhere near as good, but it was better than nothing. I knew this would happen; eventually, the sex industry was booming, and I had reached a dead end. I called Alice, who surprisingly answered instantly.
“Hello?”
“Were you sitting on the phone?” I smiled as I crossed the road. “Are you home?”
“Um, no. I’m at work.”
“Work?” I frowned, walking up to the house. “Did you get the job?”
I vaguely recall Alice going for some office work at Mom’s insistence, but I didn’t think A) she would get the job or B) she even wanted the job.
“Yup. With immediate start.”
“Congratulations. Shall we go out for dinner tonight to celebrate?” I asked as I pushed the door open to see my mom and her friend Rosie sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee. I smiled hello, before grabbing an orange juice from the fridge.
“I can’t. Some work thing is going on after work - tomorrow maybe? Are you ok?”
“Yeah. Alright, tomorrow. Love you.”
“Love you too,” Alice whispered as she hung up quietly.
