Instructions: Read the short story, and once you’re done (scroll to the end of the story), VOTE on whether this story should be turned into a novel or novella. And if you don’t think the author should keep going, we have a choice for that, too.
“Whiskey Blues” by K. McCoy
The Onyx Inn was one of a kind, as it fully functioned with those involved in adult entertainment at its core design. That was the key reason Jax was intrigued by becoming employed there. And when all the necessary physical and psychological tests came back in good standing weeks later, Jax began working at the inn as a part-time companion.
That was over five years ago and Jax was beginning to wonder if it was enough. Something inside him longed for more than money and fancy suits.
I wish…I could have…
“Tamia.”
Bringing his thoughts back to the woman across from him, Jax repeated her name. “It’s nice to meet you, Tamia.”
Marv brought over their drinks and asked Tamia, “Would you like to start a tab?” This was usually the part that many new companions got jittery. When the bartender asked the client if they wanted a tab, that meant they were interested in getting to know you, not just sex. He never cared one way or the other, as the money for his services that night was already deposited into his bank account. And Jax still had a job to do, whether the client decided to have more than one drink or not.
Though as he took in more of Tamia, her eyes while they traveled over his body and finally meeting his stare, Jax wanted her to start a tab. Not only to talk with her longer, but to learn more about her.
“Yes, I’d like to start a tab please. Thank you.” she said, swiveling her stool over to Jax.
Marv nodded and turned to walk away but not before locking eyes with Jax. He couldn’t read much between their quick exchange, but there was something in Marv’s stare that made Jax feel the atmosphere change around him.
It was the end of the week, and the bar area was busy as expected. Though for Jax, it felt like only he and Tamia were there. The dim lighting created a warm vibe, along with the live piano music playing throughout the lobby that floated into the bar area. Jax knew all this, and yet, he found himself getting lost in more of Tamia’s features.
In the front of her face were a few stray twists that shined and bounced softly as she tried to brush them out of the way. Her deep brown skin had a glow that didn’t come from the lights and her dress clung to her as if it were second skin.
Tamia took her drink into both hands and he saw the rings on her left hand, one on her ring finger and another on her index. Jax waited until she took a sip of her drink before speaking again.
“I’m Jax.”
“Hi Jax. Thank you for meeting me.” Tamia said with a smile.
He stared at the way her plump cheeks rose when her lips spread, how they made her eyes wink at him without trying.
She is captivating.
Thinking back to the questionnaire that he filled out, he did a quick mental recall of what was listed in her profile and Jax tried to choose a question based on that information. But the first thing that came out his mouth was not a question at all.
“Your profile doesn’t do you justice.”
Jax was quick in turning his head so Tamia couldn’t see him wince in embarrassment from what he just admitted. Picking up his drink, Jax took a hearty gulp before facing her again. “What I meant to say…”
“Was exactly what you said.” Tamia finished for him and added. “Thank you.”
Other clients would have been offended, or have requested to end the chat for the night and go to their room. That was exactly what Jax had expected to happen. Instead, Tamia didn’t show any signs of annoyance – just the opposite. She lifted her drink to her lips, taking it all in one go, before raising a hand to signal Marv over. When he arrived, she looked at Jax and grinned, “Can you my next one a double please?”
“Sure thing.” Marv said.
When Marv started to turn around again, Tamia rushed out, “I’m so sorry, but could I get your name before I’m too drunk to remember to ask?”
Jax almost laughed out loud at the look of surprise on Marv’s face. Most people never bother with talking to him at the bar, so to have someone doing that must have thrown Marv off a little. Marv turned around to look at them and cleared his throat.
“Marv.”
“Okay. Thanks Marv.”
“You’re welcome. Be right back with your drink.”
Seeing Marv fight a smile on his face, Jax took off his coat jacket and froze when he heard giggles from the other side.
“I was wondering if you’d take that off. Don’t get me wrong, you wear it well. It’s just…well, considering the venue, it felt really formal and I already feel underdressed.”
Hearing the honesty tumble from her lips made Jax’s lips turn upward before he remembered to ease her worries the way he was taught.
“If I do anything to make you feel uncomfortable, please tell me.”
Tamia waved her hands between them and he had to stop himself from reaching out to grab ahold of them with his own. Her twists swayed across her face, and Jax closed his eyes as the scent of cocoa butter and citrus made its way to his nose.
It’d been a long time since he’d been with a client that fused the two together so well from their head down to their toes that Jax almost sighed in anticipation of seeing Tamia to her room for the night.
Jax glanced briefly into the mirror. This allowed him the opportunity to be more discrete while assessing Tamia. She was far more relaxed now, with a fresh drink within reach. Twirling the tiny black straw in her hands, Jax’s thoughts went to the rings he noticed on her left hand.
“Looks like it’s my turn to apologize.”
Jax met Tamia’s stare and saw her curl and uncurl her right hand before wrapping it around her drink.
“Why would you say that?”
She looked away and brought her left hand across her cheek before letting two of her fingers linger around her full lips. He blinked away the vivid thoughts that he felt returning to the surface while waiting for Tamia to answer.
“I was so anxious about coming here that I took to drinking instead of actually talking with you. Sorry.”
“It’s fine. As long as you’re not feeling uncomfortable anymore and enjoy your time tonight, that’s all that matters.” Jax explained.
Tamia’s eyes widened a little before another giggle left her lips. “Of course you could tell I was nervous. I mean, that’s part of the job, right?”
Jax kept his face neutral when he spoke next, “What do you mean?”
“Well, just that this is my first time here. It must’ve been obvious to someone who does this for a living.”
“Someone like me?” Jax confirmed, his eyes slightly narrowing at Tamia.
He watched as she sat up straight and held his stare.
“Yes.”
She didn’t take another sip of her drink, or smirk at Jax when she answered. Any other client would be bringing their chat to an end, dangling their hotel key card in his face. Tamia pushed her drink away and Jax watched her part her lips slightly before pressing them together. “I want to get to know you, Jax. But, uh, not physically.”
What? She doesn’t want to have sex?
“I’m not sure I understand–” Jax started, only to be interrupted.
“I want to get to know you, or at least what you want to share about yourself. Your thoughts, hopes, experiences, and anything in between.”
Jax reached for his drink and took another hearty sip, giving himself more time to process her words.
“I would like to meet you weekly.” He opened his mouth, only to close it as Tamia continued. “Your profile mentioned that you offer a, umm, subscription program. And I-I would like to sign up for that, if possible. Just to meet and chat together -nothing more.”
bHe knew she was being sincere in her request by the way she tried to avoid looking at him now while he thought over her proposal. That small part of him, that was constantly wishing for something Jax couldn’t give a name to, grew loud in the back of his mind.
Could I… I could?
Marv appeared again and placed another tequila old fashion in front of him, wordlessly taking Jax’s empty glass and walking away. He stared at the drink for a few seconds before slowly holding it up in the air.
“I look forward to spending time with you, Tamia.”
He watched as Tamia’s smile reached up to her eyes, causing both of them to wink at the same time again.
“Me too, Jax.” she replied, clinking her glass to his.
