ER'

s stuffed into every corner she could find. And so many cats. They were everywhere. I sat on the edge of the stained chair in front of her desk before I reached to pick up a wh

cloud of smoke

d. "It's why I called you here so late.

't enjoy staying in on

f you accept. And you should. The pay is phen

pocket," she mea

me. After what my father had done to so many innocent people and the insanity it spiraled my mother into, changing shape and staying fluid wa

mara was given that

r. You're the best fit for this particular job after looking at the skil

ignment is m

king idiotic questions in my o

oke in my direction, and th

e client?

o needs a fake fiancée to seal a business deal overseas. Your job is to be prett

s duties?

ted. But you know

nt it out.

e colors outside the lines. We provide a lot, but I don't take

ver my chest and s

" I said. "You hand me the clients that don't

t to? Then the job gets handed to someone else. And I promise you, if you f

ns could accommodat

just have dinner, and you need to understand that going in. He didn't specify any bonus activities, but plans change.

as big as her face, and she was constantly walking in a plume of cigarette smoke. She was my boss, and a former Manila nights madam specially on BGC's Club who'd clung to the arms of some of the world's elite. She was the first madam to step out into international

oy, but I stuck strictly on the side of arm candy. Matilda,

are we talking

hat mother of yours for a

unting me, luring me in with the financial gain I stood to accept after the week was

e cared for if it couldn't make her money. She didn't even know my last name, only that men enjoyed the sha

ather. Who'd actively ruine

id. "I'll ta

ef bio of your client. The address for where you need to be

r away from me, signaling

ubled as a couch, I began to pack. I pulled out all of my best outfits and made sure they were ironed, then packed up my best heels to match. Nothing slouchy, nothing baggy, and nothing cheap. I packed u

to make before I ven

and made my way up, anxious to see my mother before I left for the week. She'd bee

, "d

lk about that par

chosen career allowed for my anonymity and safety and helped me to pay her medical bills. Which was why I couldn't take the chance

ello the

stopped the front de

asked. "I know it's pret

your mother had a rough night last night. Her sleeping medication

I asked. "Why did

all you. But she was wanderi

ling out for

convince that she was d

wallowed hard before I

me. If anything like that happens, you ca

I'll make a

h independence and control over their life as possible, but she

orry,

look, and she

on business. Call my cell phone

u headed?" th

n" I

hen. And don't worry, once your mother

reciat