“Is that enough of a story for you?” I ask, smiling.
“I guess so,” she says, not tasting my dark humor.
“So what about Abel?” I ask, changing the topic. “Is that even his name?”
She nods.
“Yes, it is,” she says quietly.
“Why did you invite him to the party?”
“I didn’t plan to do anything with him if that’s what you ask.”
I grin around my cigarette.
“I didn’t say anything.”
“He’s a good man.”
“I bet he is. He’s a good-looking guy, too,” I point out. “But that goes without saying.”
A small smile tugs at her lips, gleaming in her eyes.
“It’s not my fault.”
“I didn’t say it was, but you sure know how to pick them.”
“He came highly recommended.”
“Did he? Hmm… Is that how these things work? Care to share the going rate?”
I grin mischievously.
She slaps me softly on my chest.
“Don’t even think about it. I’m not giving you tips. You’ve become quite the entrepreneur lately.”
“I got the bug from you, darling,” I say, giving her a lopsided smile as I put the cigarette out.
I slide the ashtray onto the nightstand and pop in a mint.
“Was he any good?” I ask, rolling to my back.
She gives me a guilty smile.
“Yes, he was. Not as good as you, though.”
“You’re kissing my ass now.”
“No, I’m not.”
“So, how much did you pay him?”
“Two grand a session.”
“Fuck.”
“I paid you more that weekend.”