I put my hand on top of his, lightly. "Safeco is rather safe. Safety and entertainment, nourishment, games, coffees, the clinic, and now fine company of the night, all to draw in clients and customers, to become regulars."
He gets a sly wink at hi…
I nod along, agreeing. "Surviving isn't living." I hold and out as if to cup the tomato. "A person can survive on hardtack and limes, yet to rise beyond the base needs requires cultivation and desire. Admiral and men of his ilk help to ensure there'…
There is a pleasure in watching another take pleasure. My eyes are half-lidded as I watch him lose his tomato cherry, and I find a genuine smile playing on my lips. I tuck it away before he notices. "They are lovely, aren't they? Flatterer." I lean …
I'll give H.M. a step or three to enjoy my hip. Then I'll pluck it off with a hint of suggestion. But just a hint. Not a promise. I don't intend to give up the goods on a first meet that isn't even a date. But the goods are not currently spoken for.…
I'll decide who or what I will scrog, Harbormaster. But I note his actual smile that actually touches his eyes. We shall "talk shop." And he is still a guest. He will see what the Club can offer. I adjust my cuffs and flick some imaginary dirt away.…
I feel a flicker of envy as Admiral eyes Hope. I am not sure which end of the attention I want, but it's not on me right now. I shall take what attention is offered. Such a smile he has! Teeth like that takes work. "Harbormaster, let us adjourn and …
I watch Speed leave. I've heard some stories. They make me rather he work the door than the house.
"My dear Harbormaster," smile number five again, "Flattery will get you a refill. And I would relish the chance to show you mah jongg and roulette. S…
"Jingle for all of us," I rest a hand on the extra chair; I am at the table without being à table. "Well-fed and well-fucked guests are happy, paying, repeat guests." I look at Admiral, continuing in an easy tone. "Safe guests."
My eye finds August…
My smile is frozen- he thinks of me tin and plastic? Simple man. I don't care the feel of his skin, but it's undeniable that he knows how to use his hand, and it's rather pleasant on my hip... I am not certain I would welcome him as either a boy or …
Harbormaster gets smile number five. I dislike his clammy flesh upon mine... nor whatever lurks behind his eyes. "Firmly potted yet evergreen," I quip as I pour some tea. I briefly think about slipping something into it. "How fares the Harbor and i…
As you know, we don't have much food here at the Club. One of my hopes is that the coin from Harbormaster's presence will allow me a real cook. My father could cook. Oh, could that man work a kitchen and produce miracles from barest nothings of ingr…
"Admiral," I call after he hands off the note, "How would you best prefer I inform you of grand developments?" I may not always follow the letter of the rule, nor the spirit, but knowing his desires makes for an easier relationship.
And speaking of…
I allow myself a half-smile as I judge the Admiral's reaction. Small enough to be overlooked, but I feel it. Point for Valentine.
"I would rather surprise you with good news than deliver you a known failure, sir." I examine my fingernails, rubbing …
I do wish for a better class of patrons. Admiral is right. But right now, this is where the money is. I turn away from the glass and the spectacle, to face the man. My hands are folded in front of me just so, still.
"The shiny, sir, comes from the …
Bon,
You are correct. You are my favorite. I'll tell people that living customers are better than dead customers, and give them my number five laugh. But I know a little of your history, of what happened with your sister and your niblings, and I wi…
Val, does your fashion include armor? If so, what? If not... how come?
Not typically, no. Do you have any idea what it would do to these lines? To... my lines?They simply don't make fashion like they used to.
Now, I'm not stupid. When it's time t…
Val? I can call you Val right?
If you must. I don't encourage it. I prefer to be called Valentine. There's a certain regality to the full sounds of my name. An echo to a grander age. My intimates know my preference on this matter. Hey, which one o…
You run the motor dueling, right? Run the numbers, all the betting, too? How did you get this sweet gig?
Why, yes. I know you've heard of the Yacht Club. Who hasn't? It's set up in the old stadium, just as it was when my parents started the arena.…
SeaTac, I don't like to tell the story often- I prefer that others tell it about me.
I always assumed you were just scouting for water- that's why most people head outside in U-town. I had my own reasons besides water. I heard the gunfire, then the…
Dog, I thought about riding with you, did you know that? I like the idea of no responsibilities and do what the hell you want... but that's not who I am. Maybe I'll take a vacation, but who'd run the joint?
I confess you are right. Your rough edges…
August, me an' you, we're friends. We both know the shuck and the jive and the showpersonship.
Gates, you might've seen my soul. I figure you and yours been round my establishment for work a time or three.
I take the chip and stand. "Thank you, doctor." I pull out my reader and skim the info on the chip. All the battery of exams is a little overwhelming. Wow. You're in the big leagues, Mei. "I've never had those last two. Do I need to know anything or…
not sad / true regret would be to never leave pacific / it was a small universe but a different one / i would have liked to experience it without permanence / but that was improbably unlikely
unquestionably / my psi is / ... / different now / and …