Megan Hart - Stranger

“Stand up.”

He did, obedient.

“Okay,” I said. “You read my file.”

He grinned. “Yes.”

“What sorts of things do I like to do, Jack?”

He thought for a spare second. “Movies. Dancing.”

“What else?”

“You like to play games?” he said, less certain. “Roleplay. Like what I tried to do with you tonight.”

“Yes. I like to play games. So we’re going to play the game right now, and it’s called making a date.”

Jack raised both brows. “Okay.”

“I’m calling you.” I demonstrated. “Hello, is this Jack?”

“Yes.”

“Jack, I’d like to see you for a date. I’d like to go to the movies and then dinner.”

“Okay.”

We were both trying hard not to laugh. “And if things work out, I’d like to spend some time with you after the date.”

“Okay!” Jack gave me a thumbs-up. “Awesome.”

“Don’t say awesome,” I said.

“Why not?”

“Well…it doesn’t sound professional.”

“Right. Okay. Um…very well, miss, I think I can accommodate you.”

We laughed again. “That’s better. Okay. So, how should I compensate you for your company?”

“Gee, Grace,” said Jack. “Nobody’s ever said it that way before.”

“Just go with it.”

“Okay. Um…two hundred dollars.”

“And what about the additional time?”

Jack scuffed the carpet with his foot. “All the other times it was more up front. You know. Meet them somewhere and screw. That was it.”

“Huh.” I looked him over. “So you don’t ask for more?”

“Nope.” The smile. “I just consider it a bonus.”

Now I really started laughing, hard. “Jack!”

“What?” He shrugged. “What can I say? I’m twenty-four, I like girls.”

I was all at once very fond of Jack. “It shows.”

He laughed, too, and ran a hand through his hair again. “You want to know something?”

“Sure.”

“I thought this would be easier.”

I chuckled. “I’m sure you did.”

He looked at me. “I’m not a total loser, Grace. I do know how to take a woman out on a date.”

“I’m sure you do. You’re very cute.”

He made a little face. “It’s just that this is different. I want to do a good job, you know?”

I nodded. “I know you do. And, Jack…you’re not doing a bad job. Really.”

Thumbs-up. “Awesome.”

I kissed his shoulder again, then patted it. I pulled the envelope from my pocket and handed it to him. “This is for you. Don’t look at it now. That’s tacky.”

He gave me a scornful look. “I know that.”

“And next time, negotiate ahead of time,” I told him as I headed for the door. “Get the money for additional time in advance. Excuse yourself to go to the bathroom to count it so you’re not getting scammed.”

He turned the envelope over and over in his hands. “Won’t they think it’s rude?”

“The ones who do this a lot will expect it. The ones who are new won’t know any different. Watch out for yourself, Jack. Even women can be pricks.”

He nodded. “Sure. Okay. Next time.”

His voice stopped me at the door. “Grace?”

I turned. “Hmm?”

“Will there be a next time?”

I gave him a thumbs-up. Jack smiled.

Awesome.

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