the
one that was sure to get her discovered: the Marilyn. That was when she put on bright red lipstick
and slightly pouted her lips, sticking them out at the same time. She’d raise her
eyes looking just above the camera and think of something really funny. If she did it correctly, the photo would make
Chieko look irresistible; like she had the most delicious secret to share and
it would drive you crazy all day trying to figure out what she was
thinking.
She had been
disappointed when Angela had told her that her face would be blurred out of the
photos. Wasn’t the face the most important feature? How would her clients be seduced by just her
body if they couldn’t see the tantalizing mysteries hidden deep in her eyes?
“Once, I had a lovely girl, Tanya, I think was her
name.” Angela had explained to Chieko,
“Allison was what we called her, but yes, I think it was Tanya. Oh, she was gorgeous; long, long legs and big
blue eyes. She was a popular one. She was with us near the beginning, back when
we just started with the website. We
didn’t know any better. You see, at that
time we didn’t blur out the face. We
thought it was important that the client could see the whole package. The really shy girls just posed with their
faces covered, with their hair hanging down or a holding a hat, but we really
didn’t even think about it. But Tanya,
she always wore this one ring; I think it was a sapphire. Big, tacky thing,
really. She refused to take it off; she said she never took it off because her
boyfriend had given it to her. So,
wouldn’t you know it, when we put her photos up on the website, her boyfriend
saw them and knew it was her because of that damn ring.”
“Are you there now? Chieko? Are you at the hotel?”
“Yes. In elevator.”
“Oh wonderful, so you are early. Mr. Roberts loves punctuality. It’s a good start. You know, I didn’t want it to be too soon.
You don’t feel rushed do you? But I also don’t want you to wait too long. It’s better to get started right away; get
that first appointment out of the way. Don’t you think? You know your pictures are really
gorgeous. And don’t worry about talking
too much. Mr. Robert’s isn’t really a
talker. Just smile at him and follow his
lead.” Chieko could hear Angela inhale on her cigarette and suddenly wished she
had one to calm her nerves. “Ok then,” Angela exhaled, “so you know, your first
client’s name - Mr. Roberts, right? He
is quite charming. He’s had a few appointments with a few of the other
girls. Nothing really to worry about. Of
course, I have to tell you, he is quite mature, rather old, actually. I must say, he is excited to meet you. He saw your pictures and thought you would be
perfect. So it’s a very good start for you.”
“Hai. Domo, I mean, thank you.”
“Ok, good. Oh yes,
one more thing, I told him your name is Abby. Remember, I said all my girls have to have ‘A’ names? Yes? So you are Angel Abby. Do you
like that?
“Hai, yes. Thank
you.”
“Ok, wonderful! And
one more thing darlin’ relax. You are
gorgeous and he will just love you. I
know it. OK? Call me when you are finished. Good luck.”
Angela’s voice faded as Chieko stepped out of the elevator. She dropped her cell phone into her bag then
walked down the hall to room 501.
Mr. Roberts opened the door before Chieko had finished
knocking. “Hello. You are very
punctual,” he stepped aside to let Chieko enter.
“Hai, yes.” Chieko bowed her head slightly and then walked
into the room. She stopped just inside
the door and stood waiting for Mr. Robert’s lead as Angela had told her
to.
“Right,” Mr. Roberts closed the door. He glanced at Chieko and then shuffled across
the room stopping in front of the TV. Digging his hands into the pockets of his brown suit pants, he stared at the blank