Chapter 4
get on your job
Present Day
Desmond
Lila:
Nia’s here. Look alive, dork.
Me:
Why do you feel the need to announce this every time she visits?
Lila:
I don’t know. It’s a cause for celebration. She’s been back every week! We didn’t lose her.
Me:
I suppose it’s worth acknowledging.
Lila:
You know she thinks you’re cute?
Me:
What? She does not. She’s just nice and has manners, unlike you.
Lila:
I KNOW she does. Had that goofy look on her face when you met.
Girls always have it. I don’t know why because you ain’t cute.
Me:
I’ll let Dad know you said he’s ugly cuz I am his twin.
Lila:
Shut up Do yourself a favor and don’t spend the day hiding out in your office.
Get some air and save me a string cheese.
Me:
I’ll think about it.
Get on your job and put the phone up. You’ve got power walking to do. Lol
Lila:
You’re so annoying.
She thinks I’m cute? I did not need to know that.
It’s been nice to see Nia coming back to Lilith’s because we were worried. We know everyone can benefit from this community while having a safe place to explore their wants and needs, but we cannot force anyone to actually return.
It’s all up to them, and thankfully, she was open to finding out what all we have to offer and jumped right in. I peek in on her classes from time to time, making sure she’s comfortable. I try to go unnoticed. It’s also a reason I have opted out of leading some courses lately.
The thought of hosting some of my favorite courses with her in the audience makes me anxious. I don’t wish to scare her away in the slightest, but it never occurred to me that it could have the opposite effect.
Before my thoughts get the better of me, I call my friend Rodney, who’s always a voice of reason.
“What’s up, D?” he says when the line clicks.
“I need some advice, OG. It’s about a woman.”
“Oh word? Let’s hear it.”
“She’s a member…”
“Oh shit. A member? This isn’t like the great Desmond Maxwell,” he teases.
“Anyways, nothing has happened because I’m a professional. Lila said she thinks I’m cute. She’s also new here and shy, but speaks every time she sees me.”
“If you’re such a professional, what is the problem?”
“Lila asked me to keep an eye out for her after she joined and I have. I just didn’t expect to look forward to her visits. It makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong.”
“Okay. Let me get this straight, nothing inappropriate has occurred between you, but your dramatic ass is worried about what exactly?”
“I don’t know. The possibility of something happening.”
“Look, man. If anyone knows the right thing to do, it’s you.
The club is everything to you, but if you never leave, you’re more likely to meet someone there than anywhere else.
I’m not fucking HR and thank God for that, but you can indulge if a situation arises.
You wouldn’t be the first Lilith’s employee to do so. ”
“Don’t remind me,” I sigh. “I just—you know how I am.”
“I do, but you’ve said it yourself, as long as the parties are grown and consenting, have fun. Unless it’s your sister,” he adds with a chuckle.
Asshole.
“Fuck you, Rodney.” I scoff, joining him in laughter. “She’s here now and I’m nervous to run into her.”
“Aw. I love you too, man. Just be yourself without the mean mug and see what happens. You got this,” he says encouragingly.
“I guess I can. I’ll let you know what happens.”
“Good, ‘cause I’m invested now. Hit me back with updates.”
“I will,” I say, disconnecting the line.
I got this.
I pull up the event calendar for the club to check which class is in session for the day and raise a brow. Madame X is leading a discussion on edging and orgasm denial, which are some of my favorite topics. The thought that Nia is sitting in on this makes my heart race.
A sweetheart like her couldn’t possibly be into this. Or is she?
I exit my office to make my usual rounds throughout the club, checking in with my staff for updates while actively avoiding running into Lila’s ass. Which is difficult, considering how fast she moves. I’ve always joked that she may be part cheetah, but she doesn’t find it as funny as I do.
I manage to make it to the voyeur theater and peek in on the class. Nia is here taking notes as usual and Madame X is currently answering questions. I don’t wish to intrude, so I sneak in, grabbing a seat in the back row and enjoying the discussion.
However, when Madame pauses and looks straight at me, I know I failed at being inconspicuous.
It’s the shiny bald head, but I’ll be damned if I don’t grease my scalp.
A little shine ain’t hurting nobody. She convinces me to join her, knowing this is familiar territory for me and you cannot win an argument with her.
I’ve never been much of a switch, but Madame X has a way about her that makes even the bravest man follow her instructions. I remind myself of this when I give in, climbing up the stairs to accompany her on the dome stage.
“If you all haven’t had the chance to experience his live demos about edging, you’re in for a real treat today. Could we get a volunteer?” she asks, searching the crowd.
“And you must be comfortable coming in front of an audience.” I train my facial expression when Nia raises her hand.
Don’t call on her. Don’t call on her. Do not call on her.
Of course Madame calls on her. As educators, we’re mindful of the shy ones, and always encourage them to participate in demos and discussions.
I am a professional and will lead this demonstration as I often do.
Her face lights up and she abandons her notepad to join us on stage. Nia is wearing a pale yellow mini dress, heels and a…a collar? Where the hell did she get that? Surely not our gift shop.
Lila is going to fucking kill me.