Chapter 15
FIFTEEN
Sophie
After my shift ends, I go straight home and make myself some lunch, freshen up and put on a soft, short-sleeve white shirt with a pretty curved collar, paired with a fluffy pink cardigan and fitted cropped trousers.
I reapply my makeup and spritz on some Coco Chanel.
I tug a brush down my long, auburn hair and apply a clear lipgloss over my lipstick.
It’s time to meet Mack or another one of his friends.
I take the lift and Zee is there waiting parked outside for me as usual.
I pull open the car door and climb in, “Hey Zee,” I say brightly. “How are you?”
“Well Sophie, but not as well as you look,” he replies grinning wildly.
“That obvious?” I ask incredulously.
“That obvious,” he confirms. He then turns his attention back ahead as I lift the mask to tie it around my head.
Zee never pulls away without me first putting on the ‘mystery mask’ as I like to call it.
Heaven forbid I find out which way we turn at the end of my street.
It’s not like I can’t feel it, but then I always get completely lost when I’ve tried to pay attention.
“This because of your online guy?” asks Zee.
“Yes, but also, that client I met on Tuesday, he’s been on my mind too.
So much has happened this week, everything completely out of the ordinary, so much so, it’s setting me off in a spin.
For example, I don’t know if I’m going to meet Mack in this job or someone else he’s setting me up with.
Which is all kinds of weird. A real head fuck but in the best possible way,” I shrug.
“This online guy, is he a club member himself do you think?”
“I don’t know, he knows a lot about the club so he must be a part of it in some way.
If not a member, maybe an employee? Like I said, a real head fuck.
I’ve gone over it a thousand times in my head, I just can’t work it out.
I’m tired of thinking about that, we always talk about me, how are you going? ”
“I’m having a pretty good week, I moved into a new apartment so that’s been a fun change.”
“Oh nice, somewhere local?”
“Yeah, not too far from here actually. It was long overdue.”
“Oh?”
“I have been living by myself for the past three years but now I have roommates. Bachelor life is not all it’s cracked up to be.”
“Really? All those pretty girls or boys to bring back. What will your friends say?”
“That is a pretty big assumption, Miss Sophie.”
“What? Come on Zee, you’re gorgeous. Please don’t tell me you have been living a life of celibacy but you drive me around to jobs to do all sorts of things I’m not prepared to go into.”
“It’s not like that for me. I want my intimacy to mean something. And this is in no way a judgement on you and your job, I love that you can work and still have that when going home to your boyfriend.”
“Have you ever considered being a playmate?” I ask seriously, looking in his direction despite not being able to see him.
“Oh god no, my father would never allow it.”
“Why? And how would he ever know?”
“He would be ok for me to be a member but not a playmate. And the reason he would know is because he is a member himself. I know, talk about keeping it in the family,” Zee trails off.
“Your dad is a member?” I say, surprised.
“Yeah,” he confirms, subdued.
“Oh god Zee, tell me you haven’t dropped me off at a job for your father?” I say feeling, for the first time, embarrassment both for him and me.
“Rest assured, I have never taken you to a job with my father.”
“Oh god, that is a relief. Look, I’m fine and comfortable with what I do, but that is a whole new level of awkward I don’t want to put you through, especially as I would be none the wiser.”
“My dad has certain tastes, and I’m assuming you do too.”
“Yeah well, I have my favourite jobs. How about you, Zee, ever considered switching from being my driver to a member? In fact, why haven’t you?” And then I catch myself, “Sorry Zee, if I’m getting too personal, tell me to shut up. Your sex life is none of my business.”
“It’s ok, Sophie,” I hear the chuckle in his tone. “Honestly, it’s not my thing. I’d rather do all the things and explore my sexuality with the right person. Call it blind faith, but I know when I find her, she’s going to be the whole package and I’m willing to wait for her.”
“So no luck finding her yet then?”
“Not yet.”
“And you don’t want to play until she comes along? I’m not saying everyone should have the lifestyle like me, but waiting seems like a lot of time to miss the fun bits in between.”
“There have been women. Just not the right ones. No one serious. It’s ok, my needs have been met when required.”
“Ever considered asking me to help you out?” There is a silence for a moment and I think I have likely pushed him too far.
Clearing his throat he says, “Yeah I have considered. But you had a boyfriend and that felt weird to me. I couldn’t move past it.”
“But, I don’t anymore?” I say questioningly.
“You’re now seeing a mystery man. So he now counts instead.”
“Oh Zee, you know I’d help you out if you ever allowed it.
You need to get out of your own head for a minute.
But yes, I am kinda involved with this guy, the online thing.
It’s fun, exciting. But he also has me taking jobs with other members.
I don’t think he’d mind if I helped out a friend.
Plus you’re hot, fun, kind, loyal and I trust you. ”
“Are you asking me on a date?”
“Haha, would you like me to?” I say, wondering how far he’s going to allow this conversation to go.
I am wondering how far I am going to let this conversation go.
I must be ovulating because it sounds like I’m handing myself over to Zee.
I blame Mack for this, he edged me this morning and suddenly I’m seeing everyone in a new light.
“We are here Sophie, you can take off your mask,” says Zee, sounding a little relieved.
“Saved by the job. Ok Zee, thank you,” I say as I pull my mask off and glance around at my surroundings.
“Are we in the right place?” I ask, looking at the all too familiar basement garage we visited on Tuesday.
“We are, unit 1201. I’ll be here when you are finished. Have fun,” Zee says to my bewildered face. Honestly, this week just keeps on giving. Am I back to seeing Rory again? Since when did he do Shibari?
I press the button to call up the lift and climb inside.
I wave as Zee stays where he is until the doors close and I’m out of sight.
When I arrive at the twelfth floor, I don’t need to look which side of the corridor to walk down, I’ve already been here.
I turn right and walk up to the door and knock lightly. Who is going to open the door?