Evelyn 20 - One Month

They hadn't slept together. Evelyn had hoped they would. But they didn't. Instead, she and Elijah went back into the arcade and continued playing with their friends. Things picked up right where they left off. The group ordered another round of drinks and explored everything the arcade had to offer. Evelyn followed in step, seeking out Elijah at every opportunity. She wanted to know that everything was ok. She wanted to be certain that the words he said were true. She sought his eyes. His smile. His touch.

But no amount of words or affection could steady her nerves.

She feared that if she was gone for too long, he might leave forever.

But Evelyn did her best to put it out of her mind and enjoy the night. At the very least, Elijah’s friends seemed to like her, and being with them was easy. Later in the evening, Ryan pulled her aside. Eager to show her a game on the first floor.

“You’re going to love it!” he said. Evelyn looked at Elijah, who was preoccupied with a reflex punching game he and Juan were playing.

"Go on, I'll catch up!" he said.

"Alright,” Evelyn said reluctantly. Then, in a more playful tone. “Make sure you beat him for me.”

Juan laughed loudly as he missed one of the buttons.

“Man, no fair, where’s my cheerleader?!” he said.

“Shut up and play the game,” Elijah replied.

Their banter faded as Ryan led Evelyn down to the first floor, glancing at her shyly ever so often.

"You're really going to like this one," he said.

"I can’t wait," Evelyn said sweetly, smiling as Ryan turned a corner and pointed excitedly at a bright blue game cabinet.

"Here it is!" she ran up to it. Evelyn laughed and followed, examining the game with interest when they got close. It was a top-down strategy game like Crusaders, but with a huge, vibrant screen.

"Wow! It really does look like Crusaders!” she said.

“Right?! The character designs aren’t as good, though.”

“Well, there’s no Sweeny,” Evelyn said. Ryan laughed.

“Yeah, is that your favorite character?” he asked.

“Most definitely.” Evelyn watched the gameplay demo for a moment. “Does it actually play like Crusaders?"

“Pretty close,” Ryan said, putting in several tokens and booting up the game. “There are a few adjustments to make it more arcady, but I think you'll have a blast. Come on, let's do the co-op run together."

"Let’s do it," Evelyn said. They started the game, and when they arrived at the character selection screen, Ryan leaned over and pointed to a blonde female knight in the corner.

“She’s probably the closest thing to Sweeny,” he said. Evelyn instinctually leaned into him, smiling as he blushed.

“Then that’s who I’ll play,” she said softly. “Who are you going to be?”

“I’m... I’m going to be Sergult.” He moved his cursor over a large, bearded, pirate-looking character and selected him.

“Seems strong,” she said.

“Very,” Ryan started up the game without another word, keeping his eyes transfixed on the screen. Evelyn very much enjoyed his company. He was a kind, upbeat person, and his crush was sweetly innocent. They played for a while, and very quickly, Evelyn got the hang of it.

"How long have you known Elijah?" Evelyn asked as they cleared the fifth level.

"Long time," Ryan said. "Since we were in high school."

"Oh yeah? Same grade?"

"He was a year older than me, but we got along really well. We were both, you know, nerds or whatever."

Evelyn laughed. "I can see it. It's sweet that you two have stayed together for so long."

"All of us have," Ryan said.

"Really, all since high school?"

"No, but college, yeah."

"How did you guys end up becoming friends?"

"Ah, well, that's a long story. We stayed friends because we all enjoy stuff like this. We just get along. Always have."

"I love that," Evelyn said as the two passed the next level. Then, more softly. "I just hope I can fit in."

"Oh, you will, they guys clearly like you." Ryan paused for a moment. "And Elijah… he's head over heels for you."

Evelyn blushed, struggling to stay focused on the game.

"Really?"

"Yeah. And I mean, why wouldn't he be? You’re amazing." Ryan spoke nervously. And with both of them out of focus, they quickly died fighting the level boss.

Evelyn looked at him and saw genuine affection in his eyes.

"Well, I guess that makes two of us," She said sweetly. "Thank you for being so welcoming, Ryan."

Ryan blushed and smiled. He did have such a wonderful smile.

"Don't mention it," he said.

Evelyn found her confidence again after that. She went back upstairs and reunited with Elijah.

“Did you have fun?” he asked.

“So much, Ryan is the sweetest,” Evelyn said, waving to Ryan as he hurriedly rushed past them.

“Yeah, he’s the best,” Elijah agreed. Juan scoffed as he played Pac-Man nearby.

“And what does that make me then, huh?”

“Are you saying Ryan isn’t the best?” Evelyn countered.

“Naaaah, he is,” Juan said as a blue ghost caught him. “Fuck, you two staying for bowling? We’re going to get a lane.”

Elijah looked at Evelyn.

“I’m a little tired,” She said apologetically. Though in truth, she just wanted an excuse to bring Elijah home.

“Yeah, me too, we’re probably going to pass my man,” Elijah said, dapping Juan and hugging him.

"No sweat, I get it. And you!” Juan said, walking over to Evelyn and opening his arms. “Don’t be a stranger now, you’re part of this little crew as far as I’m concerned.”

“Aw, thanks,” Evelyn said bashfully, giving Juan a side hug. He took it in stride as Henry and the others approached.

“Are we going to bowl now?” Henry asked.

“We are, they’re not,” Juan said. The group seemed somewhat disappointed, but Henry seemed jealous. He looked at Evelyn with an intent, piercing gaze.

"Well, I guess we'll be seeing you around," he said. Evelyn smiled politely.

“Guess so,” she said.

With a few parting words, she and Elijah left the arcade, and he drove her home. She glanced at him every so often, gauging to see if tonight would be the night.

“That was a lot of fun,” she said.

“It really was! They absolutely loved you.”

“Mmmmm. I can’t wait to go home and relax,” she moved her hand along Elijah’s thigh lightly. “Maybe shower, play some Crusaders.”

“That sounds like fun,” he said with a smile. He took her hand with his own and squeezed it. Seemingly oblivious to her hint. They stopped in front of her hotel and parked the car.

“This was an amazing night,” he said.

Evelyn bit her lip.

“Won’t you come up?” she said. Elijah leaned forward and kissed her gently.

"Not tonight. Let’s wait.”

Evelyn kept her lips close to his, afraid to be any farther from him.

"You… you will come back. Right?" she asked.

"Evelyn," Elijah said, giving her another soft kiss. "I'm not going anywhere."

"You promise?"

"I promise."

"And you'll… you'll tell me if you change your mind, right?"

"Evelyn, I'm not–"

"Please, promise me you'll be honest and tell me. Promise me you won't just… leave." She fought against every word, embarrassed at how vulnerable she sounded.

Elijah hugged her tightly.

"I promise," he said. "I'll text you when I get home, ok?"

"Ok."

And he did. He texted her as soon as he got home. He texted her the day after, and the day after that. Despite everything he had seen and knew about her, he had stayed. At first, Evelyn couldn't believe it. But with every passing day, she was beginning to let herself. Work was easier, the days were lighter. Classes came and went, and all the while, a smile never left her face.

Even as she made her way through the crowd at Kalisto, selling bottles and flirting, Evelyn never stopped smiling. Her energy brought a wave of new attention, and it was good for business. Many tried to get a private dance with her, and many failed. But it was always this way. Only now, she flowed through it with ease.

At least until she found Ivan waiting for her at the bar. She ignored him as he stared, approaching from the opposite end and talking to the tender. When Ivan slid up beside her, Evelyn kept her eyes forward. When he waited, Evelyn pretended he wasn't there. Then, he finally spoke.

"Am I being punished?" Ivan said loudly over the boogie music. Evelyn glared at him, but didn't say a word. He laughed and turned to the dance floor.

"I've made you mad," he said.

Evelyn said nothing. Ivan nodded.

"I've made you mad." He bit the inside of his cheek and leaned towards her. "I'm very sorry, it was meant to be a little game. You know that?"

Evelyn turned to him and tapped her fingers against the bar.

"It was fucked up," she said.

"Then let me make it up to you," Ivan said.

"How?"

He held up a bag.

"How about you and I have a private dance?"

Evelyn laughed.

"There is no fucking way you're getting a private dance," she turned to several partygoers who recognized her, one of whom asked for a selfie. She took it with him before turning back to Ivan. He stared for a moment before nodding.

"What would it cost?" he asked.

"How much did you bring?"

"Twenty thousand," he said coolly. Evelyn, feeling especially vengeful, leaned forward.

"That might buy you a dance. And only a dance."

Ivan reeled. Part of Evelyn wanted him to say fuck off and leave, but the other part wanted to take every dollar he had. Either way, she would be coming out on top tonight.

Ivan cursed in his language, then rubbed the back of his neck.

"Fine then," he said, smiling all too brightly as his dark eyes found hers. "Consider it an apology gift."

Evelyn stared a moment, then walked past him and snatched his bag. Ivan followed behind her without a word as she led them to a small room in the back. Its interior was bathed in purple light, with one large chair facing a private pole. Evelyn pushed Ivan into the chair and began to move to the music. She swayed, undressing slowly as his eyes feasted on her body. But he made no move, no leering comments, no attempt to grab her. He simply watched as Evelyn peeled off her clothing.

She stepped closer to him, standing between his spread legs, undoing her top while looking into his eyes.

"Did I tell you my business sold?" he said.

She smiled, pretending that she actually cared.

"I'm set now,” he continued. “I won't ever have to work again. But of course, I will."

"Mmmmm," Evelyn spun and pushed her ass inches away from his face.

"I'm even thinking about buying a yacht in celebration."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Good for you."

Her phone went off in her bag, the vibration loud enough for both of them to hear.

"Is that your friend?" Ivan asked. Evelyn cursed herself for not keeping it on silent.

"Wouldn't you like to know," she said, slowly sitting on his lap and grinding slowly. She wanted to make him beg. She wanted to blue ball him and take every dollar he had. She smiled as his hands slipped over her waist.

"No touching," She said. Ivan froze, then reluctantly withdrew.

"Did he like what I sent?" he asked.

Evelyn felt anger swell in her chest. She stood and turned, running a finger down Ivan’s chest.

"How did you get his number?" she asked.

"I have my ways," Ivan said.

"He did, actually," Evelyn said. The honesty in her voice made Ivan's eyes go dim.

"So that's it then," he said.

"What's it?"

"He is an actual cuck. He probably doesn't even want to fuck you, right? He just likes watching? Is that why it works for you two?"

The question cut deep.

"He isn't," Evelyn said defensively. Ivan's head tilted, sensing a crack in her armor.

“It would make sense. Especially that pool night. What sane man sits on cold floors while his love is pounded in the next room, hm? Maybe I should have sent him the rest of the videos, too. He probably would have liked it. Did you tell him about them?”

Evelyn stood straight and stepped away from Ivan.

“You are a fucking piece of shit,” she said coldly.

“You like it, though. So does that little cuck.”

“You’re just as much of a cuck as him.”

Ivan smirked and leaned back in his chair.

“If you were my girl, I wouldn’t let you do what you’re doing," he said.

“That’s why I’m not your girl.”

“You could be.”

Evelyn laughed loudly and shook her head.

"You wouldn't have to do this anymore," Ivan said.

“I like what I do.”

“Then keep doing it for me.”

Evelyn turned, looking at him in disbelief. "Are you fucking serious?”

“I am.”

“I'm not becoming your personal sex toy, Ivan.”

“Isn’t that what you’re already doing?” Ivan asked. Evelyn could barely contain her rage.

“Let’s keep this business, ok?” She said shortly, continuing to dance in silence. After a few moments, Ivan sighed and rolled his eyes.

“Stop,” he said. Evelyn did without hesitation, storming over to her bag and transferring Ivan's money into it.

"My god, you get so angry," he said.

"You seriously need to shut the fuck up," Evelyn said, blinded by her own fury.

"You need to relax."

“Oh my fucking god! Seriously, we are so fucking done," she shot up, slung her bag over her shoulder, and walked to the room's door.

“No, no, don’t do that," Ivan said.

Evelyn stopped.

"I’m trying to apologize," he said.

Evelyn looked back at him, fully locked inside her shell. Her voice cold and indifferent.

"You're really trying that one on me?"

"I mean it,” Ivan said calmly.

"Hmmm, I'm sure."

"Despite what you might think, I do actually like you," Ivan said.

"Well, that's your first mistake."

"I mean what I say."

"You like my body."

Ivan scoffed. "I like more than that. Clearly."

"You don't even know me."

"Because you won't let me get to know you."

Evelyn felt her phone buzz in her bag as she stepped towards Ivan.

"You know what I think?" she said.

Ivan smiled. "Please, do tell."

"I think you don't like sharing. It hurts your ego too much."

"That's not true," Ivan said coolly.

"It is."

"Then let me prove it," he said. Evelyn crossed her arms, surprised by Ivan's confident persistence.

"How?"

"Well, you need to let me see you outside the club more, for starters."

Evelyn laughed. "I have a fucking boyfriend, Ivan."

Sensing the venom in her voice, Ivan raised his hands.

"I know, I know. Trust me, I'm trying to…" he sighed in frustration. "I want more of you. I want to show you that I'm not this… asshole you think I am."

The words were sincere. Enough for Evelyn to drop her guard ever so slightly.

"So you want to have the girlfriend experience, is that it?"

Ivan smirked. "God, you have a fire in you. It's very sexy, you know that?"

"I don't escort like that, Ivan," Evelyn said sharply.

“Not even for one hundred thousand?”

Evelyn stared a moment, tapping her foot against the floor.

"One hundred thousand?"

"Yes," Ivan said.

"Bullshit."

“I’ll wire you half tonight.”

“No fucking sane person would spend that much on one escort," Evelyn said.

“Well, it wouldn't be for just one night."

Evelyn laughed. “Ahhh, there it is. So what? This is my yearly salary. You realize I make that in the month, right?”

It was a lie. On a good month, maybe. But Ivan didn’t need to know that.

“I know, which is why I’d buy your time for a month.”

“A whole month?”

“Yes, no other dancing. No other clients. Just you and me for a month.”

"Well, I hate to burst your bubble, one hundred thousand wouldn't even come close to covering the cost. It's not just the clients I work with. I still need to film too, and I won’t stop that.”

“Then I’ll film with you.”

“Oh my god, really?”

“What?! We fuck good, and I’m a good size. Plus, you wouldn't lose any money."

“You really think you can just waltz into my fucking life like that? Who the fuck do you think you’re talking to?”

Ivan pushed a hand through his sandy blonde hair. Clearly amused by their conversation.

“I was just offering, you don’t have to say yes.”

"Oh my god! Thank you so much for clarifying, here I was thinking I had no choice,” Evelyn said mockingly. She turned without another word, heading for the door once more.

“We’ll follow your rules," Ivan said.

“Goodnight, Ivan.”

“I’ll pay more,” he said.

Evelyn wanted to leave. At least, a part of her did. But something about Ivan made her fire on all cylinders. The anger, the sensationalism, the idiotic sums of money he seemingly threw at her without question.

It made Evelyn stop once more.

“Oh yeah? Even if that meant no fucking?”

Ivan pulled out a lighter from his pocket and began to flick it open and shut.

"If you're suggesting I would force you, then you are mistaken."

"So if I were a nun the entire month, you would still pay me more?"

"Of course not."

Evelyn rolled her eyes.

“What would it cost?" Ivan asked. "If you still filmed and took clients when you wanted, but I was a priority. How much?”

“What does priority mean?”

“Oh, nothing too crazy. I get to take you on dates, and you would spend the night.”

“I’m not spending every night at your place," Evelyn said firmly.

“Obviously, but at least once or twice a week,” Ivan said.

Evelyn thought for a moment. They had played this game once already, and she had asked for a sum far too low. If this was serious, she was absolutely going to make it worth her while.

“A quarter million,” she said flatly.

“Over double?" Ivan asked, flicking his lighter closed.

“You’re asking stupid fucking questions, so I’m giving stupid fucking answers.”

Ivan remained silent. Evelyn smiled.

“Not that crazy, huh?” she said.

“Fine, two hundred fifty thousand. One hundred thousand wired tonight.”

Evelyn shook her head, absolutely stupefied. Ivan didn't wait for her answer. He picked up his phone for a moment, then set it down. Evelyn felt a buzz in her bag and pulled out her phone. Seeing that one hundred thousand was now in her bank account.

“You really are fucking crazy,” she said.

“Or maybe I just like you that much.” Ivan leaned back in his chair. “One month with more access, that’s all I ask.”

Evelyn knew this was messy and stupid. But it wasn't her first mark. Truthfully, she had done far worse for far less.

Plus, a quarter of a million forgave much.

"I need to think about it," she said. Adjusting her bag and slinging it over her shoulder. Ivan threw his head back and laughed.

"Sure you do. And don’t forget to ask your little cuck for permission. I'm sure he'll be ecstatic about the news.

"Goodbye, Ivan," Evelyn said coldly, pulling the frosted glass door open and stepping through.

--

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