The next morning when she awoke Abigail knew she was going to miss Candy terribly. She and Ginger had been a part of each other's lives everyday for as long as she could remember. They may not have shared any DNA but they were sisters in every important way.
Henry woke up to see her sitting up in bed, deep in thought, and knew the reason why.
"Candy?"
"Ya, I'm worried. I'm happy for her but I'm also worried."
"Why?"
"I'm worried that something will go wrong and I know how much she wants love in her life and what could be a bigger stumbling block than what we do for a living?"
"I get it," he said, "but I'm encouraged that Charlie blew up his entire life for the chance, just the chance, to love her. You don't see that in a person very often. Maybe something else will get in the way but I'm encouraged by his dedication to her."
"Me too. I can't imagine the shit he went through with family and friends to end his marriage plans and alter his life. I'm just worried because I want this for her so badly."
"I know you do, sweetheart. I don't have the connection with her that you do but I've come to love her and I want her to be happy as well."
They looked at each other and Henry said, "Something like this makes you realize..." but again he couldn't finish the sentence as Abby kissed him and they embraced.
Changing the tone of the morning, Henry said, "How about we get ready for work and I'll shave your legs?!?"
"Mmmmmmm, you better be serious, mister, because I'd love that! And maybe at the end..."
He put his forefinger to her lips, "Consider it done. You know, I invented the 'leg shave with climax', except this time for the last part I'm using whip cream."
"Mmmmmm"
***
Later at the cathouse, Henry set up shop for the day, mindful that Candy's absence would require him to contact all her regulars and anything else on her calendar.
Following close behind him was a clean shaven Abigail with a glow about her. "Here comes Miss Sunshine," said Henry, admiring his handy work.
"You missed a spot," she teased him going upstairs.
He laughed. "I didn't miss the spot that counted!"
Lana walked in right then, "Were you talking about what I think you were talking about?"
"Ah, I don't know. Shaving her legs? Ya, sometimes I shave her legs. She thinks I might have missed something. What's up, Lana?"
"A couple of things. I wanted to tell you I'm back seeing Jim again and that's been going well. I don't know why I'm telling you this because you probably don't care anyway."
"No, you're wrong. I'm glad to hear it. I want happiness in your life so if it's with Jim then that's great."
"But you don't really like him."
"I wouldn't call him for bowling and a beer but that doesn't matter. Besides, I don't know him that well. The point is you like him and I'd only be concerned if he hurt you."
She took a second to process what he said and then, "Besides going over my schedule today I need to have you sign these papers." She handed him a large envelope. As soon as he touched them he knew what they were.
"These are the final divorce papers. Since there was nothing to contest the process was fairly quick."
"Could you give me a few minutes and then we can talk again?" he asked.
Sensing his struggle, she said, "Sure," and went to her room.
He stared at the envelope like it contained Kryptonite. He understood it was the right thing to do but it also represented failure and loss. Something that had begun with such promise and joy had ultimately fallen in a heap of sadness.
Their single redemptive connection was their resurrected friendship and he held onto it dearly. Nonetheless, these divorce papers...looking at them...touching them, felt like being smothered. He sobbed, head down on the desk, and kept talking to himself, 'I'm sorry, I'm so sorry.'
A hand touched the back of his head and he looked up at Lana. "I know, Henry, I know. I spent last night doing the same thing." She caressed his cheek, wiping away the tears. "Would you hold me, Henry?"
He stood up, they embraced and together shared the formal end of their marriage. "I never want to lose you," he said. "You and I are forever," she said.
From the top of the stairs Abigail sat and listened to the sound of their goodbye.
***
At the morning house meeting Henry began with the obvious problem of redistributing as many of Candy's appointments as possible without canceling the whole week.
"It's impossible to cover everything but I'll read them off and if you can take something, speak up and I'll text the client."
For the most part things went smoothly down the list...
"Mr. ShyGuy, Tuesday at 2pm?"
"He pays but he's afraid to take his clothes off for some weird reason," said Abby, "He always cums in his pants."
"I'll take him," said Ginger. "I take it as a personal challenge to get those pants off!"
"Mr. GermSquirm, Wednesday at noon."
Abby enthusiastically raised her hand, "He puts you in a medical gown with mask. These days, not such a bad idea. Besides, I feel like I'm performing surgery!"
"Okay, this next one's a little tricky. Group of six guys, many come here individually, got together and decided they wanted a gangbang with one girl. Candy had already taken this on for six this afternoon, so do I have any takers? Pays great. Ginger? Abby?"
Initially, no one jumped at it but finally Lana said, "I'll do it."
"Are you sure?" asked Henry. "They're going to fuck you silly everywhere and it will be relentless. You've never been in a gangbang...are you sure?"
"Okay, so you try and talk me into whips and nipple clamps and now you're trying to talk me out of a gangbang. Getting mauled by six healthy young dicks sounds a lot better than a nipple clamp."
Everyone stopped and looked at each other, considering her logic and Henry said, "Ya, I guess so."
"Besides I've secretly wanted to try it," added Lana, looking directly at Henry, "and I'm just in the mood to fly kamikaze."
He knew what she was referring to.
"Right," he said. "If you don't mind I'll be watching out for you on the monitor."
"Oh, Henry, don't act like you're doing community service. You know you're going to get your nuts off watching me take that much cock."
"That's true, Lana," said Abigail, "he's such a little pervert. I just realized I'm in love with a pervert! Oh no! I better stay with him so he doesn't further defile cathouse property!"
He was laughing but gave a mock defense, "I do it for you girls. Not only for your safety but to let you know what a great job you're doing."
"Pervert," said Ginger.
"Pervert," said Abigail.
"Pervert," said Lana
At that moment Edgar appeared at the top of the landing with a salute, "Ready for work, sir!"
"Pervert," they all said in unison.
***
Through the intercom to her room, Henry let Abigail know that "Frank is here."
Edgar escorted the grocery manager to her and opening the door he said, "Abigail, it's Frank to see you. Have a wonderful time, sir."
Closing the door behind him, Frank said, "What's the deal with that little pervert?"
On the heels of their earlier house meeting she burst out laughing. "What's so funny?" he asked.
"Oh, nothing...so, Frank, you finally found your crush! I didn't know. I thought you just wanted in my pussy."
"Well that's how it started but the more I was around you the more I said to myself, 'I'm rather fond of that little spitfire! Of course, I was married and..."
"And now you're not."
"And now I'm not. I hate to complain, Abigail, especially since this first one's free, but your prices are a bit steep. That guy downstairs told me your regular fee. I remember when I could nail that snatch across my desktop for a hundred smackers."
"What can I tell you, Frank, it's the law of supply and demand and my pussy's in demand. So are you here to talk to me or fuck me?"
"Both. Now get those panties off and spread 'em!"
Then he did something unexpected and went down on her. "Oh, Frankie! That, uhhh, feels so good. Down a little bit...ya, right there. Uhhhhh, oh fuuuuccckkk, uhnnnnnn"
"Like that, spitfire? I learned that little trick from one of the cashiers that came after you. It's called cunnilingus. Turns out the chicks like that."
"Frank, shut up and fuck me."
For once Frank almost shut up and fucked her. "Just like old times you little tart."
He slammed into her over and over, longer than she expected. Apparently, he really missed her. Abigail was surprised when she came again. "Fuck me, Frankie!!"
After it was over and Frank had splashed his spunk on her face, "That's my, Abigail. Yes. Think about it, you could be the wife of a grocery store manager. Can't do much better than that!"
"Sorry, I'm in a great relationship but I'm flattered by the offer."
"You think about it. I'd completely provide for you. Big Frank will take care of everything. No more having to fuck for money." Staring at the floor he continued, "Look I'm nuts about you and I know I'm rough around the edges but I'd treat you like a princess. I've got money you know?"
She didn't have the heart to tell him how much she made, far more than his salary. The fact that she was considerate of his bluster said volumes about her character.
"Frank," she said softly, holding his hands, "it's so sweet you want to take care of me. To be loved is a special thing but I'm already in a wonderful relationship. You have a good heart and a good job and I'm confident there's someone out there for you. The key is to be patient and I'm sure that's hard right now because you're hurting but be patient and love will come to you."
She reached up and kissed him on the cheek.
It was one of the rare times Henry's monitor mania wasn't focused on the sex but was captivated by her skill and gentleness. Frank's pitch was turned down but it was such a soft landing he would come to see her repeatedly, just to be near her.
When Frank left and she came downstairs Henry scooped her up in his arms, "I number two you so much right now..."