Chapter 10 Kait

"We're going

where?"

I asked.

"Vegas, baby!" Mari trumpeted. I looked around the living area in The Loft. The expressions varied from excitedly pumping their fist in the air-- Ryan-- to nodding in resignation-- Sreeni.

"And this is for--"

"The Vegas Fetish Ball," Julia answered. "We go every year. It's fucking fun, actually!"

I turned to Sreeni for her take. She tilted her head side to side. "The Ball is worth attending. There are some of the wild things that go on there. I just don't love Vegas." She scrunched her nose.

"It's also a chance for everyone to get outside of here and unwind," Ryan added. "I'm for sure looking forward to a change of scenery." Others nodded.

For the past couple of weeks, the entire staff seemed to be buzzing over the upcoming trip. All the Talent go, and even a large portion of the Server staff are allowed to attend.

Later, I looked up the Fetish Ball on my tablet. Images of people in latex and bondage outfits, dark club dance floors, and wild stage performances populated my search results. I felt a little apprehensive about being in such a crowded setting full of strangers. I haven't even left this building since I returned over ten months ago.

Then again, everyone else seemed so excited about it. Maybe I'd been settling back into my insular nature too much. Eden had become a safe haven, but I should continue to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone.

I've only been to Vegas once, when I was barely twenty one. I went with a bunch of friends on a shoestring budget. We piled seven guys into two hotel rooms, and played at the cheapest blackjack tables we could find. It didn't leave the strongest impression on me. Things might be different this time. Okay, things were undoubtedly going to be different!

***

The morning after my session with Mistress Cecilia, I was called into Mistress Elizabeth's office. My first time back there since day one.

"Cecilia

loved

you. Congratulations!" She walked up to meet me as I entered, grabbing both of my hands and smiling. "I'm very proud of you. I knew you would do great!"

"Thank you, Mistress," I said quietly. I glanced behind her shoulder to Mistress Lily, who observed me blankly and nodded. Typical Lily.

"She couldn't stop gushing about it," Mistress Elizabeth continued. "She already wants to see you again. It won't be for at least a few months though I think. She mentioned heading back to Colombia."

Mistress Lily jumped in, "We were discussing the best ways to market you, and get the word out." Mistress Elizabeth nodded. "However, there is another potential Client that we're thinking you would do well with first. We will let you know more as that develops."

Mistress Elizabeth shook her head and smiled. "Just wonderful!" Her hands still clasped mine.

***

The second I saw Chloe, I wrapped my arms around her for a hug. She froze in shock. "Chloe! I did what you said. I pictured what Mistress Elizabeth would do. Your advice worked!"

"I-- I'm glad, Mistress!" She pulled away and looked around nervously. I felt silly for my outburst. We walked in silence after that.

Despite not having spoken to anyone else, somehow word got out. Anthony congratulated me at our workout session. Everyone in my Psychology class also gave their praise.

By the time I made it to lunch, I was feeling embarrassed by the attention. I mean, I was glad that the session went well. I half expected to fail miserably and get kicked out of Eden. But I hadn't anticipated the outcome to be so public, and so soon.

Sreeni gave me a hug, while others huddled around us.

"I can't believe you conquered the ice queen," Evan exclaimed, laughing. "How the fuck?"

"You must've charmed the pants off her," Ryan added. I smiled uncomfortably.

"Seriously, how was she?" Anthony inquired.

"She was pretty terrifying. And aggressive," I admitted, looking around at their faces. "But I mean ... she was still nice."

Mari laughed. "Is there anyone you

don't

like?" At that very moment, Mistress Lily walked past the cafeteria. My eyes trailed her. Everyone seemed to notice the expression on my face.

"There's your answer, Mari," Anthony smirked.

"Can you blame her?" Ryan replied. "Lily hates everyone, and everyone hates her."

"She's not that bad, y'all," Julia said. "Once you get past her prickly exterior, she's actually kinda cool."

"If you say so," Anthony said, shaking his head.

***

Despite Mistress Lily and Mistress Elizabeth's promise of another Client, I didn't have any appointments in the months following Cecilia.

I was however given another role in The Suites. One evening, Mistress Lily led me into a large lounge area, which had the feel of a secret speakeasy. Dark wood panels lined the walls, low light lamps at tables for two, cushioned booths in a row on the right, and a long bar that was fully stocked with liquor bottles and beer taps. They all contributed to a sultry, discrete atmosphere. There was even a small stage in the corner.

Apparently, Talent who weren't booked up were called upon to serve as bartenders in the evenings.

"This won't be like at a normal bar," Mistress Lily advised. "It's not as if random people will wander in. Everyone here will be waiting for or accompanied by Talent. You're just here to make their drinks, and give some light conversation if the situation arises. Usually, you just talk up the Talent."

I nodded. This might be fun.

Indeed, on an assigned night, I stood behind the bar and got a front row view of other Talent in their element. It was amusing to see everyone in actual clothes. I had grown accustomed to only ever witnessing people in black workout outfits. But here, the Talent were done up nicely.

I spied Ryan, hair coiffed, beard trimmed, and looking rather stylish in a dark gray suit. I was amazed at the transformation. The woman he was standing across from at a high table was dressed in a striking sequined dress. By the looks of her body language, he was doing well with charming her. Her laughing echoed throughout the room.

Dawn, a black female Talent, approached me at the bar. She had on a flowing green gown, with a front opening that plunged down past her belly button to a band wrapped across her waist. Her ample cleavage spilled out tantalizingly. Her hair was long and straight, swept down over her left shoulder. As she got near, I leaned in and whispered, "You look gorgeous!"

She smiled and flipped her hair with a hand. "Thank you, babe! Two old fashioneds, please." I nodded and got to work, pouring the liquor into a shaker.

Some time later, a female Client stepped through the doors. Trailing her was Anthony ... on a leash! He wasn't wearing any clothes except for black briefs. His sculpted body was on full display, glistening from sweat or oil, I couldn't tell. To my amazement, no one else in the room reacted. Or if they did, they played it much cooler than I. I'm pretty sure my jaw hit the bar top.

Anthony glanced over at me, smiled and gave a quick wave. In disbelief and unsure of how else to react, I mirrored his wave.

The Client led him over to the corner of the room, to a booth where Mistress Elizabeth was lounging. I had heard that's her usual spot. The two women exchanged words, while Anthony patiently stood behind the Client. Mistress Elizabeth smiled, rose up, and the three of them exited quietly.

The interactions for the rest of the night were small and short. Which was fine by me. I was happy just observing. I noted a couple of glances towards me from a few of the male Clients, which was a bizarre, new phenomenon. I guess this is that male gaze that women always talk about. I also didn't like that they were distracted from their female Talent companions.

***

On a shift during the week of the Vegas Ball, I was stationed at the bar when Mistress Lily entered the lounge. She wore a cheongsam dress, tight on her body with a high collar. It was shorter than dresses of that type normally are, cutting off above her knees. There was also a round opening below the neck to show off her cleavage. It was shimmering red, with a delicate flower pattern all over. Below her dress, I could see the shine of black latex stockings. On her feet were medium height slip-on heels.

A man followed her in, bearded and slightly balding at his temples. He had on a light gray suit, which was insufficient at hiding his round belly. He was a few inches shorter than her. She directed him to a two top table, and walked up to the bar.

"Whoa, you look great!" I exclaimed. She reacted with a tight smile, and tilted her head to the side.

"May I get two whiskeys? One neat. Make the other one half and half with water," she instructed. I nodded and pulled two glasses from the shelf.

What a clever idea! Water down your drinks so you're not drunk, and can stay in control of your senses while in a Client session!

I presented the drinks to Mistress Lily, who grabbed the whiskey neat and downed it in one gulp. I stood in shock. She grimaced, then pointed at the empty glass. "Another one."

I complied. "I thought that one was for your Client."

She shook her head. "No, I don't need him getting whiskey dick."

"I didn't even know you saw Clients," I said.

She eyed me. "You think my only job is to make your life hell?" I choked slightly on my saliva. She shook her head. "We all have Clients. Even Mistress Elizabeth."

I looked over at her guest. He was scanning around at the others in the room, fiddling with his hands. "He seems nice?"

Mistress Lily scoffed. "He's an asshole. I can't wait to beat the fuck out of him"

I turned back to her, speechless. She arched an eyebrow at me. "We're not really supposed to know much about our Clients' outside lives, but he'd been coming to see me long enough that I googled him. He's a scumbag. Corporate lawyer, doing shady shit to the world, cheating on his wife, a shit dad ..." She waved her hand dismissively.

I anxiously wiped the bar with a rag. "At least I don't feel bad about not holding back," she continued, shrugging. "Weirdly, the harder I beat and fuck him, the more eager he is to come back."

"A good way to relieve some stress for you," I offered. She snorted, glancing back at him.

"By the way," she turned to me, "we managed to confirm an appointment for you for the end of this week. That means you'll miss the first night of the Ball. I have a Client as well, so we'll fly out a day later to meet up with everyone else." She nodded at me. I nodded back.

"We'll chat about details later," she said, and headed back over to her Client with the drinks.

***

On the day of my Client appointment, I again get to skip my normal class schedule. The mood is hectic however, due to everyone else scrambling to leave for the airport. Even Chloe is too wrapped up to be my assistant for the day. Instead, waiting outside my door is the Server who had assisted in my Sex Therapy sessions. The brunette with crystal clear blue eyes is named Melissa.

She bows to greet me. "It's a pleasure to serve you again, Mistress."

I let out a weak chuckle in response. It's still weird to have people doting on me. Also, my introduction to Melissa was her strapping me into a sex chair.

She hands me a protein shake, and proceeds to lead me downstairs. I had intended to attend a morning Yoga class, but no one else shows up. I head to The Loft, and manage to catch a few people to say goodbye to. Sreeni and Mari give me hugs as they hurry away. Soon, the entire floor feels quiet and vacant.

I find a lone Server in the cafeteria, manning the station. He's skinny and bearded, and moves with wiry motions. I grab my food from him and settle in at a table. To my shock, Mistress Lily enters for her lunch and decides to sit with me!

"So, your Client tonight," she starts, as she stirs the contents of her salad. "This one is a bit unique from our normal clientele. Her name is Kait."

I nod, listening intently. "What's so unique about Kait?"

"You've been working in the Client lounge. You've probably noticed that our roster of guests are almost exclusively older and affluent," she says. "Kait is neither of those things. Truth is, she's not the type who'd have the means to obtain an appointment here.

"But-- a group of her friends pooled their resources. And one of them is an acquaintance of Mistress Elizabeth so she worked out a deal ... whatever, not important." She shakes her head. "What matters is that this Kait requires a delicate touch. She's been through some bad stuff. Physical and verbal abuse, awful ex-boyfriend, you get the picture.

"We've actually been delaying connecting her with anyone, to find the right match," she continues, and points her fork at me. "We think you would be right for her." I stare at my plate, absorbing the information.

"This isn't just a

Get Them Laid

job," Lily says. "Your aim is to help her deal with the emotional damage. Her friends want her to feel safe again. To be okay letting people in, and confront intimacy issues. It's a perfect test case for you. She's not gay, but she'll feel safer with a woman. We think she'll be receptive to you.

"We're not expecting miracles here in one session. But if you can coax her out of her shell just a bit. Even tiny steps towards healing, we'd consider that a victory."

"Sounds more like she needs a therapist."

"I believe she's already seeing one," Lily replies. "But seems like it's not enough. Her friends want to help her, but want a safer environment than just pushing her towards some guy in a bar. They're looking for someone who can be sensitive and empathetic."

I nod, trying to think about what I'm going to say and do. I look back at Mistress Lily. "So who's your Client?"

She lifts a baby carrot on her fork to her eyeline. "Just some wanker with a pecker."

***

The rest of the afternoon, Servers Melissa and Chelsea help with my prep. The makeup is much more subtle this time. The lipstick and eyeshadow are applied to slightly darken my features. My hair is finally reaching down past my chin so Chelsea has more to play with. She keeps the bangs, but sweeps them more to the side. She gives the rest of my hair a tousled, layered look.

My designated outfit starts with a rose colored bra and bottom set. In addition, are a long silk pink robe covered in cherry blossoms, nude colored stockings hooked to a garter belt, and pink platform heeled sandals.

When it's time, Server Melissa leads me to The Suites and to the door. "Good luck, Mistress," she says. I place my hand on her shoulder, smile, and enter the room.

Unlike the other suites that have been designed to evoke a romantic, sensual mood, this room feels more friendly and cozy. The colors are warm and natural. Plush rugs lay over warm hardwood floors. The furniture is soft suede. There are potted plants and the art is nature photography, not the typical abstract paintings.

Sitting on the edge of the green sofa is Kait. I can tell she's short. Her body is curvy and thick. Her hair is strawberry blonde, straight, and falls just past her shoulders. She has a small, button nose, and dimples in her cheeks. Tattoos are scattered along her arms and some on her legs. She's wearing glasses with clear pink frames, a dark blue dress, and white Sketchers. I can spot several piercings along her ear.

She eyes me apprehensively as I walk in. I smile as I approach the sofa. "Hi there. You must be Kait," I say warmly. "I'm Lisa."

"Mmm," she croaks weakly. She briefly scans me up and down, then returns her gaze to the rug.

"Do you mind if I sit?" I ask, gesturing to the sofa. She does a quick nod but remains silent. I can already see that this won't be easy.

I sit on the far end of the sofa. She fidgets with a bracelet on her wrist. This is nothing like how it was with Cecilia. My mind goes blank for a moment, mildly panicking. I can't think of anything to say. I scan around the room for anything to jump start a conversation. The silence permeates uncomfortably. I turn my eyes back to her.

Kait looks miserable. A surge of sadness sweeps over me. Someone so young shouldn't look so run down. I feel a sudden protectiveness towards Kait, despite being near her for only a few minutes. All I want is to take away her discomfort.

"I get the sense," I say slowly, "that you're not entirely cool with being here. I hear your friends put this together for you."

She nods.

"Well, they sound like good friends to have."

Silence.

I chew my lip, and then take a deep breath. I can't be playful here. Or try to trick her. Maybe open and honest is the best approach.

"Can I tell you something?" I say softly. "I'm pretty new to this. So I'm feeling kinda nervous right now."

She looks over at me, eyebrows lifted. "You? B-- but you look so ..." she ventures, quietly.

I chuckle. "Looks can be deceiving. I've had butterflies in my stomach for the past few hours."

She looks back down, processing.

"Can we say this?" I tilt my head. "Let's agree to not say or do anything that you're not 100% comfortable with. Cool?"

"Yeah ... okay." I can see her body relax somewhat.

"I'm not sure what you expect. Or what your friends told you. But everything in here is up to us. We can just sit and chat if you'd like." Her eyes dart back up at me for a second. I smile again.

More silence. It feels like an eternity. She continues to fiddle with her bracelet. I look closer at the tattoos on her arm. I notice a swirl graphic, and I point to it. "Is that a Naruto tattoo?"

Kait looks up at me instantly. "You know

Naruto?"

"Yeah!" I nod. "I mean, I haven't seen all of the episodes. There are like 700."

"720," Kait corrects, smiling. "But a ton of them are filler. You can skip those." She pauses. "Who's your favorite character?"

"Hmm, I like Rock Lee," I say.

"Rock Lee!"

she reacts, laughing.

"What?" I ask, defensively. "I think he's funny! Those crazy eyebrows! Who's yours?"

"Hinata."

"I can see that," I nod. "She's awesome. And she gets the guy at the end!" Kait smiles.

"Do you know what this is?" she asks, pointing at another tattoo on her arm.

"Oh c'mon. That's the Deathly Hallows. Give me some credit!"

"I don't know," she asserts, "you're so ... beautiful. I don't know if you liked this stuff."

"Oh, I'm like a huge nerd," I say. "Always been one. I read those books as they came out." She nods.

"But it's tough being a Harry Potter fan these days," I continue. "Because of the author's stance on ..." I trail off.

Kait intuits the rest. "Oh ... yeah. I know."

I reflect for a moment. That might have been the first time I explicitly and naturally identified myself as trans. Not just to another person but even internally to myself.

"Do you know this one?" she asks, pointing at a yellow cartoon tattoo.

"Okay, you got me there. I know that's Pikachu, but that's the extent of my Pokémon knowledge." Kait laughs.

I look around the room again. This time, I notice the record player on a cabinet. "No way!" I get up and walk over to it, finding albums in a cubby underneath. I flip through the records.

"Ooooh! Do you mind if I put something on?" I call out over my shoulder.

"No, go ahead." I hear her respond. I slide the vinyl out of its sleeve and place it on the turntable. Fleetwood Mac start softly playing through the speaker.

"Ugh, this is a fantastic album!" I say as I stand up and start nodding to the music. I turn around and see that Kait is watching. "Do you know this?"

"Yeah. Jeeez!" she replies, rolling her eyes.

"I don't know! You're young! Who knows if you have a taste for the classics!" I head back towards her, swaying to the music.

Soft bass and drumbeats come through the speaker. "Oh my god!"

My mom loved this band. I'm flooded with fond memories of her. I close my eyes and smile. I pantomime with my hands as I sing along. "Thunder only haaappens when it's raiiiinin'!"