Sherry knew what she was here to do, and had unexpectedly accepted it, yet she dreaded actually engaging in whatever sordid requests the clients might have. But as time wore on, she began to grow concerned. A string of cars had stopped at the curb, and Candy and Andrea had vanished, sometimes for just a few minutes, sometimes for longer. What Sherry didn't understand is why no one had approached her. She was sure she was still attractive, with a good body and welcoming smile. Yet still no one beckoned to her. She knew that many of these men were regulars, favoring their usual girls, but she was sure that couldn't explain everything.
"The trick," explained Candy, "is not to wait for them. If they stop, they are looking for company, so go to them. If they're looking for Andrea or I in particular, they will tell you. Let's try. Andrea is off with someone. The next car that comes along, I will hold back. He'll be all yours. Think you can do it?"
Sherry gulped, and nodded.
It didn't take long for Sherry to get her chance, as a small sedan pulled to a stop at the curb, the passenger window rolling down. Sherry looked at Candy, but she had retreated into the darkness of the alley. Straightening her shoulders, Sherry walked to the car, trying her best to add a seductive wiggle to her step; afraid she was instead doing a convincing imitation of a waddling penguin.
As she reached the side of the car, she leaned forward, into the window. Fighting the lump in her throat, she stammered, "He-hey baby. You, uh, looking for some, um, company?"
The man in the car didn't seem to notice her hesitation. In the darkness, she really couldn't make out much of the man belonging to the voice, but she could here his response. "Sure, How much?" Sherry repeated the prices Tommy had taught her, the driver grunting his ascent.
Not without some worry, Sherry opened the door and climbed in, directing the driver into the parking lot. As she came to a stop, she realized this client wasn't the best introduction to her new career, but she resigned herself to her task. The car stank of sweat, beer, and smoke. The driver snapped on the interior light, pulling out his wallet to count out the bills into Sherry's waiting hand. Ten twenty-dollar bills. Under the dome light, Sherry realized this man was about as far from her ideal as she could imagine. She could see the man's overhanging belly; sweat stained his dirty t-shirt. He hadn't shaved in days.