Chapter 13

An early flight on Monday on a chartered jet nowhere near as posh as the one that brought him home from the bonding vacation with Cheryl made Sunday less a day of rest between two flights than a day of packing for Joe. The same for Eddie, Rachel and Charlie, who had arrived Sunday from Boston on a far shorter flight.

The ladies of the choral group, including Ginny, would meet them at the airport, switching from an even earlier Boston commuter to the charter at the airport. Stuart, Essie’s boyfriend, would be with them.

Joe spent the night with Joanne, Liang joining them. He woke up early. He and Liang joined Essie and Cheryl in the master bedroom for some wake-up sex concentrating on Cheryl. Unlike the ship, a substitute cock came out. Cheryl’s finale with Joe for a while had her double penetrated, Liang, the most skilled with a strap on, fucking her ass while Joe fucked her pussy just as she had done with Joanne the night before.

Needing to leave before everyone else had to, for school or work, Joe showered and dressed. As did those who would be joining him on the tour. Everyone else donned robes. Even the kids wore their robes to send Joe and their brother and sister off.

Joe had a moment with Essie. “What about Stuart?” he asked.

“I’ll be meeting you in Spain,” she smiled. “I’ll be with you through Italy and Greece before you guys head north.”

“That’s great!” Joe grinned. “I’m sure Stuart missed you. But won’t that be just a couple weeks into the tour?”

“A couple weeks to get stuff done before I can take the time,” Essie explained. “The advantage of being my own boss. I’m planning to meet up in Australia as well. And it’s not just Stuart I’ll want to see.”

“I know,” said Joe, kissing her.

“I don’t like missing you Joe. None of us do, of course. But they seem to take it in stride better than me. Liang’s one tough lady. And I guess Mom is used to it. And Cheryl,” she sniffled.

“Ssh,” Joe hugged her.

“I think people think being a genius means a sacrifice of emotions. Being reasonable about them or something. Maybe it’s true. Maybe you’re my weak spot. Because you’re everything to me. Always have been. I’m defenseless,” she giggled. “And hormones are a bitch.”

“You’re pregnant?” he asked, pulling her away from him and grinning.

“The last session with Eddie seemed to take,” she grinned.

“I had an inkling,” Joe chuckled. “Either you gave up or ... But you aren’t the type to give up, are you?”

“Nope.”

They kissed intensely and sighed after. “Come with us to the airport?” he asked.

“Of course.”

Cheryl came too, calling in to her firm about being late. She sat in Joe’s lap in the limo, with Essie sitting close beside them. Congratulations had been given at the house. Pregnancy was discussed in the car.

The three remained close at the gate, waiting for the Boston contingent to arrive before boarding. When they did arrive, Stuart looked a little uncomfortable watching Essie being reluctant to come to him. Staying with Joe. Hugging and kissing her husband. But when released, and Cheryl took her place, she came to Stuart and hugged him.

“Don’t start being jealous of my husband,” she whispered into his ear.

“But he’s been with you...”

“And won’t be for a while.” They broke the embrace. “I like you Stuart. You’re my friend and my lover. But Joe will always come first in my heart. If you can’t...”

“I can, Essie. It’s just that...”

“I know.”

“I thought we’d have more time before the tour...”

“I know. I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

He looked around and at the clock, which showed imminent boarding. Just then the announcement was made. “How?” he said.

“Not here,” Essie giggled. “Soon.”

“But how?”

“Spain. I’ll be meeting you guys there.”

“Really?”

“Yep.”

“Cool.” He finally grinned and they finally kissed.

“We should go,” Sandy reminded him.

“See you soon,” he smiled at Essie.

“Soon lover,” she smiled back. Then sighed when he stepped away. Seeing Joe pass through the ticket collector. He looked back and nodded at her. Both smiled sadly.

The refitted commercial business jet accommodated the decadence of rock bands and the arrogant prestige of corporations. Not just the first class only seating, with two chairs on each side of the aisle, and most important to Joe, plenty of leg room, but thoroughly attractive attendants wearing short skirts and cleavage revealing blouses. Two of them attending to not that many customers made Joe wonder whether it was to cover for one going off and getting intimate. There was an area in the back near the toilets with two sets of seats facing each other that could be closed off by a curtain.

Joe sat with his son, Nathan, during takeoff. Nate’s emotions were always conspicuous.

“Sad?” Joe asked him.

“Zooey,” Nate said.

“You’ve gotten close.”

“It’s like I always felt like she was the one, Dad. Even though she never seemed to want me that way, you know, exclusive, boyfriend/girlfriend. I just wanted to be with her, no matter how she took it. It was difficult not to be clingy, but I knew she wouldn’t want that.”

“How did you know?”

“Because she told me right off. After the first time we had sex and it went really well.”

“Did you think she might feel the same?”

“What do you mean?”

“She wanted exactly what you wanted. Did she explain?”

“Yes. We’ve always been like that. Completely honest with each other. Except I guess I wasn’t completely honest. I didn’t want to scare her as much as I wanted her.”

“You sensed that would end things?”

“Yes.”

“Did you have experience with that?”

“Yes. I tend to like strong girls. Strong and independent. The first time I was so young. You know the way girls tend to enter adolescence before boys. This girl I liked, she hinted she wanted sex but I didn’t get it. By the time I did, it was too late. I got a bit obsessed with her, and she got mean. The second time, I knew what I wanted. I befriended her. Wanted it to move into sex. Took my time. Kisses and petting. Maybe too much time. She ended up with some other boy. Maybe they jumped right in the sack together. I don’t know. Again I obsessed. Again I lost the girl. It was weird, because I didn’t really think of her as much of a friend, really. We were such different people. She was so ... normal I guess.

“So, yeah, by the time I met Zooey I was careful. Not so much about the sex, because obviously that never worked out. She wanted me and I wanted her. So we went for it. And it was amazing.”

“Which worried her.”

“Yeah. Our friendship was important to her. To both of us. She wanted to make sure we hadn’t fucked it up, literally. I promised to remain her friend, and it wouldn’t be just about sex. She insisted she didn’t want to be exclusive, and I accepted that. Maybe a little jealous that someone else would be with her. Maybe worried she’d end up with someone else. But being with her was too important. And being with her actually made me feel she wouldn’t be like the other girls, rejecting me for someone else. Because of how close we are. And because the sex was always pretty amazing.

“Then, because...”

“Liv,” Joe filled in.

“Yeah,” his son blushed. “My first time not being exclusive with Zooey even though I said it was okay for both of us ended up the most eye-opening experience of my life. I finally understood the dynamics. What Zooey needed and what I needed. And when I returned to her, it wasn’t just amazing it was explosive.” Nate chuckled. “It definitely blew Zoey’s mind.”

“You told Zoey about Liv?”

“In intimate detail. She wants to meet her. And not just to thank her.”

“Zoey’s into girls?”

“Not really. She experimented and found it really wasn’t her thing. It didn’t squick her out. It just didn’t interest her all that much. What she wants is lessons. You understand?”

“I do,” Joe chuckled. “Looking forward to it?”

“Very much. I already miss Zoey.”

“That’s something I completely understand.”

“I always thought... , “ Nate started.

“Thought what?”

“When Cheryl and then Mom left, you had Li and Essie. But you still missed them, didn’t you Dad?”

“I did.”

“And you miss them now.”

“I’ll miss all of them. Cheryl maybe a little more. But not by much.”

“You’ll be with Ginny.”

“Sometimes. And another woman who’ll join us probably around when Zoey does for the same reason.”

“That dark haired woman with you after the Irving Plaza show.”

“Consuela. You remember how I was with Chandi at the beginning.”

“Sort of a working relationship.”

“Exactly.”

“A mistress.”

“Yes.”

“Chan never needed to be paid to be with you. She adores you.”

“And I adore her. But I helped her get her degrees. And she helped me immensely with research. I never paid her to love me.”

“And Consuela?”

“I don’t know, Nate. We’ll see.”

“She is hot.”

“Yes she is. How much does this bother you, Nate? Me being with other women besides your mom. Including mistresses.”

“It’s always been like that. It’s like asking a man who has always been blind what’s it like to be different I guess. In a way, I’ve been lucky. Having several moms. Except for Mom, who could be strict, but I knew it was her way of loving her kids, and we all are hers as much as we’re Cheryl’s and Li’s, it didn’t mean extra discipline or too much being watched. Essie’s always been like a big sister to us. In school, where it might have been an issue with schoolmates, it wasn’t because Aunt Cheryl was the one who attended all the PTA functions. When the other moms attended performances, you were always careful about being demonstrative with your affection. And any classmates I took home, any friends, were too much in awe of them ever to feel anything but envy towards me.

“I guess the only time I had a problem with it was when Mom did. It hurt when she left us. And Aunt Cheryl left. Even more when Cheryl ignored us. And Mom too, being so far away. And when you explained it had to do with your lifestyle...”

“Yeah. I’m sorry.”

“I admit I was angry at you. Blamed you. Like I suppose they did in a way. But Aunt Cheryl is back. And you’re basically back with Mom and Chan, even though they’re still off on a Caribbean Island. So they obviously still love you, love us kids, and are okay with it after all.”

“If it’s any consolation, your mom and Chandi will be with me in a couple years. You’ll probably be pretty much out the door by then.”

“Sooner than that. I’ll be at Berklee soon.”

“That’s a certainty?”

“Sandy said it was. She set up an audition and an interview. While you and Aunt Cheryl headed down to Barbados, I went with Rachel to Boston. Sandy claims I wowed them.”

“Drumming?”

“I’ve been working on composition. You know that talking drum I bought?”

“Yes.”

“I created a piece for that. And Stuart lent me one of the Partch instruments. A marimba. Fortunately the smallest one he created. Stuart and I have been collaborating. Electronics and percussion. So I performed one of those with him. And gave them a tape of the other pieces. And copies of the musical manuscripts.”

“You never told me.”

“I guess it never fit into what we were doing. It’s definitely not rock.”

“You know I’m not all about rock.”

“Not exactly jazz either,” Nate chuckled.

“Neither is the choral group, and you know how much I enjoy them.”

“Yeah.”

“Have I ever played you some of my Derek Bailey?”

“I heard it a couple times when I stopped by your office.”

“And?”

“To tell you the truth, I’ve borrowed the albums a time or two. I dig it. Problem is, who else does? You rarely broadcast your more avant garde tastes. An occasional Art Ensemble or Sun Ra is pushing it. Never the more extreme Coltrane. Because Uncle Eddie isn’t into it. Nor is Aunt Cheryl or my mom all that much.”

“Liang and Esther.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Nate shook his head. “Those two would go to the ends of the earth for you and fall off with you. Whatever your taste is their taste. They find a way to love it. The thing is, I’d love to go nuts with you, doing improvisational music, but who else would join us?”

“Makes sense. Speaking of avant garde, is that what Berklee is interested in?”

“You mean do they think it might be best to train the more commercial side of music? I borrowed a jazz drum set and did a long jazz improv. I also gave them two other tapes. One of Eddie’s music. The other of one of our jazz jams.”

“That’s perfect Nate.”

“I’m smarter than I look,” he smirked.

“God I wish we could find some like-minded musicians to jam with.”

“Me too.”

“I just don’t know if I can hold up my end.”

“You’re a lot better than you think you are, Dad.”

“Thanks.”

The voluptuous blonde sexpot whose tits and ass were barely contained by her outfit, leaned over, exposing more cleavage, and told Joe, “Mr. Frank wishes to speak with you. Behind the curtain.”

“Thanks.”

“Would you like me to bring you a drink?”

“Espresso?”

“Yes sir. And you young man?”

Joe didn’t hear the reply.

The curtain ended up being heavier than he thought. He traced it to the back edge and entered it, hearing moans. Some sort of noise cancelation, causing the weight of the fabric. He closed the curtain quickly behind him.

His question about the attendants serving more than just food and drinks became apparent. The other stewardess knelt between Rachel’s legs, sucking her quim. Joe found her to be the sexier of the two. A Eurasian, beautiful, with a lean body and subtle curves. Her ass, which he glanced at clothed, looked as firm and athletic and perfectly formed in its naked display.

“Ginny refused to service her,” Eddie explained, handing Joe a lit joint. Joe sucked in the smoke and passed it back.

“Makes sense,” Joe said, looking at the late thirties blonde still sexy and beautiful. Her pants and panties had been removed. Her black blouse open, revealing her black bra beneath.

“Joe?” Rachel breathed. “Could you lean down here?”

“For what?”

“Undo my bra.”

When he leaned down, she kissed him. With tongue. He kissed back while undoing the clasp. Her hand went to his groin, rubbing his hardening cock.

“What do you want Rachel?”

“She told me anal is extra.”

“Not for you.”

“Oh fuck!” Rachel came. During it she managed to unzip him and fish out his cock. Nearly fully erect. It disturbed Joe that Eddie chose that moment to release his own thick weapon. But he was sort of used to it. Joe turning Eddie on. He let Rachel tug at his cock for minute. Her other hand tugged at Eddie’s. Then he lowered, escaping her grasp. Sat at the chair across from her. Leaning forward and tasting the stewardess’s pussy. On the dry side, but he intended to rectify it.

“Keep going, Bitch,” Rachel insisted. After her second climax, pulling on her nipples, she nudged the gorgeous Eurasian over to Eddie to suck him. Joe followed, sitting on the next seat. Finally bringing the stewardess over, causing her to pull back from Eddie’s cock to express her orgasm.

“Thanks, uhm,” Joe said.

“Celia,” the woman said.

“Celia. You can get dressed.”

“Don’t you want to fuck her, Joe?” Rachel asked.

“Yes. Let your compatriot know she can bring the expresso.”

“Yes sir.”

“I’ll have the same,” said Eddie.

“Me too,” said Rachel.

“Just bring them in,” Joe insisted. “KY?” he asked Rachel.

“In my bag.” She immediately straddled Eddie, the thick cock disappearing inside her. Joe found the lube and slicked up her anus and his cock before entering. Celia, taking her time, left them when he popped through Rachel’s sphincter.

Interestingly, the blonde ended up bringing the tray of coffees, cream and sugar. Sharing the moment with her partner. Or more sexual, since a hand went to a nipple while the other rubbed clit, watching.

“You can stay,” Joe said. “We don’t mind an audience, do we Rachel?”

“No,” she gasped.

Not long after, she came, as did Eddie. Joe continued fucking her, stroking her clit when Eddie’s penis slipped out. Gripping her tit, while she gripped the other. Stroking hard and fast, almost painful for her, which is what she wanted. Until he finally climaxed. Pulling out for it and wetting the blouse she still wore.

“I brought towels,” said the stewardess, her blouse and bra opened and her panties around an ankle, masturbating.

“Good thinking,” Joe smiled. “Sit.”

“Let me clean you first.”

“Sure,” Joe smiled.

She did end up sitting as she washed his dirtied penis. Eddie and Rachel recovering prepared the espresso for themselves and Joe. Joe took a sip of his, then knelt between the stewardess’s thighs. Strong, and on the thick side, but smooth and well formed. His tongue entered her quim, much wetter than her partner’s had been. His hands massaged her hefty and well-formed breasts, squeezing long thick nipples. She could take more pressure than the usual. Since masturbating prepared the way, it didn’t take long for her to edge towards completion. He decided to nibble on her clit gently. She seemed to like a bit of harshness. It proved a good guess. She exploded enthusiastically, Joe drinking up the juices.

“No charge,” she murmured, pulling his head up by his chin and kissing him. “Celia said you were good.”

“Thanks,” Joe grinned.

She put herself back together and left. Joe settled into the less damp seat, pulling his pants up and zipping.

“Sorry to disappoint,” Joe said after another sip. “You know I don’t fuck anyone I don’t love, or at least know a little.”

“She’s your type, Joe,” Rachel argued.

“She’s a beautiful woman,” Joe agreed. “And a lot less comfortable with this situation than her partner.”

“Think she might need some saving?” Eddie chuckled.

“Who knows,” Joe smirked. “It’s a long trip.”

They laughed.

“I gotta see if I can get the cum stain out,” Rachel pouted.

“Would you rather be leaking cum out of your ass all flight?” Joe asked her.

“I understand the reasoning Joe,” Rachel muttered. “It’s my fault for leaving the damn thing on.”

“Not your main concern.”

“No it wasn’t.” she giggled, kissed Joe and Eddie quickly, and left them.

“Want a hit?” Eddie asked, lighting up the half done joint he’d tapped out.

“No thanks,” Joe said.

“Suit yourself,” Eddie shrugged, smoke exiting his mouth with his words.

“Is it the last of it?”

“One more.”

Eddie chuckled when Joe beckoned for the joint. “I wanted to talk,” Eddie said.

“About what?”

“A friendly conversation.”

“Sorry.”

“Not a problem. We’re here on business.”

“I suppose we are.”

“Do you mind if Ginny joins us?”

“Of course not.”

“A signal for the stewardess,” Eddie said, pressing a button.

“I wonder who’ll show up,” Joe grinned.

“I wonder what they think they’ll find.”

“I can’t imagine.”

“I can,” Eddie waggled his eyebrows.

“Fuck you.”

“Exactly.”

They laughed as Celia entered.

“We should have bet,” Eddie smirked.

“Relax,” Joe kindly told her. “Nothing untoward will happen.”

“It’s my job,” Celia said.

“Is it? It’s usually your partner isn’t it? She’s much more game.”

“Jilly is.”

“It’s probably my fault Rachel made her offer. I happen to like lean, athletic women. That you’re exotically beautiful doesn’t hurt. May I ask... ?”

“My mother’s Chinese. From Singapore. A mix of native Indonesian in her blood. My father’s an Englishman.”

“A mix of uptight,” Eddie chuckled.

“Be nice Eddie.”

“Yes Joe. Could you fetch Ginny? The tall, ginger haired lady?”

“Yes sir.”

“And stay if you can,” Joe added. “Again, with nothing untoward. Unless you want.”

“I’ll ask Jilly,” she smiled. Beautifully.

“Another catch,” Eddie muttered after she left.

“We’ll see.”

“If Ginny’s interested?”

“Celia might be more comfortable with her. Though Ginny definitely prefers men.”

“But she wouldn’t mind if it pleases you. Maybe even a bit of revenge against Rachel.”

“Maybe.”

“You think she prefers women?”

“Or maybe she saw your thick cock and freaked out.”

“Or yours fucking her ass.”

“That too.”

“What are you two slimeballs up to?” Ginny asked. “It smells like a brothel in here.”

“Maybe I should...” Celia started.

“Please sit with us,” Joe insisted.

“Don’t mind me,” Ginny said. “I know what these two man sluts are about.”

“Okay. Jilly said she’d pop her head in if she needs me.”

“Probably hoping to see something untoward,” Eddie quipped.

“Probably,” Celia giggled. “I imagine she’ll be disappointed.”

“We’ll see,” said Ginny with a wink. She sipped her espresso.

“Great minds,” Joe lifted his cup and finished his.

“Refill sir?” Celia asked.

“Call me Joe,” Joe insisted.

“It’s best I address you properly,” she murmured, bowing her head.

“Unless I say otherwise,” Joe tested her with his commanding, dominant voice.

“Sir?” she muttered uneasily, looking up at him, trying to hide her bit of testiness.

“Nope,” Joe thought.

“Sorry, Celia,” he said gently, smiling. “Just checking something. You can call me sir if you must, though I’d prefer you call me Joe.”

The other two agreed with his wish.

“Okay Joe, Ginny, Eddie,” Celia smiled. “I’m good remembering names, but it’s easier using sir and ma’am. And respectful.”

“Makes sense,” Joe smiled back.

“Refills?”

“Call for Jilly. I’d like you to relax.”

She pressed the button. “You know I have plenty of time to relax. Two of us on a long flight with so few passengers. But I understand you wish my company.”

“Being companionable is part of your job description,” said Ginny.

“A significant part,” Celia replied.

Jilly entered the curtained area. A touch of disappointment on her smiling face not being a voyeur again. “I’m preparing breakfast,” she said. “Don’t worry Celia. I think I can take care of it. Lox and cream cheese and fresh squeezed orange juice okay?”

“Yes,” Joe said and the others nodded. “For Celia as well?”

“Of course.”

“And another round of espresso.”

“Yes sir.” She removed the cream and sugar and took the platter with her, the empty cups atop it. Joe had felt the heaviness of the curtain and was impressed how well she negotiated it with the tray.

“Ginny and I have been working through a change in the show, Joe,” Eddie started, “and we want your feedback.”

“Isn’t that your purview, Eddie?”

“Maybe too much so? Ginny suggested some changes in the sets. I didn’t agree with all of them, but many were valid. But it made me realize I hadn’t been open to other views. Yours specifically.”

“I see. But won’t that be what we’ll work on in Paris?”

“This isn’t why I’m invited here,” said Ginny a little impatiently. “But Joe obviously had Celia stay here for a reason. And not just having her beauty inspire us.”

“Thanks,” said Celia.

“We’ll have hours to discuss this and other things,” Ginny smiled at Eddie’s impatience.

“Of course you’re right,” Eddie sighed.

“Take it away, Joe,” Ginny smirked.

Joe chuckled. “You already know me too well. Look at me Celia.” Her exotic beauty impressed him more than ever. Her mix of east and west. The shape of the eyes the most oriental. The narrow oval. But she lacked the heavier skin above the eyes. The color not the nearly black of the Chinese, but a deep rich brown. And they were on the large side and expressive. Her nose a slightly exaggerated eastern shape. Narrow bridge and flared nostrils, a tad larger and thicker than usual. High cheekbones and subtly pointed chin had the more occidental influence. Her skin creamy with a hint of tan showed the mix. The soft red of her moderately thick lips expanded from charmingly pouty to a nervous smile.

“Relax,” he said quietly. “I’d just like to know who you are. What put you here with me. You don’t know me, so I can’t expect for you to trust me. Especially considering earlier, with what Rachel asked of you. I want to understand your reaction. But if it makes you uncomfortable, we can stop. I know I’m the client, the master if you will, and you are my servant. Somehow I’d like you to forget that. Leave if you feel you must. Or just tell me to fuck myself. I won’t think less of you, I promise. It won’t be a failure of your mission to be a pleasant and attendant stewardess.”

“You want me to be honest.”

“Exactly.”

“It isn’t exactly my place to be. Have you ever served customers? Been a waiter?”

“I have. Briefly. I wasn’t all that good at hiding my emotions.”

“That’s the point.”

“I know. The better waiters always had the ready grin or servient expression. But in the kitchen, where they couldn’t be heard, most of them complained or made fun of their customers. Though the two best waiters never did.”

“I have to admit Jilly is more like the usual,” Celia said, just as Jilly entered with a full platter, placing it on the table between the two sets of chairs.

“Usual what?” Jilly asked.

“Making fun of the passengers,” Celia answered.

“I would never do that,” she replied defensively, but couldn’t quite hide her smirk.

“Thanks Jilly,” said Joe.

“Your welcome sir,” she replied, looking at Celia and subtly shaking her head.

“You can go now,” Joe said.

“Right,” Jilly muttered and left.

“Trouble?” Ginny asked Celia.

“Nothing bothers her long,” Celia responded.

Joe sensed trepidation. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” she smiled. “I’ll just tell her about the waiter conversation.”

“Good.”

“Are you two close?” Ginny asked.

“Not really, no. We get along. But we’re too different.”

“She enjoys it more than you,” Joe observed.

“Some things.”

“Being a slut,” Eddie said.

“Yes Eddie. I enjoy the more traditional aspects. Being efficient and pleasant to the customers. She prefers the more ... intimate services. Except the more unpleasant passengers. But like I said, nothing bothers her long.”

“So why accept Rachel’s offer?” Joe asked.

“It’s ... part of the job.”

“More money,” Eddie put in.

“That too,” she muttered.

“Can you refuse?” Joe asked.

“No,” said Celia.

“Anything?” Ginny added, probably the best one to.

“No,” said Celia, sniffling. “There’s a ... price list. Pretty much any perversion has a price.”

“Rape? Beating? Strangulation?” Joe asked.

Celia nodded at each. Her cheeks wet with tears. “Any permanent marks and the client is ostracized from using the service. Sometimes.”

“Sometimes?” Joe growled. “If they seriously harm you? If they kill you?”

“The same, Joe.”

“You’re fucking kidding me,” Eddie exclaimed.

“What the fuck!” said Ginny.

“Who owns you!” Joe seethed quietly.

“Some sort of international syndicate. Illegal trade of all kinds, what with the sort of clientele my sisters have serviced.”

“Sisters?” Ginny asked.

“From the harem of a lowly Saudi prince. My father sold me to him. In a way it was a blessing.”

“He fucked you,” said Joe.

“Yes. My mother is his mistress. When he got tired of her, he went for me. But he’s a gambler. He sold me to pay his debt. Perhaps he had some affection for me, because so far they’ve kept me from the harsher flights. The ones where two of my sisters didn’t survive.”

“Is this being recorded?” Joe asked.

“No. Some flights are. This one isn’t. It often caters to corporations, and this space is secure, because it’s used for secret negotiations. Trade secrets and such. And for me or Jilly or whoever as reward, also needing to be secret. They check, and finding spy devices would lose valuable clients. I’m safe talking about this. And truth be told, there isn’t much anyone can do. Except things would get harder for me if anyone knew I told you.”

“Have you told anyone else? Any other passengers?”

“No one asked, Joe.”

“Why look a gift horse in the mouth,” Eddie muttered.

“Yes Eddie. They didn’t notice I was a reluctant whore. Or they did, and either didn’t care or got off on it. Probably the latter. Arrogance is a familiar trait.”

“Even the rockers?”

“Most of them prefer Jilly. Those that chose me were either typically arrogant or were kind of sweet. Sweet enough so I didn’t mind.”

“They must have asked about you,” Joe said.

“I told them a much nicer story. Growing up in Singapore with my mom. The happier side of my life. I told them about modeling, which I did as a child. And how I hoped to be a zoologist because animals fascinate me, which was true before being sold.”