Chapter 5

The first few days of work had been mortifying for Gwen. She still could not believe she was actually wearing such a revealing outfit in front of a roomful of strange liquored-up men. Yet here she was, in her second week.

“Well, Sugar, how goes it?” asked Georgia, drying a shot glass.

“ ... I ... I never dreamed I would be doing something like this,” smiled Gwen weakly.

“Well, you’re a hit, that’s for sure. Being so short and beautiful too has gotten you a lot of attention.”

“Yes,” cringed Gwen, “and not always the kind I want.”

“Yeah, some of them have roving hands.”

“And foul mouths.”

The barkeep laughed. “As long as they just talk about it you’ll be okay. Had any propositions?”

“Only a couple of dozen.”

They both smiled.

“Well, it would be nice if they could all be like Tom.”

“Tom? Who’s Tom?” asked the housewife turned waitress.

“That’s him over there. Just walked in.”

Gwen noticed a nicely groomed, rather good looking, middle aged man who had just entered the club.

“Tom’s a really nice guy. Doesn’t really belong in a place like this. His wife died about a year ago. He comes in once a month or so. Always by himself. Has a few drinks and then picks out one of the girls.”

“You mean for ... after hours activities?’

“Well sort of. Oh, he pays just like the others, maybe a little better, takes her out to dinner, they talk and enjoy the evening then...”

“Then to bed?”

“Sure, but a real gentleman. The girls tell me he really knows how to pleasure a woman and seems more intent on giving than receiving, if you know what I mean.”

“But... ?”

“Yeah, I know. It seems kinda strange. The girls say he just needs someone to talk to, misses his wife terribly. Treats them all like ladies and they all love every minute of it. Say, why don’t you handle his table tonight, get acquainted?”

“Oh, but I don’t...”

“I know what you said about no after hours and all, but at least go serve him drinks. Couldn’t hurt.”

A bit reluctantly Gwen made her way to the table where the man was just being seated.

“Good evening,” she said, “may I get you a drink?”

“Bourbon on the rocks, please. Make it a double.”

His voice was low pitched, soft but sounded world weary.

“Double Bourbon on the rocks. Be right back.”

Gwen returned with the order setting it carefully in front of the man.

“You’re new here,” he stated looking into her eyes which could not hold his.

“Uh ... yes. I started last week.”

“May I ask your name?”

“Gwen. My name’s Gwen.”

“I’m Tom, Gwen. If I may say so, you are a very attractive woman to come in such a small package,” he said smiling faintly.

“ ... Thank you,” she replied somewhat embarrassed.

Most of the “compliments” she had received so far were of the lascivious kind and his gentle, kindly approach was a welcome relief.

“I ... I guess I should get back to work.”

“Maybe we shall see each other again.”

“Uh, yes, maybe,” she said and retreated to the bar.

He drank the double which seemed to be his limit, then was approached by one of the other waitresses. He nodded, got up and she accompanied him out the door.”

“Are you sure... ?” asked Gwen of the barkeep.

“Yup, always the gentleman. Dinner, conversation and a night to remember. And the girls say he pays top dollar too.”

Gwen glanced over to the door to catch sight of this most unusual man and found him looking back at here. She smiled then averted her eyes. When she looked up again he was gone.

Throughout her shift that evening images of the handsome older man occupied her thoughts.