The Escort S2

Part 51: Ivory

"Mr. Menosi, please have a seat." I say with a subtle smile, taking my seat behind my desk.

"Beautiful," my potential client says in a voice just above a whisper.

"Excuse me?" I comment, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, uhm your office. It's uh, beautiful. I love your color choice. It's a pretty bold selection for an office."

I look at him and then around my space considering his comment.

"Yes. " I say proudly with a smile.

"l really like it. Mr. Kim, you are a risk taker, aren't you?" He says playfully and then quickly diverts his eyes. I'm a bit taken back by his quick analysis. He certainly doesn't hold back his opinions.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm nervous and when I'm nervous I can say the first thought that comes to mind. Please forgive me," he says.

"No, it's fine. Your directness and honesty is appreciated." I gently smile. "And yes, I am a risk taker. So, let's start our interview." I explain The Agency's mission, it's rules, restrictions, and expectations.

I have several decorative and unique paperweights that line the front of my desk, and he seems intrigued with them.

"These are nice. Do you collect them?"

I pause looking at the paperweights, "yeah kind of, but most are gifts."

He appears especially drawn to a glass pink and purple heart shaped paperweight that's small and fits into the palm of my hand. "Do you mind?" He asks. I nod, giving permission for him to touch it. He lifts it as if it's the most precious and delicate thing ever and lightly runs a finger over it.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Kim. It's just that this beautiful weight reminds me... of my husband." His head lowers. 'He also liked beautiful precious little objects." He chuckles but his eyes show no humor, they're sad.

I proceed and ask him a series of questions. He's hard to peg. On one hand, he's direct, honest, and open. But on the other hand, he's shy. He's holding back something, and I have no idea what it is. Except for going off topic with an unrelated question about paperweights, things are going well.

As a former Escort, I have to know his temperament and how he will be with our Escorts. So, the qualities of shyness and kindness are good. I make a note. But he remains a puzzle.

"Mr. Menosi, as you know we offer a variety of services at The Agency. On your application, you indicated companionship and other. What do you mean by other?" I speak clearly.

He nervously shifts his weight. He actually picks up the heart shaped paperweight and then returns it to it's place. He is visibly anxious and finds it difficult to make eye contact with me. It's like he has two personalities.

"I-I lost my husband 5 years ago, as you know, Mr. Kim."

"Yes, Mr. Menosi. I'm sorry for your loss and I apologize if this is difficult for you." I slide a box of facial tissues towards him just in case he needs them.

"No, uhm, I-I feel like I can share w-with you," he says as he continues to divert his eyes to different objects on my desk.

"He was everything to me and, and I-I still miss him. I'm, I'm I-lonely. I want to s-spend time with someone, and I-I miss being touched." He raises his head and pins me an intense look.

"l know it's hard. We really like to support our clients and place you with the perfect escort. So, now I'm going to ask you some very personal questions. Please answer as honestly as possible." He dips his chin and then crosses his legs.