Easy Money

FAKING MERCEDES

"Tell me a little about yourself Mercedes," Donald asked, four months later.

"Sure." They sat facing each other in a hotel room, making believe it was an office. She crossed her legs flashing a glimpse panty, like the flag of a white tail doe. "What would you like to know?"

"You start."

"All I know about my old man is that he's an asshole. He ditched my mom while she was pregnant with me. Dumped her in the street."

You're mother never told your father about you."

"I'd have done the same. We were both better off."

"What did your mother do?"

"Can I smoke?"

"No Mercedes. You cannot smoke. Please answer the question."

"I don't know, lots of things. She was a waitress, cocktail waitress. She danced for a while. And there were lots and lots of men friends. My mom was good looking you know."

"You too."

Unwrapping her thighs, she leaned forward and smiled at him like he might be good to the last drop. "I know."

"Where was this?"

"Florida, all over. We were never long in any one place."

"It must have been hard for you at school."

"School? That's a good one."

"Is there anything that your mom ever told you no one else would know?"

"I doubt it. We weren't big talkers."

"Maybe something she gave you."

"Yeah. She had this locket. It looked expensive, but she never sold it, no matter what. I took — that is – she gave it to me when I left."

"Left?"

"We'd got by okay. That is until my mom's looks started to go — too much of the good life, sex, drugs, and Rock and Roll. I think she had AIDS or something. So, I left."

"So, you haven't seen your mom in two years. Is that right?"

"That's right."

"And what have you been doing since then?"

"Getting by. Doing what comes natural to a girl."

"Why are you here now?"

"The money," she said the flecks of greed in her eyes. "You said there would be money."

"Mercedes if you change one thing in your life, what would that be?"

"Tits. I'd get tits."

Donald shook his head and smiled sadly ending the rehearsal.

"How did I do?" Mercedes asked.

"Is that what your life was really like?"

"Pretty much. Only I prayed that my dad would leave or better yet get, crushed by a bus. "

"I'm sorry for you. Really."

"How about you?"

"Me? Easy Street. My dad was an engineer, doted on my mom. I've got four brothers and a sister. Still see them every Christmas and Thanksgiving. I'm the favorite uncle."

"Ever married, any kids?"

"Nope."

"Why not?"

"I don't know. I always thought I'd have them one day, but it just never happened. And then time just kind of ran out on me, I guess."

"That's not going to happen to me."

"No, it isn't. And by the way you did great young lady. We're ready."

"It's about time."

"Better get plenty of beauty rest. I'll meet you in the lobby at nine."