The Painted Lady

Who here can Read?

The slender leg of each girl kicks into the air with strength and vigor as they complete their intricate dance.
The men clap and cheer for the dancers, guzzling down their liquor and beer in jubilee.

It had been nearly a month and I had finally found my place at Madam Pearl's Fantasy Parlor. The men came to relax and the drinks flowed. What more could we ask for?

I was assigned to the window, posing with two other girls to attract the men.

Surprisingly, I was a hit and couldn't be more bashful. Every man was asking for me the little lady in the front window but Pearl refused them the opportunity.
She said something about bigger plans.

Now Ms. Pearl had stitched me a nice dress with intricate details paired with a costly bodice. Sierra, my roommate, said before she became a madam, Ms. Pearl was a stitchmaker for the wealthy women of business owners. She saw how lavishly they were living and instantly envied them.
Enter in, Ms. Pearl de Verde's parlor.

"Take 10 ladies April and entertain the men. Rose?" Ms. Pearl called for me, " I wanna see you in my office"

"Yes ma'm".

—-

My eyes scanned every inch of her office with curiosity. There was a small candle burning beside her table. Books and papers were sprawled on every corner. Fabrics of elegant silk and feathers were folded into tall wooden chests.

"Rose, we do an auction every year. It's called the Virgin bride auction." She says.

"Mam?" I ask, wondering the reason for my involvement.

"We gonna sell your virginity to the highest bidder Rose! Simple." She shrugs, writing down a few notes on a piece of paper.

I hesitate as I think of the implications of her words. "But... do I have to..."

"Now don't be silly Pearl. My body guards will convince them the wiser.
I'll give you 30% of whatever your Virgin price gets."

Thirty percent was nothing compared to the 70% she was getting but I knew better than to barter higher.

"Honest?" I pretend to be overjoyed. I was still finding my footing in the saloon so I knew I had to be on Ms. Pearl's good side.

"I promise Rose. You bring in a lot of money. I see your demand and we wouldn't want to soil that."

"Yes'm." It's all I could muster up the courage to say.

"Good. Now, return to the parlour. Sell some drinks."

I was shocked by my newly appointed position.
"Ma'm, you think I'm ready?" I ask hesitantly.

"It's been a month. You are more than ready Rose. Believe in yourself" she smiles, grabbing my hand and patting it.

"Go on now! And make me some money"

——

I head back downstairs to the main room and all the men surrounded me.
"Hiya Ms. Rose!"
"Mighty day we're having Rose"

As I continue conversing, the doors of the entrance slam open and I see a menacing man with a wide brimmed hat. He comes in, taking it off before surveying the scene.
His statue was demanding. He had the type of face that made you stop in instant and gape with unsophisticated intrigue.

We met eyes and he smiled, his eyes lighting up with interest. "Hello" he mouthed. I frown and quickly pull my eyes away, continuing to sell some drinks and focus of the conversations of the men that surround me.