Press Your Luck 37

All the next afternoon Harlow looked at Candy’s, or rather Rosemarie’s, card amongst a pile of waded and previously discarded receipts. Was this something he wanted to do? He had used plenty of escorts before, and while he never treated them terribly he didn’t exactly dote on them. They were just…there, like blowup dolls that could move and laugh at your shitty jokes. He didn’t need to be doted on, he was still a man after all. But could he respect himself the next morning?

Thinking for a minute, he had successfully convinced himself that the blowjob he had given to the drunken high roller was justified to protect Carl, Dianna, and the other girls he worked with. "H-hockey pucks, I don't even respect myself now." He pouted as he ran his hand through his hair, the blonde roots of his natural hair color now too much to hide like he had been the previous weeks. He had given a man a blowjob just to get a job, that he had to give another blowjob to protect. Before that he had allowed another man to pay him for sex already and for much less than what Candy, or Rosemarie, was offering. At this point he was a bit surprised he hadn’t thought of doing the same to his uber driver to save money. If the freckled sexy woman was being honest and didn’t take too big of a cut then he could afford to stay in the motel and actually save the money to start a new life!

‘Maybe I could even get rid of my breasts and see mom again!’ “She, like, wouldn’t even have to know about Daniel, or Harry…or any of the other guys.” He could put all those men behind him and never touch another dick again. ‘Besides my own.’ he thought as he dialed Ca–Rosemarie’s number, before he hit send he put down his phone thinking about how she had a fake name, like a cover Opening up his purse with the thin fake gold plated chain for a strap he reached in to pull out his ID or Lucy’s identification. This had been his cover, a cover earned with a blow job in the back of a car and other places. Touching a long nailed index finger to his bottom lip he really did consider how many dicks had been in his… Lucy’s mouth. The flashes of memory brought on a familiar feeling of desire, causing one hand to touch his inflated chest, but just as he gave himself a gentle squeeze he ripped his hand away. “Oh my god! No, you don’t want to be near another man's crotch again girl! Another man… another man because I’m a man. God! Son of a biscuit!” Harlow semi cursed knowing he couldn’t keep that promise, he had already dialed Rosemarie’s number, all he had to do was hit the little green phone icon to call her. He needed money for all of this to end, to be a man again.

A few days later, the car pulled up to Caesar's Palace where he was supposed to meet his first client. He pulled nervously on the hem of the little black dress that Rosemarie helped him purchase. In fact they had spent most of the day before in search of the right dress for the date.  While Lucy had a number of dresses, few of them would be suitable for this type of date. A sweetheart, rib-knit, bodycon dress that showed off every curve of his body while maintaining elegance and class paired with a white gold heart necklace and matching earrings. Which seemed to go against her earlier advice when they were going from store to store searching for a dress they could afford. “Never wear something expensive on a date, but never wear something that looks cheap.”

Besides a small makeup repair kit the small white handbag contained some cash money for cab fare, condoms, and pepper spray. Rosemarie had assured him the client had been vetted and he was safe, “Not everyone is and you never know what can happen to a girl in this city.” she had told him when he asked about the pepper spray.

Harlow nodded as he thought, ‘Maybe, if I, like, had this, maybe I wouldn’t even be here right now.’ He sighed wistfully, before checking the little purse again, thinking it should have a travel size mouthwash, he had seen girls he had paid use them before. Closing the purse with a tiny shrug he gave the pretty redhead a smile. ‘He better not order asparagus, Daniel’s cum always tasted so bad when I made that for him.’

Before stepping out of the Uber he pulled out his phone and used the camera to ensure his makeup and hair were still perfect. It wasn’t that he wanted to look good , like a rando man. But he couldn’t help but recall the number of early morning trash tv like Jerry Springer he had watched and the almost weekly transvestite hooker stories that started out just like this. “You look beautiful.” Can Rosemarie reassured him.

“I know.” He half smiled and closed his phone, “I’m, like, just worried. What if he thinks I’m boring and calls it off?”

Rosemarie raised an eyebrow at the not so bright girl.“Honey, as beautiful as you are you can talk about paint drying and he still wouldn’t call it off. Besides, dates like this? He’ll probably do most of the talking. All you have to do is smile and pretend to enjoy it.Laugh at his jokes, lightly touch his hand or forearm as he talks, lean in so he can see what your mother gave you and let nature take its course.”

“Okay.” Harlow looked at Rosemarie beside him, “Thanks…for, like, helping me out…with everything.” Having Rosemarie come over before noon was a strange way to start Harlow’s only day off but she had insisted she help him get ready for his client that evening. Which included taking Harlow to his salon to get the full treatment. A mani-pedi, full facial, waxing, and re-dying and styling his hair. All of which took the better part of the afternoon.

Rosemarie gave a faint smile as she checked over Lucy’s hair, “Hey, we gotta stick together.” Quickly licking her thumb and finger before tucking a strand back in place, “I know what it’s like to be a girl on her own in the streets with no one to watch your back and no one who knows what you’re going through.” Harlow reflected her smile back at her and reached out and hugged the beautiful freckle faced girl. Harlow hadn’t realized how much he missed having someone care about his well-being until it was gone. Slowly the girls pulled apart and Rosemarie continued, “Okay. Got the spray?” Harlow nodded, pulling it out and placing it back in his purse, “Good. Phone?”

“Yup.”

“Okay, I won’t be too far away so text me if anything happens and you need a pick up.”

“Yes, Ms. Candy.” Harlow teased as he stepped out of the car.

“Ah, Ah. Tonight you’re Candy. Now go get my money.” She giggled, slapping Harlow’s ass just before he could fully exit the car and causing him to yelp.

A few minutes later, Harlow once again stepped out of the Caesars Palace where a handsome older man with salt and pepper hair stood alone Holding a single red rose. Not that it mattered he was handsome, he was only here for the money after all. But…Rosemarie had described the client as  a handsome older gentleman who wanted the "girlfriend experience" so it was good to know she wasn’t lying just to get him to take the job. Plus if he were expected to have sex with the man it would be more enjoyable to look up at a handsome man than an ugly one after all. ‘Lucy, Lucy, tonight I’m Lucy.’ Harlow started to tell himself for the fifteenth time that day.

“Candy?” The man asked. His voice was deep and gravelly. ‘OMG Candy! Not Lucy! Tonight I’m not Lucky Lucy I’m Sweet as Candy. You can do this, just do what Can-Rosemarie said and be natural.’

“If you’re Richard.” Harlow giggled, thinking now he had a third name to keep track of. However, Candy was meant to be a placeholder at Rosemarie’s suggestion until he decided for sure if the job and the name was for him.

“I am happy to say I am.” A broad grin spread across his face as he approached and offered Candy the rose in his hand. "Rose said you were pretty but she failed to mention just how magnificently beautiful."

Harlow blushed as he took the rose. "Funny. Rose told me you were, like, a handsome gentleman. You so don't disappoint." For some reason the man’s gaze made her feel nervous and couldn’t help biting his bottom lip and looking away from his gaze.

"Well, I don't know about handsome." He smirked and cleared his throat, not used to compliments. Richard may have been older but he was still in fairly good shape for his age, "But I will try not to disappoint you this evening."  Holding one hand forward he placed the other on the small of Candy's back as he led her into the restaurant. Her black stilettos click-clacking with every step she took.

Entering the Savoy once again, this time on Richard's arm  was a wildly different experience than when he came with Daniel. As soon as they entered the maitre'd gasped in delight. "Ah, Mr. Salvador!" He rushed to Richard, shaking his hand eagerly, "It is so wonderful to see you again!"We have your usual table ready and waiting. If you’ll follow me.” With a snap of the maitre’d’s fingers a waiter hurried to his side, “Tell Chef; Mr.Salvador is here.”

With that Candy and Richard followed along wordlessly as they bypassed the line of well dressed onlookers. Weaving through their familiar restaurant the pair were led to a corner table against a far wall. Before they even reached the table three waiters passed them, one with a bottle of wine another with a bucket of ice and the third sat two glasses on the table. Both men stood at attention while the first poured wine in their glasses so that their table was set up before they had even arrived.

“Allow me.” Richard said gently as he pulled out the chair for Candy.

“Thank you.” Harlow smiled happily. If there were one thing about being Lucy he would eventually miss, it would be how much men doted on him.

“I trust everything is to your liking?” The maitre’d asked.

"It looks fantastic, Mr. Duncan." he said in a friendly manner to the maitre-d, shaking his hand before handing him a folded over hundred dollar bill before repeating the act three more times to the waiters. With Richard’s hair having the same black and gray coloration Harlow couldn’t help but think of the superhero Mr. Fantastic. ‘I wonder if he lives up to the name?’ The thought suddenly popped into his head as he sat, causing him to giggle, Mr. Fantastic could stretch… Sue might really be a lucky woman. “What’s so funny?” Richard asked as he unbuttoned his sport jacket and took his seat across from his date.

“Oh,” Harlow smiled, “I was just, like, thinking you remind me of a superhero from a comic I used to read when I was a kid.”

“It wasn’t da bat was it?” He asked as he feigned a fearful expression, “I aint messin’ with no caped crusader.” he joked in an exaggerated cliche’ movie mobster accent.

Harlow couldn’t help but giggle at the man’s playful voice. “No, no. It was, like, Mr. Fantastic.” Remembering his advice he touched the man’s arm once as he leaned forward.

“I’m afraid it has been quite some time since I last read a comic book.” Richard chuckled. The wide grin on his face exposing more of his age.

“My daddy used to have a collection of fantastic four when I was a little girl,” Lucy giggled at the happy memory of reading them with her dad after discovering them in the crawlspace in her parents closet. “I stopped reading them after he passed.” The smile faltered for a moment before Harlow caught himself. “Sorry, this is, like, my first…time doing something like this. I probably, like, shouldn’t have brought that up.”

Richard’s smile shifted to one of sympathy as he placed his hand over Harlow’s hand, “There’s no need to apologize. Losing a loved one is…never easy. Loss never is.” He paused for a moment with a heavy sigh, “I actually lost my wife five years ago and it’s…it does get easier. But having pleasant company helps.”

Harlow nodded, placing his hand over Richard’s. “You are totally pleasant.” he smiled.

“That’s probably the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. Maybe I could put that on a t-shirt, a beautiful woman said I am pleasant.” Richard chuckled as he sat back in his chair. Happy to hear the sexy redhead laugh along with him. Clearing his throat again he picked up his menu, “I don’t know about you but I am famished.”

Harlow’s stomach answered for him with a loud growl, the memory of the previous meal at the Savoy never far from its mind. “No point in, like, playing coy I guess.” He giggled nervously.

“I didn’t hear anything.” He grinned. Richard’s smile shifted as he caught sight of a stocky man walking out of the kitchen. “Here comes trouble.”

Before Harlow could ask what he meant a large voice boomed from behind Harlow, “Mr. Salvador!” The Chef cheered as Richard stood and shook the man’s hand. “How have you been my friend?”

“Any day above ground is a good day, Chef Luther.”

“Too true my friend!” The Chef laughed boisterously as he shook Richard’s hand, “And who is your lovely companion this evening?” he asked, emphasizing lovely as he turned to Harlow.

“This is my friend, Candy.” He gestured to Candy with a warm smile as he sat back in his seat.

“Enchante’.” Luther chuckled as he took Candy’s hand and gently kissed the back.

“A…pleasure to meet you, Chef.” Harlow blushed as the loud man let go of his hand. He wasn’t as handsome as Richard but the look of hunger in his eye sent tingles all over his body, reminding him of just how long it had been since he was able to find release. Harlow didn’t think he would miss seeing another man’s dick, but he knew he would miss the look of desire when people looked at him… her.

“You may call me Luther. Any friend of Mr. Salvador’s is a friend of mine.” He said with a wink before turning back to Richard. “I just wanted to give you the good news that I will be preparing your meal personally.”

“That is good news.” Richard nodded.

“It is the least I can do.” Richard simply waved Luther off with the menu, “It is true. In fact if you have any questions do not hesitate to ask.”

“You already know what I’m going to say, Chef.”

“Wonderful.” Luther winked at Richard before turning towards Harlow.

“Well, like, I’ve only been here once before so…” Harlow trailed off, weakly clutching the menu in his hands, “What do you recommend?”

“We just this afternoon had lobsters flown in from Maine. I cannot recommend them enough.”

“That sounds lovely.”

“Wonderful. I will have those out as soon as possible.” He cheered once again as he took the menus. Before he left he leaned closer to Richard and for the first time spoke softly, “Again, I want to thank you for helping me out with that business l–”

Richard waved Luther off again. Craning his neck upward so he would not have to speak loudly. “We can discuss that another time, when I am not entertaining a young lady.” For the first time Harlow noticed the tip of an old and faded scar on the side of Richard’s neck.

“Apologies Mr. Salvador. I’ll get started on your meal right away.” With that Chef Luther hurried away to the kitchen.

“I am sorry for that my dear.” He said as he turned back to Candy and sipped at his wine. “I hope he wasn’t too off-putting.”

“Oh, no. Like, it was fine.” Harlow giggled nervously, “I, like, never had a chef come out and talk to me. Well, there was, like, that one time but that was a taco truck so I don’t think that counts. You’re pretty popular here.”

Richard shrugged, “My father told me if you take care of your community it will take care of you.”

“Handing out cash helps.” He giggled.

“Well. It is Vegas. You can’t really get around anywhere without flashing some cash.” Richard chuckled.

“Totally.” Harlow nodded in agreement. When he was up on a good run of luck he would do the same thing, flash a wad of cash and everyone was his friend until the money or his luck ran out.

Their dinner came and went, as did their desserts, while the pair talked. Richard told him about his boyhood, his pets, and even a bit more about his late wife. Harlow of course did the same, switching the pronouns when necessary. He even talked more about his dad as well. Richard was right, the pleasant company made it at least easier. Other than the few glasses of wine he wasn’t sure why he was sharing so much, he never had on a date before, not that he had many, but he had paid for plenty. ‘Did the other girls talk about themselves? No… I just miss Dan… I miss my friends.’ After dinner, Harlow texted Rosemarie everything was okay as Richard drove him back to his house.

Later, Richard led Lucy into his home. “You have a beautiful home.” she said as she looked over the pictures on the walls and decorative doilies placed perfectly on the coffee table adorned with a photo album.

“I would say thank you but…all of this is my wife’s doing.”

“I didn’t want to, like, assume.” She said and placed her purse on the counter.

“That’s...understandable.” Richard paused for a moment and Lucy seized the moment, closing the distance between them.

“Don’t move.” She cooed, reaching her hand up to his faded blue eyes before quickly pulling a loose eyelash away, “Got it.” She smiled, “Make a wish.” Richard chuckled, closing his eyes and blowing the eyelash away. “What’d you wish for?”

“If I tell you, it won’t come true.” he grinned.

“I guess I’m a bit…naughty.” Lucy whispered as she leaned forward, expecting a kiss.

Suddenly Richard pulled away from her, “Can I interest you in a nightcap before we…retire?” he asked as he cleared his throat.

“S-sure.” Lucy nodded. ‘Is he a virgin or something?’ She wondered, ‘No, he was married.Ugh!’ he screamed internally, fidgeting in place as she watched him walk off to the kitchen. His butt wasn’t as sexy as Daniel’s but still he was a handsome man and she was so tired of being coy!

As she waited, Lucy looked over the photos on the wall, finding several of a much younger Richard with his arm around a beautiful redheaded woman. The oldest of which, or the youngest of Richard and his wife was their wedding day. Judging by the big hair and even bigger overly sized cap sleeves on the bride and terrible blue tuxedo Lucy figured it was around the late 80s. ‘Aww,’ She sighed as she sat on the couch. Thumbing through the photo album on the table. If Richard was a handsome man now, in his prime he could’ve been a male model. His wife was every bit as beautiful as he was handsome. ‘Why are people so hot?’ She giggled as she continued to thumb through the album until she found more recent photos.

From how similar Richard in the photograph looked to now Lucy guessed it was about ten years ago. Richard wore a polyester suit on one side of a large three tiered cake and his late wife stood on the other side in a long white dress. One picture was of a large group of women, all carrying bouquets. Another was of Richard and his wife. ‘Aw, they redid their wedding.’ She swooned at how romantic it was. The next photo was a set of men, she assumed were the groomsmen, in equally terrible suits. Lucy giggled, grateful not to have to live through such a terrible age of fashion. One groomsman stood out more than the others however. Specifically his cane. Lucy’s eyes widened as she stared at the face of the groomsman. Flipping back quickly she found the original wedding photos and sure enough he wasn’t sporting a cane and he was a great deal younger but there was no doubt about it, she was looking at Jefferson?!

“Apologies for the delay.” Richard said as he walked back in carrying two glasses.

Lucy suddenly jumped to her feet, “I’m sorry!” she shrieked. Harlow wrapped his arms around his stomach defensively. The man Rosemarie had set him up with was somehow connected to the man who wanted to skin him alive?! Did Richard know? Did he know she was really Harlow? Was Candy a part of it?! Was it all a set-up?! He had to know. The way Richard was looking him up and down all night and the harsh way he glared at Harlow now? ‘I gotta get outta here!’ Harlow’s mind reeled, he felt terrified. How could he be caught!? ‘No, no, son of a biscuit no.’ The jump to his feet caused his chest to bounce and things seemed to change some of their focus. ‘They can’t find Harlow, this was, like, a mistake but I’m Lucy. I’m Lucy.’ She repeated to herself, like a mantra as she felt her fear, Harlow’s fears taking a backseat. If she were Harlow he would be too afraid to think but she didn’t have any reason to be afraid. She was Lucy. Harlow was just a dream she had, a scared little boy in the backseat.

“I’m afraid this evening won’t go the way you likely expected it would, Candy.” Lucy tried to back away as Richard walked closer but was stopped immediately by the couch. Richard’s eyes narrowed on Candy with a heavy frown on his face. Richard picked up a coaster and sat it under his glass before forcing the other glass in Candy’s hand.

‘It’s poisoned!’ Lucy thought, glancing to her purse on the counter. If she could get to it she could call Rosemarie…but if she were in on it…she could call Daniel but he’d never make it before Jefferson’s goon did whatever it was he had planned.

Before Lucy could even command her legs to move Richard grabbed her empty hand and pulled her onto the couch beside him. “I’m sorry to say I wasn’t entirely honest with you.” He said with a heavy sigh as he leaned forward and picked up the photo album. “The truth is…” he paused as he looked over the assorted anniversary photos, “the truth is I still love my wife very much.”

“I kind of, like, figured.” Lucy watched Richard carefully and slowly sat the mysterious glass on the table. “She was a beautiful woman.” Lucy suppressed a nervous giggle. Richard nodded in agreement, “Y-you can tell, like, just by looking she was a sweet woman too…a real gentle spirit.” ‘I can’t fight him but, like, I could do one thing to knock him out.’ Lucy thought as she bit her bottom lip and eyed Richard’s crotch. ‘Heck, maybe he’ll forget all about me.’

“I don’t know about gentle!” Richard laughed loudly as Harlow’s hand caressed Richard’s chest, working its way southward. “She was sweet though. But she was also full of piss and vinegar, pardon my french. My Maggie was a little spitfire. She wouldn’t let me or my friends get away with anything.” Richard pointed to Jefferson in the groomsman photo, “She once dumped an entire pot of spaghetti on my best friend Benny here.” He laughed again.

“Why?” Lucy asked, the image of a high level mob boss covered in pasta sauce was enough to cause her to giggle even as her body shivered with nervous energy.

“Benny had gotten blood all over the bathroom.” He chuckled.

“Blood?!” Lucy gasped, fighting the urge to immediately run away.

“After Maggie and I got married Benny had this bright idea we should go into business for ourselves instead of slaving away for other people.”

“W-what business?”

Richard cleared his throat before answering, “We opened a butcher shop.”

“A butcher shop?” She asked in disbelief.

“We had tons of jobs over the years but our first job together was butchers.” Richard took the photo of him and Maggie cutting the tiered cake out of the plastic holder, “About seven years ago we found out Maggie had cancer.” he said with a heavy sigh, “The next day I told Benny I was retiring to be with her.”

“So you haven’t, like, talked to Je–uh…Benny since?”

“Here and there, but it’s been…maybe a little over a year since we actually spoke to one another.”

“So, you don’t know what he’s got going on?” Richard shook his head with a frown. The tension released in Harlow’s shoulders as he watched Richard, looking for any signs he may be lying and finding nothing. “What did you mean when you said you lied then?”

“Ah,” Richard placed the photo back in the album and shut it, “I just meant I didn’t invite you here for…sex. I said pleasant company helps and while it is easy enough to find any time of the day, the hardest part is at night. When I roll over and I reach for Maggie and…she’s no longer there.”

“You want me to, like, sleep with you?” He asked, confused.

“In the most literal sense, yes. It’s not that I do not find you beautiful or sexy, the heavens and all the angels would have to blind a man to think otherwise.” he explained, seeing the pout on Candy’s lips, “It’s just that I would prefer intimacy to sex these days.”

“I’m not exactly dressed for bed,” Harlow giggled nervously, “But…okay.” Lucy thought for a second. “How do you feel about cuddling?”

The bright smile returned to Richard’s face, “I would enjoy that, thank you.” He said as he picked up his glass, “You are a sweet woman yourself.”

“Sweet as Candy.” Lucy giggled, feeling the blush return to her cheeks as their glasses clinked.

Richard was right, the night did not go how she expected. Lucy had expected sex, even after finding out Richard knew Jefferson. Sex, even with one of his goons, she was fine with. But spending the evening with Richard? Falling asleep with his arms wrapped around her waist? That was so much worse. Lucy understood why Richard wanted cuddling rather than sex. Sex was…sex. A bit of fun and you go on about your day but cuddling was something entirely different. Feeling the warmth of your partner, the weight of them around you as you tried to match your breathing to theirs? It was an entirely different level. But, as she lay there in only her panties and heels, feeling Richard’s warmth and the soft bed and warm sheets, Richard still wasn’t Daniel, even worse the older man had gotten hard as they laid against one another, but still nothing happened As she drifted further towards sleep she tried and failed to imagine it was Daniel’s arms around her instead, a worrying thought wormed its way into her mind. ‘What if that itchy bee from his gym got her hooks in him?!’