3

I look back into the mirror for the nth time after changing my shirt again. I don't know why I'm so anxious about this meeting. I don't even know what possessed me to meet up with him. I finally settled with a printed button-up shirt and some jeans. I put on my sneakers before heading out of the room. 

I entered the elevator and once again, prayed that I'll be alone for the whole ride. My feet wouldn't stop tapping against the floor as I anxiously waited for the elevator to reach the ground floor. The elevator finally stopped and I quickly got out. The cafe wasn't far so I decided to just take a walk. I immediately spotted Alex sitting in one of the booths. We locked eyes and he waved me over. I gave him a small wave before entering the cafe. He motioned to the seat in front of him so I hesitantly took a seat. 

"Don't look so nervous. I don't bite." He said before sending a wink my way.

Blood rushed to my face. "Did you order already?" I asked, trying to seem unaffected by his comment.

"Yeah, I already did. I ordered for both of us if you don't mind. I got you a tea latte. Wasn't sure if you drink coffee." He replied.

"That's great. I actually don't drink coffee." I said to him,

"I did a good job then." He said, flashing me a bright smile.

My breath hitched at the sight of him so I quickly diverted my gaze. "I- uhm. So how do we do this?" I asked.

"We can talk about the details after we eat, or do you want to talk about it now?" He asked.

"I'd prefer to talk about it now," I replied.

"Okay. So do you want sex or no sex?" He so bluntly asked.

"Excuse me?" I asked, surprised by his question.

"Oh, so uhm. You can choose to either have sexual services along with my companionship or not. Sorry about the way I phrased it." He replied.

"Oh, yeah. No, I mean, no. Just companionship." I said to him,

"Just companionship. Okay. Do you prefer me to live with you, or not?" He asked.

"Yes, I would actually prefer that," I replied.

"Same room or no?" He asked.

"No, I'll hand you a guest room," I replied.

"Do you want a romantic display of affection or not?" He asked.

"Yes," I replied, making myself freeze for a moment.

"Okay. But I need to remind you, that this is my job. Whatever you may think I feel, isn't real." He says and I nod. "One last question. For how long do you want my services?" He asked.

"Three months," I replied.

"Wow, that's the longest anyone has ever hired me for." He said.

"Oh, is that too long? I can make it short-"

"No, no it's okay. Have me as long as you want." He replied with a wink.

Luckily, the food finally came and the attention was quickly diverted from his comment. We had a nice conversation all throughout the meal. Not once did I feel awkward or lost in the conversation and I didn't have to deal with him talking about himself or business like I usually do with my friends.

"So uhm, how much would it cost?" I asked.

"Usually I charge per hour or day. But since you're asking for three months. Sixty thousand would be nice as long as I don't get to spend shit on amenities." He replied.

"Okay." I agreed, leaving a shocked look on his face.

"I didn't expect you to agree so quickly." He chuckled.

"Yeah, well. It's your job, right? I just want to pay you fairly." I replied.

"Wow. Okay. You can just give me a check, but I much prefer cash." He said.

"Sure. I'll give you the cash in full once you move into my home." I said and he nodded.

"I'll pay for our meal today. Once I start working for you, I'm no longer paying for anything." He said as he calls for the waiter to send us our bill.

"You can move in today. I'll have my car ready." I said to him,

"That quickly? Okay." He said as he hands the payment to the waiter. "I'll just pack up and we'll meet in the lobby."

I nodded in agreement and then we stood up and left the cafe. I didn't bother going back to my room as soon as we got to the hotel so I just waited in the lobby. It didn't take long for Alex to come down with one luggage in tow. I waved him over and he followed me back to my car. The valet handed my car over and put Alex's luggage in the trunk.

"Nice car." He said as he enters the car.

"Thanks," I replied as I put on my seatbelt.

I took a deep breath before driving off. I was still dreading going back home. I just hope having Alex beside me would help me cope. We drove in comfortable silence until we finally reached my home. I parked the car and saw Alex looking out the car window in awe.

"This is where you live? It could literally fit twenty people. Do you live alone?" He asked.

"Well, it used to be me and George," I replied.

"Oh. Sorry." He apologized.

"No, it's okay," I said as I unlock the car.

We both got out and I helped him get his luggage out of the trunk. We walked up to the main doors and I took a deep breath before unlocking them and leading Alex to the foyer. I closed the door behind me and watched as Alex looked around the house.

"It's so quiet. You should get a dog." He commented, making me chuckle.

"I've been thinking about that, but I don't think I can handle being responsible for another life," I replied. "I'll lead you to your room so you can settle." 

We walked up to the second floor and led him to the room in front of mine. I opened the door and motioned for him to get inside.

"Holy shit. This is bigger than my apartment." He said as he sits down on the bed.

"You like it?" I asked.

"Yeah, it just needs a little pizzazz." He replied with jazz hands, making me chuckle.

"Well, I'll let you settle in. My room is just across so just knock on the door when you're ready. I'll hand you your payment." I said to him before closing the door to give him some privacy.

I walked into my room and lay on the bed. I don't know why I trust Alex so easily. Maybe because it's the desperation to have someone beside me who isn't a douche so I can grieve properly or maybe George's loss just made me throw any sense out of the window. I just hope I made the right choice.