Chapter 3.

“Hey mom.” Lydia smiled down at her mom, tears in her eyes. “I paid your bill in full.” That means another month in this facility. I did my part. Now it’s your turn to do yours. You need to get better for me okay.”

Tears started to slowly fall down Lydia’s face and unto her mom’s.

“The doctor told me, there’s no reason for you not to be waking up. She said all of the internal damage has been healed and according to all the charts you’re as healthy as a horse. The neurologist is considering taking you into to check your brain activity again. They’re worried that the internal damage was just too much on your brain waves.”

At this point into the conversation both Lydia and her mom were drenched in tears.

“But I know you’ll prove them wrong mama. You always do.”

Lydia inhaled deeply, wiping her face off and wiling the tears to stop.

“I brought a new book for us to read. It’s one of my favorites.” Lydia said pulling a book out of her bag. “It’s Hybrid Aria, by Jessica Hall. This is the novel has been in print. I’ve read it multiple times online though. I remember how we use to nerd out over Twilight and I thought we could nerd out over this series together too.”

Lydia made herself comfortable on the chair beside her mom’s bed as she started to read the book. She’d just finished the chapter where Aria had first met Reid in the Cafe, when her phone alarm went off.

“Well looks like that’s it for our visit today mom. I have to head into work and do a test. I love you from the moon and back.” Lydia bent down and kissed her moms forehead. “Until next time Mama.”

Lydia hurried out the door before she started crying again, it was tough to see her once cheerful, full of love, spiritual mom, like that. But Lydia couldn’t find it in herself to let her mom go. She just knew her mom would be able to survive this, like she’d survived every other challenge thrown at them.

Lydia quickly hailed a taxi and directed the driver to Mia Novella’s headquarters. She arrived within 15 minutes and threw her last $20 at the driver.

“Hey Mindy,” Lydia smiled at the receptionist.

“Oh Lydia you’re here. Great. It saves me the trouble of calling you. The madame would like you to meet her in her office immediately.”

“Uh… okay.” Lydia said worry creeping into her thoughts. She couldn’t afford to lose this job.

Lydia walked past Mindy’s desk and knocked on Mia’s door.

“Come in,” Mia shouted, not bothering to get up from her desk.

Mia was a beautiful woman. For being in her fifty’s her body was still tight, it was the best that money could afford. Sometimes gentleman callers would request Mia’s services, but she rarely accepted. She often said she’d given up that life when she’d opened up her business.

“Lydia,” Mia stood up starring at Mia like she was her prized possession, donning a smile like the Cheshire Cat.

“Mindy  said  you wanted to see me?”

Lydia kept her head bowed, she was naturally submissive.

“Yes dear child, now get over here. We have much to discuss.”

Lydia walked over to Mia’s desk and took the seat in front of it.

“I have a job proposal for you, one of society’s elite has requested your services. He specifically asked for you by name. The job is a month long with a possible extension and he wants you solely contracted to him, which means you’ll have to cancel any of your other obligations.”

Lydia sat back and thought for a moment, she liked the idea of only having to be with one man for a month instead of multiple men a day, but she wasn’t sure if this one mama would be able to meet her income requirements.

“What would the pay be?” Lydia asked nervously. She hated discussing money with anyone.

Mia was quiet for a moment before responding. “After the house cut of 60% you’d be making $40,000 a week.”

“A… wa..wa..a week?” Lydia finally stammered out.

“Yes. Our client needs extra secrecy which is why the pay is so high, he also needs someone who doesn’t appear to be an escort, which is why he’s chosen you. You’ll accompany him along with his family as his date to his brothers wedding. Do you agree to this job?”

Lydia was practically jumping up and down with excitement. This would be enough money to pay off the remainder of her mom’s medical debt plus place a hefty down payment on her childhood home.

“Yes, I agree.”

“Good I thought you would.” Mia smiled, passing the contract over to Lydia. “You’ll just need to sign this non disclosure agreement first and then we can go over the details of your client agreement.”

Lydia quickly signed the paperwork and then passed it back to Mia.

“Okay, your client is Drake Whittenberg. He is hiring you on for his brother Sampson’s wedding. Here is your cover story. Read it, memorize it, and live it. Today, you’ll get your STD testing done, and then you’ll also go out for a full body wax and get your brows and lashes done. Then you’ll head to the salon and get a fresh cut and color. You also have a scheduled appointment with the GYN to check your IUD placement. Tomorrow night at 6pm sharp Drake will pick you up and take you to his house. You’ll be staying with him for the entire month. At some point during this time you’ll be boarding a cruise ship, going to Cancun, and witnessing his brother’s wedding ceremony. Drake is paying for VIP status, you’ll give him what he wants, when he wants, however he wants it. Do I make myself clear?”

Lydia hesitated for a moment. She didn’t like the idea of her free will being stripped away, but she needed this money, “Crystal clear.” she replied.

“Good, then sign the paperwork and the Theo will escort your appointments today.” Mia smiled, silently dismissing Lydia.

Lydia signed the papers and then got up and left the office in search of Theo.