Chapter 0002

But I'm so broke and hungry that a little extra cash would be welcome.

What if everything went perfectly? What if Poppy and I had enough money to enjoy our time in London? Going to Self fridges to buy before having lunch at fantastic restaurants, my stomach agrees with a subtle growl, 'that would be nice'.

I'm not sure why I'm thinking about it; it seems like a terrible idea and a no-brainer at the same time. I'm perplexed, and I'm still hungry. What's the harm in seeing what all the fuss is about?

"I'll meet with them, but I'm not saying yes just yet," I groan as she enthusiastically claps her hands.

"Fantastic! Let's go get you into something sensual, and I'll drive you to their offices." She gets up and gathers her belongings.

"Wait a minute, right now? "Would you like to take me there right now?" I join her and swiftly re-adjust my bag to my shoulder. I don't have any more classes for the day, yet everything is moving too quickly.

"You are wasting away by the minute, the sooner we get you all ready the better" She virtually drags me down the stairs and into my apartment. She's been talking me through her vision for my look the entire time.

Poppy is like this at times; she speaks at a rapid fire pace not because she is trying to have a conversation with you, but because her brain is racing at a hundred miles per hour and her lips are attempting to keep up.

It doesn't take long for us to arrive, and once there, she's all business. As soon as we come inside, I'm to jump into the shower and begin shaving and shampooing. Thank goodness I paid my power bill this month, because having to shower for something this important in cold water would have been a nightmare.

While I'm doing this, Poppy goes through my closet looking for anything to wear to the "offices." When I eventually climb out, she has a short blush pink dress and a pair of towering heels waiting for me; I wonder idly where she acquired all this stuff in the shambles that is my wardrobe. I quickly dress, and as she begins to assist me with my cosmetics, I can't stop fidgeting.

"Would you like to unwind? Everything will be alright. They'll find you a fine guy, I'm sure, because boys adore young naive girls." She reassures me while brushing my hair. While she perfects my make-up I try and push away the thoughts in my head; 'you're about to literally walk into a room and enable people to judge you before they sell you off like you're a cow at a cattle auction'.

I nod shyly as she completes my make-up and moves away from the mirror so I can see myself. My generally plain and pale skin has become stunning, silky smooth, and free of any imperfections I had earlier this morning. My brown eyes stand out under a thick layer of mascara, and my lips are a delicate pink with a little layer of gloss. I can see a slight glimmer of pink glitter on the top of my eyelids when I flutter my eyes.

"Wow" is all I can say; how did she achieve this? She examines her work in the mirror and smiles at me.

"I am an artist" She laughs. "Now hurry up, I'm so excited for you" I stand up and stagger slightly in my heels as I take a tiny bag she's packed for me and leave my flat.

As we travel the block to her car, I try not to stagger like a giraffe on ice. Climbing into the passenger seat is tough because my clothing is quite tight, making it difficult to navigate my legs into the car without showing passers-by.

The travel takes just under 30 minutes, and I am relatively silent the entire time. My nerves had abruptly taken over. Because of my shyness, I specifically avoid these kind of social contacts with people I don't know.

I was born shy, grew up shy, and I am certain that I will die shy. I have a few close friends and my family with whom I feel comfortable being myself; everyone else makes me nervous.

We arrive at a tiny structure in the heart of the city. It appears to be the type of structure from which a legal business operates; people on the streets below are likely oblivious of what is going on inside.

I hesitantly jump out and try to conjure whatever deep concealed confidence I have within myself before following Poppy up the stairs and into the building. We wait for an elevator in the fairly empty lobby to take us to the 16th floor. When we arrive, she takes the initiative and approaches the woman at the front desk.

"My friend here is interested in your business" A little smile crosses her face, and the woman returns it after a brief glance at me before starting to type noisily on her keyboard.

"Lory will be out shortly, if you'd like to take a seat she'll be out to get you soon" The receptionist greets us pleasantly and motions towards a sea of white couches and armchairs. As I take a deep breath, Poppy sits next me on one of the couches. What the fuck am I thinking, this is actually happening?

We finally hear the faint pattering of high heels on the concrete floor after what seems like an eternity of waiting. A busty redhead woman approaches from around the corner, flashing a brilliant white smile at Poppy, who stands up and greets her with a warm hug.

"Poppy darling it's so wonderful to see you" Her accent takes me by surprise; it's wonderfully poised and sophisticated. When I thought we were going to meet the boss, I expected her to be tough, with a smoker's voice and possibly a tattoo or two.

However, this woman looks to be any other businesswoman in London, clothed in a black pencil skirt and matching blazer, with her hair in flowing gentle curls over her shoulders. She gives me a sweet smile as they break their embrace.

"And who is this pretty little flower?" I wonder what her inner monologue is saying about me as she turns to sweep her eyes up and down my physique.

"This is my good friend Amelia, she's interested in talking about being matched with someone" Poppy responds proudly and places a hand on my shoulder. Lory offers her hand and shakes mine as I introduce myself.

"Hello, Amelia. My name is Grace, and I own the London Angel Club. "Come with me." She takes a step back and walks Poppy and me down a long white corridor to an end office. It's really slick and modern, and nothing about the interior design gives any hint of what this company produces.

"We have over three hundred and twenty clients in the London area who use our services."" She continues to speak as she motions for us to seat in two leather armchairs in front of a large desk across from her.

"Our specialty is finding someone to look after lovely young women like yourself." Someone who will make your life full of joy, prosperity, and success. What do you want to do with your life, Amelia?" The question is heavy, and it has been posed to me hundreds of times by family and friends.