“The first time does,” Rose told her, overhearing their conversation, “but after that, it's not too bad. Remember, just imagine you're somewhere else. It's not like we have to do this forever. Save up your pay and move on.”
“So, just for a while then?” Lydia asked.
The others nodded.
It didn't help. Her empty belly threatened to invert itself inside her. She wanted to beg Rose not to knock on the door, but the knock sounded nonetheless, and the door opened.
“What have we here?” a young man asked, stroking a dark brown mustache. Lydia found him handsome, in a rugged sort of way. His hair hung a bit too long, curling around his ears.
“We're looking for work,” Edwina announced boldly.
“Is that right?” he asked, looking her up and down.
“Yes,” Ruby agreed. “The lady down the way said yo
