Wavering Mollisher

Edison Hall

"Watch yer step, Della. Those shoes can get tricky.” Angie walks ahead of Della on the road. Behind the women, twilight is emerging among the purples and oranges in the sky. Della fights the urge to cover her body with a shawl. The pink dress Angie picked for her provocatively hugged her curves. Her corset nearly smothered her in order to display her breasts.  Her shoulders are bare for the world to see, and Della feels exposed as she walks past a group of people. She crosses her arms over her breasts, hiding the revealing skin.

“You look fantastic. Don’t cover yourself!” Angie chides her. Della feels goosebumps on her arms as men's eyes watch her. Wanting as little attention as possible, she runs to catch Angie.

“Where are we going?” She asks her mentor.

“To a nearby hall, the Upper-Class go to Edison. I had one of the regular girls switch.” Angie tells her.

The walk to the evening hall is short. Angie glides past a guard and a curtain into a large room. All around the room are intimate corners with couches and pillows—men and women dressed in their finest glide around with drinks in their hands. Servers walk about refilling drinks and offering appetizers.

 Della looks down at her dress. “Angie, are you sure we aren’t underdressed?” 

“No, girl. This's how we always dress.” Angie nods to a back corner. “I see a regular. The man gossips and spills secrets when he is knocke'. If anyone has informatio' on ya, he will.”

Della follows her new friend to the back of the room. In a back corner, a couple of middle-aged men are drinking libations and laughing. 

“Why if it isn’t my favorite lady of the evening: Angie, how are you love?” A round man in a green suit and top hat greets.

“Joe, your flatter' will not get ya nothin' for free. However, a girl likes to hear how she is appreciate'.” a melodic giggle escapes Angie's lips. 

Joe motions the men to leave. Once the booth cleared, Angie motions Della to sit next to her.

“Come, sit.” Joe pats his knee. Angie giggles as she places her bum on his lap. “Who’s your friend?” Joe smiles at Della.

“This is Della. She is new to 'r community. I am mentorin' her.” Angie's hands wander down Joe's chest.

Joe's creepy eyes hungrily take in Della's body. “Pleasure Della.”

 Della fights the urge to vomit, plastering a fake smile. “Hello, it’s lovely to meet you, sir.”

“She’ll do well. Redheads are popular with my friends. In fact, why don’t I recommend you to them? Help you get your business started.” Joe offers. Angie kisses Joe's jaw.

 Della claps her hands in delight. “Sir, I would be grateful."

Joe smiles. “A beautiful woman like you? It’s my pleasure.” He motions for a younger gentleman with blonde hair to join them.

“Why don’t you entertain my friend, Daniel?” Joe points to an attractive blond man. Daniel's friendly smile reaches his eyes.  Della beams at Daniel as he sits, his knees touching hers. 

 “Sit on his lap, dear. It would be impolite for him to bed ya 'fore gettin' acquainte.'” Angie suggests.

 Della forces a friendly demeanor as she scoots on top of Daniel’s legs. She feels the warmth radiating from his lap through the thin fabric of her dress. Daniel’s arms wrap around her waist, pulling her closer to him.

“Tell me if I cross a line. Regardless of your profession, I want the lady I’m entertaining to enjoy herself.” Daniel whispers in her ear, his breath tickling the hairs on her neck 

“Thank you, sir.” Della giggles. 

“Joe, I have misse' ya. Tell me what has happene' since we last spoke? a*********s from yer community?” Angie’s lips press against his neck.

Joe moans. “Isn’t there always something going on with that lot? Angie, you would be amazed at the new president! Woman fancies herself some goddess. Anyway, she has successfully convinced members of the Upper Council to eliminate Lucas Clarke. The bloke that runs to the poverty district-the crime lord. She is convinced we can frame him for kidnapping and murdering the Delacroix family! However, the family isn't dead, so I'm not sure how she will frame him. What’s more, the Delacroix daughter apparently helped create Charles's flying machine. Ruth plans on selling her across the pond to the black market. The girl has gone mad.”

Daniel adds. “Although I’m not opposed to buying the squatters' land. With Clarke out of the way, we could rejuvenate the area.”

“What about us? “Della blurts.

Daniel’s eyes lustfully roll over Della's body. Della feels something poking her inner thigh as she shifts on his lap. “My dear, you will warm my bed every night.” His lips draw down her shoulder, sending a shiver through Della’s arm. 

“Look at that, Della! You already have a regular!” Angie tries to change the subject. “It looks like he is quite taken with you.”

 “She is quite the temptress.” Daniel’s eyes move to her throat. "More beautiful than my fiancee."

“Let’s partake in some drinks and see where the night takes us, eh ladies?” Sam waves over a server.

Della’s thoughts consume her as Sam and Daniel talk about the Upper-Class council. Della had found the information she needed, and it was easier to obtain than she thought. Something deep inside of her knows that there is much more to the plot.