Lola

LEFT WITH NO CHOICE

The air in the dimly lit club thrummed with bass music. It had been years since I'd stepped foot in this place, years of pretending I'd left this life behind. But desperation gnawed at me, its sharp edges eclipsing the shame that usually threatened to drown me.

Elena, her once vibrant face etched with concern, squeezed my hand. "Are you sure about this, Lola?"

I forced a smile, but it felt brittle on my lips. "I have to be. Mom needs this."

Elena, my rock, had agreed to accompany me, her loyalty unwavering. We scanned the room, the air thick with cologne and expensive perfume. My eyes settled on a man in a corner booth, a man I knew all too well – Vincent, the club's ruthless owner.

“I’m sorry that I had to pull you out here, Elena” I said

“Go on, Lola. This is just you hesitating.” She nudged me

Taking a deep breath, I approached Vincent’s table. Years had etched lines on his face, but his predatory gaze remained unchanged.

"Lola," he drawled, a smirk playing on his lips. "Looking more breathtaking than ever. Here for old times' sake?"

"Not exactly," I said, my voice tight. "My mother's sick. She needs money for treatment."

Vincent's smile vanished. He lit his cigarette , and puffed out on my face "And you think that makes you special? Everyone here needs something, sweetheart."

This Club was the access to the escort company. Nobody worked gigs for the escort company without being recommended by Vincent. In fact it was rumored at some point that he owned the escort company and disguised himself to pick only the most loyal and most desperate, I might add.

“Girl, if everyone walked in here with their problems my club will close down. The escort company will also come crumbling down hard! So who the hell do you think you are to just waltz in and expect money to fall on your laps for your mama’s treatment?” He asked

His words stung, but I swallowed my pride. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes. Double my usual rate."

Vincent's eyes narrowed, assessing me. The silence stretched, thick with tension. Finally, he spoke.

"An escort doesn't set the price, sweetheart. But given your… predicament, I might be willing to make an exception. There's a client in town tonight. High roller. Discretion is paramount. I was asked to pick out the escort for him by myself” he said casually but my ears perked up.

My heart hammered in my chest. "Discretion," I echoed, the word leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

Vincent studied me for another moment, his gaze probing. Then, with a grunt, he pulled out a phone and dialed a number.

"Get ready, Lola," he said, a cruel glint in his eyes. "Tonight, you play for the big leagues."

“Thank you Vincent! Thank you,” I was about to profusely pour all my gratitude to him.

“Now get out of here, there’s no time” He shooed me away.

***

Back in the Penthouse, I packed some clothes, “where are you off to baby?” Adler asked.

“Umm, I want to spend the night at my moms” I lied.

“Oh is something wrong? You said she was fine.” He asked.

“Can’t I spend time with her? Must she be ill for me to do that?” I snapped.

Adler was shocked, “I’m sorry baby, I just had a stressful day,” i immediately apologized.

“It’s okay, you just miss your mom” he said as he kissed me on my forehead.

I remained in his embrace before he said, “I found this at the door of your closet.”

I looked at what he showed me and to my surprise it was the escort company’s membership card I had from before.

“Oh it’s Elena’s. She forgot it in my bag the last time I lent it to her.” I lied again.

“Really?” He asked. I could see the doubts in his eyes.

I hoped that these lies shouldn’t catch up with me.

***

The limousine glided through the city, the cityscape blurring past the tinted windows. A nervous knot twisted in my stomach. The image of Adler, unsuspecting and blissfully unaware, flashed in my mind. Could he ever understand the sacrifices I made, the life I led to keep him and a facade of normalcy?

"Lola, are you alright?" Elena asked, her voice laced with concern.

I managed a weak smile. "Just nervous. What if this client recognizes me?"

“Lola, breathe…” she encouraged.

“Since I started dating, most of the elite now know me. It’ll be embarrassing to bump into one of them” I said as I twiddled my thumb.

"Don't worry," Elena reassured me, squeezing my hand. "You'll be fine. Vincent's clientele are discreet. Plus, you're different now. More confident."

Her words were meant to be comforting, but they sparked a different emotion within me – a simmering anger. Yes, I was Lola 2.0 – polished, expensive. I had to outdo myself for this particular gig. Even Adler hadn’t seen me this dressed up before. I needed this client to be impressed and I should get a tip if possible.

The limousine came to a halt in front of a sprawling mansion, its manicured gardens bathed in soft moonlight. Fear threatened to paralyze me. Here, in this opulent world, my facade could crumble at any moment.

Vincent ushered us through the grand foyer, the scent of wealth and privilege clinging to the air. We were led down a hallway and into a dimly lit study.

A man sat behind a mahogany desk, his back to us. He exuded an aura of power, his broad shoulders filling the chair. As Vincent pushed us forward, the man turned, “Pardon me ladies. My friend came over for business once we’re done we can get to our own business. You’re welcome once again ” he smiled.

We took our seats and immediately, his friend came into the office. The air snagged in my throat.

Adler.

His face, usually an emotionless mask, contorted in shock and fury. My carefully constructed life, the web of lies I'd woven, lay shattered at his feet. His eyes, usually a cool blue, burned with betrayal.

"Lola?" he choked out, his voice barely a whisper.