The Proposition 1_(2)

Jake was the organizer of the conference I attended at the Joule Hotel in Dallas and, by chance, I sat at his table with 8 other people for lunch. I don’t think we exchanged more than a couple sentences then, but later, before dinner, in the underground bar, he sat down with me.

He invited me to dinner and I accepted on the condition that we split the check. He was gracious enough to allow that. We have many things in common. Married, children and a shared interest in outdoor sports like skiing and indoor activities like theater and symphony. But you don’t want to hear about that.

I did let him buy a bottle of some pretty expensive wine and I guess that was my mistake. Anyway, we were really hitting it off when he asked, “You know, we’re having fun together. Wouldn’t you like to join me in my room tonight?”

I was surprised. I didn’t realize I had led him on so, but looking back I guess I had. I could feel myself reacting down below but still, I said, “No, No, I can’t. I’ve never been unfaithful. You’re an exciting man but I can’t.” It seemed like he accepted my reply and we chatted for a while longer. Then out of the blue, he said, “As a business proposition, you know the going rate here in Dallas is $400.” He let that hang in the air while I tried not to spit out my wine from the shock.

“You’ve paid?” I asked. Suddenly, I had a whole different opinion of this otherwise charming man.

“A few times.” I wondered what a few was. “But it is never as nice as with someone special like you.” That was supposed to make me feel good?

Anyway we had some more very awkward conversation until suddenly, he said, “I would pay you $1000!” My jaw dropped, but I could feel that arousal again.

“A, a, thou.. really?”

“Really.” Somehow that made me feel special. A better word would have been “vain.”

“I can’t. I can’t. I can’t.” I was trembling and it was obvious to him.

He didn’t say anything.

“Oh my god. Oh my god.”

A long silence.

“What … What should I do?” I realized it wasn’t the money that attracted me.

“Do you need to call home?”

“Oh my god. Oh. Uh. No. I mean, yes I do.”

“Come to room 603 at 9:00.