for the couches, for the s/m equipment. The s/m tables, crosses, benches, stocks... you know what we have.”
“When you rent the larger s/m furniture, it's for the whole night, right?”
“ Right. After a piece is used, it's rolled back here to be sent out. We have everything thoroughly cleaned after s/m sessions. Everything that's used during the night.” He opened the double sliding doors. “The break room. If you and your Top need a break, this is where you can rest.”
There was a television and adjustable speakers on the walls for music. Four short couches were arranged around a low-sitting, flat table. An older-model, white fridge fit into the space between two cabinets, one with a coffee-maker on top.
“And... that's pretty much it.”
“ Thanks for the tour,” I walked with him back to his office. “If I think of any questions, I'll e-mail you.”
“ Or call. Anytime. There's some club information in that folder about payment, safety, safewords and signals for how to stop play however you're restrained. Make sure you read through those, too.”
“ I will.”
“ Oh,” he said, remembering as I got to his door, “I forgot to mention. Once you sign and agree to work here, there's no entry fee for you and one partner. No extra charge for the hardcore s/m stuff, too.”
“ Those are really good things to know. Thanks for the interview.”
“ Feel free to look around before you go.”
There was no need to push the mental calm I'd found. The desire to call Rhys was rising. If I were going to submit for him at the club, I wanted to see if he would have a practice session with me, just between us. The money I made from Rack's would go into my ' When Ben retires ' account. I lit a cigarette and leaned against a light post near the car. The drive wasn't long enough for me to air it out. I respected that Lane hated when the upholstery reeked of smoke.
It was cold enough out that my desire to submit iced over. When I got home, my toy and I would be spending some time together. I needed to redirect some energy before I drove myself mad.
“ Clara?”
I froze, hearing the voice that called my name. No. Oh no... “Quinn? … … Hi?”
“ How are you?” He crossed the street, leaving what was left of his cigarette at the curb. “Is everything alright?”
“ I'm fine, yes. How are you?”
“ Good, thank you. What brings you downtown?”
“ I was... Well, there-” I gestured vaguely, away from the club. “What are you up to?”
“ I live in the apartment complex, that way,” he pointed to our left, “and I had a business meeting, there. It used to be much nicer.”
The bar a few doors down. “I stopped going when the old managers sold it. Does it look a lot different now?”
“ Yes, very. My client wanted a really good margarita. At least that hasn't changed.”
He had good posture and nice taste in suits, his jacket and pants dark gray, well-fitting, with a crisp white shirt underneath. I felt incredibly awkward, wearing a short, lacy black skirt. My corset was light blue and black, though he wouldn't see so long as I kept my long coat closed...
“ How did your meeting go?”
“ It went really well, thanks for asking.”
“ Good. That's good to hear.” I finished my cigarette, looking to see if he was just being polite.
“ Are you on your way home, or do you have other plans for tonight-?”
“ I've got nothing planned. Are you still working?”
“ My schedule's clear. I'll buy you a drink if you want one, just not there. Or we can have one back at my place.”
“ Somewhere not there sounds good. I'll leave where up to you? All I have to do is call my roommate and let her know I'll have the car.”
“ Cool.” Quinn reached inside his suit jacket and pulled out a cigarette. Then he paused, pulling out the pack and his lighter. “I left my credit card inside.”
“ I'll be here.”
He hesitated before crossing the street. “Do you want to come in with me? I