Page 11 of Sexting My Ex's Dad
“Goodnight, Stella,” he murmurs sleepily, his eyes fluttering closed. “I love you.”
“I love you too, buddy.”
I stand by the side of Leo’s bed, watching his chest rise and fall in a slow, even rhythm. His face is serene, all traces of worry and confusion erased in the peaceful landscape of sleep. A warm feeling of comfort washes over me as I watch him, his presence a balm to my own anxieties and fears. At this moment, I vow to protect him, no matter the cost.
“Sweet dreams, buddy,” I whisper softly before turning away from his sleeping form. As I leave the room, my thoughts drift towards our mother. The disappointment that floods through me is familiar, yet it never loses its sting. Her absence during our visit today serves as another reminder that I can’t rely on her for support; the responsibility for Leo’s well-being falls squarely on my shoulders.
“Stella?” A soft voice pulls me from my thoughts, and I turn to find one of the care facility staff members approaching me with a sympathetic smile.
“Hey, Sarah,” I greet her, forcing a smile onto my face. “How are you?”
“Good, thanks,” she replies, her eyes filled with understanding. “I just wanted to check in on you. You seemed a bit upset earlier.”
“Thanks for your concern,” I say, touched by her kindness. “It’s just been a tough day. But seeing Leo always helps.”
“Your bond with him is truly special,” Sarah remarks, her expression warm. “He’s lucky to have you.”
“Thank you,” I respond, my heart swelling with gratitude. It’s moments like these – the quiet reassurances from those whounderstand our situation – that make me believe I can keep going, even when the weight of responsibility feels crushing.
“Take care, Stella,” Sarah says with a gentle smile before walking away.
As I walk down the hallway towards the exit, I know that whatever lies ahead, I’ll face it with for myself, and for Leo.
I have to keep Leo here, with people who actually care about him and view him as more than a job.
The twenty thousand won’t last long with this facility, so I’ll have to do more.
And if I have to work at a gentleman’s club to do that, then so be it.
7
STELLA
Today is my first day.
My hand trembles as I reach for the door handle to Regency, the elite gentlemen’s club. It feels like every nerve in my body is on edge, but it’s a little bit too late to have second thoughts now.
“Stella! Over here!” Marnie’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts as I step inside. She stands near the entrance, her short red hair framing her older face in playful waves.
“Hey, Marnie,” I greet her, trying to sound more confident than I feel.
“Ready for your first day?” she asks with a mischievous smirk that somehow eases my anxiety.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“That’s the spirit.” She grabs my hand. “Let me fill you in on what you’ll be doing here.”
As we walk towards the back of the club, Marnie explains my role as a server for the rich men who frequent Regency. It doesn’t sound too difficult.
This place is different from anywhere else I’ve ever been. The scent of expensive cigars and the clink of glasses fills the air, making this place seem even more expensive and elusive.
“Alright, so the uniform is a bit... scandalous,” Marnie says, handing me a small, black, lacy outfit that leaves little to the imagination. “But just think of it as part of the experience.”
“Experience?” I ask, swallowing hard, as my eyes rake over it. It’ll be weird to wear this out in public when I normally wouldn’t even wear it in the comfort of my own home without mens’ eyes on me.
“Exactly. These men come here to escape their mundane lives and indulge in their fantasies. They’ll call you ‘mistress,’ but don’t let it get to you,” Marnie adds, her tone reassuring. “At the end of the day, you’re in control. You set the boundaries, and they have to respect that.”
I nod, taking a deep breath as I hold the skimpy uniform in my hands. I can do this.
