The sunlight trickles through the blinds illuminating Jocylin’s milk chocolate complexion at every point of contact.  She allots herself fifteen minutes to gather her thoughts after each appointment.  Looking at nothing in particular, she exhales slowly and closes her eyes as she inhales the ecstasy which she has just experienced.  Her fingers lightly brush her neck as she feels her pulse gradually slow.  Jocylin’s most intimate places smile uncontrollably leaving her face expressionless.  It is her policy not to smile or show emotion because that would give these trysts depth and Jocylin does not mislead any of her clients in the slightest manner when it comes to her feelings.  These daily –or weekly, depending on the client – rendezvous are for one purpose only.

“I’ve never met anyone like you, Jo.  You seem to have everything figured out,” Russell says as he pulls up his boxers.  He sits down on the edge of the bed with his back to Jocylin.

“I don’t have everything figured out.  I just happen to know what I want,” she replies without looking in his direction.

“Well I’m glad that you want me.  You’re fucking amazing!  You got that good, girl!” Russell turns towards her and lies on his side facing her with a smile teasing the corners of his lips.  He inches over to peck her on the cheek, but he really wants to show his gratitude by laying a juicy one right on her lips.  Unfortunately, affection after the job is done is not allowed.

Jocylin stops him in mid-air with her palm up as if she were a crossing guard letting him know that he is violating the rules.  “Correction, I have that spectacular.  And I don’t want you.  I just want what you can provide for me, which is a mind blowing orgasm.  Nothing more, nothing less.”  With this response, she throws her legs over the opposite side of the bed and peruses the room for her first layer of clothing. 

“Damn, you’re blunt.  I guess I should know that by now, huh?  Anyway, what are you doing for the rest of the day?” Russell asks, trying to make conversation because, in all honesty, he doesn’t want her to leave.  He puts his under shirt on and faces her, waiting on an answer.

After putting on her sports bra and boyshorts in two swift motions, Jocyln answers “Something that doesn’t involve you.  But, if you must know, I’ll probably go back to the gym.  Try and recruit more clients – you know – do what I do best.  I’m a fan of changing lives for the better.”

“Can I ask you a question?” Russell asks with hesitancy in his voice.

“You just did, but shoot.”

“Why are you a prostitute?  I mean you have a good job.  I know you make more than enough money to be comfortable.  You don’t have to do this, do you?”  Russell asks with a hint of concern in his voice.  He is entertaining the possibility that he might have feelings for this woman in spite of her policies to keep their relationship strictly business.

Jocylin pulls her basketball shorts over her perfectly rounded backside, places the elastic waist band just low enough for her purple panties to peek out, faces Russell and replies, “A prostitute has a pimp – I don’t.  A prostitute is not in control of her sex life nor the money that is incurred for her services – I am.  A prostitute doesn’t have a choice in what sexual favors she performs – I do.  I, Russell, am no one’s prostitute.  I have sex because I want to.  I simply choose to get paid for my services in the process.”

“By definition, you’re a prostitute,” he says pulling his straight leg jeans over the strong thighs which just played an integral role in bringing pleasure between hers.

“I define myself.  So don’t talk to me about anyone else’s definition.”  It’s obvious that Jocylin is slightly annoyed with Russell’s need to categorize.  Why can’t he just fuck her, climax, and be grateful?  “You should be more appreciative.  We don’t have to fuck.  You could very well be having sex with some average chick with average pussy.  Do we need to end this?  I don’t need to be judged or stereotyped by anyone.  I am perfectly capable of –”

“We don’t have to end anything,” Russell interrupts.  The last thing he wants is to not have the good fortune of having sex with her.  There is just something about her that he can’t quite pinpoint, but whatever it is, is irresistible.  Her need to be in control is tantalizing, plus he’s never had sex with a tomboy before.  The stereotype is that women who are a little boyish tend to be freaks in bed.  Now that Russell has tested the theory for himself, he would have to say that there is definitely some truth to it.  She is well worth the money he pays to spend time with her.  If he could spend extra to hold her afterwards, he would without any complaints.  “I like what we do.  Sorry for trying to label you, Jo,” he says with sincerity in his eyes and sagging shoulders to emphasize his earnestness.

“Don’t be sorry – be careful,” Jocylin responds tying her Nikes.  It may be time to quit Russell.  He is starting to show signs of emotional attachment.  Jocylin isn’t looking for that; she has enough of that already.  Why can’t she ever find a guy whose only baggage hangs close to his perineum?  Men are more emotional than women once they actually invest their feelings and she has no intentions of dealing with any man’s nonsense.  That is not a part of their agreement nor is that what Jocylin is about.  As a matter of fact, she told him in the beginning that she would not deal with anybody else’s emotions.  “It’s time for me to get back to work.  I’ll call you later to schedule our next appointment,” she says heading to the bedroom door.

“See you around?” he asks more than states.  He steps toward her to at least give her a farewell hug.

Jocylin spots an available parking space not too far from the door of the clinic.  Today is designated as her monthly visit to her gynecologist.  She is more than physically fit and sexually satisfied; she is healthier than a Weight-Watcher’s salad – not to mention, just as appetizing.  Her work at the gym may help keep her blood pressure down, but her after-work activities increase other risk factors.  Like a woman with intention, she steps into the building with authority.  Jocylin does no more than sign in at the receptionist’s station when Doctor Moore sees her and tells her, “Come on back, Ms. Jo.”

Smiling, Jocylin walks to the door and waits for the buzz signaling that she is approved for entry and those behind it are prepared for her presence.  Doctor Moore is on the other side with both arms extended forward.  Jocylin accepts the invitation and happily engages in the embrace.  Doctor Moore gives the most genuine hugs and they always make Jocylin’s day.  She will not ever let Doc know that, though.  Expressing feelings always complicates things regardless of the circumstances of the situation.

Once protected by the privacy of room 118, Doctor Moore asks, “So, how have you been?”

“I’ve been pretty good.  I feel great!  How about yourself?”

“Today is about you, Jo.  But I’m good.  Better since your test results have come back.”

“I guess that means good news.  Am I right?”

“You hit the nail on the head.  All of your tests came back negative, so whatever you’re doing, keep it up.  Many women aren’t so lucky to stay STD free, you know?”

“I know.  But I’m very cautious.  I don’t sleep with anyone without doing a thorough check on him.  Plus, I also make them get tested.  I do offer to pay, though.  That could be why they’re so willing to go through all of the extra effort.  It’s worth it because I have way too much to lose and too much living left to do.”

“Well, that’s good.” Doctor Moore’s smile slowly becomes less of a curve and more of a straight serious line.  She looks up from her pad and into Jocylin’s eyes.  “Are you going to try the birth control this time?”

“You know I don’t want to take any pills.”

“And you know that there are more options than the pill.  You can get the shot, the patch, the ring – take your pick.”

“I already have – the condom and rhythm.  I know my body and I don’t want to put any more unnecessary things in it than I already do.  I know you’re looking out for me, Doc, but I don’t want any birth control.”

“I don’t get it.  You seem to be hell bent on being safe.  I mean, you come in here faithfully every month and leave with a ridiculous supply of condoms, but you won’t take birth control.”

She can hand condoms out to her clients and explain her supply of them, but birth control in any form is difficult to justify in her situation.  Doc wouldn’t understand.  “I don’t want them.” Jocylin says giving Doctor Moore a this-conversation-is-over-and-you-better-not-say-anything-else-about-it look.

Sighing in defeat, Doctor Moore drops her eyes back to her pad and asks, “When was the last time you had sexual intercourse?” She has to put her professional persona on now to keep herself from crying.  She just wants her to be safe.  She was devastated when she found out that she was prostituting – though Jo doesn’t call it that.  They stopped speaking for two years and then one day Jo walked into her office.  She couldn’t have been happier to see her sister even if it meant hearing about her promiscuity and constantly being terrified that one of her tests would come back with positive results that wouldn’t necessarily be positive.  Now their relationship is strictly doctor-patient.  She does not know how long they will go on like this.  It’s killing her because she wants so badly to be a part of her sister’s life and vice versa.  There are countless occasions that she has wanted to invite Jo over for dinner or just a girls’ night.  She hasn’t even been to Jo’s house and she’s been living there for more than a year now. 

“Thirty minutes ago,” Jocylin answers, snatching Doctor Moore out of her thoughts back to reality. 

Does she have no shame?  Jo speaks of her overactive libido as if it is as usual as eating a Snicker’s bar.  There is nothing wrong with being sexually free, but damn!  Jo was always the more rebellious of the two growing up.  Doctor Moore always blamed it on their different paternities.  Jo’s father is a free spirit and he must have passed it on to his daughter because she obviously has absolutely no reservations when talking about her sex life.  Pushing her own personal opinions as far away as possible from her vocal cords, she asks, “Did you use protection, Jocylin?”

“Yes I did.  We used a condom each time.  I won’t tell you how many we used.  That’s just rude,” Jocylin says winking her eye.

Doctor Moore doesn’t understand her sister’s frankness nor can she comprehend her sexual nonchalance.  Jo seems to be happy and she’s pretty sure her happiness is a direct result of those two things.  Maybe she should just try to be happy for her instead of judging her.  Doctor Moore wants her sister back.  If she has to bite her tongue about her lifestyle to accomplish that then so be it.  “Jo, I have something to tell you.”  The blood is already beginning to trickle.

“What’s that, Doc?”

“Well, I’m dating someone.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Jocylin asks with a smirk.  Doc knows that they don’t discuss personal issues unless they are relevant to her health.  And her doctor’s romantic life cannot possibly be directly tied to her well-being.

“Because, Jo.  I want you to be my sister again.  How can you pretend that we didn’t grow up together?  That we didn’t share a bedroom?  That we don’t share the same damn blood?”

“I don’t pretend to forget.  I haven’t forgotten anything.  You were the one that seemed to forget that when I told you about my hobby-turned-hustle.  I didn’t ask you to judge me, Doc.”

“And I was wrong for that.  But that was three years ago, Jo!  I’m sorry, okay?  Can we just let bygones be bygones? I’m begging you.”

“Whatever.  You can tell me whatever you want to tell me, but things aren’t going to change just because you miss me and finally got the courage to say so after three years.”

“Well can I just tell my big sister about this guy I’m dating?” Doctor Moore asks, swallowing the persistent lump in her throat.

“Go ahead,” Jocylin says, secretly eager to hear about him.  She wants to know everything that’s going on in her sister’s life, but refused to kiss her ass.  Jocylin made the decision to be who she wanted to be in spite of societal views.  All she wanted was for her sister to be happy that she had the courage to do it, but it didn’t go that way.

“Well, his name is Patrick.  We’ve been dating for about three weeks now and we had sex for the first time two days ago.  He’s so amazing in bed!  I’ve never been with anyone like him before.  He takes care of himself – you know physically – has an outstanding career, he’s romantic, and –”

“Okay, okay.  So he’s Mr. Wonderful.  It’s only been three weeks and you’re smitten already?  Damn.  He must be on another level.” 

“I guess so,” Doctor Moore says completely incapable of concealing twenty-eight of her thirty-two teeth.

“Just be careful with this Patrick – what’s his last name again, so I can see if he’s legit?”

“Martin.  You’d check him out for me?” she asks with surprised eyes.

“Of course I would.  You’re still my sister no matter what.  Consider it done.”  Literally. 

“Thanks, Jo!”

“No problem.  I have to go.  I’ll schedule my next appointment with the receptionist.  Be safe, Doc.”  Jocylin hops off of the examining table and hugs her sister.  This is a lot in one day.

ZZZZZZ. ZZZZZZZ. hey t. wat u doin?”

T, huh? 

ZZZZZZZ. ZZZZZZ. my bad jo. I didn’t mean 2 send dat 2 u.

u shud cum 2 my office.

“What’s up, Jo?” Russell asks standing in her doorway.

“Come inside and close the door,” she says sitting back in her chair with interrogation-ready eyes.

He closes the door and has a seat directly across from Jocylin.  Looking at her with lust in his eyes, he asks, “On the desk?  You didn’t get enough earlier?”

Completely ignoring his innuendoes, Jocylin says “You owe me one thousand dollars.”

“What?!” Russell says, throwing himself against the back of the chair.  “I don’t owe you anything!  I pay faithfully everytime.”

“Let’s not talk about faithful, Russell.  You’re dating ‘T’ and you know my rules.  I will under no circumstances be the other women.  You will not take advantage of any woman with my assistance.  You owe me one thousand dollars.”

“What are you talking about?  T is one of my boys and I’m definitely not fucking him.”

“I may have been born at night, but I wasn’t born last night, okay?  You’re fucking T and I have no tolerance for cheaters.  I’m sure T doesn’t either.”

“You’ve got this all wrong.”

“Wrong.  I’ve got you figured out.  I do the manipulating, not you.  Either pay up or your precious T will have to wise up and learn the truth about her Russ.”  There is no sign of emotion on her face.  She could care less about Russell.  He was only good for g-spot orgasms, and she has many other regular clients that do the job just as well.  Neither his sanity nor financial well-being is any of her concern, but his morals are.  She does not lie down with any Theo, Darrell, or Howard.  How dare he insult her intelligence?!

Leaning forward, holding his forehead with his fingertips, he lets out an exasperated sigh.  He looks up at Jo and says, “How did you find out?  We only slept together once.”

“I’m nobody’s fool.  I want the money in cash or a cashier’s check.”

“I was going to tell you, Jo.”

“But you didn’t.  Your deadline is the end of the week.”

“That’s three days from now!  How am I supposed to get that to you buy then?”  What is wrong with her?  If prostitution was legal, Russell would take her to court.  Unfortunately, it’s not and he does not want anyone to know that he supports it in any way – especially not T.

“Please.  With the money you put out for you membership here, me as a personal trainer, and me for your other personal reasons; you’ll have no problems coming up with that amount.”

“Jo, come on now.  I thought we were better than this.”

“This is business and you breached the terms of our agreement.  Now either pay me by Thursday or be single and horny by Friday.  Any questions?” Jocylin says staring at him without blinking once.

“Nah.  No questions.”

“Good.  Dismissed.” Without waiting for his exit, Jocylin swivels her chair around to face her computer.

Patrick and Tina are walking with arms interlocked downtown giving off the new couple vibe to everyone they pass.  They always get together after Tina gets off of work and spend time doing whatever they choose.  Tina can’t believe how unbelievably great Patrick is.  He gives her a flower every time that they meet, sends her random I-miss-you texts throughout the day, and he’s so affectionate.  This is better than a fairy tale romance.  She’s afraid to pinch herself because she might find that she’s been dreaming for the past month. 

Patrick is in awe of how smoothly things have been going with Tina.  They have conversations that are meaningful and not just to avoid quiet moments.  The times that they’ve sat in silence weren’t bad either.  Tina isn’t clingy or insecure.  She’s independent, but not afraid to let Patrick play the dominant role.  Tina even likes sports!  She’s everything he could ever ask for in a woman.

“Hey baby, do you want to stop and grab something to eat?” Patrick asks.

“Yeah.  There’s a Japanese restaurant not too far from here that I’ve been wanting to try.”

“Lead the way, beautiful,” he says clearing an imaginary path for her.

“Why thank you, good sir,” she says giggling.

En route to the restaurant, Tina sees someone that looks familiar.  It’s a woman wearing a tank top and a pair of baggy jeans.  The fitted cap she has on is covering her face a little, but she would recognize that swagger anywhere.  She does not know the woman with her, though.  She looks up at Patrick to tell him that she’s going to introduce him to someone in five point two seconds, but hesitates after seeing his face.  He has the oh-shit-what-am-I-going-to-do look on his face.  “What’s wrong, baby?  You don’t want Japanese anymore?”

“Yeah, I still want Japanese.  I’m fine,” Patrick lies, telling himself to just act natural.  He has already done what he needed to do.  He should be fine.

“Okay.  Well I want you to meet someone,” she says pulling him to their destination.  Just as she finishes her statement, they stop in front of the two women, one dressed as a butch and the other playing the role of femme.  “Hey, Jo!”

Jocylin saw them from a distance underneath the brim of her fitted cap.  With a smug – very smug – smile on her face, she says, “Hey Doc! Hey Russ!”

Patrick doesn’t know whether to spill everything or just play along.  He chooses the latter.  “Hey, Jo.”  Why would Tina want to introduce him to a patient?

With a look of confusion, Tina asks, “How do you know, Jo?”  Turning towards Jocylin, she asks “And why did you call him Russ?”

“Umm,” Patrick stammers, searching for an explanation. 

Jocylin calmly replies, “He comes to the gym sometimes.  Everybody there calls him Russ, so I just followed suit.  I didn’t know you were talking about him!  He’s always hitting the weights, Doc,” Jocylin says lightly hitting Tina on the arm. 

Patrick goes along with the explanation, “Yeah babe.  You know most people call me by my middle name,” but then realizes that he’s still confused about something.  “So, is Tina your regular physician or something like that?”

“Doctor Moore is my gynecologist and sister,” she says with a smile that screams gotcha!

“You told me you and your sister didn’t talk, T.  Is this the one?”

With a look of embarrassment, Tina says, “Yeah, but we’re trying to resolve our differences, right Jo?”

“Yep.  She had a problem with my lifestyle, but she’s trying to let go of that so we can get back to being sisters again.”

“And I’m glad I did.”

The woman with Jocylin clears her throat and nudges her gently. 

“Oh, I’m so rude,” Jocylin says putting her arm around the woman’s waist and pulling her close.  “Doc and Russ, this is my partner and love of my life, Dianna.”

Tina’s jaw drops before she can catch it and Patrick’s what-the-fuck gets stuck in his throat causing him to visibly choke. 

“How long have you two been together?” Tina asks doing the most horrible job of hiding her shock.

“Three years and counting,” Dianna answers.

“I didn’t know you were in a relationship,” Patrick says.

“Yeah, I didn’t either,” Tina says stretching her eyes.

Winking her left eye, Jocylin smiles and says, “You never asked.”