Once Upon A Prostitute

CHAPTER 47 - NOT THAT SIMPLE

Mina

Finally, Adam calls to inform me that plans are underway to bust the ring. He tells me to stay ready as it could be any day. My veins are pumping with adrenaline and a little bit of fear. But I'm ready. I was born ready!

Okay, that is so not true, but I'm ready now. I just need to focus on other activities while I wait, so my nerves don't drive me crazy. Luke has been so helpful. He has been hyping me up and I'm soaking it all in like a sponge. If feeling like Katniss Everdeen is going to get me through this, then please hype on, darling. But sadly, I feel like Prim.

The mayor's luncheon is set for this Thursday afternoon. It's Tuesday and I am doing lots of shopping with Eve. I regret it. She is worse than aunty Boma. We shuffled between at least three different stores comparing prices for items on the list. Now I know bargaining is a universal language. We've been at the mall for four hours and we are far from done. My feet are already aching, and my waist needed a massage. I don't know where this woman gets her energy.

Sam is now hired along with two other teenagers. Even then, it's still a lot of work. Eve decided to hire a vendor to set up the place and decorate since it was an outdoor event, and we have no expertise in that area. Thank God because my aching feet and waist would have given up on her.

Thursday comes along quickly. The vendor did a great job setting things up at the side lawns at the mayor's mansion, yes, a mansion. The place is huge and beautiful.

"What's this luncheon even about?" I ask Matt who stands beside me looking very uncomfortable. He keeps adjusting his bowtie every two seconds. The male servers wear bowties along with waistcoats on white shirt and black pants. The female servers are donned in simple black gowns, nothing elaborate or fancy but presentable.

"It's just one of those events where he tries to spoil rich folks and make them like him. Elections are around the corner." He answers and grabs a champagne glass from Sam who happens to be walking close by. They exchange a knowing smirk.

"Are you supposed to?" I ask Matt eyeing the glass.

He ignores my question and downs the drink in one go. "Now I can pretend to be nice and friendly"

We share a laugh just as Eve comes by. Matt hides the glass behind him before she sees it.

"The guests are starting to arrive. Places, places." She says, snapping her fingers.

"You'd think this was a dance" Matt drawls, and a giggle slips through my lips. Eve shoots us a look that says 'behave', and walks off in a hurry.

The luncheon finally begins, but after a while, I want it to end speedily. It is so boring listening to speeches upon speeches and fake laughter - lots of fake laughter. But thankfully there is good music intermittently.

We stay in the corner where our table is set up under a canopy, completely invisible until it is time to eat. The guests saunter to the table like they are not interested in the food. I almost roll my eyes. If only they knew how much work we put into making this happen? I'm sleeping for two days after this event is over.

"Hi, can I have some grilled chicken and mixed green salad?"

I look up to see a beautiful and petite, blonde woman in a royal blue dress standing in front of me.

"Yes ma'am" I respond and proceed to set her plate.

"Jenner" I hear Eve say beside me. "It's been a while." The two women smile at each other in a courteous, but not exactly friendly manner.

"Yes Evelyn, it's been a while. You don't go anywhere except your diner these days"

Eve gives a short laugh. "Well, you know, money has to be made"