“Uh no, but I was tested at my last gyno appointment. That was about eight months ago.”
“Any results I should know about?”
I shake my head. “Everything was clear. I’m as fit and healthy as a horse.”
Melissa nods and marks a couple more things down on her notebook, which she keeps angled away from me so I can’t read what she’s writing. Then she looks up, her brown eyes calm.
“Since Corrie is your sister-in-law, I assume you know what Sanctum does. Are you willing to perform the duties required of a member?”
I ponder for a moment. “I do know what happens, but are there more specific duties? I guess, could you clarify a bit?”
The older woman nods.
“In general, we like our single women to perform for our male clientele, of course.”
I let out a breath.
“Oh yes. Like dancing and serving drinks?”
Melissa shrugs although her expression remains neutral. “Yes that, but the options are endless. I guess I’d say dancing and serving drinks are the basics. Sometimes, our male clients want more, like running, jumping, and wrestling. Really, anything that crosses their mind.”
Confusion comes over my features because this is getting weird.
“Jumping? Wrestling? That seems unorthodox.”
Melissa nods.
“But this isn’t just any club, Jemima. It’s a unique place where men and women can get together safely to enjoy each other’s bodies, all in a hedonistic environment with no holds barred. Part of that means pleasing the men, and if they ask you to jump, then I’d ask right back, how high?”
I open my mouth for a question, but I snap it shut immediately.
“But I’m not very athletic,” I admit in a low tone. “I walk around my town sometimes but I don’t do any cardio or anything. The last time I did a sport was in high school. I was on our badminton team, and I was okay but not a superstar or anything.” Melissa nods at my rambling, and I can’t seem to stop talking. I mention that beyond high school, I do go to the gym on occasion, and chasing around my niece keeps me in shape too. “I know I have more curves than maybe the average woman should, but I have a good, strong body,” I finish in an almost apologetic tone.
“I’m going to stop you there,” the older woman says. “Physically, you’re more than suited for Sanctum and I think you’ll find that many of our male clients prefer a woman with curves. But thank you very much for coming in today, Jemima. It was a pleasure to meet you.”
She stands and my heart sinks as she extends a hand to shake. I stay rooted in my seat for a moment before I finally get up, trembling a bit. Melissa has a couple inches on me, but in my heels, I can look her in the eye.
“That’s it?” I ask in a wavery voice. “There aren’t any more questions? I know I rambled a bit there, but I’m an open book if you have more to ask.”
“I’m afraid this is all we have time for today.”
“But… but… I really want this. Tell me what to do, and I’ll do it. I’m malleable. I can adapt.”
The older woman sighs. “You’re great, Jemima, and to be frank, you’re exactly what we’re looking for here at Sanctum. Our male clients appreciate beautiful women, and if she’s smart, enthusiastic, and with a good head on her shoulders, then even better.”
I brighten a bit. “Does that mean I’m in?”
Melissa shakes her head slowly, her brown bob swinging.
“Unfortunately, no. We’ve just had so much interest lately that we’re over-subscribed. There’s been a lot of word of mouth, and we can’t keep up. Too many young women have come, seeking entrance, and there simply isn’t room to bring on anyone else. But I’ll keep your application on file, and we’ll call you if something opens up. Thank you for coming in.”
I swallow the big lump of disappointment in my throat. Of course, I can understand why Sanctum is a desirable place to work. The female members of the club can make a ton of money because membership for them is free. Instead, the male clients pay exorbitant fees, while the women serve, dance and generally cater to the male members’ desires. All for a hefty tip, of course.
But I can’t go home empty-handed. I won’t.
“I took a plane from Wyoming to come to this interview,” I say in a stern voice. “I planned ahead, and picked a weekend when there would be a party happening. I was hoping for the chance to attend while I’m here. Do you think that would be possible?”
Melissa shakes her head regretfully.
“I’m so sorry about this, Jemima. You truly are a great fit for us, and if I’d heard from you just a month earlier, I might’ve had an opening. But right now, we’re full up. I won’t be able to extend you an invitation to the party tonight.”