Blake
Chloe seems to have finally relaxed around me. We were on my sofa, with some music on in the background, munching on snacks. She has one of my blankets wrapped around her. She isn’t much of a talker, but the silence wasn’t too awkward. I don’t know if that’s how she is generally or because she doesn’t really know me. I won’t push, though. If she wants to chat, she will.
“Blake, can I ask you something?” her voice breaks the silence.
I mute the music and turn my attention to her. “Yeah, sure. You can ask me anything you want.” I smile.
“Do you stay here alone? Or do I need to prepare myself for someone coming in and losing their shit at me?” I can hear the nervousness in her voice.
“Yes, I stay alone. I am also single, so no girlfriend will randomly show up.” It has been a while since I have had anyone, but now isn’t the time to think about that.
“Okay, good. I can stop silently worrying now,” she says, relieved.
“Is that why you have been so quiet?”
It could possibly be a reason, and I would understand if it was.
“Partly, yes. The other reason is I am not great with small talk. I don’t really speak unless spoken to. I have been that way since I was a kid.” There is a hint of sadness in her tone, making me wonder if it was her choice or if she someone made her be that way.
“Small talk isn’t for everyone. How about we try something? You can ask me any question you want, but the catch is for everyone I answer, I get to ask you one too. If there are ones we don’t want to answer, then that is okay. What are your thoughts?”
If we do it, then it means both have a chance to talk and get to know each other. Chloe gives me a small smile and nods.
“Great! Ladies first.” I encourage.
I am an honest man and will tell her anything she wants to know.
Chloe laughs, “Um, okay. Give me a moment to think.”
She has a lovely laugh, but my gut tells me it isn’t something she often does. I sit, patiently waiting for her to come up with something.
“I will start with something simple. What age are you?”
A basic but essential question is, “I am thirty-four but turn thirty-five next week. You?”
“Twenty-Four.” She answers. I thought she was around that age.
Chloe stares at me with curious eyes, “You asked my age too, so does that mean it is back to me to ask you another question?”
“Sure, go ahead.” I smile. I would make sure not to ask her the same one she asks me next time.
Chloe taps her finger on her chin, thinking hard. I chuckle at her actions.
“Why don’t you have someone? You seem like a decent man, one of the good guys. Any woman would be lucky to have you.” She whispers, seeming nervous.
“I try my best to be a decent man, so thank you, that is very sweet of you. I have not ever had much luck with women and relationships. I either end up with a broken heart, or it turns out there are only using me for my money. I was with someone for four years, but in the end, it didn’t work out. We wanted different things. That happened over a year ago, and I have been single ever since.”
I have never been one for one-night stands and casual flings. It isn’t me. I date here and there, but so far, nothing has worked out for me. I am a hopeless romantic at heart. I want to be with someone for more than one night. I prefer relationships to hook-ups. Sadly, many women take advantage of me because I am of the nice guys, and I would do anything for anyone.
“That sucks, Blake. I am sorry people take advantage of you in such ways because you don’t deserve it. I am sure you will find the right woman soon enough.” She seems genuine when she says it.
“Live and learn. Yes, I am sure she is out there somewhere,” I reply, “Now, my turn. What is it you do for a living?”
Chloe suddenly seems embarrassed, and she looks down at her lap, “I don’t think I should tell you because you will probably look at me differently and throw me out.” she whimpers.
I reach over, placing my hands on her arm, and she jumps, “Chloe, I wouldn’t do that. You can tell me. I promise I won’t judge.” I promise.
She draws in her breath, slowly turning to face me, “I am a stripper.” She blurts out.
“How long have you been doing that?” I made sure my voice was gentle and calm. I didn’t want her to think I was judging her because I was not.
“A few years now. Max got me the job because I didn’t have any money or a job when we met. I hate it, but the money is good, not like I get much of it, any of it really.” Her voice is breaking, and it sounds like she wants is about to cry.
I remove my hand from her arm; instead, I place it over her hand, squeezing it, “I am sorry you have to do a job you hate, Chloe.”
“I have told myself I am going to quit, but I haven’t. Max won’t let me because he enjoys the money from it. And let’s be honest, who else would want to hire someone who didn’t finish high school, had issues with drink and drugs, and has no work experience.” She sobs.
“I am sorry, Chloe. I didn’t mean to upset you. We do what we need to survive. I am sure there are places out there that are willing to give you a try. You just need to find the right place.” I caress the top of her hand with my thumb.
“I don’t mean to be rude or offend you, but what do you know about trying to survive? You have a home, money, and a job. I am sure you had a great education too.”
I am not offended by her statement because most people assume the same when they see what I have, but it hasn’t always been this way.
“I haven’t always had this type of life. My family were poor when I was growing up. My father couldn’t hold a job down due to his addiction to drinking and coke. He got into trouble and spent time in jail, which employers didn’t like. My mother worked three jobs and still struggled to put food on the table for my brother and me because my dad took all her money.”
My entire body tenses out of anger at the thought because I hate the bastard he ruined my mother’s life and ours.
“Oh, okay. I am sorry, Blake. I just made assumptions. How did you get from that life to this?” she asks, wiping her tears away.
“I stuck in at school and got a college scholarship. Once I was done with college, I got a job in the business management sector, built my way up and invested in my own company with two close friends a few years ago, and it became a huge success. It is possible to find something more for yourself, Chloe, if it is something you want.”
“Oh wow, that’s incredible. Maybe it was for you, but it isn’t the case for everyone. I have been dealt my hand, and there is nothing I can do about it. Can we please move onto something else now.” she whimpers, breaking eye contact with me.
I quickly change the subject at her request, “Yes, of course. Your turn.”
“Hmm, favourite food?” I have a feeling the rest of the questions were going to be simple, safe the risk of getting too personal again.
“I love anything with chicken,” I chuckle, “Give me some chicken, and I am a happy man.”
Chloe snickers, shaking her head, “Okay, strange man.” She teases.
“What is yours? Tell me something better?” I pout.
“Pizza. Pasta. Steak. Burgers. Salads. Should I continue?”
“Nope, chicken is still better than all of those.” I protest.
She rolls her eyes at me, laughing again. Maybe this is the way to go; ask easy and silly questions because it seems to put her more at ease, and I want nothing more than that for her tonight.
A part of me hopes if she becomes comfortable enough here, it means she won’t leave in the morning and go back to Max. I want her to stay here where she is safe until we can fix something else out for her, but I don’t know if it will turn out that way. I can’t force her to stay, and I wouldn’t dream of trying. All I can do is encourage her and let her make up her own mind.