Vicious by Sinden West

I’ll work on that. Have a good night keeping your head above the poverty line.”
    I flashed a sarcastic smile. “Thank you, sir. You enjoy spending that money now.” I watched him go before looking at the cash he had put down in front of me. At least he had left a big tip.
    I left soon after that, and the moment I put my head on the pillow I was asleep, which was no easy task with the couple who lived next door having an argument. They yelled and threw things which landed against our shared wall with a jolt. Other times, they had noisy sex like they were making a porn movie or something.
    I woke up to Connie banging on my door. She had a coffee for me which she shoved in my hand. The moment we moved here, Connie seemed to shed her childhood and baggage like a lizard sheds it skin. She bloomed here, as if she were a bud that had been encased in ice for years and finally the summer had come to free her. The chip on her shoulder had melted off and she grabbed life with both hands. For the first time, I genuinely liked her.
    “Don’t forget about the hot double date we’ve got tonight.” She picked up a ratty strand of my hair and wrinkled her nose at it. “You really need to get your hair done.” I pulled it free from her. Her own hair was a sun kissed blonde that suited her now natural looking make-up and athletic beach body.
    I groaned. “I can’t stand Simon. He’s so stuck up, he looks down on us, which doesn’t matter to me, but it should to you, you’re the one sleeping with him.” I made a face as I sipped the coffee because it was so strong.
    She grinned and sipped her own coffee. “Oh, I know, he’s a complete dick. But he’s introducing me to people, and when we’re alone he’s actually very sweet . Plus he buys me the best clothes and jewelry, who can argue with that?”
    I sighed. “What’s his friend like?”
    “Tim’s cute in a preppy kind of way. He’s some kind of banker.” Her manicured hand started to play with the necklace she wore. It looked expensive and was obviously a gift from Simon.
    “He sounds boring.”
    “So? Who cares? Sometimes the most boring ones are the best in bed. Anyway, they’re taking us to Lucien’s which just got a Michelin star and there’s a waiting list so— ”
    “What’s a Michelin star?”
    “Who cares? Anyway, you need a good screw. Remember the girl who used to use sex as a tool? What happened to that girl? And don’t give me any bullshit about suddenly gaining self-respect, because I’m pretty sure you haven’t got any of that either.”
    I rolled my eyes at her, but she just laughed. “Go have a shower. I’ll try and make you look respectable.” Her forehead wrinkled. “God knows it won’t be easy.”
    When she was done with me, I looked okay. The dark circles were covered, and my hair had been wrestled up into some complicated chignon thing which hid the split ends. The little black dress she lent me was low cut and showed a generous swell of my breasts.
    We met the guys at the restaurant. Everything wa s white tablecloths and crystal and the maître d’ was arrogant which is how you knew that it was good place.             
    “I’m ordering the wine before they get here,” Connie announced. “I only want the good stuff.” She ordered a bottle that was so expensive that it made my jaw drop open.
    “Are you kidding? That bottle’s worth more than my rent for six months.”
    Connie smirked. “Simon likes everyone to know how well off he is.” She wiggled her fingers at me to show off the diamonds that flashed on them.
    I shook my head. “He’s such a prat.”
    “He sure is,” agreed Connie. “But he has his uses. Here they come…”
    They were both dressed in expensive suits. Tim reminded me of a boy playing dress up, he was too tall and too thin. He was also arrogant. I was greeted with a brush of his lips on my cheek and barel y a hello. That was okay though; I made a vow to order something expensive. Tim