Chapter Text
- 2001 -
They say it’s good to be blissfully ignorant. To not know what horrors await you in your untouchable future. For if you knew, would you behave differently? A jealous laugh. An unbroken stare. An unsolicited touch. Could a single action set you on an entirely divergent path?
Audrey was ignorant then. When her only responsibility was to smile and refill champagne flutes. Sixteen and still in school, the worst-case scenario for the young performer was losing her position at the club.
Most nights she would don a tight black dress, brush out her pin curls and carry around a tray of drink to the wealthiest men and women in the city. She looked at least twenty when she was wearing makeup. Some evenings she would be called upon to take the stage and sing. She assumed that’s why her aunt kept her around all this time, because she had vocal cords ‘gifted to her by God.’ That and because she was a treat to the eye.
Despite her young age, Audrey was already attracting attention. She’d gotten used to having her ass slapped and the occasional chest fondle as she ducked between tables. It unsettled something deep inside her, but she didn’t yet have the nerve to act upon it.
Audrey knew what went on behind the closed doors of the private rooms. She knew that’s where the escorts would deal with their clients, and she knew how much they were making to do it. Her mentors had taught her that it was a worthy profession. To give pleasure and comfort to those who crave it most. To be sought after. To be in control. She knew one day it would be her turn to take someone by the hand and lead them away from the crowd to fuck them.
“Not until you’re eighteen.”
It’s not like she lacked practice. She’d had many partners of all genders since high school began. No one doubted that she knew what went on. Not until you’re eighteen. Those were the rules set by her aunt, the madame. But Audrey wanted the glory and gold. She yearned for it. She would see the other girls take their clients away and she would revel in the jealousy that swept over her. Growing up in this environment had swayed her idea of what a young woman should be. While others wanted to pass school or get married and start a family. Audrey wanted influence.
“Audrey.” Aunt Beatrix pulled the girl from her daydream. “Table one tonight. A very important man is coming. Very wealthy. Very… influential. I need you to be–“
“On my best behaviour. I know.” Audrey interrupted. “Thanks for the warning.”
“I’m serious.” Beatrix placed a hand on her niece’s shoulder. “You know Wilford Industries?”
“Luxury Transportation?” Audrey looked up at her.
“It’s him. Joseph Wilford.” Beatrix looked starstruck just saying his name.
“He’s just a man, Bea.” Audrey replied. Beatrix frowned.
“You’ll be on table six. I don’t want you sniffing around the VIPs this time… and don’t let me catch you sipping from the glasses tonight, okay?” She gave the girl a slap on the arm.
“Yes, ma’am.” Audrey said as the older woman slinked away, her long glittery black dress trailing on the carpet.
Dressed and ready for the night’s engagement, Audrey was creating the table settings for the VIP tables before any of the guests arrived. She placed all the glasses and silverware in the correct places before briefly taking a seat in one of the plush chairs. Looking up at the stage, she imagined herself performing in front of tonight’s crowd. She would be singing in French, something reserved for the most distinguished guests.
She was caught off guard as she heard voices approaching from the upstairs mezzanine.
“Through here is our main dining hall and performance space.” Beatrix was giving a tour. Following her down the stairs was a gentleman in a tailored suit, mid-thirties, dusty blonde hair, and a smirk resting across his lips. Audrey leapt from the chair and busied herself with looking busy.
“This is where your party will be seated tonight.” Beatrix led the man over to table one. Audrey tried to make herself scarce, but the man’s Yorkshire accent stopped her in her tracks.
“And who is this lovely creature?” Was he talking about her? To her?
“Oh, that’s my niece.” Beatrix sounded nervous. “Come here, darling.” She summoned.
Audrey spun on her heels and gracefully made her way over to them.
“This is young Miss Audrey.” Beatrix introduced her. “Audrey, this is Mr Joseph Wilford.”
Mr Wilford extended his hand out to Audrey. She hesitated slightly before graciously taking it. To her surprise, he lifted it to his lips and placed a featherlight kiss on the back of her hand.
“Well, Miss Audrey. How do you do?” He smiled. Audrey looked to her aunt, who gave a miniscule nod.
“Very well, sir, thank you, and yourself?” Audrey said, revealing a smile.
“I am well.” Mr Wilford replied, releasing her hand. “A pleasure to meet you.”
Then the moment was over, Beatrix dismissed her. Audrey gave Mr Wilford one last glance before disappearing into back-of-house.
The great Mr Wilford who she had heard so much about, was indeed, just a man. A handsome man with enough gravity to have his own moons. Audrey felt an intrigue towards him, but she couldn’t quite place it.
❅ ❅ ❅
8:00pm rolled around and the venue was full. The girls were patrolling, and the fun had begun. Mr Wilford had filled two tables with his large entourage, all looking at him adoringly.
Audrey managed her table well but couldn’t help being distracted by the mystery of table one. Mr Wilford was so alluring, he had everyone there in the palm of his hand. That’s what Audrey wanted to accomplish. To have that much control over another human being.
Occasionally, Mr Wilford would catch her icy eyes staring him down from across the room and she’d quickly turn away, busying herself with the job she was supposed to be focused on.
When it came time for her to perform, Audrey had changed into a floor length red-violet gown. It’s corset boning cinched her waist made her cleavage look bigger. She knew how to control her image and she took great pride in it.
She made her way to the stage and stepped into the spotlight. This is where she thrived. When she felt the most alive. The band began to play. Audrey eyed the crowd. Her gaze lingered on Mr Wilford and his pinstripe suit. Although reclined, Audrey sensed she had him on the edge of his seat. He was indeed just a man, but for an inexplicable reason she knew she wanted to impress him. She inhaled deeply and began to sing, feeling for the duration of the song that she only had an audience of one – Mr Wilford.