Chapter 9 There Be Men Out There

  "Dina!"   "What?"

  "Are we showing too much?"
  "Are you joking?  This is a brothel."
  Nina turned from the mirror.
  "Dina, yer not even dressed."
  "Like it matters."
  Dina went to the armoire anyway.
  "Dina..."
  "What?  I'm gettin' dressed."
  "Ye are fine with the whole brothel thing, right?"
  "It's a brilliant idea.  Husbands fer yer bread is one thing.  This is better."
  Nina smiled.
  "And the clothes...are ye upset about wearin' clothes like these?'
  Dina turned to shut the armoire.

  "Nina!  This is the best part!"
  "Oooo look out the window Dina.  There be men out there."
  Dina looked.
  "Oh!  And a cute little doggy!"
  Dina started for the stairs, Nina on her heels.
  "Dina!  Forget the dog.  We have men out there."
  "Ye coax the men.  I'll play with the cute widdle doggy."
  "Dina!"
  "What?  Ye wanted to start a brothel."
  As they burst through the door they ceased their squabble.
  Dina played with the stray dog, leaving Nina to the men.

  "If you are that cheap, can you really be any good?"

  "If ye want to pay more Amin..."
  Oh please!  Do I have to do everything meself?
  "Amin Sims, ye come upstairs with me."
  Amin followed Dina.
  There!  Ye jest have ta know how to talk to 'em.
  Dina giggled.
  Now Nina is stuck with that old guy!
  Dina made short work of Amin.
  "You Dina, were good."

  I know.

 ***

  Curse Dina for stick me with that old man!  Oh look, another man.

  "Don?"

  He didn't look at her, didn't even turn around.

  Without a word he walked away, never once looking back.

  Nina lifted a hand to her cheek.  Her feeling of disappointment burned away.  Angrily she went back inside.