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Dedicated to Violet
>>> Copyright notice from the author: All rights reserved. © / Copyright: 2017 Maria van Daarten. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author. Only CO “Legalife-Ukraine” has permission. – Translated from German to English by buchuebersetzer.webs.com. <<<
19
I am leaving Michael’s apartment in an exceptionally good mood. Inside the elevator, I switch into my cork-soled shoes. The appointment went smoothly. I have seen to a young customer’s happiness. Considering my profession, this small achievement boosts my self-confidence and increases my happiness. I walk along the partially shaded roadside until I find a bus stop. Even though it is incredibly hot — I am not looking forward to the bus ride — I refrain from taking a cab to save money. It is not like I am in a hurry to meet my next client. The only thing I plan on doing is to purchase a sun hat in the city center. That expense is practical. I do not mind parting with money for things like that, but unnecessary taxi rides do not fit my current budget. I have received no calls while at Michael’s home. Nevertheless, there is still hope. The day is not over yet.
My goal is two customers per day, but I am realistic because not every client will pay 150 euros. There also will be a day off now and then, days where I will not receive any calls and days where I might even be sick. If it turns out I earn an average of more than 4000 euros per month in Athens, I will be satisfied and can live well while putting money aside. That is my dream scenario.
I do not have to wait long before boarding bus E 22 going to Syntagma Square. Unfortunately, once again, the bus is crowded with no available seats. Although I am only carrying one bag today, the ride is still horrible. This bus has straps hanging from the ceiling for standing passengers to grab. I grasp one with one hand and stand with my feet slightly apart for better balance. I could have fun and regard it as exercise, but in view of the deplorable circumstances, I do not feel up for it. Traveling by bus is definitely not a permanent solution. If everything works out as well as I expect and I establish a small customer base by the end of August, I will fly to Germany and drive my car back to Athens stuffed with more clothes, especially autumn and winter clothes. At that moment, when it is most inconvenient, my phone rings. With great difficulty, I retrieve my phone from the side pocket of my handbag, wedge it between my shoulder and chin, and answer the call while trying to maintain my balance.
“Hello!”
“Hi! This is Ed. Am I speaking with the German lady from Athens World?”
“Yes, that’s me.”
The caller speaks in German with a Bavarian or Austrian dialect.
“Can you hear me?” I ask. “Right now, I’m on a crowded bus and can’t hear you very well.”
“Yes, I can tell. I’m having difficulty understanding you as well.”
“Could you call me back, let’s say, in about 15 minutes? By that time, I’ll be off the bus and it’ll be quieter.”
Ed agrees and I end the conversation. I place my phone back in my handbag and close the zipper. This little undertaking in the horribly rocking bus triggers perspiration on my forehead and armpits. Since the bus is full and I have no seat, it really is no place to conduct a business call. I hope Ed will actually call back!
Thankfully, it is a short ride. After another ten minutes, the bus stops at Syntagma Square. I am glad to be off that bus. While walking, I listen for my phone. It remains silent. On Ermou Street, I head for the nearest café to use the restroom to freshen up. In case I get a little sweaty, I always carry deodorizing body wipes in my purse. I hope they are as refreshing as the packaging promised!
Somewhat refreshed, I visit the next big clothing store, pleased it has air-conditioning. The cool air feels fantastic! It is the right spot to stroll around for a while instead of burning in the Greek sun. Still waiting for my phone to ring, I wander around looking for sun hats. I am in luck. There is a white fabric hat with a wide brim. Considering the clothes I brought from Germany, the hat will go with almost everything. Trying it on in front of a mirror, I find it suits me well. Standing in line at the cash register, my phone rings. I quickly step aside and answer.
“Hello?”
“Hi, it’s Ed again. I called earlier. Can you talk now?”
“Yes, I can, Ed! By the way, I’m Anika. — Would you like more information?”
“Please! Say, how old are you and what color hair do you have?”
“I’m 35 and blonde. I charge 150 euros for one hour of steamy sex.”
Speaking in my mother tongue is nice for a change. It is easier than speaking English.
“Okay, 35 is good. Are you slim?”
“Yes, I’m slim. I have a good figure. I don’t think you will be disappointed. —Are you at a hotel? Or do you live in Athens?”
“I’m here on business and staying at the Hilton. Can you come here?”
“Certainly. Do you want to make an appointment?”
“Yes. How about 6:00 p.m.?”
“That’s fine.”
“Great! I’ll see you!”
“Ed, I need your last name and room number.”
“My room number is 728 and my name is Ed Rosch.”
“Thank you. I’ll call you after 5:00 p.m., okay?”
“Great. Until then, Anika. I’m already looking forward to the steamy sex you’ve promised!”
“Thank you. I’m looking forward meeting you too! Talk to you later, Ed!”
Yippee! An appointment at the Hilton! And, he did not even say anything about my rate. And, he is German or Austrian. Super! Paying for my hat, I walk outside and search for a café on one of the side streets off the Ermou pedestrian only zone. – Did I actually promise him steamy sex? God, I am an idiot!
At 5:30 p.m., before hailing a cab, I call Ed:
“Hi, Ed? It’s Anika. I wanted to let you know that I’m on my way. I’ll be there at 6:00 p.m.”
“Great! See you soon, Anika!”
Fantastic. It went smoother than I hoped. He will be my first customer I meet in one of Athens’ grand and luxurious hotels.
Once again, I am in luck, the cab is air-conditioned. This way I will not get sticky shortly before my appointment. Slipping back into my gold high heels, I lean back and relax. The ride from Syntagma Square to the Hilton Hotel is much shorter than I thought. At 5:45 p.m., the taxi stops at the hotel entrance and I have to get out. Bummer! What am I going to do for 20 minutes? Approaching the revolving glass door, insecurity washes over me. What can I do so I do not stand out? Maybe grab a drink at the hotel bar. Entering the lobby with its leather-seating group, small boutique, and long reception desk, I take in the entire room with a single glance and discover the elevators off to the side. On the way to the hotel bar, I see a magazine and tobacco shop. How fortunate for me. Now I can browse until my appointment. I like that much better than sitting alone at the bar with nothing to do but feel tense and anxious. I am the only customer in the store. After inspecting the front pages of some German and English magazines, I scan through several.
At 4:50 p.m. I buy a Bunte magazine and walk back into the grandiose lobby. I do not believe my purpose there is obvious to anyone who saw me. I worried for nothing, especially considering the conservative floral dress I am wearing. Confident again, I cross the lobby and head for the elevators. When I get out on the seventh floor, I am anxious once more. Full of stage fright, I knock on room door 728.
to be continued
Sunshine, Sex & Easy Money: Diary of a Call Girl, Maria van Daarten
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