Thursday afternoons always dragged. Three clients back to back, and by the time four o’clock rolled around, my hands ached, and my shoulders burned from the repetitive work. But Thursdays also meant Nancy. My last appointment. The one I spent all week thinking about. I smoothed the fresh sheet over the massage table for the third time, adjusted the bolster, and checked the oil warmer. The apartment was quiet except for th...

Lucy was surprised when her boss informed her that the department director had requested her to join her on a business trip. Having been with the company for just over two months, she felt honored that Ms. Quinn trusted her to assist with an important client meeting. During the first client meeting, everything went smoothly. Lucy was impressed by how Ms. Quinn led the meeting and held everyone's attention in the room. Her...

Ms. Quinn’s hands left Lucy’s spent body. She guided her, a steadying arm around her waist, from the steam-softened bathroom into the cooler, dimly lit living area of the suite. The city lights glittered beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows like a scattered diamond necklace. “Here, Lucy,” Ms. Quinn said, her voice a low, satisfied hum. She settled onto the large, plush sofa, arranging herself with a casual grace that made...