I stayed in my room for hours after that, wondering how this new-found information would affect my role in the house. Maybe it wouldn’t at all. Maybe it would completely. It was too early to know. One thing that was very clear to me, however, was that there was a strong possibility no one else knew. It seemed strange to me that an intelligent business man like Aiden would allow himself to become so personally entangled in the business. It didn’t make sense. But if Ashley is in fact as good as she’s rumored to be, perhaps it made all the sense in the world.

Around eight that night after the sun had settled and the house seemed to come alive with the noise of the four girls whose secrets still managed to surpass the intrigue of their occupational choices even in all of its taboo and supposed glamour, I met Madison. I had finally left my room at the demand of my screaming appetite and there she was at the kitchen counter eating a bowl of Fruit Loops and flipping through the latest issue of “Traditional Home.” The irony seemed to be lost on her completely, and when she saw me she smiled and closed the magazine to offer me her full attention.

“I’m Madison.”

“Spencer,” I replied, offering my hand.

“I’m sorry we haven’t met until now. I don’t really take clients here and sometimes I get in really late.”

“I understand. In fact, I think I’m going to follow your lead and keep most of my business outside as well. It just makes the most sense to me.”

“I always thought so too. But don’t try to convince Ashley. She’ll swear up and down that nothing beats the convenience of having them come to you.”

“Oh, I’m sure she does.”

“So, how do you like it so far? Well, the house I mean.”

“It’s nice. I like it a lot. Well…you know, I’m trying to figure out how I fit in here but…”

“Listen, if that’s what you’re waiting for…it’ll never happen. You just do the same job you’ve always done and save your money. The turnover here is insane. New girls all the time.”

“Really?” I asked, surprised I hadn’t thought of this possibility before.