It was just after Christmas when I threw up my hands and cashed in my soul. Not that I ever would have admitted it was something to be sold, exchanged, and lost. As I dialed the number for the escort service I was sure that it was already gone. Dirty uncle and all that.

I didn’t notice it at first. I would spend an hour playing the girlfriend, and leave a little richer. Then suddenly it was three years later and I stood in front of a client…completely unable to lie. I couldn’t smile, compliment, charm, pretend. If I could have reached down into my chest where laughter comes from, I would have found it empty. That last trick was the most awkward hour of my life.