Chapter 12
Tommy was the first client—the first person, really—Lila ever confided in with his secret. After the cowboy left, Lila stayed in his room, so sure he’d made a mistake. What if Tommy said something to his friends? A wrong word in jest could turn their steeds around and bring them back to the saloon, crying for Lila’s blood. He knew his lifestyle offended some; in the years he’d been plying his trade, Lila had learned early on which clients wouldn’t mind a few moments of his time and which were best to avoid. He favored slim men, virgins, or those already enamored with another. These were easy marks—hold a man missing his girl or wife, ease a hand into the front of his pants, murmur comforting words as Lila brought him to release. Quick money, and they both felt satisfied when he
