Totems and taboos

When the IRS strikes, my favorite john wants to kiss me and my boyfriend refuses.

By Tracy Quan

Nov 18, 1999 | Nov. 18, 1999

Friday, September 25, Later

Surely, if my body got me into this predicament with the IRS, it can get me out: I offered Milt a deal he couldn't refuse -- or so I thought -- in exchange for his generous advance. Better than any rate a bank would charge me for a five-figure loan: "I'll pay interest," I suggested. "I'll throw in an extra session -- but no German shepherds, poppers or chandeliers!"

He cocked his head and glanced at my art deco ceiling lamp.

"You've never given me a real kiss," he said. "That's what I really want."

"What?" I was caught off-guard and he noted my sudden frown.

"If you don't like it, we'll never do it again," he added, "but you have to admit, it's not such a bad deal. Better than prime rate."

"I ... don't know," I replied slowly.

Real kissing? That's one thing I would never do for money. I didn't know what to say.

"Think of it as my gram of flesh," he said, playfully.

"It's more like a kilo!" I exclaimed, hoping to sound just as playful -- but the words made me feel clumsy. Milt's unkissed lips formed a gentle but confident smile; I looked away, blushing deeply. "I'll consider it," I said, as he picked up his briefcase. Then I ushered him out of my apartment, silently cursing him.

I've never kissed a john in my life! Other girls marvel at how I get clients to come back again and again hoping to crack my unbreakable code. But now ... do I have a choice?

Eileen thinks I'm on the IRS's To Do list, and Jasmine says the girls who owe back taxes are in the worst position. Would I risk jail time rather than kiss a john?

Monday, September 28

A session this morning with Jack, whom I see perhaps twice a year. He's one of Allie's regulars, so I was surprised when he called. In bed, Jack was nervous, quietly trying not to come too fast. As he was dressing, he opened up -- sort of. "If you see Allison, don't talk about me. I don't want her to know I'm seeing other -- that I've seen you," he said, a furtive look on his face.

Next Page: Allison points the finger -- at me!

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