I checked the second text and frowned.

“Hey, mom, hope you're knocking them dead today! Bet this shoot pans out! See you tonight!"

For months I'd been lying to him. Telling him I had photo shoots and then saying none of them had turned into anything yet or saying I'd been paid, but not sure when and where the pics would be used.

I replied, “Hey, honey, I got called into work tonight. Just until eleven, I'll be home by eleven thirty, please don't wait up! There's some lasagna in the fridge, make sure you eat."

I looked up at a quick knock, “Come in."

“Hey, Mary." Dan said, coming in.

“I love that people knock around here," I rolled her eyes, “Like there's anything resembling modesty."

“No reason not to have manners." Dan replied, “Hey listen, I have to take a rain check on that drink. Larry the genius double booked himself and asked me to oversee a scene in a half hour. It's a threesome for Exotica, some actual plot and the sex is supposed to be kind of arsty, It's going to take hours to get it right."

“That's okay." I told him, "I have a chance to work tonight."

“Christ, you're still slinging drinks at that crappy place?" He laughed, “Vincent's is like a notch up from hooters, sexy girls, but fully dressed so you can bring the f "I have to keep the job."

“Come on, Molly, an hour on your back and knees pays you more than a week on your feet there."

“You know, Dan, just when I think you're a regular guy you say crap Like that."

"I've been in porn for twenty five years. We started about the same time, but I never left. I do the best I can."

“I know, and you're great, everyone loves to work with you and you're like family to me." I laughed, "Not the family everyone's into these days though."

“These days? Shit, Mary, Kay Parker's taboo was already a legend when we started."

“True. I have to keep the real job, Dan. If I don't I have to explain where the money's coming from."

“Your modeling gig.”

“But then Paul is going to want to see ads or videos, I can't keep saying I get paid with no proof."

“Right about He sighed, "I'm sure that's part of what you're looking to vent

“I'm in a bad spot, Dan, I feel like everything is lose, lose right now." I admitted.

"I get it, how about breakfast tomorrow morning? My first shoots not until two."

“Sure,” I paused, “Come at eight Paul's still home, he hasn't seen you in weeks."

“okay. He grinned, “That's me, uncle Dan." The smile faded.

“I get why you worry. I'd feel like less than shit if Paul ever found out how we met and that I film you now.”

“And you'd be feeling higher than me."