“Right, but it's not about money."

“Of course it is, you wouldn't have come back to porn twenty years later for any other reason. Your husband passed. You have a son, money is tight." “How did you know that?"

“Your husband? I looked it up, the rest is common sense. So, how about four thousand? That's double what any of the other women will be paid."

“Malcolm, the money is why I did this, but I can't put a price on my son."

“But if you're looking to retire, you could use a good payout on your way out the door." He pointed out, "Five."

Five? That was unheard of for anyone but big name stars doing major movie releases, but I couldn't let money motivate me anymore.

"No."

“Mary, I really don't want to sue you. In fact I'll make a negotiating mistake and say I won't. It will be your choice.

“Thank you," I said sincerely, "The answer is..."

“Ten grand.

“What?" Okay, that caught my attention.

“Ten grand for you to do this shoot."

“That's crazy Malcolm, no one pays that."

"You were right it's as much for me as the company. This kid I have waiting for you I swear he is better than the last. His letter to the site was full of the same love for his mom as Brian, different situation, she's single and he hates her being lonely."

“Cliched." I muttered, thinking I was in the same boat.

“But his passion and love for his mother comes through so clearly. I met him last week and we talked for hours. His love is so sincere I was heartbroken for him. It turned back the clock for me. So yes, I am living vicariously through him. I have no doubt we'll see a similar performance from you as well."

Hopefully not, I thought. No there wouldn't be because I wouldn't. But ten grand? That could help if it took a while to sell the house.

“But there is a catch. I'm not that selfless or reckless."

“What's the catch?"

“You really retire. That way I can bill this as Molly Minx's last movie. I can hype it as such and it will make me even more money, people will watch just for that. Advertisers will want to have a promo on the page it plays on."

“I'm listening." An official announcement wasn't much of a sticking point.

"You sign a new contract stating you retire and you can't return for at least a couple years so it doesn't look like a bait and switch saying it was your last."

“That's no issue, it will be the end."

“Ten thousand dollars, Mary." He said it slowly, “Think about it. I'm doing you a favor, you're locked in and I could force that. Instead I am offering you crazy money for one more show and we announce it's your last one right there when the movie debuts. You go out on top." He laughed, “In fact let's do that, the final position is you on top and I'll use that line."

“Pure genius." I rolled my eyes.