James is different from your other clients.

Simply put, James is gentle. Other men stare, he admires. They push and press, he almost ebbs away and takes whatever you say as gospel. He reimburses you for your presence and time, yet you feel inclined to refund him on each occasion with how… innocuous he is. You often think about coming over at no cost just to hear him talk about himself, but you never do.

Even now, after calling you up earlier today to ask if you could come over, you remain clothed and sitting on your knees on James’ bed with his head on your lap. You’re petting him like a child would a newly-gifted puppy.

He stares at you like you’re the only other person left on Earth and there’s a chance of something more between you two — but that would be ridiculous.