For at the start, it might be (merely) a tip. Then, he’s paying for drinks. He’s paying for a meal. He’s paying for tickets. He’s paying for gas, or to park his vehicle. He’s pressing bills into your (not unwilling) hand.

Later, he’s giving you a present. This is formal. An escalation, a declaration. Watching your face as you unwrap the crinkling gilt paper a salesclerk has wrapped for him and imagining the pleasure he is providing you which becomes pleasure flowing in his veins like liquid fire.

Oh thank you . . .

Not just gratitude the man wants but evidence that you are surprised, startled, shaken as if he has reached inside you with his fingers.

. . . thank you I didn’t expect—this.

Like lovemaking when he raises himself on his elbows to observe your face. Alert and jealous needing to know what you are feeling, what is happening to you, what he is causing to happen to you that is exciting to him, thrilling to him because it is he who is causing it, the male penetrating the female, the female impaled upon the male, helpless in subordination to the impassioned and driven energy of the male, extinguished, annihilated.

. . . love love love you.

BUT ALSO, THE CLIENT PAID ME FOR MY LABOR. THROUGH THE Agency, I was in his employ.

HERE Y’ARE, HONEY. FOR YOU.

And—Keep the change, honey.

And—Smile, honey! That’s better.

I was a university student. I could work only part-time. Usually at the minimum wage, or below.

Favoring those kinds of (unskilled) jobs that involve tips. Waitress, counter girl, clerk.

These were natural jobs for young females. Inevitable jobs. Not a servant but yes, servile. Sometimes, you wear a colorful uniform with an insignia embossed on your right breast. Sometimes the uniform is flattering, sometimes not-so.

Sometimes you wear a low-cut jersey top, short skirt of a shimmery fabric that barely covers your buttocks. Legs encased in dark stockings. Or, bare legs kept fastidiously shaved, gleaming-pale in the dim light of the restaurant/cocktail lounge like slow-swimming fish.

The (male) hand coming to rest at the small of the back. Or, a series of light, avuncular pats at the small of the back.

Tips depend upon the generosity of customers. To a degree, the sobriety of customers.

However it is true that if the customers are male, and if you can lighten their hearts with a smile, or stir their genitals, they may reward you.

Here’s for you, honey. Thaannk you!

WHAT YOU LOSE IN DIGNITY YOU GAIN IN TIPS.

Or, what you gain in tips you lose in dignity.

EVENTUALLY IT IS SUGGESTED TO YOU THAT HOUSECLEANING will pay more than waitressing. Much less interaction with the client.