The other girl was also blonde, but far fairer than Hannah. Her skin was pale and freckles dotted her nose and cheeks. She was extremely skinny, with a boyish figure. Had Hannah not known she was a senior, she might have thought the girl was in middle school.

Whats up? Elodie asked, looking up from her phone.

Hannah looked around, play-acting as if she was worried someone might overhear.

Ive reconsidered your offer, she whispered.

What offer? Elodie replied.

It was obvious that shed been coached to be careful when someone else initiated this kind of discussion. Hannah leaned in even closer, trying to seem conspiratorial.

You know, about the dates.

Elodie nodded as if this was the first shed heard of it.

What are you reconsidering?

I think I might be into it, Hannah said. I mean, I already see older guys sometimes. If I can get more out of them than just a nice dinner and free drinks, thats something I might be interested in.

Whats your name again?

Hannah.

Youre not a cop, are you, Hannah? Elodie asked. You know you have to tell me if I ask you that.

I didnt know that, Hannah said. Im not exactly up on police procedure. But no, Im not a cop. Im just a girl who doesnt have enough cold weather clothes and wouldnt mind an occasional tanning session.

Elodie stared at her, trying to gauge whether Hannah could be trusted. Hannah looked back, intentionally projecting a mix of apprehension and excitement, though she felt none of the former and only a bit of the latter. She did her best to keep her disdain hidden. The idea that this silly teenage half-pimp could see into her soul was laughable. If she could, shed already be running away screaming.

Heres the deal, Elodie finally said, apparently convinced of Hannahs credibility. Based on these guys tastes, you might be a little old. When do you turn eighteen?

Next spring.

Thats cutting it close, Elodie noted. But something about officially being underage makes a big difference to them, so that works in your favor. Plus, you have a lot of the qualities they liketall, blonde, pretty, green eyes, athletic figure. A lot of the clients are foreign and dont see much of that in their countries. I could set up a meeting with my contact and see what he thinks. Interested?

I guess, Hannah said, keeping a bit of trepidation in her tone. When?

How about after school today? Elodie asked. He could pick us up in the parking lot and drop us back afterward.

Wow, thats fast.