Two Are Waiting.

You don't make friends here.

She stops at the Seven on Villagrán and Ruperto Martinez. Hot chocolate from the machine. Botón 3. They're out of pepino Marlboro. She grabs sandia. Cashier recognizes her. Won't look her in the eye. She forgets the package of toallitas. Has to go back in.

Three times around the block. Finds a spot on Treviño. Knows the owner. Car is safe. Guys on the sidewalk shout something.

The lockers are past the curtain at the end of the hall. Street clothes off. Mini dress on. Señora Norma at the front. Keeps things chill. Keeps track. Who. What. How long. Shouts names when the time is up.

She keeps things simple so that folks understand.

No kissing. No touching. No disrobing. One position. The rest costs.

Come prepared. Quick look. No pimples. No ooze. Wipe it down. Rips open the condom wrapper with her teeth. All fixed up. Listo. Pulls up dress. Pulls aside panties. Leans back. Make the most of it.

Most guys are done in five. Last one took seven. He goes home thinking he's a champ. She goes home with the rent.

A few try and try. She gets loud for both of them. They're too ashamed to complain. They come back. Better luck next time.

"¿Te puedo traer algo de la esquina? Fumas Marlboro ¿no?" More heart than hard on. She tells him no. Two are waiting.

Purse goes from room to room. Loose condoms and a package from Shein. Bottles of Prudence. Caps on tight. Las toallitas por supuesto. Bimbo Cuernitos and Joya Manzanita for later. Two phones. One with Super Mario she hands to the kids in the Walmart checkout. The other number is pa' los vatos. Whatever.

The girls: Amber, Tania, Yaya, La Güera. They split a case of lube last week. They don't split customers. One starts charging less. Takes all the business. They straighten her out. You don't make friends here.

A guy walks around the block three times. Pretends not to look in the door. Fourth time he walks in like he just found the place.

She gets off at eight. Traffic will be a bitch.

BACK.

It hurts. It costs. La máquina no da cambio. MORE.