"How much money will I make?" Clem asked stiffly.
"Again, that depends on you," Jewel stated. "I get thirty percent; you pocket the rest. The rules are simple. Keep yourself and your room meticulously clean. Show up on time for meals. Nettie is not your personal servant. Inform me immediately if you're sick or there is some other reason you cannot perform your duties and inform Mr. Vasquez as soon as there is a problem of any sort with a customer. You may call him Mr. Gabe but remember, he doesn't like surprises," she said ruefully.
"What if I don't take anyone up to my room? Will I still be paid?"
"You will be paid for your work. When you are not seeing a gentleman caller you'll be serving drinks and talking to the men. You'll also be added to the rotation in the bathing room. If a man is particularly dirty, and I mean to the point where a wash with a rag and soap upstairs won't do the trick, they either agree to a bath or they aren't allowed off the first floor." She paused and gave a soft smile. "Believe me, the men find it far easier to bear taking a full bath when a pretty gem is waiting to scrub a back and wash his hair and a gem finds it a great deal more pleasant if a clean man shares their bed." Another pause and then the madame continued. "At times you will be asked to dance with a man, but that's your decision and your tips are you own to do with as you please. The main thing is be pleasant, attractive, and friendly. It will keep the men coming back even if you choose not to take it any further. I'll provide you with the basics, your underthings, petticoats and dresses. You'll be responsible for any other personal needs. Any questions?"
"When can I move in and start work?"
"You are a stubborn girl, aren't you?" Jewel asked, shaking her head. "You can move in right away. Della will help you get settled and I'll have one of the girls show you around. You'll want a bath and I'll see what I can find for you to wear until I can have some things made for you. The other girls will help you look your best. I have an image to maintain and I expect all my girls to uphold it."
"Thank you," Clem replied as Jewel rose and led her from the room. "What will my name be?" she asked curiously.
"Gabe, meet Crystal," Jewel said as they left the office and approached the bar.
Gabe laughed. "It's nice to meet you, Crystal. We'll get along fine as long as you behave yourself."
"Miss Jewel, I was wondering…"
"What is it, Crystal?"
"My Pa is being buried in the morning and I was wondering if you or any of the girls have a black dress I could borrow. Or should I go to the graveside wearing my britches? I don't want anyone to recognize me as Crystal when I'm not working."
"Let me think about this," Jewel replied thoughtfully. "I'll let you know what I decide later. For now, go on upstairs. You can have the room at the end of the hall, the last door on the left. I'll send someone up to show you the layout, where you can bathe and lend you something to wear. I can hardly have you running around like that. Be downstairs for dinner at four. We dine early."
***
"Not quite a gem, is she?" Gabe stated as his eyes traveled from Clementine's head to her dusty boots as she walked away with Della.
"I guess not," Jewel admitted ruefully, "but still, she has quite a bit of sparkle to her don't you think?"
"Let's hope it's sparkle and not spark. She's very young, honey. I can't quite believe you took her on, at least not for upstairs. Are you sure you know what you're doing?"
"No," Jewel sighed, nibbling on her fingernail, "but what was I supposed to do, turn her out into the street? I tried to point out the details in the most graphic and unappealing way I could, but it didn't seem to sway her. I think Miss McKay has a stubborn streak, or maybe I should say she's determined, a bit like me in some aspects."
"There's nothing wrong with wearing a pink petticoat and working down here," Gabe pointed out, coming out from behind the bar.
"She was insistent. If I didn't take her, lord knows what she would have done, maybe end up far worse off. Have you forgotten the condition Della was in when we found her that night in the street?"
"No," he growled. "I haven't forgotten, nor have I forgotten that a few minutes ago you were telling Crystal how attractive you thought Montgomery is. Care to explain that remark?" he asked, stalking towards her with a gleam in his dark eyes.
"Um, not particularly," she said with a grin as she backed up, putting her hands behind her back and covering her bottom.
"I didn't think so. Let's step into the office and I'll remind you who you belong to," Gabe suggested, grasping her upper arm and pulling her against him when she'd backed herself into a corner.
Jewel laughed and surrendered, relaxing against him and offering up her lips. When she was breathless, she eased away and fanned her face.