Slechts Groot - Part 1

In late spring, the canals, the many little bridges that ribbed each canal into the distance, and all the walkways leading  to and from were framed with blooming trees and flowers, a scene that deserved to have been painted by one of the classic painters.  But this was Amsterdam, and such scenes had been famously recreated by many Masters, over hundreds of years.  An extra little flower from America was a part of today’s scene.  Jaimie was central on one of the up and over bridges. There she was leaning upon a stone wall railing, peering onto the canal scene of barges.  There was even a classic Keeshond, a Dutch barge dog, down there on one commercial boat. In total, a very busy route of commerce.

“Hoeveel voor een uur?” Interrupted her relaxed view of the waterway.

“Hoeveel voor een uur?” Again, from a sliver headed fellow with a matching silver beard.

Jaimie was confused.  And, actually, it was many seconds before she even realized that he was asking something of her.  And he was asking whatever it was, kindly, but with a noticeable self interest.   That was particularly reflected in his face as he scanned Jaimie from head to foot.  He twisted his head, as in puppy dog fashion, and asked again.

“Om fysieke liefde te maken.  Hoeveel voor een uur?” All said with focus and precision.

Another man, who was between Jaimie and her husband Dave, intervened. He put his palm up to the man with the question, and addressed Jaimie.

“American?” 

Jaimie nodded quickly and with some relief that someone at least knew that she spoke English.

“He wants to know how much you charge.  How much for an hour of sex?”

“Me? Why is he asking me?”

“Well...oh, what is your name Miss?”

“Jaimie.”

“Well, Jaimie, the RLD is less than a mile away, and, sometimes, the girls will come as far as over here for a break.  He just thinks that you are one of the girls.”

“He thinks that I am a professional whore?” And she looked down at her short black jacket, with nothing but legs extending from the bottom of the jacket to the lace up leather bootlets.  She thought that this outfit, with the mini hiding beneath the jacket was absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. The length of the skirt and the exposure of the legs was ultra common. Every day in the USA and England, this type of outfit pranced up and down streets all day and night.  It was accepted as either business or leisure clothing, as far as she was concerned. After all, it was 1970 now. And she was not limited to a grandpa and grandma type of archaic vision. With her initial anger calming, she began to feel that a weird kind of compliment had been given to her. And she needed to deal with the man asking the question. Her husband Dave was coming over to her, as she told her personal interpreter to tell that man who requested sex that she was flattered, but that,

“Uh, er, I am married.”, and she held up her wedding band, so that the solicitor might see it.

Almost at the same time, the friendly interpreter was telling the man what she had just said.

And the man replied, “Hoeveel?”

“Jaimie, he still wants to know how much.” And the interpreter, smiled upon seeing her exasperated face, then quickly turned around and in some, apparently, direct manor, terminated the other man’s request for sex. The solicitor walked away with his hands up in a frustrated ‘what can you do?’ manner.

Dave arrived, just as the man was leaving. “What the hell just happened?”

“Oh, that man thought I was a professional whore. He was asking how much I charge for an hour ! And this nice man...” She opened for him to give his name.

“Kees (pronounced Kayes)”

“Well, Kees was nice enough to help straighten things out.”

Dave never took any of what was reported as negative. Rather, with a twinkle in his eyes and a mischievous smile

he asked, “Well, how much?”

“Oh, you. With comments like that, Kees is going to think that we are awful.”

Kees jumped right in with, “No, I think no such thing.  I think that you are a young couple, full of energy and enjoying the fun of the moment.”

Dave formally thanked him. And Kees said that he needed to leave. But before he left, he looked at Jaimie once more and gave her his card.

“Should you two need income while you are here in Holland, I might have work for Jaimie at one of the clubs that I run.  I say this, only just in case funds are ever needed..  It was very nice meeting both of you.” And he walked away.

Jaimie was still more than a little aghast. “Wow, I won’t forget being on this bridge!”

“Ah, I kind of think that it was all pretty polite, and, well, up front and direct. Now I know how we can make money to fund the rest of this trip and travel even more!”

“Funny. Funny.” And she looked at the card that Kees left. 

The only sense that she could get out of the card was that it involved two different clubs at the same address. Strange, but the card was divided right down the middle, with a different club name separately listed on each side.  But each side had that same address and same phone number printed out. She had no idea what it meant, but one club was called ‘Aardbei Club’ (Strawberry Club), and the other was called ‘Slechts Groot’ (Only The Large).

So, one man sees this American and immediately wants to fuck her. Another saves her and gives her his card, just in case she wants to work in a sort of ‘Venice of the North’ city. Perhaps the action had something to do with the way this American looked? It was not just the outfit. If you peeled away the jacket, then the mini, you had a gorgeous woman. A perfectly balanced face of delicate features, topped by a feather hairdo of the day, ala Farah Fawcett, only jet black. An amazing 34B-20-32 body that was toned by college cheerleading, and then, later, professional dance.  She was used to attention.

She put the card in her jacket pocket and left the bridge with her husband. After some more sight-seeing, they arrived back at the little room that they had rented. That room was equivalent to an early hostel, and the basic part of a trip plan that was created over the last two years. They were making the most of it, using the room as a hub for many short range adventures. Amsterdam, alone, was enough to keep them entertained. But Kees just happened to be prophetic about the limiting factor. Indeed, the couple’s finances were quite small.  A low, but safe, limit of their funds would be met within the week. Then, they would only have enough for plane fare to the states.

Getting a local low pay job was an idea that Dave had last week. Then, the intention was that he be the one to do it.  Such a job would stop the hemorrhage of funds and extend their stay.  But he approached the quest without dedication; so, it was no surprise to either of them that the associated lack of effort assured his failure to obtain any job. 

Almost simultaneously,  both developed a new curiosity about Kees’s club offer.  She pulled the card out, and, together, they looked at the address again.  In the short time that they had been in Amsterdam, they had learned enough about the city to realize that the street was not that far away. The address seemed like it would be very close to the Red Light District. But, then, many restaurants and businesses thrived on the traffic generated within that entire section of town. A down the street, or around the corner, club could take good advantage of such pedestrian flow. 

She had never worked in a club; still, she knew some general information about clubs. Usually, there were many different jobs for a woman in a club: greeter, coat room attendant, waitress, even office and kitchen help were common possibilities. For a moment, she fantasized that ‘dance’ could be an added possibility. The type of low pay job did not really matter to Jaimie.  She was never afraid to do her part. And she thought that, maybe she could be the one to extend their stay. 

 Two Very Special Clubs 

The evening adventure would be finding Kees’s clubs. They could check them out and see if there might be any sort of real job for Jaimie.  A quick snack in the room, and a clothes change for both, then off to the evening streets.  Jaimie had fluffed her hair up, and replaced the jacket with a longer silver dress coat which had a white rabbit fur collar.  Under it, for nightclub flair, she had on a little blue mini.  It had six tiers of tassel like fringe that started under her breasts, and went from that point down to the hem.  The effect was to swish around in the air, with her slightest movement. The skirt’s length was 14", but the last tassels extended it all the way down to 16".  Her earrings matched, as they were single blue tassel designs. Then, the bare legs went on down to the blue wide based 4" heels. It all had a nice go-go look of the era. She looked sharp enough for any upscale nightclub.

Searching for the address took them straight into the Red Light District. Rather than dampen the quest, that fact actually increased their curiosity. In all their daily activities, they shared youth, inquisitiveness and an acceptance of the many cultural differences that might be possible. This evening’s limited  quest seemed to be an exact fit with their definition of a fun exploration. After walking past many shops, many other pedestrians, and many prostitutes, they found the address.

They stood in front of an old three story row house. This complex was unusual, since it was, at least, four units wide.  There seemed to be lighting and activity all along that width and through every level of its height. One tall double door entry was positioned central. Above the entry were two separate signs. One read “Slechts Groot” and the other, “Aardbei Club”. So, they had found them. It was not what Jaimie was expecting. Still, the building had more prominence than any other within the block, and there certainly was activity within. The voices and music carried beyond that entrance, and into the street. The doorman was tall, stocky, and dressed with a checker jacket and thin tie. Evidently, these clubs were private, for the doorman was closely inspecting a certain card that was always in the possession of anyone who might be attempting to enter.

All that Jaimie and Dave could show to the doorman was the business card that Kees gave to Jaimie. He looked at the card, nodded his head in some sort of approval and actually winked at Jaimie. She somehow found that action to be in perfect sync with the other strange events of the day. He opened one of the doors wide for both to enter.  And then he directed them to the rear of a central lobby. There were plush seats in variations of straight singles, lounges and even some circular ones that enveloped columns. Overdone clusters of ornaments and hung artwork finished up the space. While Jaimie thought that all furnishings were probably costly, she also thought that the lobby bordered on being gaudy.

As they walked straight through, they noted that swinging glass doors were on their right. They were not swinging at the moment. And they provided a crystal clear view into what was labeled the “Aardbei Club”. The couple stopped and peered through into the atmosphere. There were a large number of men, perhaps 25 to 30, each with his own table or booth, and each with his own beautiful girl. The girl was either sitting close to the man or sitting directly upon his lap.  Most girls were wearing mini skirts and heels. Very sharp outfits. Some girls had on less clothing.  Those wore variations that included, blouses, thongs and heels, just thongs and heels, and some who only had heels.  Dave was smiling, and appeared very happy. Jaimie was startled. 

 

Kees had been notified by the doorman, and was coming from his back office to meet them. He noted them looking into Aardbei, and the surprise on both of their faces was obvious to him.

“Jaimie and Dave, I am so glad that you decided to drop by. Oh, and I see that you have already looked into my Aardbei Club. Let’s see, in English, it would be ‘Strawberry Club’.”

 

With no sound coming from either Jaimie or Dave, he continued, “I can also see that I need to talk with you both in my office. To, at least, explain a few things to you.  So, come on back with me.”

 

Jaimie started toward Kees, then, realizing that Dave was not moving, she reached back and grabbed him.  Hand in hand, they followed Kees to his office. Once there, he asked them to sit and be comfortable, while he explained.

“I did not think that I would ever need to explain my business to you. As much as I hoped that you would drop by, I had resigned myself to our brief encounter today. But, you are here! And, now, I must admit that I am only slightly different from the man who wanted you today at the bridge.”

 

Jaimie knitted her brow and now focused closely on every word that Kees was saying. Dave did the same, but without the knitted brow.

“I also noted your beauty, today, Jaimie. I was contemplating how to slip you my card, when the other fellow actually helped me do it. In offering work to you, I truly had no confirmation that you might need money during your visit to Amsterdam. But I knew that budgets frequently run dry, and just thought that I would cover the unlikely possibility.”

Now that Kees could see that he had the attention of both Jaimie and Dave, he went straight to the truthful definitions.

“Aardbei is a men’s club. In that club, the women are highly paid to entertain the men. And we obtain very beautiful women, as I am sure that you noticed. We always hope that they have a good time, while giving a good time. In reference to the men? They are screened well, and to maintain high standards, they must pay an annual fee that eliminates all but the most sincere and, perhaps, you would say, the most rich or best kept. We share that income with our girls, according to the number of men who she entertains.”

He noted a quizzical look from both Jaimie and Dave, and decided to make it absolutely clear.

“How many men she has sex with.”

The last shock was removed, and he was pleased that he still had their attention.

“It is not an ugly activity here. It is not a sin in our little world. It is pleasurable good business. Jaimie, do you like sex?”

“Uh, yeah, sure I like sex. But...”

“And Dave, do you like for Jaimie to have good sex?  Have you ever had thought of her being with another man?”

Dave, in a rather matter of fact manner, “Yes, to both questions.”

Jaimie took his answer and all of the other radical input, and processed it fast, but also as accurately as she could.  She had once thought about whether she could have survived as an upscale hooker. It was only a fantasy, especially in the USA. But, here, in this place and time, and with this particular husband, there was an air of possibility. She, at least, needed to consider her fantasy once more. That she might be able to make a nasty fantasy come true, while gaining more than survival money? Well, that might prove to be the proverbial frosting. Now, she was able to shock Dave a little.

“Just how much do the girls make?”

Sensing a long shot success, Kees answered quickly, “In Aardbei, she earns a straight 50 guilder, about 72 American dollars, per service. Sometimes that is earned within a very short period of time.  ”

In showing a bright facial response, Jaimie also showed why she did so poorly at poker.

He smiled and covered the other extreme. “Sometimes it is earned after a sexual duty that is intense and lengthy. In all cases, the girl only need earn what she is comfortable earning. I never worry, for there is always a girl who is ready to earn her portion. It all averages out. There is no concern by either the member or the girl about price negotiations, which makes it all more enjoyable for both parties. The members are not to tip the girls. It is all a straight forward and a very clear service.  It is up to me to earn the trust of the girl. If I ever error, I promise the error is always to pay the girl more than is expected.”

Jaimie looked at Dave. He smiled real big, tilted his head and opened his eyes wide with a type of ‘Well?’ attitude.

Jaimie had a difficult time believing what she asked next. “Can you show me what it is like to work here?  Is there a girl who can talk to me and politely explain what and how things happen here? I do have lots of questions.”

Kees looked at Dave, who was still wide eyed and positive. Then he took immediate action.

“Of course, come with me. You too, Dave. Let’s all go get educated!”

He walked them back to the Aardbei Club. Jaimie now just noticed that there were solid doors across from the club.  They were large, fancy, oak doors with carvings. She looked closer and could see that the carvings were all sexual topics. Above the doors was “Slechts Groot”.

“Oh, that is the other club. What does its name mean? And what is it like?”

Kees paused, and contemplated how to approach the topic. He decided that the absolute truth was the best to start out with.

“It means ‘only the large’. It has to do with any man who has a large penis, men who sometimes scare their would be partner, men who normally must be very cautious. The final effect is a man who must sexually restrain himself. I see that Dave has little sympathy. He almost laughs. But it is a real concern for a small portion of the population. The club allows them to relax and feel free to use what nature has given them. The sex in that club is more open, and, of course, much more intense.” He looked into Jaimie’s eyes, as if to try to lock in her attention and emphasize. “My girls who work there must be special. They must be able to and want to accept large penises and rough sex.  The men must pay an annual fee that is more than three times what the Aardbei fee is.  And the girls are rewarded that same multiple. Here.”

And Kees opened the glass door to the Aardbei Club. He seemed very happy to take up the ‘Strawberry’ topic again.  He actually wanted to drop the ‘only the large’, and not emphasize that narrow topic, rather to deal with the more general concerns that Aardbei addressed. He was still very unsure of any participation at any level by Jaimie; he had no desire to push his luck.

Before going any further into the ‘social’ area, Kees offered to personally take their coats. Actually Dave took off his own and handed it to the coatroom ‘lady’. Kees helped Jaimie off with hers. Out popped her 64 inch go-go look.

Of course, though the room was already filled with beautiful women, everyone’s head turned her way. Her puffed up black hair, the bod inside that frizzy outfit, those long legs; it was all quite distracting. Kees had already thought of who should show Jaimie around.

“Angie. Come here for a moment, please.”

A little redhead, with a completely nude creamy white body, told her guy that she would be right back. Then she popped up on her glowing green stilettos and headed toward Kees and his guests. Dave was impressed. Kees introduced both Dave and Jaimie, and quickly addressed the need for Jaimie to be shown just exactly how things go in Aardbei. He winked at Angie.

Angie grinned and extended her hand to Jaimie. “Come with me Jaimie. I would like to show you what the draw to Aardbei is all about.”