Catherine started the lighter on the first try. She'd hoped so; a callous was starting to form on her thumb where she had been performing the same task for the same person 3 nights a week for nearly a month. Vaska's basement recreational room was abuzz with excitement and raucous laughter. Most were people in business attire and the finest clothing brands Catherine had ever been near. Didn't these people have jobs? Most clients stayed until 2 AM or even later.
She couldn't complain, however. Every night had been the same since they opened: busy, smokey, and with Catherine's pockets heavy with tips. If business kept up like this for the next few months, she could probably rent one of those fancy flats in London.
Especially if she continued to serve clientele like the woman whose cigarette she was lighting. Once the flame caught, Catherine released her grip on the lighter and the flame extinguished.
"Can I get you anything else for now, Miss La Fratta?" she asked.