The bell waits. So does she.

“I read your file,” she continues, sitting across from you in a cashmere sweater and high-waisted trousers. “Thirty-seven, venture capital, first time booking a live session. You’ve watched my ‘Teasing the Balance’ series seven times—specifically episode four, the one with the blindfold and the wine cork.”

“Don’t agree yet. Just listen.” She reaches into a pocket and pulls out a small brass bell. “I am not your dominatrix. I’m your negotiator . You will tell me three things today: what you actually want, what you’re afraid you want, and what you’re too ashamed to say you need. Then I will decide if we proceed. If we do, you will call me ‘Miss Mendez’ until I tell you otherwise. If we don’t, you’ll leave with a full refund and a recommendation for a very good regular therapist who takes your insurance.”