Chapter 15 – Celeste
“Don’t worry about it,” Rachel tells Bianca. “I came here to say I’m quitting. That’s why I didn’t change out of my clothes. And I needed to talk to Celeste before I quit.”
“You are?” I say. “So, Billy did propose? I’m so happy for you!”
“No,” Rachel says. “But he’s been dropping hints. I know he will soon. And I decided you’re right. I shouldn’t work here anymore, even if Billy doesn’t care. I have bigger and better things in life to look forward to.”
I hadn’t actually told her that. I had just told her to be honest with him or quit, or preferably both. But I know she’s rubbing it into Bianca. And I know Rachel doesn’t want Bianca to know that Billy still doesn’t know she works here.
So, I just hug her and say “Congratulations on this decision, Rachel. I’m so proud of you.”
“I was also going to tell you that you should do what you can to lock down what you think you might have with Maxim here,” she tells me, returning my hug. “You should chase love and happiness like you’ve encouraged me to do. If you think you might really love each other, it could be the real thing. So just try. But I see you two already started doing that without my encouragement.”
Maxim and I both laugh.
“On that note,” says Maxim. “I’m going to need to use the Enclave. Please let Terri know.”
“What for?” says Bianca, annoyed. “And when?”
“Right now,” Maxim says. “I have some unfinished business with my girlfriend here.”
He winks at me.
“If you want to be my girlfriend, of course?” he asks.
“Of course,” I tell him, and Rachel says, “Yay, I’m so happy for you kids.”
Only she could call a grown man a “kid” and look cute while doing it.
“But I’ve got to jet,” she continues. “Billy is taking me to another dinner tonight. And I think I really might get that proposal this time. That’s why I need the dress.”
“Good luck,” I tell her, handing her the dress. “And thanks for asking me to fill in for you.”
I squeeze Maxim’s hand.
I can’t believe he’s my boyfriend.
This solves everything. No one will have to know I worked here, because I only “worked” for the man who is my boyfriend. I won’t get in any trouble with my actual job.
And Rachel’s flying the coop as well. Not to mention, of course, that I can finally proclaim my true love for Maxim— again, for real this time— without feeling like an idiot.
“Bet you never thought you’d be thanking me for that,” Rachel says with a wink.
“You’re right, as usual,” I answer, as she practically floats away.
I’m so happy for her. I know she’ll get the happy ending she deserves, just like I am.
“Seriously, Maxim,” Bianca says, shaking her head. “You can’t just use the Enclave to meet with your personal… date…”— I can tell the word ‘girlfriend’ pains her too much to say— “whenever you want. It costs money you know. And it’s bad for business. What will the other patrons or workers think? I don’t know if Terri will even let you.”
“Oh, I’m sure she will,” Maxim says. “I’ve been a paying customer for years and this will be my last rendezvous at The Exchange. Unless Celeste gets a strange itch to relive our beginnings, of course.”
I laugh.
“I’m willing to pay for it, of course,” Maxim tells Bianca. “Just name your price. I’ve already paid a million dollars for her. And she’s worth every penny and then some.”
Bianca’s lips pucker up as if she just ate something sour. Or more accurately, as if she’s about to cry.
I’m sure that Maxim added that last part just to get this reaction from her. But I still like that he said it, no matter the reason.
“Fine,” Bianca says, turning and storming off, probably to avoid crying in front of us. “I’m sure you’re welcome to get started, since you’ve always been Terri’s favorite.”
“Well, my Dear,” Maxim says, as I take his arm just like I did a week ago and he leads me to the private room.
I feel a tingle of excitement now that I know some of what’s in store for me, and I know that whatever the unknown holds will be scintillating.
“Shall we try this again?”
“Most definitely,” I answer.
There is nothing I’d like more.