CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“Me?”
“Yes, you. I bet you have an interesting background. Tell me about it.”
“You really want to hear my life story? I’m sure it’s not nearly as interesting as that of a self-made billionaire.” I pointed out.
“Don’t think of me as a billionaire – just a normal guy.”
“Okay. Well, if you are so interested, go ahead and ask me something.”
“What’s your passion?”
I frowned and didn’t answer him for a moment. “Well, it’s always been to own a successful web business.”
“Oh? Any projects in mind?”
I thought it best not to tell him about First Date Boutique just yet. Instead, I focused on the side project I had been working on. “Yeah, actually. I’ve been tinkering around with the idea of starting my own online social media consulting service.”
“What would be your angle?”
“I want to target up-and-coming businesswomen who might not have time to keep up with their own social media, but still want to have an online presence.”
“You don’t expect to do this on your own, I hope? I can’t see you posting updates on random people’s lives all day long. You’re much too beautiful for that.”
“At this point, as long as it pays the bills, I’d be happy,” I answered. “But I don’t know if it will work. I mean, there are plenty of other services that do the same thing.”
“Well, you’d have to make yours stand out from all the rest. If you are targeting businesswomen specifically, then you’d need the support of some of those successful women. Their opinion will help prove the point that keeping a social media presence is essential.”
“Right. That makes sense.” I nodded. “It would probably help to have a hotline, right?”
“What kind of hotline?”
“Where people could call and ask for opinions about what to say when someone reaches out to them or something.”
“I’d say that was a good idea, but we aren’t in the 1980s. What you need is a live chat option. No one wants to talk to actual people anymore.”
“But wouldn’t businesswomen be charismatic…?” I questioned.
“Sure, but they would still probably prefer to type their question and get it over with instead of holding a phone to their ear for an hour, while they’re put on hold.”
“You make a good point.”
“I’m glad you agree. If you ever get serious about it, let me know. I know a few people that could help you get started.”
“Really?” I bit my lip. “I appreciate it, but I think I should handle this on my own for the time being.”
“You know, the successful business person isn’t a one man team. They have to learn to trust and work with others. It’s hard at times, but it’s the only way you’ll survive.”
“I know…” I trailed off. I didn’t feel like telling him what had happened. “But do you mind if we stop talking business and just enjoy the night?”
He nodded and pulled me toward a large koi pond. “It’s beautiful , isn’t it?” He asked, looking up at the sky. “Sometimes, I wish I lived on the West Coast. The air is so pure…” He looked down at the water, watching the koi fish swimming around.
“Why don’t you then?” I asked as I leaned down next to him, our shoulders brushing together.
“I’ve spent my whole life on the East Coast. I have too many connections to leave. Plus, my mom makes a mean Shepherd’s Pie.”
“You still visit your mom?”
“What good son doesn’t?” He straightened out and brushed a few strands of hair away from his glasses. “You must think I’m pretty lame, huh?”
“Not at all. I think it’s cute.”
“Do you know what I think is cute?” He asked as he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me close. “How you have this bit of mascara on your cheek and you don’t even care.” I was about to wipe it off, feeling embarrassed, when he kissed me.
I didn’t know what to do at first. The kiss was so sudden and for a moment, I didn’t even know what was going on. His lips were so gentle against mine. His pressed on the small of my back, pushing me even closer to him as the kiss grew bolder. I found myself melting into it, my body locking against his. I wrapped my arms around his neck, kissing back, just going with it.
Just before things got really good, someone cleared their throat nearby. We pulled away, blushing and looking away from each other like two high school students who had been caught kissing under the bleachers.
Victoria was standing a few feet away, looking like a looming shadow. “Do you mind if I have a word with you, Haley?” Her voice was firm and well-measured.
I gulped, instantly thinking that I was in trouble. Hesitantly, I moved forward as Michael gave me a little push. He walked back into the mansion, leaving me alone with her. I fidgeted on my feet, my heart tightening with fear. I knew it wasn’t a good idea to be seen alone with Michael. I was certain I was breaking some kind of rule.
“Don’t look so scared. You’re not in trouble.” Victoria said like she could read my mind. “You aren’t a slave or anything. Like I said in the beginning, you’re free to do whatever you’d like.”
“I wasn’t insinuating…”
“Maybe not. But every new Girl expresses that fear at some point.” Victoria ran her fingers along the brim of her hat. “I just wanted to make it clear to you that you’re always free to do whatever you’d like and that no one can force you to do anything.”
I nodded, my fear starting to ebb away in her presence. “So, I can talk to anyone I’d like?”
“Of course.” She answered. “I just came out here to tell you that it’s probably best to head back to the party – especially if you’d like to get paid.”
I nodded. “I took a look at the guidebook in my room –”
“Did you? That’s excellent, dear. I’m sure you read the part that explains that the more men you have interested in you, the higher the bidding will go.”
I nodded again. “Yes, but I haven’t had time to mingle as much as I would’ve liked to... something came up –”
“There’s no need to explain yourself.” As we approached the mansion, I noticed that Victoria’s bodyguards had been with us the entire time. Did they ever leave her side? “However, there are a few individuals who are asking to meet you, and I don’t think it would be very polite of you to keep them waiting.”
***
The party dragged on for a few more hours – or at least, it felt that way. I was passed along from guy to guy, listening to them talk about themselves as I upped the charm, trying my best to keep them interested. At this point, I was willing to do whatever it took to make the largest amount of money I could. Talking with Michael about my social media consulting idea got me excited and maybe if I hit it big tonight, I would be one step closer to accomplishing something. Anything…
As I walked around, however, I felt the weight of Charles’ eyes on me. He mingled with a few girls, but never looked very interested. Every time I looked up, there he was, staring at me from across the room. But he wasn’t the only one. I caught Michael staring at me once or twice as well and I grinned, knowing if I managed to set the rivals against each other, the bidding would go through the roof.
Eventually, Michael walked up to me again. I smiled brightly at him, kissing him on the cheek. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to stay away from me for long…” I whispered in his ear.
“How could I? You’re easily the most beautiful girl in this room.” He kissed the side of my neck ever so softly. I giggled, catching Charles’ eye across the room. He looked livid. I just grinned, ignoring him. I threw my hair over my shoulders, giving him the message: I’m over you.
“So, what do you say we take this back to my room?” He asked, looking down at me, his hazel eyes shimmering with mischief behind his glasses.
“Oh yeah, and do what?”
“Well, I’m not one to spoil a surprise so you’d just have to come along and find out.” He wrapped his arms around me tightly. “But only if you want to…”
“You think that I’m going to say no to someone like you?” I grinned, grabbing his hand.
“You flatter me.”
“That’s the point, isn’t it?”
“Even without the flattery, I’d probably be chasing you all night.” My cheeks burned at his comment and I looked up at him from under my eyelashes. I liked his attention. “So, what do you say?”
“Don’t we have to wait for the auction?”
“No. If we walk out of here together, it just means we’ll have a private night. I can pay you whatever I’d like, without competing with other bidders.”
“And how do I know you’ll give me the best price?”
“You’ll just have to trust me.” He ran his fingertips along my cheek and smiled. “But I can promise you one thing - I’m not like other guys.”
“Oh, haven’t I heard that one before.” I laughed and took his hand as we walked out. It was only then that I noticed that the room was getting empty. I wasn’t the only girl leaving the room on someone’s arm.
***
“So, do all attendees get their own room in the East Wing?” I asked.
“No. Just those willing to pay extra.” Michael winked at me, ushering me into a bedroom. “Unfortunately, the master bedroom was taken before I could get to it. I hope you don’t mind.”
I was speechless as I walked into the room. It was beyond extravagant. The only room I had ever seen that could compare to this was… No. I wasn’t going to think about Charles. Not here. Not while I was with Michael. “It’s very nice,” I said, feeling lame. I walked toward the bed, admiring what looked like hand-carved posters. “I bet this cost you quite a bit.”
“It’ll be worth it.” He stood at the minibar, pouring himself a drink. “Can I offer you anything?”
“No. Just make yourself comfortable. I’ll be out in a bit. Just need to use the bathroom for a minute.”
“You really don’t need to doll yourself up for me.” Michael winked before sitting on the edge of the bed.
I snuck into the bathroom and locked the door, feeling my heart beating a mile a minute. I leaned against the sink, my hands gripping the edge so tight, it felt like my fingers were going to fall off. “I can’t believe I’m doing this… I’m actually going to sleep with someone for money.” I swallowed back the coppery taste in my mouth before I straightened myself out and gazed into the mirror. But I had to do this. I couldn’t keep depending on other people. Besides, I only had to do this once or twice and then I would have enough money to rent out an apartment and try to get things up and running again. I could do this… I tried to straighten out my now frizzy hair. The copious amount of hairspray Emanuel had used had worn off by now. I ran my fingers through my hair, feeling how stiff it was. “I look horrible.” All my makeup had faded. No way Michael would want to sleep with me, looking like this.
Frustrated, I grabbed a nearby towel and ran it under warm water before I started to scrub my face clean. A few layers of makeup washed off until finally, my skin was able to breathe again. Looking in the mirror once more, I looked so different. Would Michael still want to be with me, even though I looked like a regular plain Jane now? I bit my lip in worry. What if he didn’t pay me? What if I was kicked out of the club? Could I stand to go back to work for Mackenzie? I shuddered just thinking about the time I had spent in the pig pen. Just the thought of the smell alone was enough to make me gag.
I shook my head. No. I wouldn’t let that happen. As quickly as I could, I rinsed my hair in the shower. I had no time to wash it properly. I tussled it dry, opting for the wet and wild look. Maybe that would turn him on. Taking one last look in the mirror, I decided I had no other choice but to face him and see how he reacted.