Chapter 8
Danielle
As soon as I left that apartment, I wanted to go back. Embarrassment pounded through me. He wanted you, Danielle, and you fucked it up! I kept thinking over and over. And it’s not like I didn’t want him! Just thinking of those blue-grey eyes, the rich, textured hair, and the way you could tell he had a six pack even through his tailored suit made me want to…
Ahh!
That was the problem. As badly as I wanted it, to feel his manhood throbbing in my hand, I was absolutely terrified. Roger was so…cultured. Sophisticated. Experienced. How would a silly little virgin like me even keep up with him? How could I possibly please him?
I was terrified, so I left.
Though it was getting late, I knew that Veronica would be available. Immediately I called her, and asked her to meet me at a bar after she got out of work. After all, with my new hourly wage, I could afford to knock back a few – or many – at a New York pub. I arrived early, and began doing just that.
Veronica must have sensed that something was wrong by the look on my face, for as soon as she walked in, a knowing, sympathetic smile stretched across her lips.
“What’s the matter, sweetie?” She said, patting me on the shoulder. “Did the new job blow up already?”
“Not exactly,” I said, then launched into the story of what happened. Veronica listened in wide-eyed silence until I petered out self-consciously.
“Oh, Danielle, Danielle,” she replied at last. “He was just drunk and horny, that’s all. He’d go for any pussy available. Men like that always do.”
As soon as I heard her say, “Men like that,” I got annoyed. What the hell did she know about Roger? But I waited as she continued on anyway.
“Quit overreacting,” she advised. “I don’t think you need to worry about him harassing you or anything. He’s probably not really that interested. I mean, why would he be?”
I had nothing to say to that, for I was thinking exactly the same thing.
Veronica sipped her cocktail. “Either way, you made your intentions clear. You weren’t interested, so now he definitely won’t care.”
“But, Veronica,” I said hesitantly. “I think I am interested. He seems like a really great guy. Loves his daughter and everything. It’s just…as soon as he started touching me, I freaked out.”
Veronica laughed, snorting into her mai tai. “Well, you better get over that reaction real fast,” she said, “or you’ll never lose that virginity.”
I nodded grimly, knowing it was true. It’s not that I was so desperate to toss my V-card. It was more that I thought it was getting in the way of having actual relationships. Like everything would be so much easier once it was gone.
“You’re right, Vee,” I said tiredly. “As usual. Now, I should get going home. You want to split a cab?”
“No, thanks,” she said, eyeing some guys down the bar. “I think I’ll find my own way tonight. See you later!”
“Later,” I mumbled, then got up, paid my bill, and left.
Strangely, my conversation with Veronica had not made me feel much better, and by the time I got back to the apartment I was convinced not only that I’d die an old spinster, but that I’d lost my first job in the bargain. Those grim thoughts followed me down into my sleep, giving me troubled, and fitful dreams. At least tomorrow is Saturday, I kept thinking. You can sleep in. He won’t both firing you until Monday at least.
So, when Roger Clifton called the next morning, I was both confused and terrified. Instantly awake, my hand shot to my phone, answered, and held it trembling to my ear.
“Danielle!” He exclaimed, sounding way too excited for anyone on a Saturday morning. He definitely didn’t sound angry.
“Yes, Mr. Clifton?” I replied. “Is something the matter? Do you need me to come into work today?”
He chuckled. “No, no. Maggie is fine. She’s got her equestrian lessons all morning, anyway. Actually, though, I was hoping I could see you – for a, uh, non-working endeavor.”
My mouth hung open, unsure of how to respond. Was he hitting on me again? Why, after last night’s disaster?
“Look, Danielle,” he said after an awkward silence. “I know I came on a little strong last night, and I wanted to apologize. You’re new to the city, so I was hoping to take you out for a little while, you know, show you the sights and everything. I’ll be the perfect gentleman, though! I promise!”
A small, dim part in the back of my mind went, But I don’t want you to be a gentleman! But I ignored it. Instead, I smiled, and said, “Of course, sir. That sounds lovely.”
“And don’t call me sir! It’s Roger, okay? Roger!”
“Yes…Roger. Where and when should I meet you?”
There was a soft laugh on the phone, which told me he was smiling. “Don’t worry about that,” he said. “I’ll pick you up. How does noon sound? Can you be ready?”
I glanced at the clock. I had 3 hours to eat and get ready – time I was going to need. What the hell does one wear while touring New York with a billionaire? Either way, I told him ‘yes.’
“Excellent! See you later!” He burst, then hung up. Immediately, I jumped out of bed and ran to my closet, both terrified and jubilant at the same time. All the way I kept thinking, You didn’t fuck it up! So this time, get it right!