Rex

Nine Years Later – August 2016

It’s hard to believe that less than ten years ago I was driving around in that old Chevy Blazer, now I’m trying to decide between a Ferrari 488 GTB or the 488 Spider. We don’t have that many beautiful days in this city, so I’m having a hard time spending the extra money on the convertible. I like the lines better on the GTB too, but it would be fun to put the top down on a beautiful day. All I know is it’s a good problem to have. Even though my life has gotten pretty hectic, I’ve definitely come a long way. I decide to put my decision on hold for a day or two. I navigate my Tesla onto the freeway and head toward Cindy’s office.

I told myself I would only look at a Ferrari once I could literally pay cash for it, because I’m not interested in taking on any debt for frivolous purchases. My investments have been doing well and I just took a big profit in Google stock so the timing is perfect. I’ve also acquired another high dollar client named Jessica Turner, who’s some kind of huge social media star. She needed a date for a website launch party this coming Friday, so went a little crazy, bidding three grand for the night. Her and one of my regular clients were locked in a bidding war since it’s the start of the Labor Day weekend. I’ll let them duke it out and then I’ll check back with my other client once the dust settles. I’m sure we can work something out for the remainder of the weekend.

My thoughts flash back to the early days when I went on my first gigs for two hundred and fifty bucks. It’s hard to believe how things have escalated over the years. Cindy didn’t think I would like dealing with all these spoiled rich girls, but I’ve developed a system and it’s worked out pretty damn well. I’ve automated my surrogate business to allow my clients to book their sessions online and outbid one another for specific dates. My income has surged since putting in the bidding feature. Having several of them fighting over me is just about as cool as I thought it would be. I know some of my long term clients don’t like it, but it’s a good way for me to maximize the value of my time. After all, there is only one of me. It’s too bad I can’t duplicate myself a couple dozen times.

I noticed that Jessica has a website linked to her Instagram profile. I clicked on it and it looks like she’s selling clothes and accessories. I assume that’s what the launch party is all about. The guy who put together my website has been talking to me about starting an online business of some kind as well. I’m not sure what we would sell, but it seems to be the latest trend.

“Hello beautiful.” I give Cindy the customary greeting and kiss her on the cheek.

“Hey, rock star,” she replies with a smile. “Jessica tells me that things are all set up for Friday. What do you think of her?”

“She definitely wants me at that launch party. She outbid Tracy three times before knocking her out of the slot.” I chuckle, taking my seat facing her. “I should’ve put in the bidding software the first time my buddy mentioned it. I’ve been leaving a lot of money on the table.”

“Well, the IPSA will probably frown upon it if they catch wind,” she replies giving me the motherly look that I’ve grown accustomed to. Our relationship has continued to evolve over the years. I’m now way closer to her than my actual mother. In hindsight, I’m glad that she always had the sense to rebuff my sexual advances. Things most likely would’ve been awkward between us and my mom has always been suspicious the way it is. I smile, glancing down at those legs that I still find sexy as hell. “What?” She furrows her brow.

“I was just thinking back to how I wanted to sleep with you when I first started coming here,” I tell her, a grin spreading across my face. “Are you still seeing that Thomas guy?”

“My fiancé? Yes, I’m still seeing him,” she scoffs, shaking her head in the old familiar way. “You’ve always been a handful. I don’t think I’ve ever run across anyone with your sex drive. You definitely chose the right profession.”

“Hey, if you didn’t show off your legs every time we get together I might not be this way. I’ve told you many times that it’s my weakness,” I remind her.

“What fun would that be?” Her mischievous grin makes her even sexier as her eyes drop to Jessica’s file. “I want you to understand where Jessica is coming from. She never knew her father. In fact, her mother never told her his name until after his death a few years ago. Do you know who Francisco Wylder was?”

“Of course, if you mean the movie Director. He directed some of my favorite movies growing up.” I’m shocked. “I didn’t think he was ever married.”

“He wasn’t and he didn’t have any children other than Jessica. I’m pretty sure he was in his seventies when that happened,” she adds. “Jessica wouldn’t give me any details, so I didn’t push it. I just know that she never met him and felt really cheated to find out about him only after his death.”

“So, did she inherit everything?” I ask, knowing the guy had to be totally loaded.

“Much of his wealth had already been donated to the Art Institute, but the court carved out a nice trust fund for her after the results of a paternity test came in positive.” She flips to the next page. “She gained access to the trust three years ago and has been using the money to build her social media business.”

“Yeah, she has millions of followers,” I reply, having seen it firsthand on her Instagram page. “It’s amazing how many people have a fascination with what celebrities are doing.”

“Especially the kind of dirt that she digs up. She must have some incredible sources,” she says with a raise of her eyebrow. “I’m sure quite a few celebrities would like her to disappear.”

“I would have a bodyguard if I was dishing on people like that,” I reply, amazed by some of the things she says. “And a good attorney.”

“She seems to fly by the seat of her pants,” she says, scanning down the page. “But other than a few threats, people don’t seem to retaliate all that much. They probably don’t want to open themselves up to additional attacks from her.”

“I’ll try to keep her happy.” I swallow hard at the thought of having an enemy like her.

“You haven’t failed yet, so I’m sure you’ll be just fine.” She closes the file and sets it aside. “I just wanted you to know she comes with a full set of daddy issues. She has a history of dating rich guys twice her age.”

“Most of my best clients have daddy issues.” I smile at the thought of how many poor little rich girls are on my roster. “It seems therapeutic for them to spend some of their daddy’s money on my services.”

“I’m sure there’s some satisfaction in that,” Cindy agrees. “Unfortunately, it’s kind of fleeting, which is why you keep seeing some of those girls over and over. If we could just bottle up that feeling and sell it.”

“Yeah, we’d be billionaires.” It’s something I’ve thought about several times in the past. “You’d think someone would’ve figure that out by now. We could just take a pill and walk around all euphoric.”

“Well, there are plenty of drugs that mimic the effect, but unfortunately the human body has a tremendous ability to adapt.” A funny look crosses her face. “Have you ever tried cocaine or magic mushrooms?”

“No. I never got into any of that stuff. I didn’t want to jeopardize my NFL prospects,” I tell her thinking back to my college days. “Even after college, I never wanted to experiment with anything. I’ve seen how messed up some people get because of it.”

“Yeah, several of your clients have told me that you’ve helped them learn to cope in different ways.” She smiles and taps her pen against the file. “Natural endorphins always beat drug induced ones.”

“Hey, whatever I can do to help.” I shrug, getting up from my chair. “I’ve got to go home, work out and shower up before picking up Beverly at five thirty.”

“Beverly was giddy the last time I talked to her.” She takes off her reading glasses and sets them on the desk. “She seems twenty years younger.”

“She’s a nice lady who’s had some real tragedies in her time. She deserves a little happiness.” I pause with my hand on the door knob. “I think that’s what I like best about doing this.”

“I know. It has to be pretty rewarding,” she says sincerely. “You’re a good kid, Rex.”

“So are you Cindy.” I head out of her office feeling the same way I did the first time I met her. She’s honestly one of my favorite people in the world. I’m glad she has a man to spend time with, she deserves to be happy. It’s too bad things didn’t work out for her earlier, she would’ve been a great mother.

Friday Afternoon

My buddy drops me off at the Ferrari dealership to pick up my shiny new car. I decided to spend the extra money for the spider, even though I won’t be able to put down the top all that often. Jessica will be blown away when I pick her up in this thing. I run my fingertips along the perfect seams of the leather racing seats. This is my ultimate dream car and I’ve been putting it off for long enough. I knew once I test drove one, it would be over. There’s no going back.

Before pulling out of the dealership, I adjust the mirrors and check my hair. I’m not taking any chances with this baby. One fender bender and my insurance will go through the roof. I’ve left myself just enough time to top off the gas and get to Jessica’s condo downtown. I punch it and the twin turbos knock me back in the seat. I feel like a kid in a candy store as the incredible whine of the engine fills the space behind me. This thing is amazing.

I pull up to the curb in front of Jessica’s with a few minutes to spare. Not wanting to leave my new car parked on the curb, I call her. “I have a surprise for you. Could you meet me in front of your building? Look for the shiny red sports car.”

“Sure!” She hangs up without another word and appears through the front doors less than a minute later. “Wow, is this thing new?” she asks, her jaw dropping as she approaches.

“Yeah, I just picked it up. So you’ll be the first to get a ride in it,” I tell her, going around to open her door. She looks pretty amazing. She’s wearing a black wrap dress that sets off her jet black hair and vibrant green eyes. I can’t help but noticing her shapely calves as she slides into the seat. This is going to be the sweetest three grand I’ve ever earned.

“This car is amazing,” she bubbles after I slide into the driver’s seat. “I’ve never even seen one of these up close, much less ridden in one.”

“I’ve been waiting a long time to buy it.” I can’t help feeling giddy as I press the start button and the engine roars to life. “Better buckle up and hang on.” I strap myself in and wait for her to do the same before clicking the paddle shifter and squealing away from the curb.

“Oh my god, I’m going to have to get a selfie with you next to this thing after we park. My Instagram definitely needs both you and this car on it.” She glances over at me with a wicked grin. “I don’t know which is sexier.”