Chapter Two
Drinks with my sister went better than the rest of the day had. Of course, I downed the drinks the second they hit the table in front of me. Carli’s face was priceless as I set down the second empty glass before she’s even had the chance to really get into her first.
“Well, someone is ready to cut loose. I hope you can have some fun tonight Cami. I’ll have Max take care of us. He’s the driver. He’ll make sure no one bothers us and that we all get home safely.” She lets her finger trace the edge of her glass as she goes over everyone who will be there tonight. I couldn’t be any less thrilled about it than I am in this moment. She just made me dread every single second of this night. “Maybe we should try that new club out. Club Voodoo, I hear it’s amazing.”
The instant she mentions it, I jump on the chance to get rid of any risk the strange guy will catch up with us. “Sounds perfect to me.”
“Cami. Thank you so much for today. I know you’ve hated it, but it means so much to me that you’re out and about like a normal person with me. It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to get you out of the house.”
“I know.” I don’t make any excuses for my lack of interest in things lately. She already knows me well enough to know I won’t.
“Do you want another drink?”
I think about my answer and how she explained her friends. This night will go better if I have another. “One more.” And with that, I start making choices that are probably more selfish than I should.
We get pedicures and the rest of the day is spent with her shopping while I stand impatiently wishing I could time warp myself into tomorrow. “I’m buying you this dress.” I look over at a tiny black thing that would never fit my hips and laugh her off. “No seriously, try this on. I think it’s perfect for you.”
Feeling a little less concerned about what I look like after the martinis, I agree to try it on. She allows me my space while I struggle through sliding the material on. Before I open the door, I look in the mirror and stop myself. Rubbing my palms down my sides, I notice how it hugs every curve of my body.
I step out and Carli begins to hoot and cat call loudly. “I knew it would be perfect. Tonight we’re going to have all eyes on us because I promise you… when the men get a glimpse of you in this dress… heads will turn. Not to mention I’ll be looking hot as fuck too, so you know, it’ll be an amazing time.” Eyes on me was not something I was going for, but when I look back at the mirror, I know I have to get this dress. “Cami. I swear it looks like it was made for you. It accentuates your assets… if you know what I mean.” Yeah I know what she means. My ass and tits look huge in this, not to mention it’s cut low in the front revealing plenty of cleavage.
“I’ll have to watch how I sit in this thing. It’s short enough.”
“It’s perfect. Now let’s find shoes.”
She finds at least twenty pair of heels that I decline before we finally agree on one. Black strapped three-inch heel is as slutty as I’ll go. Some of the crap she was showing me has to be for strippers or even cross dressers. I think it was her goal to see how far she could push me.
Her driver takes me home to get ready for the night while Carli makes it very clear that they’ll be there to get me at seven before I step out of the limo. I swear at her for reminding me again and smile as I walk toward my car she had moved to my apartment.
I can hear the strange ringing from my new phone as soon as I open my car door. One glance in the passenger seat and I see that I have three missed calls. I knew it was a bad idea to keep it. This just proves my point.
“What do you want?” I answer. I need to give him his phone back so I can end this insanity.
“Why didn’t you answer when I called?”
“Because I was busy.”
“Not acceptable. You answer when it rings.” His voice is angry and I’m instantly bothered by his tone. Who the fuck does he think he is?
“Look, I’m not interested in answering to anyone. You can have your phone back.”
“Camille. I’m giving you one last chance to prove yourself. Answer it the next time it rings.”
“Why did you call?” I try to get to the point of all of this, even though I have a feeling he won’t just easily give me the information I want.
“To see if you’d answer.”
“Is this all a mind game to you?”
“Isn’t life a game? We pretend to tolerate what we have no desire to deal with all the while we crave something more… or different out of life. I do believe you yourself were playing games today.” He’s observant.
I exhale before I respond to him. This guy is definitely too much for me to deal with. “You’re entirely too perceptive for my taste.”
“You’ll grow to love that side of me. Goodbye Camille.”
“Wait.”
“Yes.”
“How do you know my name?”
“I heard your friend call you Cami in the dressing room. I don’t like it shortened. I’ll call you Camille.” Then he ends the call. Just like that. He silences me again and manages to pique my interest in a way no other man has. He’s intriguing beyond belief and I find myself falling for his games every time I cross him. Damn him. And damn me for not listening to my inner self warnings about him the first time they went off.
I purposely put the phone in the glove box, knowing it’ll just irritate him when I don’t answer it the next time. Tomorrow I’ll take it back to the lingerie shop and ask the lady to give it back to him. Something tells me if I inquire about the man with the chick on a leash, she’ll remember who I’m talking about.
When I finally get to my apartment, I begin to rush around. Spending the day with my sister has been exhausting, and now I need to get cleaned up. I hit the stereo and feel at home when my playlist is already loaded and begins playing. I find the simplicity of my space relaxing after the crazy day I’ve had. It would be nice if I could take that deep breath and have tonight behind me.
I open my lap top and set it on the bathroom cabinet as I put on more makeup, choosing to go a little bold with my eyes tonight. I guess the martini’s might have a part to play with my daring outlook on things tonight.
My screen comes up to the last email Mr. D sent, so I reread it, shaking my head that his arrogance wasn’t even the boldest egotism I came in contact with today. Thinking about his offer a little more, I decide to send him a quick response.
Leaning over the keyboard, I throw down a few sentences and thank him for the offer, but respectfully decline. Hitting the send button, I then delete his emails and move on to the next few. Multitasking like this isn’t something I’m used to doing, so I just leave them unread with plans to respond tomorrow.
Choosing to go with a winged eyeliner, changes the look of my eyes instantly. My eyelashes haven’t had mascara on them for months, but then again, I haven’t gone anywhere and felt like putting my fake face on. I guess I should be thankful for the long and full lashes I was graced with.
My email dings again just before I finish my brows, so I glance down at the sender, Mr. D is a persistent man. The subject line reads, ‘But I insist.” I open the full document out of curiosity and look forward to the audacity of this man.
Ms. Richards.
I insist on speaking with you about the terms before you decline. I feel my offer will be one you won’t be able to resist. I’m available when you’d like to call.
D~
Jesus. What’s with men today? Do I need to speak clearer so they understand that I fucking mean no. I pick up my phone and consider dialing him to let him have it when I remember the one in my glove box. Perfect.
I’ll call his ass on that one before I send it back to the other psycho. Looks like I’m going to have to teach a few dominant assholes a lesson and I can’t think of a more perfect way.
My bare feet hit the parking lot as I repeat Mr. D’s number in my head. I’m surprised there’s no missed calls when I pull it out and begin dialing.
Mr. D answers on the third ring. “Ms. Richards, I presume.”
“Yes. I’m calling to hear what you have to say.” I sound breathy as I take the stairs two at a time to get back to my apartment.
“Yes, I’d like to work with you on my next project. It appears you’re at the top of your industry right now, and I think we can both benefit from a collaboration.” I lock the door and glance at the clock as I walk past it. I have ten minutes to finish getting ready before my sister and her group of friends are outside.
“Look. I’m taking some time off right now…”
“This project will pay a million dollars up front, with a royalty percentage.” He shuts me up in one sentence.
“That’s a ridiculous amount of money.” I stop in mid step just inside my bedroom, shocked at what I’ve just heard.
“It’s pennies compared to the potential amount you could make if this goes well. Do I have your interest now?” He lowers his voice and chills spread over my body when I start to think about how much money I could make on this. I could easily fall into the shadows and not have to worry about anything for a while.
“I’m interested. Send me over the details and I’ll read over them.”
“We should meet over lunch and discuss everything. I’ll have my assistant text you with the details.”
“No. Have her email me.” Maybe using this phone was a mistake.
“I’m looking forward to spending time with you, Camille.” The call ends, just as my body erupts in goosebumps. He just called me Camille. Is it possible the two strange men I’m dealing with are actually one in the same?
The voices were similar now that I start to think about it, but this guy seemed lighter than the one from today. I was too focused on getting back into my apartment and then he shocked me with dollar signs before I could really comprehend the possibility. I look at his number once again and compare it to the one who called me today on this phone. Same area code, but not the same phone number.
That means nothing with the way things have gone today. I’m still holding the phone when mine vibrates in the bathroom with a text. My sister is here and she’s bringing everyone up. Shit.
She uses her key this time and I hear everyone laughing as I slip on my dress. One glance at the bottom of my feet and I regret going out to my car without shoes on. I’m standing in the tub running water on my toes when Carli busts in.
“Are you ready Cami?”
“Almost.” I yell over the running water.
“I have tequila, where do you keep your shot glasses?”
“I don’t have any. Just pull out some glasses.” I hurry with the soap and run my hand over my legs to check for smoothness. Luckily I’m still good, so I slip on my heels and take one last look at myself.
“Not bad for a recluse.” Carli’s voice pulls my eyes just over my shoulder.
“Thanks… I think.”
“Tonight will be amazing. I vow to make you have fun and will make sure you get home safely. Now let’s take that shot and get the hell out of here.”
After a day like today, I’ll happily let her get me shit faced and even allow her goons to watch over us.