by Terri Lane
“Nina, we needed you here. There was no reason to run off with a prince and gallivant around the town. As enticing as it might have been, you should have said no,” Allyah scolded.
“I was under pressure,” Nina argued.
“Well, the least you could have done was asked,” Allyah continued. “Now we have to work late.”
“We always work late,” Nina added.
“Don't sass me, Nina. And you better not ruin that damn dress. I have a huge deposit on it,” Allyah rebutted.
Nina remained silent while shoveling mush into a container. It smelled like heaven. Her stomach growled at the smell, nausea following shortly after the sound. She sighed.
“Are you hungry?” Allyah asked.
“A little bit,” Nina replied.
“Well, eat something,” Allyah said.
Nina stared at her and Allyah stared back with raised eyebrows.
“What? You think just because I'm mad that you can't eat? You're no use to me passed out,” Allyah commented.
Nina smiled.
She grabbed a plate from the cabinet and started picking through the leftovers, choosing some crab with a side of deviled eggs. It wasn't the healthiest meal, but it would due until she got home.
“So, how did it go?” Allyah asked, her eyes focused on the food in front of her.
“It was lovely,” Nina replied. “We went to Central Park.”
“Did you?” Allyah asked.
“He's never seen it before, so I figured he would like it. And we got into the zoo for free,” Nina replied.
Allyah looked up with a smirk.
“Friends in high places, eh?” she said.
Nina blushed.
“He was so charming and sweet. Everything about him is wonderful. He cares about his family, his business, and his people. It's refreshing to see someone actively making a difference in the world,” she went on.
“I'm sure he does a lot with all that money,” Allyah joked.
“He really does, Allyah. There's nothing he can't do. I'm impressed by him,” Nina said.
“You sound like you're developing a little crush,” Allyah pointed out.
“I might be. I'm not worried about it. He said he wants to see me again, but I doubt he'll call,” Nina said.
“I don't think princes are known for their tendency to deny pretty women,” Allyah said.
“I'm not that pretty,” Nina said.
“No, you're not,” Allyah agreed.
Nina frowned.
“You're gorgeous,” Allyah went on.
“Oh, stop,” Nina said while placing her plate in the microwave. “It's not that serious.”
“Oh yeah? What's that in your dress?” Allyah asked while pointing.
Nina looked down to see the handkerchief the prince had given her. It was a cream white with his initial emblazoned in red, the flag of his country decorating the opposite corner. She smiled and pulled it out of her dress, smoothing the fabric with her fingers.
“He gave it to me,” Nina replied.
“That sounds a little serious,” Allyah said.
“It couldn't be,” Nina said.
“Men don't give you their things when they aren't being serious,” Allyah said pointedly.
“Men give women things all the time. It doesn't make it serious,” Nina rebutted.
“Yeah, men give women things, not their things, Nina,” Allyah said. “He gave you a personal token. That's something serious.”
Nina looked down at the handkerchief in her hand and smiled warmly, recalling how he had handed it to her before she climbed out of the car. It was embarrassing being dropped back off at the hotel where she knew she didn't live, but the white lie would have to do. If he dropped her off at her apartment in Brooklyn, he might grimace at the sight of the dilapidated building.
“Is he staying nearby?” Allyah asked.
“Yeah, he's at a different hotel,” Nina replied.
“Well, you should visit him,” Allyah suggested.
“At his hotel?!” Nina cried.
“Why not? You could get a little royal action,” Allyah teased.
Red in the face, Nina turned around to take her leftovers out of the microwave and set the plate on the counter. She was stunned silent. Her legs were still twitching from that romantic kiss in front of the penguins, her loins warming up as she thought about his strong hands caressing her back…
“That's inappropriate,” Nina said.
“No, it isn't. If he wants to take you out again, you can certainly visit him at his hotel. I mean, eventually,” Allyah said.
“I guess,” Nina sighed.
“Listen: don't get lost in that fantasy world, Nina. Remember that he's a prince of a distant country where they are raised to be rulers with riches,” Allyah said. “And you're just a caterer.”
Frowning, Nina stared at her plate, her appetite leaving her suddenly. She pushed some food around with a fork as her shoulders sank.
“Maybe he wouldn't mind it,” Nina said.
“Really? You think a rich guy would mind dating a maid?” Allyah scoffed.
“Well, at least I can pretend for a little while. I told him I was the accountant of your company,” Nina said.
“Nina, really?” Allyah sighed. “At least be honest.”
“I got nervous! I didn't know what to say,” Nina admitted.
“You're like a high school girl with a crush. It's both cute and pathetic,” Allyah said.
“Like you've never had a crush,” Nina said while rolling her eyes.
Allyah sighed.
“I mean, I guess I can't say I haven't,” she said.
“It's just a fleeting thing. It likely won't last past two weeks,” Nina said.
“Whatever you say, Cinderella.”
***
The sun filtered through the blinds and gently landed on the sleeping Nina who stirred uneasily. Her phone was vibrating on the bedside table. A tired arm reached out to swat at it, pulling the screen to her face while her eyes struggled to open. She stared at the screen.
Incoming Call
“What…?”
Her dog, Maxie, was snoozing peacefully against her back, the warm ball of fuzz a comfort to wake to. It took Nina a moment to recognize that the name across the screen was Robin.
The prince was calling!
She sat up from her bed in one swift motion and smoothed back her hair. It was very early in the morning, earlier than usual for her to be awake. Work wasn't until much later and she desperately needed her sleep. Last night's work had bled over into the early morning hours where everyone else was sleeping, even the restless ones who occupied the city.
She cleared her throat and pressed the green button.
“Hello?” she asked.
“Nina?” asked the prince.
“Yes?” she replied.
“Good morning, Nina. It's Robin. Are you awake? Did I wake you?” he asked.
She smiled at his concern.
“No,” she lied. “I was just getting some breakfast.”
“Marvelous. I was wondering if you would like to accompany me to lunch today and perhaps the museum later on. The Museum of Natural History is said to be the most elegant of all museums in your nation,” he said.
“I would love to,” she said quickly.
“Shall I pick you up from your hotel?” he asked.
Nina bit her lower lip, nervously chewing on the skin.
“Oh, actually...” she trailed off, searching for an excuse.
Maxie stirred next to her and yawned, stretching out her short corgi legs and looking up at her owner.
“Yes?” he asked.
“Actually, I checked out to stay with my sister in Brooklyn,” Nina continued.
She squeezed her eyes shut and repeatedly pressed her palm to her forehead, scolding herself for lying again. They were just little white lies. They couldn't really hurt anyone.
“Oh, you have a sister?” the prince asked curiousl
y.
“Yes, her name is...Allyah. She's letting me use her apartment while she's at work. It's much cozier than the hotel,” Nina replied.
“If you were inconvenienced at the hotel, you should have said something. I can have my people handle that immediately, if you like,” the prince offered.
“Oh, no! It's not like that at all. I just missed my sister,” Nina said with a nervous chuckle.
“Well, I can have my car pick you up around noon and we can dine,” Robin said.
“That sounds perfect,” she said.
“Wonderful! I'll see you in thirty minutes, mon cher,” he said.
The line disconnected and Nina stared at her phone.
“Thirty minutes?!” she cried.
She sprung from her bed and ran to the closet, digging through her pile of clean clothes on the floor to find something remotely appropriate. Everything she owned was either blue jeans or work slacks. There was nothing befitting a rendezvous with a prince. Frustrated, she pushed to the back of her closet with some effort and located a pinstripe pencil skirt with a matching white blouse. It looked mostly intact.
Though it didn't appear very rich, it was the most formal thing she had in stock. Did the prince wear blue jeans? Maybe he wouldn't mind her informal appearance. However, she was apt to make as great an impression as she had the night before. He thought she was a little more wealthy than she was. She might as well try to dress the part.
She considered calling Allyah for something better, but time wasn't on her side today. She hardly looked put together, her hair a tangled mess from sleeping and her make-up smeared from not removing it before going to bed.
“Do I have time to shower?” she asked herself while quickly smoothing her skirt. “No, I don't. I could use dry shampoo.”
In a frenzy, she ran to the bathroom and sprayed her hair, combing out the tangles carefully while grimacing. Her scalp was so sensitive to being brushed. It made it difficult to get ready in time for anything if she was late. While brushing her wild hair, she stared at her reflection. She had raccoon eyes. Once her hair was under control, she splashed warm water to her face and quickly scrubbed away the old make-up.
After putting her hair up into a semi-formal bun, she retreated back to her room and plopped in front of her vanity to do some quick eyeliner and shadow. There was no time to contour. In fact, there wasn't much time to do anything. It was lucky for her the prince wanted to have lunch first or she might keel over in the middle of walking the great museum.
Nina finished her make-up and puckered her lips while applying a gentle red to them. She added some lip gloss, smoothed her fingers over her face, and tried to smile. At least now she looked like she was an accountant. Perhaps the attire she pulled on was too formal. A knock at the door prevented her from digging back into her closet and she briskly walked to the door to peek through the hole.
It was the prince.
Maxie came yapping up behind her heels, startling her into a panic. She was hungry. While looking between the door and the dog, the prince knocked again. She smoothed her skirt, cleared her throat, and put on a smile while opening the door.
“How did you find my...sister's apartment?” she asked calmly.
She steadied herself with the handle of the door to keep from trembling further.
“Your name was listed outside,” Robin replied.
“Oh, that makes sense,” Nina said nervously.
“And who is this little princess?” Robin asked while kneeling down to pat Maxie.
The frightened Corgi yelped and hopped back, bearing her teeth at the man standing in the doorway.
“That's my...sister's dog. Maxie. She's been a handful. Let me feed her before we go,” Nina replied.
“Very well,” the prince said while standing. “You look lovely.”
“Oh, this old thing?” Nina asked while looking down at the ground.
“You didn't have to get all dressed up for me,” the prince teased.
“I just thought I would wear something nice,” she said sweetly.
Beneath her feet, Maxie continued to yap and Nina looked down to hush the overstimulated dog. When she bent to lift Maxie, the Corgi took off down the hallway and Nina yelped.
“Maxie!” she cried.
She ran barefoot out into the hall and chased after Maxie who excitedly bounced on the other end. The prince was hot on her heels, trying hard to catch the little Corgi who simply didn't want to be caught. Once Nina had Maxie in her arms, she turned to thank the winded prince.
“Well, let me put her inside. I'll be right back,” Nina said while panting.
She shut the door behind her and raised her dog up over her head.
“You are such a menace!” she whispered.
The dog was panting with her tongue hanging out, seeming to be rather pleased with her decision to bolt. Nina sighed and set her on the ground before grabbing food from the cabinet.
“You're lucky I love you,” she whispered. “But sometimes you really agitate me.”
Once Maxie was happily chewing on her food, Nina ran briskly to her bedroom to slip on a pair of flats. She didn't want to keep him waiting any longer. When she opened the door again, Robin smiled wide and offered his arm to her.
“Thank you,” she said as they walked down the hall.
“So, what do you like to eat?” he asked.
“I'm not very picky,” she replied.
“Shall we have Italian?” he asked.
“Sure! That's my favorite,” she replied.
Smiling, Robin held the door open for Nina as they exited the building. He looked back to study the decrepit brick that seemed to be falling apart at every corner.
“Why does your sister live in this neighborhood? It seems decrepit,” he said.
“Oh well, she's just...a caterer. She can't afford much,” she replied.
“Seems a shame,” Robin commented.
He held open the car door and she climbed in, scooting over to allow him room to sit. The car zipped off and took them to an upscale Italian restaurant where Nina immediately felt out of place. She blushed and straightened her blouse. This might be too high class for her.
But the prince was sweet. He held out her chair, placed a napkin in her lap, and ordered an expensive bottle of champagne.
“I've never had champagne with lunch,” Nina commented while picking up a slice of bread.
“Really?” the prince asked. “I figured it was a special occasion that called for it.”
“What's the occasion?” she asked.
“Your company,” he replied with a smirk.
Nina blushed and looked down into her plate.
“Oh, Nina. Stop looking away,” he teased.
“I can't help it,” she admitted.
“I love looking at your face. Your beauty captures my attention,” he said.
“You flatter me, Robin,” she said while holding up her glass.
“It's my job,” he said with a shrug. “I don't know how else to be around someone I like.”
“You like me?” she asked timidly.
“Well, yes,” he replied.
She blushed while sipping her champagne, her eyes wandering around the restaurant. It felt like all eyes were on her, yet no one was looking, at least not conspicuously. She set her glass down and smoothed her blouse nervously.
“What's the matter, dear Nina?” asked the prince.
Before she could respond, the waiter returned with their order of food and Nina smiled while inhaling the intoxicating scent of freshly cooked food. She dug in immediately and the prince followed. They ate in silence for a bit until they were both mostly full. As Nina dabbed at her lips, the prince repeated his question. Nina looked at him with a polite smile and then rolled her eyes down to the cloth table, feeling overwhelmed.
“It's just a little much for me,” she whispered.
“What is?” he asked.
“This place,” she replied.
“Oh, my dear,�
� he whispered. “If you were uncomfortable, why didn't you say so? We can always go somewhere else.”
“I mean, we don't have to...” she whispered timidly.
But the prince was already waving over the waiter. He asked for a doggy bag and the waiter happily collected their plates to be placed in containers. He returned with them wrapped in foil and the prince paid for their meal immediately, leaving a handsome tip on the table.
Nina admired how he did this with ease, how every motion was deliberate and filled with confidence. She smiled when he winked at her and accepted his hand when he stood to help her up.
“You didn't have to do that,” she whispered as they exited the restaurant.
“I know I didn't, but I would hate for you to feel uncomfortable,” he said.
“That's very kind of you,” she said.
Robin stopped and turned to Nina as his chauffeur opened the door to the car. He rested his hands on her shoulders, looking deep into her eyes while she teetered over a bit from the sheer authenticity in his touch.
“Nina, I would never put you in a position where you feel uncomfortable. It would break my heart to do such a thing. As long as you don't lie to me or use me, I am at your service,” he said softly. “I genuinely like you and I want to know more about you.”
Nina smiled, her lower lip quivering as she fought back the urge to whimper. It was disheartening to hear those words.
“Do you promise?” she asked.
“I promise.”
***
Allyah chuckled.
“So, I'm your sister?” she asked while setting a basket full of apples on the counter.
Nina was cradling her head in her hands at the bar with Maxie at her feet. She looked down at the sweet Corgi who was pushing a ball around with her snout. A sigh escaped her lips.
“For now, yes,” she said.
“Does that mean I get free range of your apartment?” Allyah asked with a grin.
Nina shot her a hard look and rolled her eyes, grabbing one of the apples from the basket and running her nail over the smooth skin.