by Aria Ford
Jeffrey put his head back and looked up at the sky while sighing.
He turned his head to look at me, after a moment's pause, and said, "It's days like these that remind you why life's worth living."
"I hear that," I said.
"It doesn’t matter how much money you have if you don’t have anyone to share life with. I can buy most anything I want, but I can’t buy true companionship or love. Even with the money, I still can’t help but feel that something is missing in my life. Do you ever feel that way?” Jeffrey asked me.
I nodded my head. “I do,” I said simply.
"Maybe," he said, grabbing my hand under the water, "Maybe that's because we're missing each other."
I smiled and gave his hand a squeeze. “Maybe,” I conceded.
We sat in silence for a few moments, enjoying one another’s company and the serenity of the surroundings.
"What do you like most about Japan?" I inquired curiously.
“Honestly? I like seeing it through your eyes. I like watching you experience everything and react to it. You have such inquisitive and intelligent eyes and a killer smile. That’s been my favorite part,” he answered, pinning me with his gaze.
I could feel the blush creeping into my cheeks at his words. I had never been complimented so much in all of my life. I wasn’t quite sure how to handle it, so I just said a simple, “Thank you for saying so.”
“What’s been your favorite part?” Jeffrey asked me.
“Everything!” I said exuberantly. “I love the scenery, the food, the tranquility of this place, and, most of all, I like being here with you.”
Jeffrey leaned over and kissed me lightly on the lips. I felt that familiar jolt of electricity run through my limbs and kissed him back. After a moment, we parted and continued to sit again in silence.
After a few more moments, I could feel my skin begin to prune in the water. Jeffrey caught me looking at my hands and chuckled.
“Are you ready to head back?” he asked.
“Yes, I think I am.”
We headed back into the bath house to change back into our clothes and climbed in the car to head back to Tokyo.
We arrived back at the hotel late and ordered room service, which was delicious. After dinner, Jeffrey placed a sweet kiss on my forehead before retiring to the couch.
The next morning, I woke up, showered, and dressed before coming out to see him.
"Today," he said excitedly, as he folded the blankets he was using on the couch, "We're going somewhere awesome. It’s a place I've always wanted to go."
"Where is it?" I asked.
"Suzuka race track," he said, sounding like a little kid in a candy store.
"To do what?"
"Drive, of course."
"To drive?" I asked. "That sounds like it might be dangerous."
Jeffrey’s face fell just enough for me to catch it.
“Ok, we can go do something different,” he said, trying hard not the let the disappointment show in his voice.
“No, no,” I said quickly. “Let’s go to the racetrack.”
“But you don’t sound like you want to, and I want you to enjoy this trip,” he said sweetly.
I smiled and raised my hand to touch his cheek. “Jeffrey, I am enjoying this trip. But it’s not all about me. I want you to have fun too. So if you want to race, we race!”
“Are you sure?” he asked, his smile returning.
“I’m sure,” I assured him.
The wide, boyish smile broke across his face once more and he grabbed my hand excitedly and led me to the waiting car.
When we arrived at the track, a well-dressed man in a tailored suit was waiting to greet us.
"Mr. Dormer," he said, as he addressed Jeffrey, "your keys."
"Thank you," Jeffrey said and we followed the man through a building and into the garage next to the track.
"This is the 2016 Nissan Silvia S15," the man told us.
"Banned in the US," Jeffrey said, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"For street use, yes," said the man.
"It's beautiful," I said, looking at it in awe. I’d never been one to care much about cars, but this thing was gorgeous.
Yes, it is,” Jeffrey agreed.
"Jeffrey," I said, putting my hand up and placing it on his chest.
"Yes, Raina?"
"Will you ease into it? The racing, I mean?”
Jeffrey smiled down at me as the man walked away.
"I promise. And if you start to feel nervous or scared, you let me know and I’ll slow down. Okay?” I nodded.
We were fitted with helmets, fireproof jumpsuits, and racing gloves. We got into the car at the starting line. Once the track was cleared, the lights in front of us on the speedway flashed, then they stayed green and he put the pedal to the metal. We sped off as he shifted gears. We took the first turn and I had to admit that it was a bit exhilarating.
"The designer curve is up ahead," Jeffrey shouted, as we approached it. He braked, then accelerated, and had to brake, again, as he made a ninety degree turn.
"Now the hairpin," he said, as he sped toward it.
I grabbed the edge of my seat and held on. There was one more curve then it was a straight away for a while. He let go of the gear shifter with one hand and held my hand for a moment. I smiled at him and he glanced over at me. I was enjoying this way more than I thought I would. We went through another tight turn after he had stepped on the brakes, and then another short straightaway before finishing.
"That's all she wrote," he said as he pulled the car back up to the starting line.
After we returned the equipment and the keys Jeffrey asked me what I would like to do.
“Well, I’ve always wanted to go to Tokyo Tower,” I said.
“Then that’s where we’ll go,” he answered.
It was so surreal to be able to mention anything I wanted and have it happen. I found myself thinking that I could really get used to this way of living, especially if it was with Jeffrey.
We looked out from the observatory, which had windows tilted so that you could see more of the city below you. It was all quite dizzying even for me. I looked over the edge while he hung back a little. I went up to him and he fidgeted with his hands.
“Are you afraid of heights?” I asked him, concern furrowing my brow.
“Just a little,” he admitted sheepishly.
“Why didn’t you tell me? I wouldn’t have dragged you up here if I had known,” I said, feeling bad.
“Well, you were apprehensive about the racing but you went anyway. I figured I ought to return the favor,” he said.
I shook my head. This man really was something else. I took his hand and started to lead him toward the windows.
"I don't think I'm ready," he said, pulling back a little.
"You're ready," I insisted. “Besides, I’ll be right next to you the whole time.”
We walked toward the edge together and I stood next to him, then leaned in and put my head on the top of his arm, nearly touching his shoulder. As I realized he was comfortable, I put my hand on his chest and smiled out as I looked at the beautiful city.
"This is pretty amazing," he said.
"Do you like the view?"
"I like the feeling of being next to you," he said quietly.
"You know, on this entire trip, I've had moments where I want to be able to relive them again and again because I enjoyed them so much. Moments with you."
"You have?"
I looked up at him, "And this is one of those moments."
"I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to hear you say that,” Jeffrey said.
We stood like that for a moment after I had put my head back on his arm and looked out over the city. We had dinner in the restaurant in Tokyo Tower and enjoyed every second of it.
Chapter Four
We ended up staying in Japan for another week, revisiting places in Ueno Park and the surrounding area, like the street food carts and sho
ps. Jeffrey offered to buy me things several times and after much deliberation, I decided to let him buy me whatever we both liked. There were several things, like a necklace, shoes, and a dress. I had to admit, it felt awfully nice to be spoiled like that; to not have to consider a price tag before purchasing something.
One afternoon after a brief shopping trip, Jeffrey suggested we go to one of the cat café’s he’d heard about.
“Oh yes!” I exclaimed. “Let’s do that!”
We went and sat down and I was approached by an adorable fuzzy ginger cat. It allowed me to stroke it while Jeffrey took pictures on his phone.
"Adorable," he said.
"Isn't it?"
“I was talking about you,” he said, making me blush.
I waved him off and continued stroking the cat’s soft fur as he purred loudly in response.
"I thought we could have dinner at Akasaka Asada, here in the city tonight," Jeffrey said after we had left the café.
"What are they known for?"
"Very, very small plates," he said. "It's in the Minato district. It's a ‘ryotei’, which is just another word for classy."
"So, I should probably change," I said.
"No, you look beautiful no matter what you're wearing."
I blushed again and bumped my shoulder against his.
We enjoyed an exquisite meal with excellent service and at the end of it, he put his hand forward and held mine. "This has been the best time of my life," he said.
"Mine too,” I admitted. Suddenly, the gloom set in. “But I have to be getting back to work soon," I said.
He nodded. “If that’s what you need to do, I’ll be sad to see our time here end but I understand.”
“Don’t get me wrong Jeffrey, I’ve loved every minute of you doting on me, but I’ve always provided for myself. Even if we do end up staying together, I think I would like to keep working,” I told him.
He nodded and looked at me with a newfound respect in his icy blue eyes. “I admire that Raina, more than you know.”
“Thank you for understanding,” I told him.
"Ok so what else do you want to do before we leave?"
"Have street food one more time!" I said, and he chuckled.
The next morning, we headed out to have breakfast at one of the sidewalk cafes before heading back to the hotel to pack up for the trip home.
"Jeffrey," I said, coming into the other room where he had put his things and slept. "I want to tell you how much fun I’ve had."
He straightened up and smiled “I’m glad. I’ve had fun too Raina,” he said, walking over to where I stood. He took me in his arms and kissed me sweetly.
"If I could remember this moment forever, I would be a happy woman."
"Hopefully we’ll have more of these moments,” he offered.
I looked up at him and smiled. “Maybe.”
On the long flight home, we held hands and relived our vacation.
“So, one week turned into two,” he said. “What do you think Raina? Do you think you could be with someone like me?”
I wrinkled my nose and looked to the ceiling, pretending to ponder the question. “Gee, I don’t know. You whisk me half way around the world, buy me whatever I want, and spoil me with compliments. I don’t think I could take much more of that kind of thing,” I teased.
Jeffrey held my gaze but didn’t smile. I realized how serious he was about this. Suddenly I remembered how he had told me that some people truly couldn’t handle his lifestyle.
“Oh Jeffrey,” I said, grabbing his hand. “I was only joking. Of course, I want to be with you,” I said, watching relief wash over his handsome face.
“That’s what I was hoping you’d say,” he told me, leaning over to kiss me.
I closed my eyes and leaned back into the soft leather of the private jet’s seat and sighed. Not only could I get used to the luxury, I could get used to spending every day with Jeffrey.
THE END
Big Boss
Audrey’s golden stilettos clicked against the cool marble tiles as she made her way into a lavishly decorated hall in the Grand Cerulean Hotel. She felt slightly exposed in her dress, with its plunging neckline and soft silk clinging to her curves. It wasn’t something she would have ever chosen for herself, even if she could have afforded it, but she had to admit it fit like a glove. The deep scarlet of the silk complemented her soft alabaster skin and her long red hair.
As she entered the Azure Hall, as was indicated on her invitation, she no longer felt out of place. Around fifty other young women were there, dressed in equally beautiful gowns. Several members of the wait staff circulated the room with trays of champagne. Audrey looked around at the crowd of women and felt like she might have been at tryouts for a beauty pageant.
What am I doing here? I can’t believe I came. These girls all look like models. A waiter approached with a tray of champagne and Audrey happily picked up a glass and took a long sip to soothe her insecurities.
About two weeks earlier, she had received a large parcel at her door. When had she opened the package, there had been a richly wrapped gift with a card that looked like it could be a wedding invitation on top. Her name was scrawled in loopy calligraphy on the thick paper of the envelope. Inside it said:
Mr. J. Bradley requests the pleasure of your company at the
Young Ladies of Boston Private Gala
Saturday, the Tenth of May
Two Thousand Seventeen.
Reception at six o’clock
Dinner at seven o’clock
The Grand Cerulean Hotel
Azure Ballroom
Boston, Massachusetts
RSVP [email protected]
She had torn the wrapping paper from the package and opened the box. Under the layers of crisp tissue paper was the scarlet dress she was now wearing, along with golden heels, and a delicate gold necklace. She had found a small card on top with an appointment time and address to Queen’s Salon and Spa for the day of the event. She felt like she had won the lottery. Then she thought, Nope. This has to be a mistake. They must have me mixed up with someone else. I’m not touching any of this before I make sure; this seems too good to be true. I’m going to touch this stuff and then I’ll probably have to pay for everything.
She emailed the address on the invitation to confirm it was indeed her, Audrey Alicea, they had intended to send the invitation to. She received a reply within the hour. The email confirmed that indeed, Audrey Alicea was the intended recipient. The email went on to explain that she had been chosen as a contestant for a contest hosted by James Bradley. James Bradley? The billionaire?
She began to wonder if this was some sort of contest or scholarship she had signed up for at the beginning of university this past September. Audrey had to pay her own way through school and worked full-time as a waitress to pay the bills, but it was never enough. Every month she was left counting change to afford basic necessities after she paid her rent.
Audrey was determined to be the first person in her family’s history to attend college, so when she found herself struggling to pay for it with her wages, she looked to other alternatives. Her grades weren’t the highest; working full-time meant she couldn’t put in the study time she needed, but they were good enough. She decided to apply for every student contest and scholarship she came across. She had applied for so many she couldn’t remember all of them; she tried to remember if there had been one from James Bradley.
Well, it doesn’t matter why they sent it. They sent it to me. There is a gorgeous dress, a trip to a salon, and a free dinner. I have to go. She was decided, and she emailed to confirm her presence. As she pressed the send button, she felt an instant giddiness flood over her. She had never been to a black-tie event and was suddenly so excited she thought she might burst.
Two weeks later, now standing at the gala, doubt was starting to creep up again. She felt like she was about to be discovered for the fraud she was. She tried to relax by wandering the ha
ll; the tables were gorgeous, with lush white rose centerpieces. Young women dressed like they were headed to the Oscars wandered around, chatting with one another and the few male guests that circulated as well. Audrey had just begun her second glass of champagne when one of the young men, very handsome in his tuxedo, walked up to a microphone that was set up at the other end of the hall.
“May I have your attention, please?” His voice was clear and friendly. The crowd settled and turned their attention to the host.
“Welcome to Mr. Bradley’s private gala. Thank you all for coming. Now, I would like to invite you all to take a seat, but first things first. Would any guests who have publicly shared news of this gala on any sort of social media please raise your hand. This includes posts to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etcetera.”
About nine young ladies raised their hands into the air. The host nodded.
“Thank you, ladies. We appreciate you coming, but at this time we have to ask you to take your leave. Please make your way to the exit. Remaining ladies, you may take a seat at one of the tables,” he said as he gestured to where the tables were laid out.
Audrey’s eyes widened. Wow, that was harsh, she thought. They weren’t joking when they said it was a private gala. Everyone looked around at one another, shocked that nearly one-fifth of the invitees had been dismissed so abruptly. The nine ladies began to make their way out of the room and the rest of the guests made their way to the tables.
Audrey shifted in her seat as she watched the disappointed girls leave the party before it had really started. Another young woman had taken a seat across the table from her. Her blonde hair was pulled up in a chignon and she looked confident in her navy gown. Audrey caught movement from the corner of her eye. The chair beside her began to slide out. She looked up to find a tall, dark, and very handsome man pulling up the seat next to her. His brown skin was rich and smooth. Audrey drank him in; his muscular body filled his tuxedo perfectly.
James Bradley had been leaning against the bar, sipping his Glenfiddich when Audrey caught his eye. The lush auburn waves of her hair spilled over her shoulders, and with the way that scarlet dress hugged her body, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. He had found the belle of the ball, no doubt, but the most intriguing part was that she obviously had no idea. She was graceful, but she guarded herself.