by Jenna Brandt
“Why did you have to behave like that?” Bryce inquired in frustration. “What did Lana ever do to you to deserve that treatment?”
“What are you talking about?” Roger asked with a look of confusion. “She’s a waitress, Bryce. I treated her as such.”
“Wow, you don’t even realize how you behaved or how you sound right now,” Bryce stated with disgust. “Just because someone works for you or at a place you frequent, it doesn’t give you the right to treat them like something you stepped in.”
“Okay, thanks for the lesson on how to treat the blue-collared class,” Roger stated sarcastically. “I’m good though. I’ve gotten along fine without having to change how I am. I’m definitely not going to because you’ve got it bad for some new piece that’s caught your eye. What is it about her anyway that’s got you panting so bad?”
“I like the fact she doesn’t throw herself at me like all the other women I’ve encountered since I made my fortune. She seems independent, like she doesn’t need a man to complete her.”
“Ugh, that’s the exact opposite from the type of woman I want. I like when women appreciate my money. It lets me know exactly where I stand with them and there are no surprises.”
“Really? You would rather be used for your money than make a genuine connection with someone?”
“Oh, I make plenty of connections,” Roger stated with amusement. “And I’m quite happy not getting invested in any of them. But if you’re wanting to make any headway with a woman like that waitress, you need to make a grand gesture that makes her go weak in the knees. Hopefully, once you get her into bed, we can move on already.”
Bryce didn’t like the way Roger was talking about Lana, but there was one grain of help in his otherwise crass observations.
“Every once-in-awhile, you have a brilliant idea, Roger. Since you're the king of grand gestures, what’s a sure-fire way to get her attention?”
Roger’s eyebrows came together in a furrow as he thought about it for a moment. “I’ve got it. Let’s head back to your place where we can make the arrangements.”
The lights flickered above her at the kitchen table. Lana made a note to get new lightbulbs the next time she was at the store. She finished the last of her garden salad before taking the bowl to the small kitchen sink and rinsing it out.
The front door’s lock clicked and Celeste entered the room. She was carrying a bag of groceries in one arm and a box in the other. “The new shoes you ordered online arrived. You’re seriously the only person I know who lives in the fashion capitol of America and still would rather shop online.”
“It’s so much easier. If I wanted anything decent, it was a necessity in the small-town I grew up in. Now, I don’t have to wait in line or deal with traffic, so I don’t see a point in switching habits.”
Celeste sighed, handing her the box. “Suit yourself. I don’t know why I even bother. You’re just a Midwest girl at heart.”
“So true. You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl.”
Lana opened the box from the online shoe store, then pulled out a pair of black pumps to replace her work ones, which were losing the grip on the bottom.
“Wow, black work pumps. How basic. I should have guessed,” Celeste teased. “When are you going to buy a pair of hot pink or fire engine red stilettos?”
Lana crinkled her nose. “No way. My mom and dad would kill me if they found out I wore anything like that.”
“You’re seriously the only woman I know who is over twenty-one and is still concerned about what her parents think.”
Though they were both Christians, Lana and Celeste came from very different backgrounds. Lana came from a stable two-parent home with three younger siblings, while Celeste was an only child of a single mom from the Bronx. When Celeste turned eighteen, her mother kicked her out and told her to fend for herself. Lana’s parents cried when she told them she was moving to New York to pursue acting. The vastly different women met at Lana’s first job in Manhattan as a catering server, a job she still did to bring in extra income.
“What can I say, I’m a parent pleaser,” Lana stated with mirth, though the jest had a hint of underlying truth. Her desire to please both her parents and her Heavenly Father kept her from taking less than reputable acting and modeling jobs. She never wanted to embarrass any of them.
The doorbell rang and Lana stood up to go open it. “You can finish putting away the groceries. I can take care of whoever’s at the door.”
She peered through the peephole. A man with a clipboard stood on the other side. Lana turned the deadbolt but left the chain lock in place.
“How can I help you?” Lana asked through the crack in the door.
“I have a delivery for a Lana Collins,” the man answered from the other side.
“Hold on a moment,” she said as she closed the door, removed the final lock, and opened the door all the way.
“Can you please sign here,” the man directed as he handed her the clipboard. She glanced down at the form which had the name of a flower shop scrolled across the top.
What’s going on? Who would send me flowers?
The man brought in a bouquet of red roses. She glanced at it and calculated it was two dozen in the vase; however, she didn’t see a note.
“Where do you want me to put these?”
Lana gestured to the table. “You can set them there.”
“Who are those from?” Celeste asked behind her.
“I don't have the faintest clue.” She followed the man towards the door as she asked, “Is there a note that came with them?”
“There is, but we’re not finished yet.” The man poked his head out the door and whistled.
Several seconds later, another man appeared carrying another vase of roses, followed by another man, and another. By the time they finished, there were a dozen vases sprinkled around her apartment with two dozen roses in each one. The room was filled with the fragrant scent of fresh blooms as her eyes tried to adjust to the mountains of glorious velvet buds.
“Now we’re done,” the man said as he handed her an envelope, then exited the room, closing the door behind him.
Lana found a handwritten note inside.
Give me just one chance.
I promise you won’t regret it.
Bryce
“Let me guess, these are from Bryce Montgomery? What does the note say?” Celeste inquired.
“He wants me to go out with him.”
“And?”
“And what?” Lana said as she glanced around the room at the sea of flowers. “I’m not sure what to make of all this. It’s so excessive.”
“Yes, yes, it is,” Celeste agreed. Then with a knowing smile, she probed, “But don’t you find it the littlest bit romantic?”
“Of course I do, but I’m not even sure he’s interested in me as much as the chase since I turned him down.”
“From what you told me, he doesn’t sound like that type. He seems genuinely interested in you.”
“Well, I don’t need the complication of a guy right now. I need to be focusing on pursuing my acting career, not being distracted by a man who thinks this is a normal way to woo a woman. I wonder how many other women he tried this trick on before me?”
“Wow, that’s a dark thought, Lana. Distrustful much?”
“I’m sorry. I just can’t afford to put myself out there, especially for a guy whom I’m not even sure I can trust.”
“It seems like such a waste,” Celeste stated as she picked a petal from one rose and pressed it between her fingers. “I think you secretly like him.”
Lana wanted to object, but she knew if she did, it would be a lie. The truth was, she desperately wanted to say “yes,” but all she could think about was getting distracted, or worse, hurt. Better to not respond than risk either one happening.
5
Almost a week passed with no contact from Lana. Bryce wondered what he had done wrong.
You took advice from Roger, you idiot, so that was your first mistake. The second was to not go with your gut instinct.
Bryce’s instincts were usually right, and they had told him money didn’t impress Lana. He should have been more sincere and direct, but he blew it.
“You need to forget about her, and you know the best way to do that is to move on to someone else. Why don’t you come out with me to the club tonight?” Roger offered as he sat across from Bryce at his home office.
“I don’t know. I’m not into that type of scene. All the noise, drinking, and grinding gets on my nerves.”
“You always say no. How about you saying yes for once. It’ll do you some good to get out of your head and enjoy yourself. I know a place that’s a lot lower key than the rest, but still super hip.”
Bryce let out a heavy sigh. He could see Roger wouldn't let this go. Besides, sitting around beating himself up over his decisions regarding Lana wouldn't do him any good. “I guess it couldn’t hurt to let off a little steam.”
An hour later, Bryce was sporting a black button-up, tan slacks, and his Gucci loafers, ready for a night out on the town. They climbed into Roger’s Lamborghini and sped off towards the lower east side.
“You made the right decision coming out with me tonight. I will show you the best night of your life,” Roger promised as he blew through a yellow light and barely missed getting hit by a car.
Oh, man, what did I get myself into? Was this a good idea to put myself at Roger’s mercy?
About twenty minutes later, they arrived outside a swanky nightclub called The Luxx. A red carpet and velvet ropes marked the entrance with a line of potential patrons wrapped around the building. There were two bouncers outside eyeing them as they stepped out of the Lamborghini. The valet took the keys from Roger, who handed the young man a hundred-dollar bill.
“Thank you, sir,” the young man shouted as he hustled around to the driver’s side door of the car. “I’ll take real good care of your car for you.”
Roger didn’t bother to respond but instead made his way to where the bouncers were standing in the front.
“Good evening, Mr. Boswell. We have your usual table ready for you.” He glanced at Bryce and added, “I see you brought a guest with you tonight.”
“I sure did, Don. This is Bryce Montgomery, #1 on the Most Eligible Bachelor list in Manhattan Magazine. He also happens to be my best friend.”
Bryce flushed with embarrassment. He hated when Roger made a big deal about the list. Ever since it came out, he announced it wherever they went, expecting it to impress people.
“Well, we’re always glad to welcome any friend of yours, Mr. Boswell. I’m sure the ladies will love having Mr. Montgomery in the club tonight.”
The bouncer opened the velvet rope barrier for them and as they passed through, Roger handed him a folded hundred-dollar bill.
“Wow, I’m surprised how well known you are around here,” Bryce observed. “Come here often do you?”
Roger rolled his shoulders. “Eh, maybe once a week. What can I say, they treat me good and I like the quality of ladies that frequent the place.”
As they entered the club, the women near the front turned their heads towards them to check out who was entering. Several of them got frantic with excitement and whispered amongst their groups, occasionally pointing at them and giggling.
“It seems you’ve caused a flurry amongst the patrons,” Roger observed. “Man, what I wouldn’t have given to get on that list. Women eat it up.”
Yes, all of them but the one woman I wish cared. What I wouldn’t give to have Lana react to me like one of these women.
Of course, if she did, would she lose her appeal? He often wondered if the reason he found her so enticing was the fact she made it clear she was unavailable. Did he simply like the idea of obtaining the unobtainable?
“Oh, no you don’t. I see that look in your eyes. You’re getting into your head again. Stop it,” Roger ordered.
Once they were at Roger’s reserved table, he snapped his hand in the air and a server appeared almost instantaneously.
“Hello, Roger, what can I get you and your friend?” the buxom redhead stated with a friendly smile, looking at Bryce as if sizing him up.
“Starla, you can get us both a gin and tonic for now.”
Bryce shook his head. “I’ll take a coke, thank you.”
“Oh, really? What’s the fun in that?”
“I have an early morning meeting,” Bryce explained. “I can’t afford to drink tonight.”
It wasn't a lie, but he also left out the part he didn’t much care for alcohol, and even less to drink in environments such as this. Bryce learned early on after making his first ten million when he sold his app, these types of places were a den for bad choices. He had made the mistake of partying hard for several weeks and nearly lost the respect and backing of his investors. He promised himself he would never do it again.
“Have it your way, but you’re going to at least dance, right? I mean otherwise, why did you come?” Roger inquired.
Bryce was wondering the same thing. Why did he come tonight? He hated places like this, what happened in them, and the people who frequented them.
To stop thinking about Lana. That’s why you came. Don’t pretend otherwise.
Avoiding the answer, Bryce said, “You know I’m a terrible dancer.”
“Yes, but what you lack in skills, you make up for in money. The women can smell it on you, trust me.”
The thought of that turned Bryce’s stomach. He didn’t want that type of woman, not even for one dance. Before he could object, two curvy blondes came up to their table with fake eyelashes, red lipstick, and over-teased hair.
“Hi, Roger, it’s good to see you again,” the shorter of the two women said with a seductive smile. “You took off last week without buying me a drink. You gonna make up for it tonight?”
The taller of the two women leveled her gaze at Bryce. “Hi, I’m Tina,” she said as she sat down next to him, far closer than he preferred. “I recognized you from the magazine bachelor list. I have to say, you’re even hotter in person. You want to buy me a drink?” she asked as she placed her hand on his arm.
He wanted to say no, but before he could get the words out, a strikingly beautiful brunette woman approached them with a look of anger on her face. “Take your hands off my fiancé right now,” she ordered with her hands on her hips.
Bryce stiffened as he recognized his former fiancée’s voice. Great, Gabrielle. Just what I need tonight. How did she find out I was here?
Tina’s eyes rounded into saucers for a moment before she tilted her head to the side, then narrowed them into slits. “You’ve got a lot of nerve trying to stake your claim, but I read the list. He’s the #1 bachelor in Manhattan, which means he’s fair game,” she stated as she slid her hand from Bryce’s arm to his chest.
Gabrielle’s face turned red as it scrunched up in a rage. “I'm giving you three seconds to get your skinny rear off that couch and away from my man, or so help me, I will throw you across this room.”
The Puerto Rican model moved menacingly towards Tina as she counted, “One, two,” but before she got to three, the other woman jumped up from the seat and stepped away from Bryce.
“Have it your way. There are plenty of other eligible bachelors around here,” Tina stated in a haughty voice. “I don’t have time for this nonsense.”
Gabrielle sat down next to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Hello, mi amor. I’ve missed you,” she whispered against his cheek before letting her lips graze the same spot.
“Stop it, Gabrielle,” Bryce stated as he disentangled himself from her grasp. “We’re not together anymore. We haven’t been for the past six months.”
She pressed her lips together, then flicked her long dark hair over her shoulder nonchalantly. “It’s only temporary. I’m going to win you back.”
“You’re not. Cheating on me with your perso
nal trainer saw to that pretty definitively. Gabrielle, you need to stop showing up wherever I’m at and making a fool of yourself. You’re wasting your time.”
“You shouldn’t say that. I miss our time together and I know you do too.” She leaned against him, pushing her chest against his frame. “Admit it, you miss me.”
Bryce jerked away and stood up. “Fine, if you won’t leave. I will.” He glanced over at Roger. “I need to go. I can’t be here anymore.”
Bryce threw down several twenties on the table before taking off towards the front entrance. Just as he emerged, the unwelcomed clicking of the paparazzi cameras and their shouts for attention filled Bryce’s ears.
“Bryce, Bryce, look this way,” one of them shouted.
“Are you and Gabrielle back together? We saw her go inside?” another photographer shouted.
“Does this mean you're not a bachelor anymore? There will be a lot of broken hearts if that’s the case,” another one observed.
Not wanting to encourage them, Bryce raised his hand to shield his face as he pushed through the crowd. When is this going to end? I hate living my life this way.
As he hailed a taxi cab, Bryce jumped in without looking back. He realized it was a mistake going out tonight. He should have never gone. Rather than trying to distract himself with flashy things, he should have just made a heartfelt request for Lana to go on a date with him. He was going to correct his mistake tomorrow.
Her phone vibrated in her pocket, causing Lana to pull it out and glance down at the text message from Celeste.
Where are you?
Rick is looking for you.
Lana texted back:
Just getting off the subway.
Will be there in a few minutes.
I’m not scheduled for another half hour.
Is something wrong?
Celeste texted back:
Not sure.
He wants to talk with you.
It didn’t sound good.
She slipped her phone back into her pocket as she emerged from the stairs coming up from the underground transportation hub.