I drove my Lamborghini to the banquet, and when I pulled into the parking lot, noticed that it was only marginally nicer than the other cars. This was the type of group that I generally rubbed shoulders with. But it wasn’t the type of group I got along with best. I really preferred the more down to earth ones. They were much more humble. My phone buzzed.
“I can’t talk right now, Prissy, I’m out to dinner.”
“I don’t know why you couldn’t take me along. It’s like you are trying to avoid me. I’m not happy with that. I could be with any guy I wanted. You know that right?”
I knew it, and it went straight to her head. She was the most spoiled human being I’d ever met. I think the only reason I agreed to date her was so I could say I dated a genuine super model. But that is definitely not worth it. Beauty is only skin deep. “I know you are beautiful, Prissy, but I’m with people for work...a business deal.” I needed to end this relationship soon!
“Fine...text me when you are done.”
“Whatever,” I said, and hung up. She represented one of the struggles being a successful man. All of the treasures of the world lie before you, beckoning you to grab hold of them. But a great many, indeed most of them, are merely gilded with gold, while their core is hollow and vain, twisted with corruption and vanity. No matter your net worth, you need real substance in your life, or satisfaction will always elude you. In a way, I was glad I learned that lesson from dating Prissy. I’m sure she would learn the same lesson in her due time.
I walked in and adjusted my tie, a move common to all of the dapper men through history. I couldn’t help but imitate. The decor was the very definition of luxurious: marble floor, vaulted ceiling, paintings, pillars festooned with imported silks. The very air in the place felt expensive. The women in attendance, walked around with wandering eyes, looking for their next prey. I felt a cold chill crawl up my spine, as I imagined that most of them were just like Prissy.
Then I saw Katie. She was at the catering table with her friend and looked better than the rest of the women combined. Without the accoutrements of the rich, she shone with the beauty of a simple, yet stunning lady. Like anyone else, I could tell she had been hurt. Hurt by men who let her down, that promised the world but left her with nothing. I didn’t wish to see that pattern continue in her life.
“Looks like you’ve upgraded the menu,” I said, when I reached the table she was working at, to that point going undetected.
She looked up at me. “You...how could you be here right now?”
“I told you I would. I keep my promises.”
“But...this place is like super expensive...for celebrities. Did you spend your entire paycheck to come here for a non-date with me?”
“Something like that,” I responded, enjoying her shock. “I had an open evening and I thought I’d swing by. You know, life can be pretty boring if you do everything by the book. It’s a lot more fun to be spontaneous.” I was making a backhanded reference to what happened at the reunion.
“Clearly,” said Katie. She was smiling to herself, but definitely in disbelief. “I wish I could sit down with you right now, but I’m busy. I really do have to work.” She nervously looked around, glancing at her friend.
“I know you do. I’m going to wait. I have friends here to keep me busy. Then I’ll see you.”
Katie nodded, pressing her lips together in a restricted smile, not wanting to draw attention from everyone.
CHAPTER 7
Katie
“Can you believe that Lance is here?” I asked Jen. “I don’t even want to know how expensive the plates are. How does that work anyway? Do you make tons of money catering here?”
Jen laughed at that suggestion. “I wish. This is basically a charity banquet. The rich do it to feel good about themselves. They charge an exorbitant rate and then take stock of each other’s social standing. So basically exactly the same as a high school reunion.”
“That’s actually hilarious.” I didn’t know that was how things worked. I couldn’t keep my eyes from looking over at Lance every now and then. He was talking to different celebrities and people of importance. So why was he interested in talking to me? I was just some girl. And I was struggling to make ends meet at that. He was clearly a person of means. As I watched him, I thought about why he was different, and why he intrigued me. He had a certain presence about him, one that was magnetic and seemed to affect everyone around him, as they laughed at what he said, and vied for his attention. I wondered what was really behind the man with so much. And I wondered why he had tried to hide it from me...hide from his friends. The more I thought about him, the more curious I became.
“I need to take a break,” I told Jen.
“No, you need to go talk to Lance. Go right ahead,” was her reply.
So I did, I walked through the banquet, full of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, feeling out of place, like I was feigning membership. And to whom was I walking? To a man that I knew nothing about. These were not the kind of thoughts that put me at ease. But then when I came closer to Lance, and he turned around, smiled, and offered me a drink, I felt all at once okay with everything in the world.
“Glad you could escape your duties,” he said. “Let’s take a seat really quick, and get to know each other.”
“I don’t get it, do you have reservations here? How do you know what table to sit at...is this allowed?”
Lance looked at me squarely. “It should be allowed. I own the place.”
“You what?” My jaw dropped opened, unable to comprehend what he had just said. I studied him quickly, to see if he was messing with me. His eyes seemed warm and genuine; his face relaxed, without a hint of strain, his overall demeanor seemed more at home in this venue than when we were at the high school reunion.
“That’s right,” he said. “I got into real estate, and I own a few buildings in different cities. It’s a hobby of mine. Here, take a seat,” he said, pulling out a chair, offering it to me like a perfectly refined gentleman.
I obliged, taking my seat. He sat down a few feet away, close enough that we could talk easily, but not so close that it was awkward, or that it seemed like he was trying to hit on me...even though we were sort of on a date… “When most people say they pick up a hobby, they are referring to rock climbing or scrabble or maybe even collecting cars. But this is no hobby, Lance. ” He was a very mysterious man.
“Williams, Lance Williams,” he said. “Yes, it is not the average hobby. But it’s my life, and I’m proud of it.”
“So then, why did you try to keep from disclosing any of this from your friends at the reunion?”
Lance turned slightly towards me, making good eye contact, but without leaning in. “I don’t like having to answer a million questions about what I do. It can get pretty annoying. It’s easier to just kind of blend in.”
“Okay…” I said, not fully getting it. “Isn’t that the reason that people want to be successful so that they will be well liked?”
“That’s one of the reasons,” he said nonchalantly. “But can you see what I mean...now you simply want to ask me a million questions about my wealth. Rather, tell me about yourself.”
I shook my head in disbelief. “What could you possibly want to know about me? I’m just a caterer? My life isn’t interesting at all.”
“That’s not true,” said Lance. “Everyone’s life is interesting. Like think about this. What do you like to do when you need to think? Where do you go?”
That was a fair question, though very personal. “I’m not really sure,” I admitted. “But, maybe I need to have a place. What about you?”
He turned in his chair even more, and I mirrored him, so we were both now almost facing each other. “I go to the Santa Monica Pier. I dress in normal clothes and blend in with the crowd. I haven’t done it in a while. But that’s what I like. There is a really big Ferris wheel there on the pier, and it’s fun to just watch it go...to watch the light
s and at night the stars. Sometimes they shoot fireworks. I don’t know, it is just one of those places that helped me think over the years.”
As he spoke, I mustered up the courage to look him directly in the eyes (up to that point I was way too intimidated). They were understanding eyes, despite his enormous wealth and power. And they were the kind of eyes that you knew had a genuineness behind them, lacking duplicity.
“I’ve been to the pier before too,” I told him. “I made the mistake of taking a date one time. The date didn’t go well.”
“Well maybe that’s something we will have to remedy then,” said Lance. He took two glasses of wine from one of the waiters who carried drinks on a plate. “Let’s toast to that.”
“To the Santa Monica Pier.” We clicked our glasses together. I felt his presence again, and knew that there was something different about him.
Of all my boyfriends that I’d had over the years - all the liars and cheaters - I never thought I may have found the one. They all had their flaws. But perhaps not this man. Perhaps there was something about him that was real, despite the fact that he had lied to me up until this point. I could still feel his tongue in mouth, sucking my breasts and licking me to the point of no return.
“What are you thinking about?” He asked, breaking my reverie.
I looked over at Jen, to see if she needed me. “Nothing,” I said, dreamily. “I’m just wondering if all of this is real.”
“What do you mean?” He asked, taking another sip of wine and then setting his glass down.
“I mean I’ve just had such a long streak of men in my life. And any time I believe what they say, they always let me down. But you are doing the opposite. You came across at first as a jerk, and now you are acting charming, and you are so successful. Is that real?”
“I’m not sure it’s smart to always doubt yourself,” he said. “Sometimes you just have to go with your gut.”
“You have to understand where I am coming from; I am just a regular girl, from a regular home. And you live in the world of the rich and famous. It’s just not something I am used to. Why would you even want to talk to me?” I tried to keep my voice in as regular a talking tone as possible so as not to draw attention.
Lance smiled slightly, making sure to maintain his equanimity despite the probing questions. “Because, Katie, there is something about you. Maybe in the past you have attracted some bad guys. Many men would hear that and run. But do you know why that is? Because most men do not trust themselves. They see what has happened in the past and they think they are going to be no different. But that’s not how I see the world. I believe in my own judgment. And I know that when I saw you, I saw something unique. Now, maybe that means we will be great friends, or maybe lovers, but there is only one way to find out.”
In all my years I had never heard anyone speak like that. He had a sureness to everything he said, a kind of confidence that was absent every other man I had never known. “What would your rich friends think of someone like me?”
“They will love you,” he said.
I nodded, wanting to believe him, wondering if someone like him could really exist in the world. He seemed far too good to be true. “Please excuse me...I need to use the restroom.”
Lance nodded in tacit acknowledgement.
I really did need to go, but also, I needed some time to process everything that was happening. This was by far the most opulent place I’d ever been, full of the rich and famous, and Lance not only could afford to come, but was one of the wealthiest and most respected people there. And yet he wanted to talk to me. To me! It made no sense. I looked at myself in the mirror, trying to figure out what was going on. Did he want to buy me expensive clothes and see how good he could make me look? Was that his game? I had no idea who this guy was, and as much as I wanted to trust him, I didn’t think I could...not yet anyway.
When I sat in the bathroom stall, two girls came into the bathroom, gossiping.
“Did you see the girl Lance is talking to,” said one of the girls in a high pitched, nasally voice.
“Oh my god, yes,” said the other girl. “Is that a new one of his projects? He loves finding those regular girls and then seeing what he can do with them. It’s like some kind of hobby...maybe a fetish…”
The other girl laughed. “Rich men get into the strangest things.”
I put my face into my hands, tearing up as I listened to what they said. They kept talking, but I couldn’t make anything out. What was said was more than enough. I was just being used, like I suspected, a play thing for this man. He enjoyed that he had power over me, and could get me to do whatever he wanted.
When I got myself together, I wiped my eyes, washed my face, and went back outside, feeling like the entire world was judging me. Did every single girl there think I was a loser? I was just some catering girl. Why should I think that I fit in. I was there for one reason - to serve them. And I wasn’t even getting paid well to do it.
“Glad to have you back,” said Lance, as charming as ever, smiling.
I smiled at him, not saying anything, feeling disgusted by him.
“I’m really enjoying getting to know you,” he said, “I feel like we connect at a level that is rare in our world.”
Everything he said was perfect...said with confidence, conviction, and warmth. I wanted so desperately to believe everything that came out of his mouth. But I couldn’t, and then, his face froze, as something caught his eye in the distance.
Immediately my gaze flitted over to see what had captured his attention. A young woman, or lady, or goddess, strutted across the room with a grace I had never seen equaled. She had long dark hair, nearly down to her waist, a crimson dress that seemingly glowed. Her tanned skin had a quality of near perfection to it that drew the admiration of everyone in the room. I looked over at Lance again, and his lips were pursed, almost out of anger, and he took a deep breath. “Who was this woman?”
CHAPTER 8
Lance
I could not believe that Prissy decided to show up uninvited. Of course, she never actually needed an invitation to get in anywhere. Her appearance was enough. I should have known better. Here she was, capturing the attention of everyone, like she always does, coming straight for me. It went to her head; her giant head with a giant ego.
“Lance, here you are. And who is this you are talking to?” Said Prissy, as she glanced at Katie with a look that to the casual observer was elegant, but to me, since I knew her, was a look of utter disdain.
“This is my...friend...Katie,” I said, feeling bad for her, and knowing that it was only going to get worse. “She runs the catering company that is throwing the party here...very successful.”
“Oh...well that’s great,” said Prissy. “I’m glad you found someone to shoot the breeze with. That’s important...you don’t want to be standing around alone at a party.” She smiled ever so slightly at Katie, raising an eyebrow as she grabbed my arm to escort me to another part of the banquet. She was a sly one!
“Prissy, I didn’t expect you would come. I thought you had other engagements tonight.” I stopped her, not willing to be dragged about, even if she was the pinnacle of beauty.
“I wanted to spend time with my man,” she said, making sure to catch Katie’s reaction, shooting her daggers.
“Oh...well...you know we have to both live our lives. We can’t be reliant on each other; you know the whole thing where you have to maintain your separate identity.” I looked over at Katie, trying to get her to understand that I really wanted to talk to her. But I could tell that she was deeply hurt.
“I’m going to get back. It’s a lot of work OWNING a catering company,” she said, glaring at me. She got up and left, walking quickly back to her friend.
“That girl really does embrace the team spirit thing,” said Prissy, commenting on Katie’s drab appearance that befit an employee (which she was) rather than a successful owner.
“Yes,” I
said. “And you know what? Katie is a very good girl. She doesn’t care about being the center of attention. In fact, she is not the owner of the catering company. All she is is an employee, and there is nothing wrong with that.” My voice was growing louder than a speaking voice, as I was frustrated with Prissy’s neediness and disdain for anyone who isn’t as well off as she is (even though she owed most of her wealth to me).
“So she is just an employee. Well, if I would have known you were talking to some commoner, I wouldn’t have even bothered to make a derogatory remark.” said Prissy, laughing her little haute couture laugh.
“You make derogatory remarks to everyone, Prissy. That’s why nobody really likes you.”
“Whatever do you mean?” She asked, adjusting her hair casually, with her nose seemingly up to the whole world.
“I mean that people tolerate the way you are because you are very beautiful. But beneath that thin veneer you are one of the most awful human beings I’ve ever known. It’s really hard to handle. Sometimes I wish you could just see yourself from someone else’s perspective.”
Prissy laughed. “Lance...you say these sorts of things, but then you always beg me to come back, to sleep with you. I know that deep down you must love me. Actions do speak louder than words you know.”
“I know,” I said, looking her right in the eyes. “I am going. I hope you have a wonderful rest of the evening. Maybe the only way to get anything across to you is to let you face the consequences of your actions.” After saying those words, I turned around. It was hard, something I had never done before, something I doubt any man had ever done before.
“Lance...you will regret this,” she yelled.
“Not likely,” I whispered under my breath. I knew who Prissy was. She was the trap of rich men. She was the forbidden fruit that led to destruction. For her beauty was just a thin veneer of vanity; her lips dripped with honey, but her sting was deadly. I shook my head, having a hard time believing I was ever into her.
Her Secret: A Billionaire Romance Page 13