His Hired Girlfriend

by Alexia Praks

  “Yes, I’ve heard.”

  “Well, that’s why Stephanie and I are taking her out shopping.”

  Jay chuckled. “Go easy with my money, won’t you?”

  Kelly grinned. “For your lovely girlfriend, Jayden, only the best will do. Like you. You’re the best.” She chuckled, kissed his left cheek lightly and rushed away.

  Jay relaxed back against the sofa, smiling. They’d have fun, he thought, going shopping. And what the hell had Kelly meant by ‘only the best for his girlfriend?’ Like him?

  *****

  CHAPTER 14

  BY THE TIME Alexandra had come out of the changing room, she found that Jayden had left. When Kelly had told her he had gone to lunch with Britney and Beth after all and that they had no idea when he’d be back, her heart shattered. She realised then he was not going to take her to central park, and she had never felt so disappointed. She had been looking forward to it, spending time with him doing silly, regular things – things a girl do with her boyfriend. Not that he was her real boyfriend of course.

  “Don’t be so down, Alex,” Stephanie said as they left Vera Wang. “We have loads of fun things to do.”

  Alex wondered how Stephanie knew she was upset. Perhaps it was showing on her face. She had never been any good at hiding her emotions.

  “What kind of things?” she asked curiously.

  “Make-over and shopping!” Kelly shrieked excitedly.

  “It’ll be fun,” Stephanie put in, clasping her hands as they stepped toward the limousine.

  “Cool,” Alex said, pushing the disturbing thought of Jayden having lunch with Britney alone to one side. Perhaps time spent window shopping with the girls might be fun after all, an experience she knew she’d never have again once she returned to New Zealand.

  “I like window shopping,” she said, a smile on her lips.

  At that moment John stepped forward and opened the door for them.

  “We are not window shopping, Alex,” Gracie said. “We are shopping for your new wardrobe.” Then to John she said, “Thank you.”

  The limo driver touched the tip of his hat and bowed at her.

  “Say what?” Alex exclaimed in shock.

  “You need a whole new wardrobe. And a complete make over,” Kelly said as she nudged her in.

  Alex looked at Kelly confusingly as she slid into the seat beside Gracie. “I do?” she asked.

  “Of course you do,” Stephanie said as she took her seat opposite Alex. “Or didn’t you hear what that—” she paused, her face grim as thought she was about to say the word bitch again. But she said instead, “Britney said?”

  Alex sighed. Of course she had heard. But what could she do? She couldn’t really change the way she looked or who she was. After all, she was not like them who were born with everything handed to them on a silver platter. She was a down to earth girl, nothing extravagant and nothing special about her.

  Kelly saw the hurt expression on Alex’s face and said, “Hey, don’t you listen to Britney. Let’s just have fun, why don’t we?”

  Alex looked at Kelly. Gosh, Kelly was so nice, just like Jayden. Her thought suddenly switched to the man.

  Why had he left without at least saying goodbye to her or tell her that he’ll see her tonight or something? Perhaps Britney had forced him? But then again perhaps Jayden had really wanted to go? Who wouldn’t anyway? Britney was a sex vixen. What man wouldn’t be attracted to that type of woman? Yes, Britney was oozing with sexiness and Jayden was oozing with hotness. They were perfect together!

  “Besides,” Kelly continued, “we do want to polish you up for my wedding. And as girlfriend of my brother, who is, by the way, one of the top ten bachelors in New York and not to mention one of the youngest billionaire in the States, you have to look good. Everyone will want to know who you are.”

  Alex widened her eyes in shock.

  Stephanie leaned forward as the limo started moving off. “Oh don’t be alarmed, Alex. Understand that we are trying to help you out. Can’t you see already? Britney is trying to steal Jayden from you.”

  “Like asking him to lunch with her dad for instance,” Kelly said. “If people see, words will spread. She’s trying to show everyone that she and Jayden are a couple.”

  “Now girls,” Gracie put in calmly, “Britney is not that bad. Shall I call Lawrence?”

  “Oh yes, Mom, Lawrence. It has to be Lawrence. Surely he must be available for us. This is an emergency,” Kelly said. “Besides, my hen’s night is tomorrow night and Alex must be ready by then.”

  Alex heard her name in the conversation and said, “Hen’s night?”

  “Oh, Mrs. McCartney, you don’t know Britney. She’s capable of anything,” Stephanie said. “Don’t you agree, Kelly?”

  “Yes,” Kelly replied.

  “Like mother like daughter I suppose,” Gracie murmured as she started dialling on her BlackBerry.

  “What’s a hen’s night?” Alex asked curiously.

  “She’s no different from Sarah,” Kelly muttered, looking at Stephanie. “I’m glad Jay’s over her.”

  It took a while for Alex to absorb that piece information. Once she had realised what it meant she shouted, “What?”

  “Lawrence? Hello? Lawrence? Is that you?” Gracie shouted into her cell. “Ah, Lawrence, are you free this afternoon? We have an emergency...”

  Kelly widened her eyes and bit her lower lip when she realised what she had done. Stephanie glanced at her friend, clearly confused as to why Kelly was looking so ashen.

  “What do you mean? Who’s Sarah?” Alex asked.

  Kelly laughed uncomfortably and said, “She’s nobody, Alex. Don’t worry about it.” Then she quickly turned to Gracie. “Mom? Is Lawrence available?”

  Gracie glanced at her and nodded. Kelly did a thumb up. “How about lunch first? Where to?” she said, still trying to ignore Alex completely.

  “I feel like Italian today,” Stephanie said. “What about you, Alex?”

  Alex bit her lip. “I don’t mind,” she said, her mind still reeling on who this Sarah person could be. Kelly had said that she was glad Jayden was over the woman. What did that mean? She knew in her gut that this was important, at least to her anyway. She simply must find out.

  Gracie said, “See you this afternoon then, Lawrence. Thanks so much.” Then she ended the call. “There. All sorted,” she said to the three girls. “Now where were we?”

  “Lunch,” Kelly put in quickly.

  “Yes, lunch,” Stephanie said. “Italian?”

  At Buon Appetito along Madison Avenue, Alex watched as Gracie and Kelly strolled side by side into the flash restaurant. When she was sure they were at a good distance and that they wouldn’t be able to hear her, she quickly caught up with Stephanie. She cleared her throat and said, “Stephanie? Can I ask you something?”

  Stephanie gave her a big smile and said, “Of course. Go a head, sweetheart.”

  “I was just curious. Well I was kind of wondering and you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. Who’s Sarah?”

  Stephanie paused and grabbed for Alex’s hand. “You poor girl,” she began, patting Alex gently. “Jay hasn’t told you, has he?”

  Oh shoot! Alex thought. This didn’t sound one bit good. Now she wondered if she really wanted to know who this Sarah person was.

  “Well, no, not really,” she said, going along though she didn’t know what it all meant.

  “She’s no good for him. Such a slut,” Stephanie said. “He loved her so much, you know. Then she goes and hurt him, sleeping with his best friend the way she did.”

  Alex shut her eyes for a moment, trying to take it all in. This was all very confusing to her. What was Stephanie talking about? Who was sleeping with who? And who hurt who? And who was whose best friend?

  “Wait, Stephanie,” she said, “who loved Sarah very much. And who has Sarah slept with?”

  Stephanie sighed. “Come on. I’m hungry,” she said, and they started walking towar
d the restaurant again. “It’s Jayden of course.”

  Alex came to a sudden halt. Her face paled and she felt sick. Her heart missed a beat and then it started to thump again, fast and furious.

  “Hey, Alex sweetie?” Stephanie stared at her. “You all right?”

  Alex blinked and said in a shaky voice, “I’m fine.”

  “Good. Oh I see.”

  Alex was confused. “Huh? What? What do you see?” she asked, a hint of panic in her voice.

  “You’re tired and hungry. You’re so pale just now. Come on. I don’t want you to faint. We have a lot to do this afternoon.” Then she led Alex into the restaurant.

  They saw the maître d’ in a very neat black and white uniform leading Gracie and Kelly toward a table near the window. As they were approaching the two women, Alex asked, “Was Sarah Jayden’s ex-girlfriend?”

  “Yes,” came the prompt reply from Stephanie.

  Alex could feel the room swirling around her. She felt hot and dry, and her head was pounding. “Who was Jayden’s best friend?” she asked further. She couldn’t help herself. She simply needed to know.

  “Kyle Shore. Never liked him much to be honest.”

  Alex was feeling very shaky as they took their seats. She grabbed for the glass of water that Kelly had poured for them and gulped it down. She told herself to calm down before she embarrassed herself and fainted.

  “Alex, are you all right?” Kelly asked.

  Alex put the empty glass down, her hands still shaking. “Where’s the rest room?” she whispered.

  “That way,” Kelly said. “You don’t look too good.”

  Alex saw that Kelly was staring at her intensely, as though she thought something had disturbed her emotionally. She glanced at Stephanie and saw that the woman too was looking at her in concern. Alex knew that she mustn’t let them know Jayden had lied to her about him being gay and the fact that he had an ex-girlfriend was really affecting her.

  She swallowed. She could feel herself sweating.

  “I just feel sick at the smell of food, that’s all,” she lied, and before any of them could ask her anymore questions, she stood up and rushed away.

  Gracie said, “Oh.”

  Alex was in such a hurry that she didn’t look at where she was going and bumped into somebody along the corridor.

  “Sorry,” she said apologetically, glancing up.

  “Watch where you’re going, won’t you?” the woman snapped, her hazel eyes scanning at Alex up and down, her bright red lips twisting in obvious disgust.

  Alex thought that she was incredibly gorgeous – long blonde hair styled elegantly like movie stars in the 1920s and pastel green suite that fitted her perfectly and showing off her Victoria’s Secret body.

  Alex wanted to get past her, but the blonde woman seemed to be in no hurry to move.

  “Excuse me,” she said, stepping forward.

  “Ugh,” the chic gasped. “Don’t come near me.”

  “Huh?” Alex was shocked and confused as to what she meant.

  The blonde glared at her. “Get out of my way,” she snapped.

  Alex quickly stepped to one side because the woman looked as thought she was about to shove her back.

  Before she passed, the blonde frowned at her and shook her head. “Your manager should train you better.”

  Alex was too stunned to reply.

  “You know you shouldn’t treat people that way?” a male voice said from the distant.

  Alex glanced to her left along the corridor and saw a handsome young man there, leaning against the wall with his arms folded across his chest. The moment she met his eyes, she regretted it. His stare sent a chill down her spine. There was also a glint of something in his eyes that told Alex he was not to be trusted. He looked ruthless.

  The woman flicked her blonde curls over her shoulder and said, “It’s none of your business, Kyle.”

  The man named Kyle moved forward and brushed his finger against her cheek in a stroking manner. The blonde woman shoved his hand away and snapped, “Don’t touch me.” She glanced over at Alex and said, “She’s your type. Low and dirty. If you don’t get to sleep with that slut Britney tonight, go for her.” She nodded toward Alex.

  “Sarah, that’s enough,” Kyle said, his voice hard.

  “Make me,” she mocked, her face sneering at him.

  Alex thought this woman looked like an angel but her character was like the dark lord, Satan himself.

  When Kyle just glared at her, Sarah stood back and folded her arms across her chest in satisfaction. She turned to look at Alex and said, “Those toilets are dirty. Do your job properly.” Then she stalked away, her expensive heels clip-clopping along the corridor. Kyle shook his head and followed her.

  Another slap in the face, Alex thought, as she went into bathroom. Once she had freshened up and felt a whole lot better, she returned to her seat.

  “Feeling better?” Gracie asked.

  “Yes, thank you,” she replied.

  Not long afterward the waiter took their orders. As the other three women made small talk, Alex was consumed with anger. She couldn’t believe that Jayden had lied to her. She couldn’t believe she had actually believed him. Of course, she reasoned with herself, the man was too hot to be gay. Oh how he had tormented her and teased her. Then the picture of her half naked in front of him rushed back to her in full force. Her cheeks burned crimson at the thought. He had seen her breasts, touched her bare skin and kissed her. The more she thought about it the more furious she became as she stuffed down her Spaghetti Bolognese.

  “Alex?” Kelly’s voice echoed faintly in her head. “Are you all right?”

  Alex paused. She had just realised that her plate was a mess of red sauce, meatballs, and spaghetti and that she was eating without manners.

  She sighed. It was all that damn Jayden’s fault of course. She didn’t normally behave this way. “I’m sorry. I’m just suddenly very hungry,” she said apologetically, putting her fork down. “This is delicious.”

  Gracie reached out and patted her hand. “You’ll need the energy for the long afternoon,” she said, winking at her.

  Alex blinked. “Yes, that’s true,” she replied absentmindedly. She’d need all her strength to confront that lying son of a— “Don’t swear, Alex,” she murmured under her breath.

  “What was that?” Stephanie asked, looking at her.

  “Nothing,” Alex replied, even managed a full grin.

  “Eating lots is good, as long as you eat healthily. You are eating healthily, yes?” Gracie asked.

  “Oh yes, of course,” Alex replied, nodding her head.

  Everyone smiled and turned their attentions back to their food. Alex gritted her teeth as she glared at the meatballs. ‘Blast you, Jayden’ – she thought – ‘I’m gonna kill you when I see you.’ And blast that Britney! She was gonna have a complete make over and that was that!

  ***

  ‘SO THAT’S HOW a real gay man behaves,’ Alex thought as she watched Lawrence gently stroked her long hair and gave every single dark strand his undivided attention.

  Dressed in a bright pink and white striped shirt that he neatly tucked in the dark grey, skinny jeans which showed off his shapely legs – he looked immaculate. Not to mention those crocodile skin, shinny shoes and that very short, sleek bob hair style made him seem almost on the verge of being tipped over the fashionable scale.

  Alex noticed that Lawrence behaved nothing like Jayden. Lawrence was sweet talking, his voice almost always high pitched and his hands were constantly moving in a wishy-washy fashion as he spoke. Occasionally those hands would touch men’s backside when ever Lawrence happened to pass a particular male he fancied. Then of course when Lawrence’s eyes were not on women and searching his brain on how best to enhance such beauty into perfection – he’d admire good looking men and then tsked deliciously.

  Oh yes! Lawrence – a sweet gay man who treated every woman like his best girlfriend – behaved nothing like J
ayden.

  “Darling, how could you ruin your hair like that?” he said. “Simply not done, darling, simply not done.”

  Alex, who was sitting on a high chair and a full length mirror in front of her, wanted to laugh at the situation she had found herself in. She was surrounded by beautiful, fashionably dressed people – Lawrence as the chief stylish, Lisa as beauty therapist and makeup artist, and Mitch as hairdresser. They were all examining her and touching her hair, face and hands.

  “Can you do it?” Kelly asked finally from some where behind Lawrence which Alex couldn’t quite see.

  “Of course I can do it,” Lawrence said, hands on hips. “Are you questioning my ability, darling?”

  Kelly chuckled. “No, Lawrence, I’m not questioning your ability. Otherwise we wouldn’t be here, right?”

  Lawrence did a high pitch chuckle, his hand delicately waving in the air. “Of course, darling. Of course.” Then he turned back to Alex. “Now then I assume you’ve had this dark hair since forever?”

  Alex nodded.

  “Ah. Boring colour this. Doesn’t suit your complexion at all, sweetie.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. Too dark for your fair skin. We’re going to change that.” Lawrence turned to Lisa. “Light brown, Lisa, with a hint of blonde. The cut? Layer – lots and lots of layers. And some curls. Understand?”

  Lisa nodded.

  Lawrence turned his attention back to Alex. “Now then sweetie. Your skin needs special care. It’s so dry and yet it’s oily around your T-zone. Now I’m no dermatologist but I can see that you really need some help there.” He did another high pitch chuckle as he turned to Gracie, Kelly and Stephanie. “Lucky I have just right person who’d be able to help.”

  The three women, all smiling, nodded at him in acknowledgment.

  Lawrence turned back to Alex and touched her chin. “Sweetie,” he said, a hint of jealously in his voice. “You are one lucky girl. How could you hide yourself in there? Your eyes, your straight nose, your full lips. It’s model material.” He shook his head. “I wouldn’t mind trading my soul for those pair of kissable lips.”