In the Billionaires Club

by Burroughs, Anne

  “Sal’s.”

  “Martin, is that you?”

  “This is Rich.”

  “Oh, hi Rich, this is Gin. I’m looking for Vin. Is he around?” Gin didn’t think he would be. It was four o’clock, and she doubted even Vin would drink from afternoon until early morning.

  “Sure. Hold on.”

  There were muffled sounds, and then Vin’s voice filled the phone. “Gin! I can’t wait to see you!”

  He sounded so genuinely happy and enthusiastic. Gin’s hand started to shake. For some reason, the idea of telling Vin that she was skipping out on him to be with Rob felt cruel, even though it shouldn’t have been that big a deal. “Well, about that.” Gin took a deep breath. “Look, things have changed.”

  “What do you mean?” Oh god, this is so hard. He sounds hurt already.

  “Rob called me.” Gin just stumbled forward, hoping things would just work out. “Remember when I told you about healing him. I did it! He is committing to me. He asked me to the European Business Awards. So I’m going with him. Can you believe it? He chose me!”

  “I don’t believe it.” Vin’s voice was cold.

  Gin had hoped Vin would be happy for her, but she had known that he would most likely be his normal cynical self.

  “Don’t be a jerk. Look, I know my canceling sucks, but you don’t have to take it out on Rob. I mean, how well do you know him?”

  “Well enough.” Vin’s voice had changed. It was commanding, forceful. “Gin, I’m not going to sit here and let you keep making mistakes. It hurts me watching you get hurt again and again.”

  “First of all, this isn’t a mistake, and, secondly, I’m not going to get hurt, and, finally, you can’t stop me.”

  “I wish I could. God, I wish I could. You deserve better than those idiots. Rob’s never going to choose just you, Gin. I’m sorry, but that’s just not who he is. He’s a child who cares only about himself. He hides behind his code of honesty, but that doesn’t really conceal that he just wants to be wanted, and that means with as many women as he can collect.”

  “That’s not what he told me. He asked me to the award ceremony. Just me.” Gin said defiantly.

  “Well, he’s become an asshole then, because he lied to you. He has girlfriends all over, Gin. They all put up with it because he keeps them comfortable.”

  “That’s a pretty shitty thing to say, Vin. And, if I didn’t know you better, I’d say you sounded jealous.”

  There was a long pause, and then Vin replied, “Then you don’t know me at all.” Gin took a moment to think over what Vin had said. Did that mean he was jealous?

  “I guess you’re right,” Gin replied. “I don’t really know you.”

  There was a pause, and then Vin replied, his voice strained,“I love you, Gin. You chase guys that just want to fuck you, and the one who actually cares about you is kicked aside.”

  “Look, I love you, too. You’ve become one of my best friends. I know you care about me. I really hoped you would be more understanding. I’m not kicking you aside. You’re my friend. You are very important to me. It’s just that I’ve found true love.”

  Vin laughed a bitter laugh. “You can’t be this oblivious.”

  “I’m not oblivious. I just know Rob better than you do.”

  “Wow. I guess that pretty much tells me everything I need to know. Well, clearly this won’t mean anything to you, but I will tell you anyway: I really don’t think I can handle you continually clutching for love, only to ignore what’s in front of your face. It just means that you don’t want to see it.”

  “I’m not ignoring anything. I just see that Rob has changed.”

  “Jesus. This is not about Rob, Gin.” There was a bang, and then a muffled, “Rich, get me another fucking drink.” A short moment later, Vin said, “I know you have a good heart, Gin. I know you do. And someday you’ll understand that ignorance can cause as much pain as malice. Have fun in Innsbruck. Make time to take the Funicular. It’s spectacular. Goodbye, Gin.”

  There was a click and the line went dead. Gin had no idea what had just happened, but she felt deeply sad. She had let Vin down, and he had become her closest friend after Lisa. He had tried so hard to get her to understand, but he was the one who didn’t understand.

  Gin shook her head and started packing. He’d know soon enough that Rob had finally met the right person—Gin. Maybe they could talks things out then.

  Rob’s driver, who Gin finally discovered was named Frank, waited patiently as Gin gathered the last of her things. She called Lisa on the way to the airport.

  “Are you shitting me?”

  Gin smiled at Lisa’s incredulous enthusiasm. “No. He said he wanted me to share his special moments.”

  “That’s amazing, Gin. I take back everything I said about him being an asshole.” Lisa laughed. “He just needed to see the error in his ways.”

  “Exactly! Look, I have to go, as we’re getting close to the airport, but I’ll call you from Austria.”

  “You better! I want to hear everything. Oh, by the way, do I need to let Vinnie know?”

  “Ugh. Don’t go there. I told him, and he went on another of his crusades against the asshole billionaires who are just out to use me.”

  “Well, he’s a bartender. He’s earned some cynicism.”

  “Yeah. He’ll get over it. Let’s talk about it when I get back.”

  “Sounds good. Have fun, Gin. I’m so happy for you!”

  Rob’s private plane was parked in the same airport as Phillip’s, so Gin was familiar with the process. She was driven right out to the tarmac and up to the plane. Frank opened the door, and Gin looked out on Rob wearing a pristine dark blue suit. He was surrounded by three gorgeous young women. What the fuck is that?

  Gin walked slowly up to Rob, who was laughing with the women. As she approached, he called out to her. “Gin, I’m so glad you were able to make it!” He turned to the women, “Have I not told you she’s beautiful. And she’s even more beautiful on the inside.” Rob looked her up and down. “Gin, you look amazing. I was just telling Kelly, Joan, and Amy about you.”

  Gin stopped about five feet away from the group. “Rob, I’m a bit confused. Who are these women?”

  One of the women walked over. “He didn’t tell you yet? We don’t use the word ‘wives,’ but we’re the women Rob has a special commitment with.” She ran her finger down Gin’s arm. “And you are definitely special. You’re even hotter than Rob described. He told us that you are bi, so maybe we can have a ladies night some time.” The woman winked. She was blonde and had a similar busty petite build as Gin. She had on a tight minidress, which was a uniform Gin was all too familiar with. The woman smiled widely and walked back to the group.

  Gin’s heart fell, and she had to work to hold back tears. This wasn’t her dream. This wasn’t what she expected. This wasn’t special at all. “Rob—“ Gin worked very hard to keep her voice calm. “—Can I talk to you?”

  “Sure thing, Gin.” He turned to the other women. “Need to have a private talk with the new girl. Excuse me, ladies.” The new girl. Gin felt nauseated.

  Gin turned and walked toward the limousine. She stopped and turned around. Rob looked confused and concerned. “What’s wrong? I know Kelly came on a little strong, but that’s just who she is. I can talk to her if you like.”

  “You lied to me.”

  “What? How?” Rob looked genuinely confused.

  “You said I was special and that you wanted me part of your special events in your life.” Gin gritted her teeth, holding back both tears and anger.

  “That’s true. I would never lead you on or lie to you about something like that. You know me, Gin.”

  “Then who are they?” Gin motioned with her head toward the plane.

  “They are like you. Woman who are special to me. In many ways, they—like you—have stolen my heart. Were you expecting more? Fewer? I’m sorry. I guess I should have given you at least some kind of warning. That was in
sensitive of me. I’m sorry.”

  Gin took a deep breath. She debated even talking further. It was clear that she had made a disastrous mistake. She wasn’t Rob’s love. She was one of Rob’s loves. “I was expecting nobody else,” she finally said.

  “Why would you think that?”

  The question let loose the floodgates. “You said I was special. You practically said you loved me. I thought you loved me. Hell, you pushed Molly aside and called to tell me what you learned from that.”

  Rob looked frustrated. “What are you talking about? It wasn’t Molly’s reaction that showed me that you were special. It was that you clearly didn’t care about her that made that clear. You were confident and not at all jealous. Look, I’m not sure where the disconnect is here, Gin, and, frankly, we’ve already had this conversation, so I’m at a loss.

  “I told you, I’m not interested in a single relationship. I need women with me who will understand that. You seemed to be totally fine with that, and you illustrated that to me with how you handled Molly. I knew then that you were prepared to be one of my special women.”

  “You mean one of your harem.”

  “That was uncalled for, and I’m not going to continue this conversation.” Rob held up his hand. “Frank, take Gin home. She’s not joining us.” Rob took a step forward and leaned toward Gin. “You misled me, Gin. I’m really not sure what game you were playing, but I was honest with you from the start. Did you really think that confronting me here would make me just toss them aside? I love them.” Rob turned away before Gin could reply. “Goodbye.”

  Gin just stared as Rob walked across the tarmac and toward a group of three stunningly beautiful women. There was a tap on her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Ms. Langdon. We should get going.”

  “Sure, Frank. I’m sorry. Just a little confused.”

  Gin kept walking through her entire time with Rob, trying to figure out how she could have missed something so obvious, and that was the thing—Rob was right. He was clear and obvious the whole time. She was just oblivious.

  Oblivious.

  Gin’s heart fell as the word opened a flood gate of other misunderstood pieces that suddenly came together.

  Oblivious. That’s what Vin had said.

  As Gin thought over her conversation with Vin her chest got tighter and tighter.

  I love you, Gin.

  …only to ignore what’s in front of your face.

  This is not about Rob.

  …someday you’ll understand that ignorance can cause as much pain as malice.

  “Oh my God. I’ve made the biggest mistake,” Gin whispered to herself.

  “Did you say something, Ms. Langdon?”

  Gin glanced at her phone. It was a little after seven o’clock. “Frank, can you do me a favor?”

  “Sure thing.”

  “Could you drop me off at Sal’s?”

  “Yeah, not a problem. Do you want me to take your bags to your apartment?”

  “No, I’ll need those.” I hope, Gin thought.

  As Frank pulled up to the Billionaires Club, Gin leaned forward. “Can you wait here, Frank? I’m in a hurry, and I’ll come out in a bit for my bags.”

  “Take as long as you like, Ms. Langdon. Mister Greene’s out of the country. I’m pretty much free all night.” He chuckled.

  “Thank you,” Gin opened the door and ran into the club.

  She tossed the card at Dave and pushed through the door before he could even check the hologram. As her eyes got used to the dim light, he heart fell. Vin’s seat was empty.

  Rich was washing a glass in the middle of the bar. Gin rushed over to him. “Rich, I’ve made a huge mistake.” Her voice nearly broke, as she continued. “Have you seen, Vin?”

  Rich looked sad, as he replied, “He left for his vineyard about an hour ago.” Rich put the glass down. “What happened, Gin?” His voice was full of sympathy.

  “I fell in love with an alcoholic bartender but didn’t want to admit it.” Tears filled Gin’s eyes. “Oh God, what did I do?”

  “Alcoholic bartender? What the heck are you talking about?”

  “Vin. I’m in love with Vin.”

  “He’s not an alcoholic, and why are you calling him a bartender?”

  “He’s not a bartender?”

  Rich laughed. “Gin, you can’t be serious. Vinnie’s the CEO of Bluegreen Technologies. He’s one of the fifty richest men in the world.”

  Gin’s legs went weak, and she stumbled into a barstool. Pulling herself up onto it, she replied, “I think I need a drink, Rich.”

  Rich slid the drink toward her, and Gin drank it nearly all in one gulp. “B-but he’s always sitting there alone just drinking.”

  “That’s his thing. Everyone here respects the hell out of him. Certainly you’ve seen that?” Rich refilled her glass.

  “He goes to work in jeans and a t-shirt?”

  “He’s one of the richest men in the world. I don’t think anyone is going to enforce a dress code with him.”

  “But he seems so normal. He’s funny and sarcastic. He makes me crazy, and he makes me laugh. I just love spending time with him. He’s nothing at all like the others.”

  Rich shrugged. “Vinnie’s a good dude.”

  Gin looked up at Rich. “But he just sits there—” Gin nodded toward the seat at the end of the bar. “—And drinks and drinks.”

  “He works hard and relaxes here where he knows no one will bother him. Vinnie says he likes his privacy, so everyone leaves him alone.” Rich leaned forward and whispered, “but you want to know the truth?” Gin nodded. “I think he doesn’t like being alone. So he comes here to spend time among people he’s comfortable with.” Gin didn’t say anything, and Rich added, “You’ve been so good for him.”

  She started to cry. “I’ve ruined everything, Rich.” She looked up, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. “I’m in love with him. I didn’t know it, but I’ve been in love with him since the first time we met.”

  “He loves you, too.”

  “He does?” But then the reality of their last conversation hit her and Gin dropped her head into her hands. “Not anymore. Oh God. I’m such an idiot. He thinks I’m just after money. I did a cruel thing to him today.”

  “I think you’re selling him short.”

  “And now if I tell him I love him, he’ll think that it’s because I found out that he’s a billionaire.”

  “Gin.”

  Gin stared to sob. “I deserve it, too. I deserve it! He’ll say, ‘Sure, now that you know I’m a zillionaire you tell me that you love me.’”

  “Gin.”

  Gin looked up at Rich. “What?”

  “Vin left for his vineyard. He wanted to be alone. He’s going to try to get over you. That does’t mean he is over you.” Rich slid a piece of paper across the bar toward Gin. “Here’s the address. Why don’t you go and see if you can get there before try becomes is?”

  Gin picked up the paper. “It’s not too late?”

  Rich shook his head. “I’ve watched you two idiots since you first entered the bar. The world will be a much worse place if you two don’t end up together.” Rich winked.

  Gin held up her empty glass. “I need one for the road, and my drink is empty. You may be a good friend, but you’re a lousy bartender.”

  Rich laughed, and filled her drink.

  chapter twenty-four

  Frank seemed excited to run Gin out to Sonoma. “Cornell vineyards? Long history that one. Vinnie Caples is renovating it, I hear.”

  Gin peered at Frank. “You know Vin?”

  “Sure. Everyone knows about Vinnie. Good guy. I drove him a few times back when he was just starting Bluegreen. Good tipper. Didn’t say much, but when he did it always made me laugh. Wasn’t afraid to make fun of himself.”

  “That sounds like him,” Gin smiled.

  Frank tried to make conversation, but Gin couldn’t concentrate. She kept tapping her feet and giving short answers. Despite having over
an hour to think things over during the drive, she still didn’t know what she’d say to Vin. She just wanted to throw herself into his arms and just hold him tight, never letting him go.

  “Here we are, Ms. Langdon, Cornell Vineyards.” Frank drove up to a gatehouse, but there was no guard. He inched forward, but there was no sign of a house, just acres and acres of grapevines.

  Frank followed the road as Gin stared out the window, looking around for any clue for a house in the hills, which was how Vin described it. After a long looping drive, the ended up back in at the gatehouse.

  Scratching his head, Frank said, “Maybe this is just one of the vineyards, and the house is in a different spot.”

  “How can there be another spot? The sign for the vineyard is right there, and this is enormous. The house has to be here.” Gin was getting desperate and felt on the verge of tears. She kept thinking back to Rich’s comment about having enough time to stop Vin’s try from turning into an is. How much time did she have?

  “I’ll try further up the road.” Frank pulled out, and Gin had to do everything in her power not to scream at him to try one more time. She was desperate enough to trust him, but she wanted to scream How can I meet Vin at the vineyard when we’re leaving the vineyard?

  A couple miles up the road, there was a driveway leading up into the hills. Posted on the fence next to the driveway was an absurd number of construction and renovation permits. At the corner of the driveway and the road was a historical marker, signifying the original location of the Cornell Winery.

  “Here we go!” Frank said as he pulled into the driveway. Gin was on the edge of her seat peering into the darkness as they went further and further up into the hills. A small light appeared in the distance, and Gin focused all her attention on it as they drew closer.

  The light was from a huge mansion that looked to be about half renovated. It stood on a plateau of the hills and overlooked the whole valley, including the massive vineyards that they had left earlier. There was a wide roundabout driveway in the front of the mansion, and Frank stopped next to an Audi, the only other car there.