Package Deal

by Jess Bentley

  For both of us.

  And then I think of Arie, sweet Arie, taking care of Chloe right now, as I sit here making this huge decision. She’s barely been back in my life a week, and I feel like no time has passed at all. We both look like we’ve lived whole lifetimes in the years between, but when I’m with her, it’s like we’re teenagers again. Except I’m not being a jerk. I can’t stand the idea of leaving her behind again, so soon after getting her back in my life. But would she ever consider moving here with us? Even just as Chloe’s caretaker?

  The idea of being with her doesn’t scare me anymore, but it might scare her now. Just because she’s forgiven me enough to work for me doesn’t mean she has enough to be with me in any other way? I realize I’m not going to find the answers sitting here in this empty office, so I make the decision to talk to Arie. There is no point in driving myself crazy if she won’t even consider leaving New York.

  I rush out of the office building and back to the hotel, but find that Arie and Chloe are gone. They must have gone out for a walk, and it’s definitely still too early to worry. So, I call down to the front desk.

  “Concierge. Good evening, Mr. Cochran. What can I do for you?” a cheerful female voice answers.

  “Yes, hello. I was wondering if you offered child care or babysitters of any kind? I was hoping to take my friend out for dinner tonight and didn’t want to drag my daughter along as well.”

  “Ai!” she responds even more cheerfully. “For our most important visitors, we can certainly arrange that. What time would you like your trained childcare to arrive this evening Mr. Cochran?”

  “Seven o’clock this evening? Can you recommend a restaurant? We’ve only just arrived and I’m afraid I don’t have my bearings yet.”

  She sighs, as if she’s already jealous of food I haven’t even had. “Oh, yes, sir. One of the finest restaurants in the country, Civace, is located just up the street from us. I will call and book you a table. They should have no trouble making space for you.”

  The concierge confirms the details and I hang up the phone with a spring in my step I can’t quite explain. I hurry into the bedroom up at the top of the stairs and change into my favorite navy blue, ultra-tailored suit. I hear the front door of the room opening just as I get back to the living room, so I grab a daisy from the vase and put on my best smile before Arie and Chloe can come in. When the door opens, Arie’s jaw drops.

  “What do you say to a night on the town?” I ask with a mischievous grin. Arie just continues to stare. Chloe reaches out for me, so I grab her from the stroller and give her a hug. Finally, Arie finds her voice.

  “Why are you dressed like that? What happened? How can we go out? It’s way too late for Chloe to go anywhere. And she’s probably exhausted. We’ve been out exploring all afternoon.”

  I hold up my free hand with a laugh to stop her nervous train of thought. “It’s all taken care of! I’ve arranged for a babysitter for Chloe, and we’re going to go to the one of the nicest restaurants in Auckland.”

  Arie raises a suspicious eyebrow at me. “How could you possibly find a babysitter in Auckland when we’ve been here for six hours and you don’t know anyone? And I’m not sure I have anything appropriate for a ‘nice’ restaurant. I came here to New Zealand with exactly what I moved in with. Which is to say, not much. What would I wear?”

  I pick up a brochure off of the coffee table that outlines the services offered in the hotel. “There is a store right downstairs! I’ll give you some money and you can go buy a dress if you’d like to feel a little fancy. We have some time before the reservation, so there is no rush. Find something that makes you happy.”

  “Pierce, I don’t know about any of this,” she says, bristling. “You paying me to watch Chloe is one thing, but giving me money for designer clothes is quite another. I’m not comfortable with that.”

  I roll my eyes. “Arie, it’s a dress. Not a car. I need to talk to you about some things and I don’t want to do it in a McDonalds. Here,” I say as I hand her a stack of rainbow-colored Kiwi money from my pocket. “Our reservation isn’t until seven, and the babysitter will be here at 6:30. So, go shopping. Have some fun. We’ll be here when you get back.”

  Arie looks apprehensive, but she takes the money and nods, and walks out the door like she’s being led to a firing squad. I just shake my head and settle in with Chloe to watch some TV.

  That girl has more secrets than a government spy, and I’m going to figure out what they are…

  Arie

  I step into the posh store on the first floor of the hotel, and immediately, six sets of eyes all turn to me like I am a woodland troll who has wandered into a royal palace. I look down at my torn jean shorts, and baggy button-down shirt, and can’t entirely blame them for thinking I don’t belong here. I clearly don’t. One glance at a price tag confirms that without Pierce’s money, I couldn’t afford so much as sock in this store. One of the salespeople walks up to me with a very condescending look in her eye, and I’m prepared for an exchange that will send me running back upstairs.

  “Hello… miss. Are you a guest of the hotel?”

  I cross my arms over my chest in a self-conscious move I don’t entirely plan. “Yes, I’m staying in the Bradford Suite.”

  The expression on all of the women working in the store changes in an instant. All at once, I have a glass of champagne in my hand, a plate of chocolates in my lap, and a collection of dresses being show to me that there is no way in hell I would ever wear. Hanger after hanger of slinky, lacy, short dresses is flashed in front of me until I feel like Julia Roberts in that rom-com, except in reverse. I’m not sure where these women think I’m going tonight, but it’s clear they don’t intend to dress me for dinner at a nice restaurant.

  “Ladies,” I say, holding up my hands, “listen. I am… pretty conservative when it comes to my style of dress. I don’t do well with flashy outfits. Do you have anything a little more… relaxed?”

  The women look at each as if I’ve just let the air out of their tires. One sighs and clicks her nails on a glass countertop.

  “Well, we just received the new Carolina Herrera collection today. I’m sure there is something in there you would like. Give me a moment.”

  She disappears in the back and returns a few moments later with an armful of garment bags. The ladies start unzipping bags, and I see a collection of dresses that are much more my style. The last dress she removes from a bag makes my heart leap out of my chest. I’ve never had this reaction to clothing before, but there is something about this dress that just calls to me. It’s an A-line, tea-length dress with a nude slip, covered by beautiful tulle and mesh, embroidered with black ivy. The jewel neckline gives it a classic look; it looks like something Audrey Hepburn would have worn in the 50s and I love it.

  “That one. Can I try on that one?” I ask, pointing to the dress.

  “Of course, you can! Looks like it’s in your size, and it will look beautiful on you. We’ll find you the perfect shoes to match, and can we set you up with our makeup person? She can give you a makeover so you look completely sensational for your big night.”

  I cringe. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Just the dress and shoes will be fine. I’m not a makeup person.”

  The women tsk at me and then two of them begin fussing over getting me in the dress. The third rushes off to the back to find shoes. By the time she comes back, with a pair of Prada pumps in her hand, I’m snugly zipped into the dress, and feel more beautiful than I probably ever have in my life. The women “ooh” and “ahh” over how I look, and I know I’m probably blushing. So, when one of the women jots down something on a piece of paper, then says, “That will be five thousand, one hundred and eight dollars please. New Zealand dollars of course, miss,” I have to try not to turn green with shock.

  “I’m sorry, what? How much? I don’t know if I can…”

  The woman holding the shoes just smiles at me. “It’s okay, miss. Charge it to the room. I’m
quite sure Pierce Cochran can afford it. And once he sees you looking like that? Ooh la la!” The women all giggle, but I’m confused.

  “Wait, how do you know who Pierce is?”

  The older of the three women hushes her compatriots, but looks just as invested as them. “Everyone knows who the Cochrans are. Now, anyway. Their business is set to be a big deal in Auckland, and we’ve been very excited about their arrival. Word spread quickly that he was staying in the hotel with his daughter and lady-friend.”

  “Oh, I’m not…”

  But I don’t have time to finish. The women have me sign a receipt and the next thing I know, they are pushing me out the door of the store, telling me to have a wonderful night. And I am flummoxed as to what it is I’ve gotten myself into, again…

  * * *

  When I walk back into the hotel room, Pierce and Chloe are asleep on the sofa, a classic cartoon blaring away in front of them as they snore identically. My heart swells as I see how much Chloe is like her father, and I realize how hard it is, and will be, to hide from him that I’m her mother. It’s starting to feel like too much. I don’t know how much longer I can keep this secret, along with every other secret I’m currently sitting on. I also don’t know how long Pierce’s been awake, or how long I’ve been staring at him like a dork. He just grins.

  “Jesus, Arie. You look beautiful. Beyond beautiful. I’m not sure there is a word for how you look.”

  I know I’m blushing. “It was so expensive, Pierce. I’m so sorry. But the salesgirls were talking so fast, and I didn’t really register the currency difference and I can totally take it back right now if you want me to.” I know I’m babbling but Pierce only smiles.

  “I would soon cut off my own pinky before I told you return that dress. It’s stunning… But not as stunning as you.”

  My stomach does a flip-flop, but thank goodness, I don’t have time to respond. There is a knock on the door as the babysitter arrives. She barely looks older than Chloe, but she assures us she is eighteen, certified, and more than qualified, so despite my visible nervousness, we walk out of the hotel and down the street to a restaurant called Civace. When we walk inside, the place is dimly lit with lanterns and candles, and clearly designed to be a place where romance blooms. I glance over at Pierce and he is trying not to make eye contact… just looking straight ahead for the hostess.

  When she finally arrives, she looks a little embarrassed. “I’m so sorry for making you wait! Reservation?”

  “Cochran for two.”

  The woman immediately begins fussing around, nervous as a hen. “Oh, Mr. Cochran. Thank you so much for visiting us tonight! We’ve reserved you our best table, and a bottle of our most delicious champagne has been chilling in time for your arrival.”

  I try and hide how impressed I am at all of this. Pierce always had money, but when we were kids, no one treated him like he was any kind of big shot. And then later, before our relationship ended, he never took me anywhere. Like, ever. We spent all of our time sitting in his room, playing video games and eating bad take-out. It had been like we regressed into children in a way we’d never been before. But now… it feels like we’re grownups. Even though we’re merely friends now, or employer and employee, there is an easiness to our time together that, even in such a short time, I already appreciate deeply.

  We sit at a booth in the back of the restaurant, and within seconds, waitresses are bringing us champagne, and plates full of gorgonzola cheese, marinated figs, fresh honeycomb, baked eggplant with ginger and chili sauce, and bruschetta with confit aioli. I’ve never seen such delicious food in my life, and it takes all of my willpower not to start stuffing my face right away. But Pierce looks nervous about something.

  “What’s going on, Pierce? Why did you want to come here, without Chloe?”

  Pierce takes a piece of the bread and carefully spreads some of the cheese and honey on it, as if trying to delay the moment. Finally, he takes a long, deep breath, a long slug of champagne, and steels his shoulders.

  “Arie, that meeting I had today. It was with a major new client, and they have requested that I take over their account full-time. That means…” He takes another slug of champagne. “That means I would need to move to Auckland. Permanently. Well, as far as I know anyway.”

  I feel sick. Terrified. Alone and afraid all at once, though I really have no reason to. He still has no idea that I’m Chloe’s mother. He has every right to move anywhere he wants with his daughter, at least as far as he knows, or as far as I am allowed to be concerned. But there is no way I can tell him the truth. Not until I am sure that the Cannizzos are going to leave me alone for good. So, all I can do is nod and try to force on a smile.

  “That’s amazing, Pierce. What a wonderful opportunity! I’m so excited for you and Chloe.” The words practically stick in my mouth. I’m surprised I can get them out at all. But Pierce rolls his eyes and reaches across the table.

  “Stop pouting, you nerd. I want you to come with us.”

  My jaw drops, probably for the tenth time today. “You want me to what? Here? Why?”

  “Because. I’ve known you for most of my life, Arie. And now that you’re back, however fast this may be, I want you to be a part of that life again. I’m a better person now. I know it. And I think I’m ready to earn your trust back. If you’ll give me that chance. Even if it’s just as friends. I don’t want to lose you again.”

  My whole body goes numb. “Pierce, I don’t know if I can just pack up and move to a whole new country. It’s easy for you. You have money, a job waiting here. But for me…”

  Pierce leans forward with a serious look on his face. “Arie, I know something is going on for you in New York. Something bad. And it’s damn well time you tell me exactly what it is.”

  Pierce

  Arie’s face goes completely pale. “What are you talking about.” It’s not a question.

  “You know exactly what I’m talking about, Arie. You didn’t show up at my door, looking for a job, just because there weren’t any other jobs in New York. You could have done anything. Why did you come to me? Tell me what is going on with you.”

  She sighs and runs her hands through her hair. She looks so grown up, in a way I never imagined I would get the opportunity to see her. Not to mention so fucking beautiful that I find myself getting aroused.

  Get your shit together, man.

  “I don’t even know where to start, Pierce. And I don’t want to tell you everything. I can’t tell you everything. Not yet. But… the crux of the situation currently is that I own a ton of money to loan sharks that I can’t pay back, and, well, they are threatening to kill me.”

  I feel the rage return, and I think that if one of these guys were in front of me right now, I could kill him without a single shred of remorse. All of my trained reflexes are kicking in, and I just want to neutralize the situation, and make sure Arie is safe. I have to take deep breaths to lower my blood pressure until I can breathe and think normally again.

  “Arie, tell me you didn’t get caught up in gambling. After what your uncle went through? After what Marie went through to get him out of it?”

  She emphatically shakes her head. “No! Never, Pierce. I would never do that. I was in a horrible position and I needed money. I was… I needed to pay a bill. Or the people I needed to pay wouldn’t keep helping me. And the, for a while, it seemed like having to pay these people back wouldn’t be an issue. Then, suddenly, it was an issue again. Now, I don’t know what to do.”

  I squint, reading her face. I learned a lot in the SEALs about spotting the signs of deception in a suspect. And Arie is not lying. But she is holding a lot back. And that isn’t going to fly.

  “Arie, there are more holes in that story than Swiss cheese. Tell me everything, and tell me now. How am I supposed to help you otherwise?”

  She reaches down and wraps her arms around her stomach, and begins to look queasy. I didn’t want to ruin dinner, but I also know this needed to happen. I nee
d to know what she has gotten herself into. So, I reach over and squeeze her arm. “Arie, please let me help you. Please.”

  Arie reaches up and hides her face behind her hands for a moment. When she comes back, there are tears in her eyes, but she quickly brushes them away. “I was sick, Pierce. Really sick. I thought I was going to die. The doctors thought I was going to die. For a while, I was doing everything I could to fight it. And it was expensive. So expensive. I couldn’t afford the treatments, so I was forced to take money from these men I met at an OTB. By then they told me there was no hope, and they said I had maybe a few months to live? So, I took more money to pay off the hospital, thinking, ‘Well, I’m going to die anyway. What are they going to do about it?” And then, there was good news and bad news.” She pauses for a second and sighs. “The doctors discovered they’d been wrong all along. They’d misdiagnosed me, and now they said I was going to live. I just needed surgery, and to take some pills for the rest of my life. But now… I’m very much alive, and very much in debt to some horrible men. And I don’t know what to do, Pierce. I don’t.”

  I throw my hands in the air. “Well, obviously, I’m going to give you the money, Arie. Why didn’t you just ask me to begin with?”

  She just shakes her head sadly. “As I said earlier, it’s one thing to work for you, Pierce. To come by the money honestly. But I refuse to owe anyone else money. The whole ‘robbing Peter to pay Paul’ thing.”

  “Arie, you aren’t robbing me. It’s my money, and I can do with it as I see fit. And I would never ask you to pay me back. I just want you to be safe.”

  Arie smiles sadly. “I appreciate it, Pierce. But I’ve gone to great lengths to make sure they don’t know anything about me other than… me alone. I just need to see if they will let me pay them back in installments now that I have a real job.”