Before CE O : Includes the Complete CE O Trilogy

by MT Stone

  “Yeah, life couldn’t be much better. I’ve made five and half grand in the last week and I’ve only got two clients at this point,” he says, leaning back in his chair and stretching. “Granted, five grand of it is from Sammy alone.”

  “I figured that, because Suzette said she reimbursed you for dinner and paid the customary five hundred, not wanting a sleepover.” I make a $5k note in Sammy’s file. I know it’s pocket change for her, but I don’t want her to have another bad experience. “Is the situation healthy with Sammy? Or is she becoming dependent?”

  “She called six times on Friday night while I was out with Suzette, but other than that she’s been fine.” He glances at the floor, possibly thinking that he shouldn’t have told me about the repeated phone calls. That’s not healthy.

  “She was fine after that, because you spent Saturday and Sunday with her?”

  “Pretty much.” He looks me in the eye with a smirk crossing his face. “I don’t think she’s going to be the only one who becomes a little obsessed. Suzette wants to go out again on Friday. By the way, going forward I only want clients who are willing to pay five hundred for a date and a thousand if there’s intimacy involved.”

  “Do you think that’s wise? You’ve only got a couple clients.”

  “I think it’s the only way to go, because there are lots of women like Sammy in this city,” he replies with confidence. He’s right, there are a ton of wealthy women in this city who have unfulfilling sex lives. I find myself choking back my own feelings on the topic. It’s hard for a busy professional woman to find a confident man who isn’t intimidated by her success. It’s even more difficult if you come from a wealthy family and are struggling with daddy issues on top of it. Several of my most difficult clients fall into those categories. I jot down three more names who I’m going to talk to about Rex.

  “I don’t know if average women like Suzette will be able to afford you,” I tell him, expressing my primary concern. “That’s a lot of money for anyone living paycheck to paycheck.”

  “I think you’ll be surprised how they can come up with the money if they really want something,” Rex says, unfazed by my comments. “I’ll keep Suzette at five hundred for now.”

  “She’ll appreciate that.” I make a note in Suzette’s file. “So. What you are basically saying is that you’re primarily interested in working with more upscale clients. And if someone else is interested, you’re going to make them stretch a bit in order to afford you.”

  “If that’s the way you want to look at it,” he says, narrowing his eyes. “I just don’t think I can handle more than one person per day, so I want to make sure I make at least five hundred per day. Especially on weekends.”

  “Sammy told you that she would give you a thousand dollars for all of your open days, didn’t she?” I put him on the spot, confident that I’m correct in my assessment.

  “She did,” he admits with a sheepish grin. “I don’t see any reason to go out with strangers for half price. She is pretty hot.”

  “It all depends on whether you’re wanting to be a kept man or a sex surrogate,” I explain, instantly realizing I’m using one of my mother’s favorite guilt tactics. “I’m sorry, I know said you didn’t like the G word, so I thought a kept man would be more appropriate in this situation.”

  “I want to buy a decent car and I would like to be able to pay my own rent now that I’m done with college,” he says defiantly. “I can’t take out more student loans and I don’t like asking my parents for money.”

  “I totally get it. I don’t mean to be judgmental, but I always have to put my clients first,” I try to explain without being hurtful. “I can’t endorse Sammy using you like a sex toy instead of growing as a person. However, I am impressed that you treated both women the same, even though they are almost complete opposites.”

  “I found both of them endearing in their own ways,” he says with a true appreciation in his eyes. “I’ll tell you what. You keep working with Sammy on the therapy side and I’ll keep her sexually satisfied. Whenever she’s ready to move forward, I’ll be happy to help her move on.”

  “That’s actually a good plan. Hopefully something will click within her.” I pause to make another note in her file. As long as Rex keeps giving her incredible orgasms it might be difficult to help her move forward in life. But as long as she’s stuck at home taking care of her mother, it’s probably a tolerable situation.

  “She doesn’t think she’ll be able to find a guy who understands her need to take care of her mom. It is kind of weird,” he says as if he’s reading my thoughts. “I mean; he could afford twenty-four-hour care for her. It’s kind of unfair.”

  “I know, but it’s what he wants for his wife and in return, Sammy will be set for life.” I reiterate the explanation that Sammy has given me on numerous occasions. “I would’ve done the same thing in her situation. Her mother has an outside chance of maybe living another five years. She’ll still be young and she’ll be a very wealthy woman.”

  “In the meantime, she can hire me to be there when she needs a release,” he says in a very businesslike manner. “It kind of makes perfect sense.”

  “Yeah, the more I think about it. It does make sense,” I relent. “So do you even want any other referrals?”

  “If there’s someone who you want me to see, I’m happy to do that for you. I think it will be best if my schedule isn’t completely open for Sammy. She might lose interest if she knows I’m sitting around waiting for her call.” He raises an eyebrow, showing a solid grasp of the psychological effect of not having any competition.

  “You’re right. Sammy does need a little competition. And I have several clients who are very similar to her,” I tell him grabbing a slip of paper. “They all suffer from rich girl problems. Some are successful in their own right, while others are trust fund babies like Sammy.”

  “I would love to have a couple dozen women like Sammy for a client base,” he says wagging his eyebrows.

  “Be careful what you wish for, hot stuff.” I close the files and rise from my chair.

  “I think having a dozen women like Sammy vying for my time would be awesome.” His eyes literally twinkle as he thinks about the upside. He’s probably thinking about a bidding war breaking out for who gets him on New Years Eve and Valentines Day. I need to remind myself that he’s just a kid and this world still looks all shiny and new. I’ll have to let him come to his own realizations over time.

  “I would like to help you stay out of trouble, so I’m going to set proper expectations with each of my clients… including Sammy.” I give him a stern, motherly look. “All of these women are very used to getting what they want, so they can be very vicious when they don’t. So you need to be a bit careful.”

  “I can handle it,” he says confidently, getting up from his chair and coming toward me. “How are you? You seem a bit down.”

  “No. Everything is great. I’m planning on going to Carmel for the long Memorial day weekend and I’m not dating anyone right now. So…”

  “So, you need a date. My schedule is open at the moment,” he says, giving me a sinful look with those big brown eyes. “I’m sure you’ve heard enough to know that we would have a very good time. I’ve never been to Carmel, but I’ve heard it’s gorgeous.”

  “My place is right on the beach. So yes, it’s gorgeous.” I pause for a moment, almost tempted by his offer.

  “I won’t say a word to anyone,” he says, seeing my hesitation.

  “I would love to, Rex. But I simply can’t do it.” I feel a pinch in my heart upon turning down the offer. “Your mother’s face pops into my head every time I begin to consider it. You’re still a patient of mine too. So there’s that.” I know I’m using it as a convenient excuse.

  “You’ve cured my depression,” he says, lifting my chin and looking me directly in the eyes. “I don’t need any more therapy. But I think you need what I have to offer. I know you’re not happy, Cindy.”

  “
You’re right, but this isn’t the way to solve it. I know exactly what I need to do,” I tell him, pulling away, not wanting him to see the tears popping into the corners of my eyes. “I need to find a good man to spend my life with. I’m not interested in being Mrs. Robinson,” I add, referencing a movie that sheds light on the age gap between us. “Thanks for the offer though. I’m flattered.”

  “If you change your mind, just give me a call. I’ll cancel any other plans,” he says, giving me a one arm hug as I lead him to the door.

  “Have a nice weekend, Rex.” I smile, closing the door behind him. It’s time for me to go back to eHarmony and finish filling out my profile. I need to start dating again before I fall prey to a moment of weakness. Right now, this aching emptiness inside of me is leaving me quite vulnerable.

  我愛你

  Chapter 11

  Rex

  Nine Years Later – August 2016

  It’s hard to believe that less than ten years ago I was driving around in that old Chevy Blazer, now I’m trying to decide between a Ferrari 488 GTB or the 488 Spider. We don’t have that many beautiful days in this city, so I’m having a hard time spending the extra money on the convertible. I like the lines better on the GTB too, but it would be fun to put the top down on a beautiful day. All I know is it’s a good problem to have. Even though my life has gotten pretty hectic, I’ve definitely come a long way. I decide to put my decision on hold for a day or two. I navigate my Tesla onto the freeway and head toward Cindy’s office.

  I told myself I would only look at a Ferrari once I could literally pay cash for it, because I’m not interested in taking on any debt for frivolous purchases. My investments have been doing well and I just took a big profit in Google stock so the timing is perfect. I’ve also acquired another high dollar client named Jessica Turner, who’s some kind of huge social media star. She needed a date for a website launch party this coming Friday, so went a little crazy, bidding three grand for the night. Her and one of my regular clients were locked in a bidding war since it’s the start of the Labor Day weekend. I’ll let them duke it out and then I’ll check back with my other client once the dust settles. I’m sure we can work something out for the remainder of the weekend.

  My thoughts flash back to the early days when I went on my first gigs for two hundred and fifty bucks. It’s hard to believe how things have escalated over the years. Cindy didn’t think I would like dealing with all these spoiled rich girls, but I’ve developed a system and it’s worked out pretty damn well. I’ve automated my surrogate business to allow my clients to book their sessions online and outbid one another for specific dates. My income has surged since putting in the bidding feature. Having several of them fighting over me is just about as cool as I thought it would be. I know some of my long term clients don’t like it, but it’s a good way for me to maximize the value of my time. After all, there is only one of me. It’s too bad I can’t duplicate myself a couple dozen times.

  I noticed that Jessica has a website linked to her Instagram profile. I clicked on it and it looks like she’s selling clothes and accessories. I assume that’s what the launch party is all about. The guy who put together my website has been talking to me about starting an online business of some kind as well. I’m not sure what we would sell, but it seems to be the latest trend.

  “Hello beautiful.” I give Cindy the customary greeting and kiss her on the cheek.

  “Hey, rock star,” she replies with a smile. “Jessica tells me that things are all set up for Friday. What do you think of her?”

  “She definitely wants me at that launch party. She outbid Tracy three times before knocking her out of the slot.” I chuckle, taking my seat facing her. “I should’ve put in the bidding software the first time my buddy mentioned it. I’ve been leaving a lot of money on the table.”

  “Well, the IPSA will probably frown upon it if they catch wind,” she replies giving me the motherly look that I’ve grown accustomed to. Our relationship has continued to evolve over the years. I’m now way closer to her than my actual mother. In hindsight, I’m glad that she always had the sense to rebuff my sexual advances. Things most likely would’ve been awkward between us and my mom has always been suspicious the way it is. I smile, glancing down at those legs that I still find sexy as hell. “What?” She furrows her brow.

  “I was just thinking back to how I wanted to sleep with you when I first started coming here,” I tell her, a grin spreading across my face. “Are you still seeing that Thomas guy?”

  “My fiancé? Yes, I’m still seeing him,” she scoffs, shaking her head in the old familiar way. “You’ve always been a handful. I don’t think I’ve ever run across anyone with your sex drive. You definitely chose the right profession.”

  “Hey, if you didn’t show off your legs every time we get together I might not be this way. I’ve told you many times that it’s my weakness,” I remind her.

  “What fun would that be?” Her mischievous grin makes her even sexier as her eyes drop to Jessica’s file. “I want you to understand where Jessica is coming from. She never knew her father. In fact, her mother never told her his name until after his death a few years ago. Do you know who Francisco Wylder was?”

  “Of course, if you mean the movie Director. He directed some of my favorite movies growing up.” I’m shocked. “I didn’t think he was ever married.”

  “He wasn’t and he didn’t have any children other than Jessica. I’m pretty sure he was in his seventies when that happened,” she adds. “Jessica wouldn’t give me any details, so I didn’t push it. I just know that she never met him and felt really cheated to find out about him only after his death.”

  “So, did she inherit everything?” I ask, knowing the guy had to be totally loaded.

  “Much of his wealth had already been donated to the Art Institute, but the court carved out a nice trust fund for her after the results of a paternity test came in positive.” She flips to the next page. “She gained access to the trust three years ago and has been using the money to build her social media business.”

  “Yeah, she has millions of followers,” I reply, having seen it firsthand on her Instagram page. “It’s amazing how many people have a fascination with what celebrities are doing.”

  “Especially the kind of dirt that she digs up. She must have some incredible sources,” she says with a raise of her eyebrow. “I’m sure quite a few celebrities would like her to disappear.”

  “I would have a bodyguard if I was dishing on people like that,” I reply, amazed by some of the things she says. “And a good attorney.”

  “She seems to fly by the seat of her pants,” she says, scanning down the page. “But other than a few threats, people don’t seem to retaliate all that much. They probably don’t want to open themselves up to additional attacks from her.”

  “I’ll try to keep her happy.” I swallow hard at the thought of having an enemy like her.

  “You haven’t failed yet, so I’m sure you’ll be just fine.” She closes the file and sets it aside. “I just wanted you to know she comes with a full set of daddy issues. She has a history of dating rich guys twice her age.”

  “Most of my best clients have daddy issues.” I smile at the thought of how many poor little rich girls are on my roster. “It seems therapeutic for them to spend some of their daddy’s money on my services.”

  “I’m sure there’s some satisfaction in that,” Cindy agrees. “Unfortunately, it’s kind of fleeting, which is why you keep seeing some of those girls over and over. If we could just bottle up that feeling and sell it.”

  “Yeah, we’d be billionaires.” It’s something I’ve thought about several times in the past. “You’d think someone would’ve figure that out by now. We could just take a pill and walk around all euphoric.”

  “Well, there are plenty of drugs that mimic the effect, but unfortunately the human body has a tremendous ability to adapt.” A funny look crosses her face. “Have you ever tried cocaine or magic mush
rooms?”

  “No. I never got into any of that stuff. I didn’t want to jeopardize my NFL prospects,” I tell her thinking back to my college days. “Even after college, I never wanted to experiment with anything. I’ve seen how messed up some people get because of it.”

  “Yeah, several of your clients have told me that you’ve helped them learn to cope in different ways.” She smiles and taps her pen against the file. “Natural endorphins always beat drug induced ones.”

  “Hey, whatever I can do to help.” I shrug, getting up from my chair. “I’ve got to go home, work out and shower up before picking up Beverly at five thirty.”

  “Beverly was giddy the last time I talked to her.” She takes off her reading glasses and sets them on the desk. “She seems twenty years younger.”

  “She’s a nice lady who’s had some real tragedies in her time. She deserves a little happiness.” I pause with my hand on the door knob. “I think that’s what I like best about doing this.”

  “I know. It has to be pretty rewarding,” she says sincerely. “You’re a good kid, Rex.”

  “So are you Cindy.” I head out of her office feeling the same way I did the first time I met her. She’s honestly one of my favorite people in the world. I’m glad she has a man to spend time with, she deserves to be happy. It’s too bad things didn’t work out for her earlier, she would’ve been a great mother.

  我愛你

  Friday Afternoon

  My buddy drops me off at the Ferrari dealership to pick up my shiny new car. I decided to spend the extra money for the spider, even though I won’t be able to put down the top all that often. Jessica will be blown away when I pick her up in this thing. I run my fingertips along the perfect seams of the leather racing seats. This is my ultimate dream car and I’ve been putting it off for long enough. I knew once I test drove one, it would be over. There’s no going back.

  Before pulling out of the dealership, I adjust the mirrors and check my hair. I’m not taking any chances with this baby. One fender bender and my insurance will go through the roof. I’ve left myself just enough time to top off the gas and get to Jessica’s condo downtown. I punch it and the twin turbos knock me back in the seat. I feel like a kid in a candy store as the incredible whine of the engine fills the space behind me. This thing is amazing.