I hadn’t made it inside yet, but from the exterior alone I could see why Natalia loved it so much, and why she felt seeing it in person was the only way to fully appreciate it.
Once inside, the full view came to life. Directly through the lobby was a palm tree-lined atrium complimented by four small ponds. It was a sight to see. A hidden and very exclusive world where everyone appeared free as the wind and that clearly offered a taste of glamour.
I accompanied Natalia as she retrieved paperwork from the concierge’s office, where she knew everyone by name. They were familiar with who she was as well.
Whatever worry I had in the beginning was dismissed when I witnessed not only how at ease she was, but how much she was admired and cared for.
I was quickly falling in love.
Finally, arriving at Natalia’s suite and having seen the design of some of the other sections of Paraiso Belo, I expected exactly what awaited me.
Her suite turned out to be 500 square feet of comfort with a nice perk – an inviting wet bar on the other side of the front room.
I proceeded on my tour of the suite and walked past to the bedroom and was immediately greeted by a California king with deep purple bedding.
“I’ve never seen purple this pretty!” I yelled out.
It made me want to get a nap in right then and there.
It didn’t stop there. There was much more. A balcony draped with purple sheer curtains that matched the bedding perfectly, the bathroom had clear glass shower doors, furnished with a marble bench and a sunken tub attached to the exterior.
There were flat screen TV’s in both the front room and the bedroom. While it was a thoughtful part of the décor, somehow I didn’t think there would be much need for television.
Sharing the entertainment center with the TV was a stereo system. Now that, I could see being put to use because music and passion are an erotic mix!
“I could get used to this, Natalia!”
“I told you! I would not have been able to describe this place in full detail. You had to see it for yourself. Now you know what I’m talking about. I knew what your reaction would be. It was the same for me the first time I came.”
“How do you ever even leave this place? It’s like something out of a frikken catalog!”
“It is, isn’t it? Just wait until you see the reception later tonight. It’s kind of amazing.”
“I can’t wait,” I beamed. “I’m sure it’ll be memorable. By the way…have you heard from Valentina? Will she meet with me or will you be taking me to the guest house?”
“I haven’t talked to her directly, but she responded to the two-way I sent. I’m sorry I forgot to mention it.”
“You forgot? How in the world can you do that? What did she say?”
“She agreed to meet, and I’m pretty sure it will be a good talk.”
“Oh my god! I can’t believe you. I need to prepare, Talia!”
“No, you don’t. You’re fine the way you are. Don’t stress,” she said nonchalantly. “As for lodging, I have a feeling your lodging will be a suite nearby. Just a hunch I have, but all of that will be worked out when you meet with Valentina.”
Suddenly panicked, I asked, “Are you coming with me to the meeting?”
“Nope,” she replied matter-of-factly. “You’ll go alone,” she smiled. “You’ll be fine, Gabriella. She’s really nice. You’ll see.”
“I’ll take your word for it. However…if you come looking for me and I’m nowhere to be found it’s because I’ve run back through the lobby, past security, and headed for Rio!”
The phone began ringing mid-laughter, startling us both.
“Shhh…” she scolded, with a single finger to her lips while I continued an uncontrollable giggle.
She answered, uttered a few words, hung up and then looked at me. “You ready?”
Almost instantly, the giggling came to an immediate end.
“That was Valentina. I’m walking you down.”
“Now?!” I yelled.
“No. Tomorrow! Of course now, silly.”
“O…kay, okay…” I stuttered in disbelief. “Am I supposed to call you when I’m done talking with her? Or will she call you?”
“When you guys are done she’ll have someone from concierge escort you to wherever you’ll be staying – whether up here or the guest house. We’ll meet back up at the reception later on…unless you need me before that.”
I could feel my heart beating out of my chest.
“Whew! Okay. I’m breathing. I’m ready…or let me rephrase that…I’ll be ready by the time I reach Valentina.”
I was scared to death…of the unknown.
What had I gotten myself into? Was I really ready for all this? I was damning Kenny for bringing me to that point. Bastard! He’s got me ready to give my time…my body to a complete stranger…for money! But shit, what was the difference? I gave it freely and willingly to him for years!
It still didn’t take away from the fact that my emotions had passed the exit to nervous, miles ago.
I turned to nibbling on the tip of my freshly manicured fingernail. It was the easiest target.
Thoughts flooded my head. What would Valentina think of me? Would she find me worthy enough to belong to her exclusive club?
Only time would tell.
CHAPTER 6
~*~*~
Natalia rode the elevator down with me, but stayed behind when we reached the first floor.
Holding the door open, she gave me a quick hug, a peck on the cheek and pointed down the hallway past the lobby and in the direction we’d entered earlier.
“Valentina’s office is directly on the other side and through the glass doors. She’s waiting for you. Don’t be nervous and be yourself,” she instructed.
“That whole nervous thing…uhmmm not going anywhere for a little bit. I’ll try my best not to embarrass you,” I joked.
“I’m not worried about that at all,” she said confidently.
As I walked toward my destination Natalia yelled, “She’ll love you!”
En route something crossed my mind. For the first time in forever I was on my own. It felt weird, and surreal in a way – like a graduation, of sorts. It was liberating.
I relaxed when I made my way through the doors and saw the calm of the office. She had a beautiful tree plant near the window, beautiful artwork embellishing the walls, a glass desk, and two plush sofas. It was inviting.
Music was playing softly in the background, and that worked to my advantage since it had always served as a tool of comfort.
Valentina stepped from behind her desk to greet me with an embrace.
“Hello, Gabriella! I’ve heard so much about you. It is nice to finally meet you in person. You are a stunning young woman.”
She was one to talk. Natalia hadn’t told me how beautiful she was. Long, dark brown hair, that fell just below the center of her back. She brought to mind Lucky Santangelo from the Jackie Collins novels. The olive skin and the pretty dark eyes. She stood about 5’8” with a curvy frame…and a classy demeanor.
“Thank you, Valentina!” I said, flattered by her compliment. “I’ve heard many things about you as well. Thank you so much for allowing me to come.” I looked around her office, taking in the feel of success. “It’s so beautiful what you’ve done here.”
“Thank you. Beauty is certainly what we…my husband and I were going for, so it’s always nice to hear. We wanted it as comfortable and aesthetically pleasing as possible.”
“Mission accomplished. It’s amazing.”
Sitting across from Valentina, I couldn’t help but wonder if her husband’s beauty matched her own.
I was sure that a woman with her looks attracted many men, so the one that finally got the title of husband had to consider himself victorious for having won the prize. It was no wonder he wanted to build her such a massive lair, to keep her happy. What man wouldn’t?
“Natalia tells me that you are interested in ho
sting,” she started. “Not to sway your decision in any way, but I have to ask… Have you given it careful thought? Are you absolutely sure? More importantly, has Natalia given you full details?”
I didn’t want to admit to her that moments earlier I was pondering over the very same questions. So I lied.
“I have given it careful thought Valentina, and yes, Talia and I have discussed things in detail. It is something I want to do.”
“Wonderful. I just wanted to make sure.”
“I appreciate that. I really do.”
“Are you ready for an in-depth orientation?” she inquired.
“Oh yes!” I smiled, in excitement of what was to come.
“I can fill in any gaps, and at the end, you can tell me whether or not you are still on board. Know that there is no pressure. If you feel at any point during our discussion that your decision was in error, please do speak up.”
“Okay,” I agreed.
We moved over to a cherry red sofa that sat in the corner of Valentina’s office. Removing the desk from between us made for a more personable interaction.
“Well, since everything has a beginning, I will start with the historical,” she said.
She repeated the story Natalia had already told me about meeting her husband, Dionisio, but I didn’t mind hearing it again. It was a beautiful love story.
They met outside a street café. He approached her and they talked for hours. She told me about her parents’ opposition to their relationship – primarily because of their 29-year age difference.
She told me they’d fought an intense battle to prove their love and dedication to one another, and they did it with the opposition of everyone on both sides of their families.
“But it ultimately worked out when they saw that our love couldn’t be denied. So while it took a lot, it was worth it in the end,” she revealed.
As far as the business, she explained that upon returning from one of his business trips, Dionisio shared a sacred secret that was meant to stay amongst the men: Many of his colleagues entertained the company of call girls to pass the time. He was honest enough to confess that he had indulged on a few occasions – before he met and fell in love with her.
The idea for Paraiso Belo generated from that conversation, and they decided that it would serve as a playground for the business man who wanted a rest from the intense demands of his everyday life.
Paraiso Belo would be open for an elite group. An exclusive club, its clients allowed via recommendations only. There was a strict reference and background check done – even on those they knew personally.
When I asked what the background process entailed, she gave me a lengthy response.
“We have a rigorous screening process that includes nine references total, that fall under the categories of both personal and professional. Three references from colleagues whom they’ve worked with in the past three years; three from people who can speak to character outside of business; and three from lovers whom they’ve had over the course of six years. If that number is 1…great, if that number is larger, they need to pick the top three. Those are mandatory. Reason for the specifics? Well, the professional references tell us that the guest knows how to conduct himself at every level of business and that he is looked upon favorably by colleagues.”
“What I run is a business and I need to know that I’m dealing with the best of the best. Second set of references will speak to the individual that they are. The assumption is that the references they provide have known them beyond one year and can say with certainty that the guest is a person others enjoy being around because he adds something of value to their lives. We like hearing about that because as previously stated – it speaks to character. Lastly, knowing what type of lover they have been is extremely relevant because our women want to know that. Not all women they come into contact with will be someone they will want to see only once, and her decision to remain in his company will be highly dependent on how well he performs in the bedroom.”
“It is vital that the hostesses are satisfied as well. This is never just about what the guest wants, so I try as much as possible to make that clear. So that last reference is always one I’m eager to check on,” she smiled.”
Taking a deep breath, she paused briefly, and with bright eyes she asked, “Have I managed to scare you off, Gabriella?”
“Ummm…No. Not at all. In fact, I’m more curious than before…and in awe. Businesswomen impress me. I strive to be one myself one day. I know you said this is the result of you and your husband’s brainstorm, but you seem to have it running smoothly. That’s something to be admired.”
“I appreciate that, Gabriella. Yes, when my Dionisio, may he rest in peace…was still with me, his travelling demands being what they were, I ended up managing the resort. So it is indeed my baby.”
“I’m sorry to hear about Dionisio. It sounds like he was a wonderful man.”
“He was…” she said with a faraway look in her eyes. “He was the love of my life. He made sure I was taken care of, even in death, by way of Alexio.”
That was all she said, even as I sat waiting…wanting her to say more.
Judging by her stopping point, whatever the situation between her and Alexio, it wasn’t anything she was about to share with a stranger, and like Natalia, I wasn’t about to trespass into uninvited territory.
As if that part of the conversation had never been broached, she returned to an earlier topic.
“So Gabriella, your mention of business didn’t go unnoticed, young lady. Now, I’m the one who’s impressed,” she smiled. She then posed two questions of her own: “Have you already given thought to what type of business you would like to have? Is college in your future?”
“As far as the kind of business, I’m not sure yet what I’ll pursue, but oh yes, college is first on the agenda. My plan is to get a Bachelors of Science in Business and see if I can make things work with that piece of paper, before possibly moving on to an MBA. I think my parents would disown me if I didn’t at least attempt,” I kidded.
“Wow! And she has a plan. It makes me happy to hear that. Education is very important. It offers opportunities that might not otherwise be available.”
“I agree, both my parents pursued higher education and are extremely successful in their own fields.”
“That’s wonderful. And it’s obvious that they set a good example for their daughter.”
“They did. I watched and admired for years – I still watch and admire. They’re phenomenal.”
“That’s beautiful, sounds like you love them very much.”
“I do,” I said, my voice trailing off.
“So…” Valentina began. “Changing the subject a bit, I would like to ask…what changed your mind about hosting? I’m just curious.”
I gave her full disclosure. I told her about the breakup, how I’d gotten an email from Joi that made no reference to my ex-boyfriend mentioning me. How he never bothered to reach out to make amends after the breakup. I provided just enough detail so she could get the picture, and just short of me crying in her office. I wasn’t about to let that happen.
When I was done she looked at me with compassion.
“Thank you for sharing. It can’t feel good talking about it while it’s still so fresh. I’m honored you trusted me with the information. I’m sorry. That had to be devastating.”
“I met Dionisio when I was 20 years old. My parents didn’t like that he was older, but what they didn’t know was that I had only ever interacted with older men. I just hadn’t given myself spiritually, emotionally or physically until him, so they weren’t privy to that information. There was something in the way he looked at me, treated me and made me feel like I was the most important woman in the world. I tell you all that to tell you that you too will have that someday. Don’t let that moment, with that person, define who you are, or how you proceed.”
“My mother told me the same thing and I know it to be true. I guess what hurt th
e most was learning that it was possible for love to produce such thoughtlessness. Wait…” I halted. “Thoughtlessness…is that even a word?”
We shared a laugh, that managed to provide an escape from the serious zone. Since I was feeling more comfortable, I wanted to reassure her that I was ready.
“Valentina…I’m absolutely sure this is what I want to do. I came to enjoy myself and I think a Paraiso Belo encounter would provide an ideal distraction. I plan to give it my all and enjoy myself in the process. I won’t let you down.”
“I believe you, Gabriella,” she said, looking directly at me.
She then rose to retrieve a packet from her desk. When she returned, she placed it in my hand.
“Your entry card is inside. When we’re done I will call the front desk to have an escort show you to your suite. Since you’re new, I arranged for you to be paired with one of the locals we have arriving tomorrow afternoon. The locals are our businessmen who…how shall I put this…like to take short trips from home for a day or two. I like to refer to them as temporizadores curtos…or short-timers.”
“Oh, okay. So they aren’t here for an extended period. Just passing through?”
“Yes. Exactly. This particular client that you will have is not a frequent visitor. The times he has come he called last minute and I ended up reaching out to one of my girls on her day off. When I was informed of your decision, it worked out nicely because he had called a few minutes before. Timing couldn’t have been better. I’m sure he’ll be beyond pleased. Oh! I forgot to mention, I will be paying you the equivalent of $5,000 in Brazil Real.”
Damn! I had never even thought to ask Natalia about the financial part of the deal.
Whoa! No wonder she was so happy and talking about moving out of her parents’ house!
If I was getting that kind of money for a 2-day rendezvous, hers would be something much more significant! I could only imagine what she was making.
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