by Nikki Wild
“Look Edward if I’m going to marry you, things need to look legitimate. It’s important that people think we’re a real couple.”
“Well we sure as hell fight like a real fuckin’ couple!”
“You’ve got a point there actually……….but that’s not what I mean! People should believe we are really in love and that we are getting married because we adore each other. It can’t look like this is just all about your inheritance money. Company stock is already down after news of your grandfather’s passing got out. You need to present a stable image… You need to show the stock holders that you’re going to do right by this company, and I’m going to help you do that! And by the way, I hope you have already had everyone at the law office sign confidentiality agreements.”
“Of course. All Armani legal personnel are sworn and signed to secrecy.”
“And more importantly for me Edward is that it cannot look like I’m just after your money. I do not ever want to be known as “Julia Jones, gold-digger to the Armani fortune.”
Our serious conversation was suddenly interrupted by Nigel’s loud applause coming from the kitchen.
“Very well put Julia. Nigel obviously agrees with you and so do I. You’ve given this a lot of thought already and that’s exactly why I picked you. You’re smart. Very smart. And I know you will have my best interest at heart. You’re loyal through and through.”
I couldn’t help but wonder if I could say the same about Edward, and with the same amount of conviction. Would he be equally loyal to me? Would he have my best interest at heart?
“Edward I sure hope I can count on you to do the same by me. Can I? Once we make our commitment public I will not tolerate any misbehavior on your part that will make me look foolish or have people pitying me! You got me?”
More applause from the kitchen. That Nigel! It was nice to know I had his support.
Edward put down his fork and stopped eating, apparently in a show of sincerity. He reached out and took my hand in his while he looked deeply into my eyes. For a change, he spoke slowly and thoughtfully:
“Julia you have nothing to worry about. I will not disrespect you or disappoint you. You can totally count on me. We will be the most adoring couple the public has ever seen. I promise you. Nobody will ever be able to guess that our relationship is just for show. And I’ll make sure not a soul suspects that the driving force behind our commitment and marital bond is actually….. only money.”
Edward brought my fingers up to his lips and kissed my hand gallantly. His demeanor was so uncharacteristically pensive; so unusually deep and serious. Something about him even seemed a little sad as he excused himself from the table. But at the moment I didn’t feel like talking about it anymore. I just wanted to go home, shower and take a nap. I was exhausted. Just then my phone buzzed, signaling a text. It was Michael: Look outside the front window! Oh hell no! Don’t tell me he’s here! How was that possible?
14
Julia
There he was! Sure as shit! Michael was standing at the bottom of Edward’s driveway on the other side of the huge wrought iron gate. Fuckeroo! How the hell did he know I was here? I grabbed my bag and quietly slipped outside the house and down the long driveway to the street. If there was one thing I for sure did not want, it was a scene between my brother and Edward. I tried to keep my voice as restrained as possible.
“Michael what are you doing here?”
“I might ask you the same thing Julia!”
“I had some early morning business to take care of for Edward……”
I always had trouble lying. I couldn’t even look Michael in the eye when I said that. I could only stare at the sidewalk.
“So when did you start wearing halter-top sundresses to work? Early morning business my ass! You’re fucking that rich scumbag aren’t you? Just admit it already!”
“It’s not what you think Michael! You don’t know him!”
“Fuck Julia! I know he’s changed you into someone who slinks around and lies! Someone I can’t trust anymore! Are you even gonna come out from behind that gate and talk to me?”
I never saw Michael quite that emotional before. He was enraged, confused and almost on the brink of tears. But I still didn’t know how he found me. I entered Edward’s code and when the gate swung open I joined Michael on the other side. We began walking briskly through the Pacific Heights neighborhood while we continued our heated argument.
“So you still haven’t told me why you came here or how you even knew the address of Edward’s house.”
“What difference does it make Julia? The facts speak for themselves.”
“Well I’d like to know if my own brother has been stalking me, for one thing.”
“No I haven’t been stalking you. But after our conversation yesterday afternoon I had my suspicions about you and douche bag… So I tracked your phone……..and as it turns out….. I was right.”
“You put some kind of tracker app on my phone? Michael how could you? You talk about how you can’t trust me? But it’s okay for you to completely betray my trust with your spyware?”
“I didn’t have to put an app on it! You’ve got your iPhone on my iCloud account, remember? You disappeared in the middle of the night! I thought you might be in trouble. I just hit find my iPhone and… Here you are. I did it for your own good Julia! You’re gonna go through with that fake marriage and baby mama thing with Edward aren’t you?”
“And how do you know that? Did you put a wiretap on my bra so you could listen in on my conversations?”
“What good would that do? Apparently early morning ‘work’ with the boss doesn’t require a bra!”
“Michael you may be my brother and you may feel like it’s your duty to protect me. But it’s not. I’m a grown woman and I can make my own decisions without your help.”
“I just can’t believe you fell for that scheming fucker’s bullshit. I suppose you’ll be moving out of our apartment and into that snake’s mansion now?”
“Well eventually I’ll have to since…… he’ll be my husband.”
“Husband! I can’t stand the thought of having that asshole as my brother-in-law. Even if the whole thing is a sham.”
Michael and I eventually quarreled our way over to the California Street cable car line. We stood on the street corner in silence. For the first time in our lives we were at an impasse and we had nothing to say to one another. I needed to wait for the trolley and ride it all the way down the hill to the Armani Building. Before I could go home and nap I had to swing by the office for some documents that I suddenly remembered needing. Michael was headed to the wharf to rehearse with his band mates. He was going north and I was going east.
“Well, I guess this is it. I guess I’ll see you at home Julia. Maybe we can talk later.”
“I guess so. Yeah sure.”
I couldn’t believe how strangely awkward talking to my own brother suddenly felt. I tried a bit of small talk as a last resort.
“I wonder if Uncle Avery is driving the cable car today. I hope he is. He always lets me ride for free.”
“Me too. Good ol’ Uncle Avery. Say hi to him for me.”
“Michael why don’t you just get on his trolley with me, transfer at Powell Street and then ride that one down to the wharf?”
“I guess I could but I’d really rather walk Julia.”
Michael and I gave each other a very lukewarm hug and went our separate ways. We were heading in different directions and evidently so were our lives.
The cable car grinded up the hill on California Street with my Uncle Avery at the helm. He pulled on the large brake handle with his gloved hands and brought it to a stop right in front of me. He was extremely proud to be a San Francisco Cable Car Gripman and he had the best smile in the world.
I climbed on and gave my favorite uncle a peck on the cheek. He gave me a giant bear hug and I took a seat on the wooden bench closest to him.
“My my Julia you are as pretty as ever!”<
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“And your arms are as big as ever Uncle!”
“Where is that skinny little brother of yours?”
“He’s rehearsing with his band. He said to tell you hi.”
“Aw that’s nice. You kids are so lucky to have each other. Are you two still sharing that apartment together over on Parkview?”
“Yep…… we’re still there.”
“Well why don’t you invite your old uncle over for dinner sometime? Before one of you runs off and gets married or something?”
I didn’t have the heart to tell him I had just accepted a pretend marriage proposal that morning. How would I explain the circumstances of it? The situation was too bizarre and I was reasonably certain he would not approve of the whole thing anyway.
“We definitely will… I’ll talk to Michael about it.”
15
Edward
I pulled up in front of Julia’s apartment to pick her up for our first “date”. We both agreed that we needed to be seen in public as a “real” couple a few times before announcing our engagement. Julia was a first-rate publicist and knew exactly what we needed to do to get the media’s attention. She had already made a few well-placed anonymous phone calls, dropping hints as to where we would be dining.
So this is where Julia lived? I’d never been here before and I was overcome by my first impression: I definitely didn’t pay her enough! The pathway and courtyard of the apartment complex was strewn with kids’ toys and I heard the sounds of dogs barking and Reggae music playing. A tall skinny, twenty-something man slammed a screen door closed and headed my way. As our eyes met he immediately stopped and gave me the once over with a raised eyebrow of suspicion.
“Edward Armani the third…….Mr. phony baloney billionaire himself……..Julia’s inside getting ready.”
“Michael Jones. I’ve heard nothing but good things about you. Except that you despise me of course. It’s a pleasure to meet you at last.”
“The pleasure is ALL yours. Look…..let’s get one thing straight. You hurt my sister in ANY way and I will FUCK-ING kill you! You hear me? And I will happily go to fuckin’ prison with a smile on my face!”
“Michael there’s no need for any threats. Seriously. I care deeply about Julia. I wouldn’t hurt her for the world. You need to learn to trust her. Surely you know how smart and savvy she is. She knows the score and she knows what she’s doing. Believe me Michael, you don’t need to worry.”
“Well YOU’LL need to worry BIG TIME if I catch wind of any of your rich playboy bullshit – public or private. Now if you’ll excuse me I gotta go. Some of us WORK for a living.”
I decided it was best for all concerned if I simply ignored Michael’s macho intimidation.
“Are you and your band still playing at Louie’s club down on the wharf? I’m down there quite often. I’ll have to stop in and listen sometime.”
“Please don’t do me any favors. Why don’t you just stick to your polo pony and yacht clubs?”
Michael exited the courtyard and continued out to the sidewalk. When he saw my new silver Mercedes Benz convertible coupe parked at the curb he just stopped and shook his head in disgust. Then he headed down the street and disappeared out of sight. I really couldn’t blame him. If I had a sister, I would undoubtedly feel the same way about some joker proposing a fake marriage for money. It was pretty unseemly to say the least. I made up my mind that I would make every effort to win Michael over at a later date. For now, I would concentrate only on my dinner date with Julia: An evening at Pacific Edge.
I rang the doorbell and I heard Julia shout out, “I’m coming Edward!” Definitely three of my most favorite words in the English language. The door opened and there she stood: The most drop-dead gorgeous woman I’d ever laid eyes on. For the first time in my life I was rendered speechless.
“C’mon in. I just t need to grab my phone and my wrap.”
I couldn’t get over how stunning she looked and I couldn’t take my eyes off of her as she scurried around her small but well-kept apartment. She had on a garnet-colored slinky satin dress with silver beaded trim and silver strappy heels. Fuck did she ever look hot! Her hair was swept into an up do and held in place with a silver clasp. Hot and classy! What a powerful combination.
“Julia. You look…….. incredible. I’ve seen you dressed up at formal fundraisers and other events but never anything quite like this.”
“Edward that’s because I was your employee at those functions. Tonight I’m your date. And I’m also the future Mrs. Armani. You’re supposed to be showing me off. Remember? Shouldn’t I look the part if we’re going to pull this off and get that inheritance?”
“Yes of course. Well I must say you’ve succeeded Julia.”
I could actually feel myself salivate as she bent over to grab her matching evening bag and wrap from the coffee table. I suddenly didn’t want to go anywhere. I just wanted to bury my face between her long beautiful brown legs and pleasure her in every way I could think of.
“Okay I’m ready!” Julia had a big sexy smile on her face that was going to get even bigger once she saw the surprise I had for her.
“No I don’t think your outfit is quite complete yet Julia.”
Her happy smile turned to a puzzled scowl.
“What are you talking about Edward?”
I pulled a black velvet box from my suit jacket pocket and opened it for her, revealing the pear-shaped pendant diamond necklace I had bought.
“I think you need one more thing…….”
I took it out of the box and held it up for her to see before fastening it behind her neck.
“Oh my god Edward! It’s beautiful! I’ve never seen anything like it!”
Julia immediately ran over to her entryway mirror to gaze upon her reflection. She stared in amazement as her fingers lingered over the sparkling stones. The exquisite pear-shaped pendant dangled perfectly between her stunning breasts.
“Thank you so much Edward. I absolutely love it! How can I thank you?”
She threw her arms around me and kissed me with a passion I had never quite felt from her before. Amazing what a $150,000 piece of jewelry can do for a woman’s affection!
As we walked arm in arm through the apartment complex I couldn’t help but notice several of Julia’s neighbors peering out from behind their window curtains at us. Julia was obviously delighting in all the attention. When we got out to the Benz she really played it up. I opened the car door for her and ceremoniously helped her step into the car, like Cinderella into her coach.
“Edward this car is incredible! Did you just get it?”
“Yes I did. Do you like it?”
“Are you kidding? What’s not to like?”
“I’m glad……… because it’s yours!”
“Aaaaahhhhh! Oh my God! I can’t believe it! Edward are you serious?”
Julia was literally dancing in her leather seat.
“I would never kid about such a thing.”
I stepped on the gas and headed west toward the ocean and our evening of extravagance.
“Oh Edward I can’t wait to eat at Pacific Edge and have all eyes on us! I could definitely get used to this lifestyle!”
“Looks like you’re having no trouble so far.”
I guess it was only natural for Julia to go off the deep end a bit but I wasn’t used to seeing her act this way.
The maitre’d led us over to my usual table; located in a quiet private corner of the restaurant with a dramatic view of the Pacific Ocean crashing on the craggy rocks below.
We dined on a sumptuous seafood feast and my favorite reserved wines from our Armani Napa Vineyards. After our amazing meal we took to the floor for a very romantic slow dance. Julia pressed her soft sensual body into mine while the bluesy torch singer swayed to the sultry sounds of her backup band and crooned into the microphone about unrequited love. Right on cue the paparazzi began their assault on our privacy. Julia calmed my anger by reminding me that that was exactly
what we wanted; media publication of our pretend courtship.
During our ride home I reflected on our evening together. Everything about it was perfect: I had eaten the finest food, drank the best wine, danced with the most beautiful woman in my arms, and I was driving a luxury automobile home to my hilltop estate. But something was noticeably missing. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I brushed my suspicions aside and chalked it up to what was probably just me overanalyzing things again.
“Edward you just passed up the turn-off to my place. You need to make a u-turn now.”
“No. No u-turn.”
“Huh? What are you doing? You need to turn around.”
“There’s no turning around now Julia. You don’t live there anymore. You live at my house now.”
16
Julia
Acting on Edward’s instructions, I had the moving van he hired meet me at my apartment. Michael was asleep when the movers and I showed up, so of course he was more than a little pissed at me. But lately when wasn’t he? We hardly ever talked without arguing anymore. The tension in our apartment was thick enough to slice with a knife. It was good timing that I was moving out now. Still I couldn’t help but feel very sad about it.
“Was there some reason you couldn’t wait until the afternoon to haul all your junk out of here and make a buncha racket Julia? You know I work until 2AM. Couldn’t you at least allow me eight hours of sleep?”
“I’m sorry Michael, but I figured no matter what time I did it you’d bitch and moan about it. So I decided to make it convenient for me. This isn’t gonna take long anyway. Most of the furniture in the apartment is yours.”
My belongings basically consisted of a bedroom set, some small appliances, law books, photo albums and my clothes. Michael followed me out to the street as the moving men loaded my bed onto the truck.