Billionaires Club

by Elsa Kurt

  “Brie?”

  “No. You. I want to keep you.”

  “Why me? I’m the dumpster girl.” Sandy still felt dirty and plain compared to a wealthy man. They were interrupted by their table friends and spent the rest of the cruise chatting, playing the shuffleboard, and watching the fireworks.

  After the ship was docked and Clint drove up the alley to drop Sandy off, he walked her to the door.

  “I don’t want to push you into anything you’re not sure of. When you’re ready to make a commitment to be with me, I’ll be waiting.” He touched the tip of her nose with his finger, turned, and left.

  Sandy watched as he turned onto the main road in his truck. After finding out about Brie and her death, Sandy also wondered why he backed off and didn’t kiss her goodnight. Did he not want to get hurt again? She knew they both felt something strong. They both lost important people they loved. Maybe Clint wished he didn’t share his emotions after all.

  Does he still hurt for Brie? Did I push him away without knowing it? Did he not believe me about Aaron? We went out twice and it was wonderful, but am I ready to jump into a serious relationship? What if Clint dates other ladies when he’s in different cities building? Did he get jealous of Aaron? Did he see I still feel something for Aaron?

  She went to her room and got ready for bed. Laura came in and asked her about the evening. Sandy summarized the fun time and told her about the conversation she had with Clint. Laura reminded her to not jump into anything quick and get emotionally hurt.

  “Speaking of news, Bob’s going to be here for a few days and he’s going to break the news he wanted to share last week.”

  “Great. Now he’s going overseas for a year’s contract and wants you to go with him? If so, I’ll miss you, but what about the café?”

  “You’re jumping to conclusions before anything happens. There’s an empty studio upstairs you could move into if Bob’s here for good. He might want to get married and have his own place with me.”

  “Great. I’m going out for the day with Aaron. He wants to catch up.”

  “Sounds fun.” She gave her niece a hug. “Sleep well.”

  Sandy got ready for bed and lay on her back with the covers to her chin. Her emotions were mixed with guilt, insecurity, and wants. It was time to nag Heather.

  Sandy: My romance in the alley is now squished in the compactor. I believe I scared him off. I’ll see if I can renew my relationship with Aaron tomorrow.

  Heather: You’re overreacting again. Maybe Clint scared himself off.

  Sandy: No, he said he’d wait for me when I was ready. I almost think it’s the other way around. Or he’s being nice in telling me I’m a bad catch.”

  Heather: Stop it.

  Sandy: So many emotions went on during the cruise from his parents, Clint expressing his real feelings for me, or maybe he pretended they were real, and about his fiancée.

  Heather: Fiancée?

  Sandy: Yes, I’ll tell you in a minute. Did he find out I was going out with Aaron tomorrow?

  Heather: You mean a date? I have no idea if he does.

  Sandy: Argh. What did I get myself into? I’ll end up at the age of ninety still single and waitressing at Sandy Beach Café.

  Sandy went on telling Heather about Clint’s statement of no secrets and telling her about Brie. Sandy also covered the conversation with his dad, Chet. The phone call ended and Sandy looked out her window. She saw the building Clint and his crew were working on.

  She closed her eyes and thought of her past life and the people she dealt with personally. Aaron was first on the list. He came from an upscale family. His dad was a CEO at a medical clinic in Bellevue. His parents also taught Aaron to work for his money and not have a spoiled life even though he was privileged with family trips and a nice car.

  Aaron’s personality was on the mellow side, but he had a good sense of humor and liked adventures. He was slightly possessive with his belongings—including a girlfriend. He didn’t like Sandy talking to her girlfriends in high school more than a couple minutes. He wanted Sandy to himself.

  Sandy wondered if she could deal with a commitment and marry Aaron. Her life would be worry-free financially, but he also wanted a home-maker, not a wife with a social life. Sandy would be more like a troll stuck under the bridge.

  Going out with Clint twice was heaven. And if Heather was correct in her research, Clint was a billionaire. She did notice he didn’t flaunt his money. His attire was normal. He made Sandy feel good, but did he think she would like him only for his money and turn out to be a gold-digger who expected expensive gifts all the time?

  Sandy wanted to live her life her way, and not be controlled by a rich, hot babe or a rich, nice guy. She turned to her side and decided to test the water tomorrow with Aaron and see how it went. Maybe she’d be better off with him in the long run.

  She dreamed of Clint and Aaron fighting each other to win her love. Aaron had caused the fight while Clint tried to be a rational person. Sandy woke up before she saw who won in her dream. It looked like the final decision was up to her.

  Chapter 5

  Sandy Beach Café was open seven days a week. Laura had four other employees besides Beth to help so she and Sandy could have days off on slower days like Sundays. The business didn’t roll in lots of dough but made enough to pay the bills, employees and have a little pocket money.

  Laura peeked in Sandy’s room to see if she was awake. Her eyes were open, but she looked like she didn’t want to get up. “I didn’t do any shopping yesterday, so you’re better off getting breakfast at the café. Rich does an amazing omelet,” Laura suggested.

  “Thinking about it. Sleep didn’t help my emotionally drained brain.”

  “It will be fine. Now go have fun with Aaron and we’ll chat tonight.”

  Laura left and Sandy decided it was time to get ready.

  Sandy had hopped out of the shower and gotten dressed when her cell phone vibrated with a message. She saw it was from Aaron and bet he was early and wanted in. She wouldn’t have heard his knock on the apartment’s door since she was in the shower. She went to the door and saw he wasn’t there. Sandy clicked on the message and found out he couldn’t make it, would explain later, and asked her to be free all day the next Friday.

  “Great,” Sandy said to no one. “What am I going to do now? I’m for sure not going to work.” She called Heather and set up a time to meet at Crossroads Mall at eleven. Sandy decided to go over earlier instead of waiting for an hour because the traffic might be bad and she didn’t mind window shopping.

  Heather accepted the invite and met Sandy at their favorite teriyaki booth. Several booths sat side by side on both sides of a stage placed in the center of the mall. When they got there a local band was playing oldies from the fifties through the seventies.

  The conversation was casual and they continued to talk after they were done eating and walked around the mall. On the north end was a large board where people played checkers and chess with up to three-foot-tall chess pieces. It was fun to watch the players stress in making a move.

  Heather told about her husband, Matt, and a new program he wrote—going on to mention his company was flying him to Japan. She decided to go with him since they’d only be gone for ten days. Heather also wished she could put Sandy in her carry-on so she could go too.

  Sandy told her friend she was lucky to have a solid marriage. Sandy was confused and felt like she was being pulled from both sides and didn’t know which way to fall. Maybe Clint was testing her to see if she was only after his money. Sandy wondered herself if it was the fact. However, even before she knew he was wealthy, she loved him and loved his touch. The day ended after having fun with her best friend and Sandy got home about the same time Laura did.

  Laura skipped into their apartment after Sandy put her purse on the counter. “Changes are going to happen.”

  “And?”

  “First. How’d it go with Aaron? You don’t seem happy.”

/>   “He called and canceled, said he’d tell me later and told me to have next Friday free for our date and then he’ll tell me.”

  “I always thought he was a little possessive.”

  Sandy shrugged. “Spit out the news. I can tell it’s ready to pop.”

  “Bob got a military analyst job in Washington D.C. I decided to take the step and go with him. We’re officially engaged. His job doubles his income and I’m ready for a change.”

  “You serious? I’m so happy for you.” She frowned. “What about the café? I’m going to miss you, but know these changes are good.” Tears formed in her eyes.

  Laura came over and gave her a hug. “Sweetie, it’s okay. Who knows how long it will be until someone buys the café? If not, we’ll have to close it, unless you want to take it over, but I thought you wouldn’t want to have the burden. You’re still a young chick.”

  Sandy laughed. “I guess. I want what’s best for you. I’ll seriously think of what I want to do. It could be a good time to enroll at UDub this fall and see where it takes me.”

  Sandy kept busy the rest of the week to keep her mind off Clint. He hadn’t texted or called, but Sandy hadn’t either. Maybe he was waiting for her to make the first move. Sandy waited until the alley was empty from construction trucks to take the trash out, or had another worker do it during the day if needed.

  Sandy knew she was acting like a child, but she couldn’t help it. Maybe it would be better off if they stayed apart. Clint might have thought he could love again, but did bringing up Brie open old wounds Sandy didn’t know and was scared to find out? She didn’t want to end a relationship on bad terms.

  Friday morning, Sandy sat in a booth drinking a cup of coffee when she got another text from Aaron, deeply apologizing he forgot it was the fourth of July the next day and had booked plans months ago. “For sure, plan to take next Friday off and the date will happen.” Again, Sandy was stood up.

  She herself forgot what day it was. All Sandy had been doing was working and dreaming about Clint besides hearing Laura’s new plans of moving to D.C. at some point and the possibility of selling the café.

  There was more pressure on Sandy to find another job, and she didn’t get an invite to watch fireworks with Clint. She wondered where he was, and if he was with some other lady telling them the same thing he told her. I wonder if he does have more girls waiting for him… Heather told Sandy to take a chill pill and drop it.

  Sandy Beach Café was open on the fourth, busy with traveling customers, and closed at their normal time at one p.m. After closing, Laura left with Bob, and Sandy took a walk around Seattle to clear her mind. She ran into a stranger on the sidewalk as she checked her cell for any last-minute message from Clint. Nothing. She went back to her place and read a book.

  As the night got dark, Sandy walked to the piers and wished she wasn’t standing by herself. She pictured Clint there with his arm around her laughing at a joke and expressing his love for her like he did on the boat.

  She had enough depressing excitement for the night before the firework show was over and she went to bed. If she dreamed, she didn’t remember it.

  The next Friday came and Aaron walked into the cafe. He had on khaki pants, a gray polo shirt, slip-on Vans, and his light brown hair feathered back. Not knowing where they were going, Sandy had on a light long-sleeved shirt and capris.

  “I figured since I’ve been gone for a long time and things have changed, you can be my tour guide and reshow me Seattle.” Aaron held Sandy’s hand as they left and walked up the hill toward the Pike Place Market.

  “No major changes, but lots of side attractions are popping up weekly it seems.” I don’t believe he’s clueless about the new attractions in Seattle. He’s been back a few weeks to check it out himself. She didn’t like the feel of Aaron’s hand like she used to but kept hold.

  “Like what?”

  “The quirky chewing gum wall has doubled. Second largest one in the world,” Sandy replied.

  “I’ve always hated that wall. It’s gross.”

  “In a colorful way.”

  “Still gross.” He gave a disgusted look.

  “The Seattle Great Wheel, but I’m sure you knew about it.”

  “Quite noticeable when you’re lowering altitude in an airplane.”

  “Okay, so what do you want to see again?” Sandy raised her free hand.

  “I like watching the famous flying fish at Pike and going on the monorail.” It sounded more like demands to Sandy.

  “As you wish. Oh, what news were you going to share with me?”

  “You’re going to like this.” Aaron told of how he and some of his professor friends are putting together a band to play in bars and other areas on the weekends. He ranted about how good they were.

  He bought himself a nice bass guitar at the local pawn shop and told Sandy the dates and places his band would be playing so she could come. They weren’t sure of a name yet, so he asked Sandy for ideas of a catchy one. She shrugged, gesturing she couldn’t think of one.

  The fifteen-minute walk to the market was fine. Aaron changed the subject from his band back to the castles he visited in England. He saw the queen herself twice by chance and felt honored. Aaron went on about his classes and how differently they were taught in England than in America.

  Sandy got bored with his daily recitation of his life in England. It was almost like he made up his excuses to cover any down or lazy time he had, and wanted her to feel bad she didn’t move with him to England.

  After visiting the underground tunnel, the Frye Art Museum, and the aquarium, Aaron wanted to end the night on a two-hour dinner cruise on the Sound. He flagged a taxi to drive them to the pier. Sandy hoped the food tasted as good as the food she’d had on Clint’s business ship. Most of the day she mentally placed Clint in Aaron’s shoes. Aaron was good looking in his own way, but both men were different, and Sandy knew she had matured and wouldn’t fall into Aaron’s possessive trap.

  She tried her best not to think of Clint while she was with Aaron, but it was hard. She wished she was with him instead. The cruise was okay, as was the food. She never remembered Aaron being a nonstop talker, but at the time she was glad. Sandy didn’t want to talk about her life as a cook and waitress. Her life was boring compared to his.

  The night came to an end as Aaron and Sandy walked from the pier to Sandy Beach Café. The day had been entertaining, but Sandy was glad it was over. She knew her life with Aaron would be boring, and wondered why she still had a small spot in her heart for him.

  As they entered the alley, Sandy saw lights on the upper floors in Clint’s building. I wonder if he’s there with another lady. She turned back to Aaron to give him a hug and a ‘thank you for the fun day’, but was shocked by his aggressiveness.

  He pushed her against the wall by her back door, not hard enough to hurt but to make a point. “I’ve waited for this night since the day I left for England.” Sandy tried to move, but he leaned in and pinned her to the wall. “Relax. I’m not going to hurt you, but it would be nice to reacquaint myself with your body again.” He forced his lips on hers and got his tongue in her mouth. He pulled it out as Sandy tried to move her head to break the kiss.

  “Getting feisty, aren’t you? I like it. I like playing catch the bad guy.” He adjusted his body so she could feel his. “You like what you feel? Remember the night we had all those years ago? Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been around, but never got serious with those England girls.”

  Sandy wanted to scream but thought better of it. What if it caused Aaron to get more physically harmful to her? “Aaron. Please. Not now, not here.” She didn’t want him at all, she felt sick, but had to keep positive and calm. “I’m not ready.”

  “Making love to you in the alley sounds wild and sexy. Or on the table in your place. I’ve always wanted to try it.” He moved his hands from her side and rested them on her breasts. ‘Yes, I miss the feel of your boobs. So soft, so…”

  “Please, s
top. You’re hurting me.”

  “You going to scream? I can jet out of here fast and people will think you’re the crazy one. Screaming isn’t the answer.” He’d put Sandy’s arms behind her back and pushed his body harder on hers against the wall so she had a difficult time moving them.

  “You’re hurting my arms. Stop, Aaron, or I will scream.” She tried her best to push her weight on his to get him off, but he had strong muscles from doing weights.

  “You won’t have a chance.” He ran his hand between their bodies down to her crotch and the other hand stayed on her breast as he placed his lips on Sandy’s. She squeezed her lips as tight as she could to stop his tongue. “Let me in. You loved how I danced with my tongue in your mouth.”

  Sandy did her best to move her body, but each time she felt the cuts on her elbows and arms from the sharp siding. Neither heard a door close nearby or the footsteps coming up to Aaron’s back; A hand put a squeeze on Aaron’s shoulder, pulled him off Sandy, and pushed him on the ground.

  “I believe the lady said she didn’t want you leaning on her,” Clint said.

  Aaron got up and showed his hands in a fist ready to fight. “This is our business, not yours. You can kindly leave.”

  Sandy crouched down to the ground with her back still against the wall. So much happened all at once she was numb and felt pain from her scratched arms.

  Clint took one step toward Aaron and lowered his voice, “It’s my business in my alley, so you can leave.” He saw Aaron still had one hand tighten in a fist.

  Aaron turned to look at Sandy. “I knew you weren’t good enough for me.” He shook his head and left.

  Sandy buried her head in her hands and cried. She felt dirty. Clint squatted by her. “Are you okay? Let’s get you inside.” He stood, bent over, and helped Sandy up. She didn’t refuse his help. He put his arm around Sandy and took her into her kitchen. “First-aid kit close by?”