I was beginning to get excited in spite of myself. I knew there was an ulterior motive to taking the job at B.I.T.-10. And when I let myself think about the caveats that would be in my contract, I felt nauseous. But the thought of getting dressed up and mingling with people who could be instrumental in starting my career one day was exhilarating.
I killed time researching Alexander Associates, the parent corporation my dad worked for at CDSN. He served as an accountant only for the business within the corporation that designed and constructed new housing developments. Dad had loved working with numbers and had happily gone to his job every day until about six months before his death. He slowly changed—started working later, became stressed and withdrawn, stopped sleeping.
I was busy with school, so I wasn’t around too much. But I did notice the changes when I was home. He wouldn’t tell me what was going on. Whenever I asked, he always shrugged it off as work and said the books weren’t balancing. He told me not to worry, that he’d get to the bottom of things. I never imagined he was digging into something so big or that it would ultimately cause him to take his life in despair.
My heart clenched at the thought of what must have been going through his mind in those final days and those last moments. I missed him so much. I shut my computer, needing to change my train of thought so I wouldn’t become an emotional mess before I had to leave.
Reclining on the bed, I found my mind drifting to the handsome man I’d nearly bowled over outside the B.I.T. building. When I closed my eyes, I could picture his golden eyes and his artfully messy dark hair. I could hear his slight accent as he spoke in my mind. Could feel the pressure of his long fingers pressed into my arms to prevent me from falling backward. Could smell his clean, spicy scent.
I wished I’d introduced myself, so I’d know his name. Then at least I could look him up and stalk him online from afar. I imagined what it would be like to run into him again. Maybe in a place where we weren’t surrounded by the bustle of the city. Maybe we’d talk and laugh. Maybe he’d take me in his arms and kiss me.
And maybe pigs would fly. I chuckled at the absurdity of my daydreams. The city was large, and the odds of running into him again weren’t in my favor. And the odds of him taking notice of a girl like me were even less.
I didn’t have time for guys or kisses or daydreams anyway. I had work to do.
I drove the car containing my life to B.I.T.-10 and parked in their underground garage. I locked up and rode the elevator to the tenth floor.
“Celesta,” the receptionist greeted me when I stepped out of the stainless-steel box.
I smiled at her as I approached. “I’m a little early.”
“No problem. Ms. Thomas appreciates when people are early. Jacque isn’t with anyone before your appointment, so why don’t you go to the first door on the left down that hallway.” She stood and pointed in the direction I should go.
“Thanks.”
I walked to the door she indicated and knocked quietly. I heard some muffled movements behind the door before a voice bid me, “Come in.”
I entered and was taken aback by the room filled with clothes racks and yards of fabric in every shade of the rainbow. The room was huge. There was a corner filled with mirrors to the left. Massive windows let in light, and large wardrobe-style cabinets ran along the right wall. In front of the windows were several long worktables with sewing machines and other tailoring tools. The rustling sound seemed to come from behind a rack.
“Jacque?” I called out.
“Celesta, dear,” he answered as he stepped from behind a rack of evening gowns. “I was just getting dresses ready for you.”
“All this is for me?” I asked in disbelief.
“I kept imagining you in different styles and colors . . . I couldn’t help myself.” He shrugged sheepishly.
“Wow. I’ve never seen so many beautiful dresses in one place before, let alone this many with me in mind.” I trailed my hand down one shimmery dress, marveling at the feel.
“Let’s get started. Strip.”
What was with these people and their lack of shyness with nudity?
I glanced over my shoulder and couldn’t see the doorway over all the racks of clothes. I pulled off my shirt and laid it over the back of a chair. Then I sat in the chair to remove my sandals. After I stood, I removed my jeans. I was hardly nervous today standing in front of a stranger clad only in my skivvies.
Jacque stepped to me and inhaled. “You went with strawberry vanilla as your scent. Good idea. It will set you apart. Most of the other girls select floral and very complex scents, but there’s something refreshing about yours.” He walked around me. “Sandra did a good job.”
“Yes, she did.”
“What dress would you like to try on first?”
I was overwhelmed by all the beautiful dresses. Considering my options, I ran my fingers over each fabric and shifted the dresses to look at each style. There were several dresses which really caught my eye, but the one that drew me the most was a soft, shimmery satin dress, Kelly-green in color.
Jacque stepped behind me. “One of my favorites as well. Let’s start with that one.”
He helped me remove the dress from the rack and slipped it over my head. He turned my body, so my back was to the mirrors. Efficient hands shifted the fabric, so it fell in a soft waterfall over my skin. As he pulled up the zipper and fastened it behind my neck, I looked down at the halter-style top. It was free of adornments, but the cut was low, revealing enough cleavage to be mouth-watering. The skirt fell to the floor in a body-hugging sheath. A slit ran completely up the right leg, allowing easy movement. Jacque stepped around to face me. He looked me up and down several times. The length of time he stared at me was making me nervous.
It must look awful. Pity, I really liked it. “Jacque, unzip me. I’ll try another one. I’m sure one of these dresses will be perfect.”
“Shh. Turn around and look at yourself in this dress.”
I turned and stared in awe at the girl in the reflective surface. She was like a magnet drawing me closer. I floated closer to the vision looking at me. The dress fit perfectly. My eyes stared at the sliver of skin peeking out from the slit in the side. It showed off my long leg. It clung to my hips, emphasizing them. It displayed my narrow waist. My eyes traveled up to the low neckline, which showed just enough cleavage to be daring and sexy without being slutty. It wrapped around my neck leaving my shoulders bare.
“I love it,” I breathed out in a whisper of disbelief.
“It’s perfect. You still must try on a few others to build your wardrobe, but I think this is the one for tonight. The color is soft but bright . . . just another way you’ll stand out. Most of the girls dress in red, black or dark blue. No one has ever worn this color. Let’s find you some more.” He turned to one of the metal stands and began shifting dresses around.
I ran my hands over the soft fabric as I stared at myself a moment longer. Then I moved back to the racks of clothes. Jacque unfastened the dress, and it dropped immediately to my feet.
“You won’t be able to wear a bra with this dress. With that slit and the way it hugs your body, I’d suggest either no underwear or a very skimpy, high-cut thong.” He bent and picked up the dress like it was a treasure.
“OK.”
We went back to rifling through the garments hanging on the rolling racks. I tried on at least twenty dresses. Each one looked amazing on me and made me feel gorgeous. Jacque selected a bright yellow floor-length gown, a black strapless evening gown, a short black cocktail dress, a flirty blue sundress, several skirts, jeans and blouses in all shades and cuts.
“I’ll pack up what you wore in today and all the clothes we just selected. I’ll add in shoes, undergarments, socks and anything else I think you’ll need. It’ll all be ready for you to take with you when you leave tonight.” He beamed at me, completely confident that I’d get an offer.
I threw my arms around him, forgetting I was wearing only my un
dergarments. It should’ve been awkward, but Jacque embraced me back. He whispered in my ear, “You’ll wow them tonight.”
He stepped back, grabbed a robe, then helped me get in it. “Now, let’s go see Sandra so if she needs extra time for your hair, she can start now. Then we’ll find you a little snack and introduce you to some of the other girls.” He guided me with his hand on the base of my spine.
“Will they be getting dressed here too?” I was curious about the other girls.
“No. They’re coming by to check in and see the book that’ll be passed out to the clients. They’ll leave to get ready and come back later.”
“Oh. I can leave to dress as well.” I wasn’t sure where I’d go since I checked out of my hotel room. It would probably look odd if I came out of the locker room at the YMCA in an evening gown, but I could make it work.
He waved off my suggestion. “Nonsense. Circe wants you to get ready here. She has very high hopes for you.”
Her hope in me was adding some extra pressure. I didn’t want to disappoint anyone.
We walked into the spa where Sandra immediately greeted me.
“Sandra, she’s wearing a Kelly-green dress with a halter-style top. The back is low, and the slit is high,” Jacque told her all business.
“Perhaps an updo so her neck, shoulders and back are bare?” Sandra suggested, studying me.
“That sounds perfect.”
“Let’s put some rollers in your hair to create a few curls then.” She gestured to one of the salon chairs.
“That won’t take long, so I’ll wait with you,” Jacque offered.
In no time, I had a few tight curlers in my hair.
“She’ll be back in a bit for hair and makeup. I’m going to find her some food and introduce her to some of the other girls,” Jacque said as he got to his feet. He offered me his hand, then pulled me up.
Still dressed in the soft robe, I followed Jacque down the hall to a kitchen. There were several beautiful girls inside, sitting around the table, mumbling about the book they were pouring over.
“Hi, girls,” Jacque greeted them.
They returned his greeting then turned their curious eyes on me. Before I could speak, Circe stepped into the doorway behind me. All noise ceased.
“This is Celesta. She’s new. Tonight will be her first event. Help her in any way you can,” Circe told the girls.
“Hi,” I said softly, meeting the gaze of each girl.
Circe handed me a book like the ones the other girls were looking at. “This book features all the girls who’ll be available for offers tonight. Each client will be given a copy to peruse as they mingle with you. Celesta, be sure to see me later please,” Circe instructed.
I nodded, then followed Jacque farther into the kitchen to look over the food options.
One of the girls angrily pushed back from the table and stalked over to Circe.
I wasn’t trying to listen, but the angry tone was hard to miss. “Ms. Thomas, why is she at the back? The past six months, I’ve been at the back.”
“You know the reasoning behind the placement of girls in the book. You should be able to figure out why she’s at the end of the dossier. Would you prefer to not be in the book at all, Allison?”
“No, ma’am.” Allison stormed out of the room without any further comment.
I grabbed some fruit and crackers then sat at the end of the table. Jacque placed a bottle of water in front of me. He leaned down and gave me a little hug. “I’ll see you when you’re done with Sandra.”
“OK. Thanks.”
I began flipping through the book Circe had given me. As I progressed through the book, I was amazed at the girls the clients would be able to choose from. I had no idea how I’d be able to compete with these girls. They seemed so worldly and perfect for fulfilling whatever needs the clients might have. I was so out of my league here. When I got to Allison’s page, I read through her information. She was quite the girl. As I continued to flip through the pages, I wondered where my information was.
Had Circe decided not to use me tonight?
When I flipped to the last page, my breath whooshed out. I’d been worried she wasn’t going to use me. As worried as I was, I would’ve been upset to not go tonight. I was excited about what was to come. I couldn’t believe I was looking at myself in print. The photos looked amazing. The accompanying information gave my name, age, blood type, education and other pertinent information.
I looked at the girl next to me. “Why did Allison seem to be so upset that I’m at the back of the book? I would guess the back of the book is the worst place to be.”
“You really are new here. I’m Lucy, by the way. Ms. Thomas places the girls in the book in order of least desirable to most desirable. If the most desirable girl was at the front, the clients wouldn’t flip through all the pages. They’d stop at that perfect girl. Allison is used to being the perfect girl,” she said in a bubbly voice.
“Oh. I don’t want to stir up any trouble with any of the girls. Maybe I should go find her.”
Lucy shook her head and looked at me like I’d grown a second head. “I’d steer clear of her if I were you. She’ll settle down by the time the evening starts. She’s just really competitive and wants to be the best B.I.T.-10 has to offer.”
“I’m not trying to be the best. I’m just trying to finish paying my last year of college.” I wrung my hands together, hating the drama I was already in the middle of.
“Me too,” a couple of the other girls chimed in.
“How do these things usually go?” I asked, looking around the table.
“These events get held only a few times a year. This will be my second one. We’ll all gather in one of the conference rooms, so Ms. Thomas can inspect our outfits. She prides herself on having the most beautiful options available in this industry. All the clients will already be in the ballroom by the time we enter. We find one to talk to and start mingling. B.I.T.-10’s galas are the most talked about events in the industry. It’s an honor to be a girl featured at one or a client invited to attend one,” Lucy explained, picking up a grape from her plate.
“By industry, you mean the vampire service industry?” I took a sip of my water.
“Basically, yes. The B-S industry as we refer to it around here,” a girl at the end offered with a giggle.
“B-S?” I frowned.
“Blood and sex,” she explained.
I felt some of the color drain from my face at the reminder. Hastily, I loaded a cracker with some cheese and took a bite.
“There’s no need to be nervous. I was the first time. But the bite doesn’t hurt at all. It’s actually pretty nice. It is a blissful kind of pain, and the bite makes everything that comes after even better than you could imagine,” Lucy said wistfully.
I shuddered. “I’m just going to try not to think about it.”
Time passed quickly as Lucy and the other girls shared tales of their experiences. Each girl had several jobs under her belt, so they were a wealth of information.
“There are a few creeps. But Ms. Thomas does a pretty good job weeding them out. If any of them step out of line, there’s a huge fine and they get banned,” Lucy said, trying to reassure me.
“Do you know the men who’ll be here tonight?” I asked.
“Some of the regulars will be here—Vance, Tom, Jamison, Ace and Victor.”
My heart stopped when she said Victor’s name.
“There will probably be a few other regulars, and I heard there are several new clients who’ll be here tonight too,” she continued.
“Does everyone always get a contract?” I rolled the tiny tomatoes around on my plate.
“Yes.”
“I hope that holds true for tonight. I’d be so embarrassed if no one put in an offer on me.” With delicate fingers, I dunked the sphere of red in ranch dip and popped it into my mouth.
Lucy surveyed me. “I think that’s a ludicrous worry.”
I blushed at her
compliment.
“I think the clients will find you refreshing. You’re beautiful, and you seem to be unaware of it. You’re sweet and naïve. They’ll love you.” Lucy patted my hand.
Before long, it was time for me to go find Sandra.
Lucy gave me a little hug as I stood to leave. “Find me in the conference room. We’ll walk in together.”
“Thank you. I feel better after talking to you.” It was nice to have made a friend. All my old friends had disappeared when all the stuff hit the news about Dad.
I told the other girls goodbye and walked down to the spa so Sandra could work her magic.
“Celesta,” she greeted me with a wide smile, “you picked a great scent.”
I blushed at her compliment. “Jacque said the same thing.”
She squeezed my shoulder. “It’s perfect. Makes you smell like a scrumptious treat.”
“Is that a good thing?” I wondered if it was prudent to smell like a treat.
“Absolutely, when you’re vying for a proposal from one of the clients.” She laughed.
“I’ll take your word for it.”
“Come. Let’s start your makeup.”
I followed her down to a room I hadn’t seen yet. She had me climb up onto a cushioned stool.
She moisturized my skin with the most luxurious cream. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the coddling.
“If you’re feeling anxious or tense, we have time for a quick massage,” she offered.
My mind contemplated how a massage might relax me further. I really wanted to give in, but I didn’t want to risk being late.
“You look torn,” she observed, reading my expression.
“I am. On one hand, I’m nervous about tonight, so a massage may be just the thing to help. But I also want to make a good impression on Ms. Thomas, so I don’t want to risk being late.” I chewed on my lip as I thought about it.
Blood Song: Prelude (Blood Song Series Book 1) Page 7
