Ace-High Flush

by Patricia Green

  He whaled on her more, and the pillow under her face got soaked with her tears. She might never be able to sit again! She couldn't take anymore. But she did. She took it until he was done, and he was done when she had gone past reason and had become a limp rag doll, nothing but tears and sobs and anguished begging.

  Instead of taking her into his arms as he'd done the first time he spanked her and every time since, he let her lie there, her ass feeling like the skin was going to burst from swelling and burning. She felt unwanted and bereft. She wanted his affection and his comfort. But she'd hurt him and lost his respect. He looked resigned and tired, and all of his 38 years.

  "I can't be here to stop you from doin' foolish things, li'l girl. You'll have to keep out of trouble on your own. But if I ever find out you've done somethin' as demeanin' as posin' for a trash magazine, I'll be on the first plane out here with my ridin' crop in my hand. Do you understand?"

  She nodded and gasped out, "Yes, sir."

  He stroked her back a few times, as if she was a kitten. His touch was gentle, but it wasn't enough.

  "I-I'm s-s-sorry, Ace."

  "Yeah, li'l girl. I know you are. Nothin' for it now, though."

  It was dead and she'd killed it. She began crying hard again; it was amazing that she had any tears left.

  "Get dressed and head home."

  She slid off the ottoman and knelt in front of him. "Home? Don't you... can't you... " She couldn't finish. It was obvious that he wanted nothing more of her. He didn't want to be around her. Didn't want to hold her in his arms. She'd become a disgusting, putrid wretch to him.

  "Go on." His voice was soft, his eyes focused on his hands where they were folded in his lap. His knuckles were white where they grasped the belt.

  Sniffling and gasping, she dressed and headed for the door. "I'm sorry, Ace. I'm so, so sorry."

  "Goodbye, li'l girl."

  She closed the door softly as she left, leaving her heart on the threshold.

  * * *

  Ace watched her go, his stomach tied in a knot. He wanted to rush over to her, to hold her and pet her. He wanted to keep her close to him. But he couldn't tie her to him if she didn't trust him. She had to want what he had to offer: safety, security, discipline and deep affection. He thought he'd shown her those things, and that he was willing to share them with her. But the entire nude modeling debacle drove home the point that it had started out as a kind of romantic whim, never intending to be something more abiding. He had to get back to that. He had to find a way to shelter his heart back up.

  It was obvious that they couldn't work things out. She couldn't stand the idea of depending on another person, so much so that she was willing to do pretty much anything. As long as he held her tight, she wouldn't be as self-sufficient as she wanted to be.

  That meant never seeing her again.

  At least, with their final parting, he'd convinced her to take the money for the aide for her mother. Maybe the reprieve from caring for Anita 24/7 would help Gabby pursue a career that was something she could be proud of, not hide. Maybe he'd made a difference, but that didn't change the fact that they were 1,000 miles apart, and geography was the least of it.

  Chapter 7

  Gabriella spent time with cucumber slices over her red, swollen eyes after she got home. Although her mother was peeved about it, Gabby wasn't willing to talk to her or explain why she was so upset. Anita had intuited that the problem was with Ace, so she harped on how Gabby didn't need a man in her life. After a few minutes of that, and getting no argument from Gabby, Anita quieted.

  The cop sirens and street noise coming through Gabby's windows were soothing. She needed to rest, to recover from a terrible blow. She had broken up with Ace and it was devastating.

  She couldn't quite believe she'd been so stupid. Again. Not only had she foolishly tried to sabotage Liv's career the year before, but she'd also pretty much tried to sabotage her own with the nude pictures. Not just nude, but pornographic. She'd barely escaped the worst mistake of her life, and she had Ace to thank for that escape. But she'd never thanked him. Instead, all she done was blubber her apologies and take her punishment. She owed him a debt.

  It seemed like she owed everyone some sort of debt. She was crushed and mangled and more exhausted than she'd ever been before. After a few more tears, she fell asleep.

  When her cellphone began to ring, Gabby pulled herself out of a deep and—thankfully—dreamless sleep. She felt like she was slogging through chewed gum as she reached for the device.

  "Hello?"

  "Miss Gabriella Appleby?"

  "Yes. Who is this?"

  "My name is Cameron Park. I'm Mr. Jonny Chow's assistant."

  Gabriella was instantly alert. Jonny Chow was one of the richest men on the east coast. He rivaled Donald Trump and Rupert Murdoch. Why in the world would his assistant be calling her? "H-how can I help you Mr. Park?"

  "Mr. Chow would like to meet with you."

  "With me?" she squeaked.

  "Yes. He wants to thank you for your help in the park recently."

  The park? "I'm sorry. I have no idea what you're talking about."

  "Weren't you with a Mr….um….right. Weren't you with Mr. Journey when Mr. Chow was attacked by criminals?"

  "That was Jonny Chow? Oh my God."

  "You don't read the papers?"

  "I've been a little distracted the last few days."

  "Hmm. Well, Mr. Chow would like to meet with you. Can you come to Mount Sinai hospital at 4:00 this afternoon?"

  "That's an hour from now."

  "Well, if you can't make it-"

  "I can make it!"

  "Good. Will you be able to bring Mr. Journey with you as well?"

  Gabby's heart sank. If she needed to do this with Ace, the meeting would never happen. She didn't have the courage to ask him, and there was no way Ace would agree to accompany her. "No, I can't. Mr. Journey and I…Mr. Journey and I aren't seeing each other anymore."

  There was a pause. "I'm sorry."

  "I guess Mr. Chow will be rescinding his invitation." Her stomach felt leaden. What next?

  "No, of course not. Come by yourself."

  Maybe she was finally getting a break on this awful day. "Okay."

  He gave her the room number and his phone number, just in case.

  After they rang off, she explained to her mother about the meeting, though she didn't have many details to impart. Then she scurried around to find the right clothes to wear. What did one wear to a meeting with a billionaire in the hospital?

  * * *

  After fighting with the urge to stop at the hospital gift store for flowers—if she spent the money on a bouquet, she wouldn't have enough for the train home—Gabby made her way to Jonny Chow's hospital room. It was at the top floor of the hospital in a quiet wing where the nurses whispered and the doors were closed for privacy. Gabby glanced into an empty hospital room and was shocked by how big it was. It was no less than a luxury suite. Oh sure, it had a hospital bed, but it was a big one, and the furnishings were tasteful and covered with expensive fabrics, leather and wood. This was definitely the rich patients' floor.

  She paused and took a deep breath before knocking on the door of Mr. Chow's room. A firm voice said, "Come in!" So Gabby opened the door and took a few steps in.

  Late afternoon sunlight streamed in the windows on two walls of the room. The décor was all blues and grays, very pacific. Jonny Chow sat up in a big hospital bed. His head was wrapped in a bandage and he had a black eye and a big contusion on the left side of his jaw. One arm was in a cast. It was him, though; his face, battered as it was, was recognizable. On either side of his bed were several people.

  Including Ace, standing tall and relaxed on Chow's right along with a young Asian man with ruffled black hair tipped with platinum blond. The young man held an open portfolio in one hand. On Chow's other side, a young woman stood ready with a steno pad.

  "Miss Appleby!" Chow said genially. "Come in! Come
in!"

  Gabby eyed Ace from under her eyelashes, and came into the room to stand at the foot of the bed. Ace was a few feet away. So close and yet so far.

  "Please, call me Gabby."

  Chow nodded. "And I'm Jonny. This handsome fellow to my right is Cameron, and the lovely young lady on my left is Lisa. You already know Ace."

  "Yes. Hello, Ace."

  He didn't smile. "Gabby."

  There was a pause. "I've already told Ace, but I want to tell you too, Gabby, thank you so much for helping me in the park. I could have been killed."

  "I didn't do anything, Mr… Jonny." Her face felt hot as she remembered exactly how cowardly she'd been.

  "Oh but you did! And I appreciate it." He reached up and squeezed Cameron Park's hand affectionately, giving him a soulful look. "I had so much to lose."

  Gabby looked between the two men and mentally shrugged. "Whatever I did to help, I wish it was more. You were pretty badly hurt."

  "They're letting me out tomorrow. But saying thanks was not the only reason I called you here. I have a thank you gift."

  Gabby was curious, but she didn't think she'd done anything to deserve a gift. She'd wanted to run away in the park, in fact. Had Ace not shown her the honorable path, she'd have left Jonny Chow for the criminals to chew up and spit out. "That's not necessary."

  "Oh, but it is. I want to give you…" He looked at Ace and back at her. "Two hundred thousand dollars as a reward for saving my life."

  Gabby's heart surged into her mouth and she went a little light-headed. "You…"

  She had to sit down. Fortunately, Ace was there with a chair before she passed out right on the floor. She sat heavily, cringing a little because of her bruised behind, and took a few deep breaths. "You don't have to do that, Mr…Jonny."

  "I should do more! My life is important to me. And, you know, I've got a few bucks to spare."

  Gabby felt a giggle bubble up and Ace chortled. "Yes," she told them. "I guess you do."

  Hearing Ace's deep-throated chuckle gave Gabby a pang. After this meeting, she'd never hear that sound again. Never see his tanned, rugged face, or comb his thick hair through her fingers. She'd never find his hat on the dresser, or his boots in the corner. She'd have given the whole reward to have him back in her life. She realized she was staring at Ace's black boots when Chow cleared his throat.

  She looked up.

  "Please give Cameron your bank information." He nodded at his assistant, and the young man produced two business cards.

  "You can email me here," Cameron said, pointing.

  "He'll wire the money directly into your account. Would that be acceptable?"

  She nodded. More than acceptable, though she felt rather guilty taking it. It was going to save her, though, and she wasn't so proud that she wouldn't accept it. She had a quick moment of realization that she was willing to take Jonny Chow's money even though she wouldn't take Ace's. Sure Chow had a lot more and wouldn't miss it, but neither sum came with strings attached. Ace had assured her of that. Why hadn't she listened? The whole thing with the porn pictures and everything should have never happened.

  "Yes. That would be fine. Thank you, Jonny. You are more than generous."

  Ace's eyes were on her. He looked away when she caught his gaze. She stood and smiled. "I'm glad you're okay, Jonny. But what an awful experience."

  "Yes. Fortunately, there were no internal injuries and only a slight concussion. One of those creeps kicked me in the head." His voice was thick with sincerity. "I could have died if not for you two."

  Ace spoke up. "There was never any question of helpin'. I thought you were a homeless person. No one deserves that kind of thrashin'."

  "You are a kind and gracious man." He slid his hand across Cameron's in a light caress and gestured. "Say, there's one more thing I'd like to do. I was planning on having a party tomorrow night. A coming-home-from-the-hospital party. I feel like seeing my friends and celebrating the fact that I'm still alive." He chortled. "I think most of my friends would celebrate that. Some," he grinned. "Maybe not so much."

  Gabby smiled at his wit.

  "I would like you two to come to the party as my special guests."

  She gasped. "Oh!"

  Ace immediately demurred. "I'm on a plane back to Texas tomorrow mornin', Jonny. I'm sorry I can't make it."

  "Nonsense." A pout formed on Chow's lips. "I insist. My jet can take you anywhere any time. Come to the party and fly home when it's over."

  "Well…"

  "No excuses! I insist." He gave Ace a meaningful look, and Gabby didn't miss it. There was something going on. "Do we have a deal?"

  Ace's smile was forced; it didn't reach his eyes. "Yeah. That'll be fine."

  Chow looked to Gabby for an answer. There was no way she'd miss that party. She had lots to celebrate, too. Two hundred thousand reasons! Her eyes went to Ace. He'd be there. One more chance to see him and postpone their total separation. "I'll come. Thank you."

  "Ace, did you by happenchance bring a tuxedo with you?"

  Ace shook his head. "I didn't need a tux in the bagel factory."

  Chow laughed. "Cameron, call my tailor and have him put a tux together for Mr. Journey." The billionaire eyed Ace with a connoisseur's consideration. Ace seemed a little uncomfortable. "Something Western. None of that James Bond shit he's always peddling."

  "Yes, Jonny."

  "There's no need," said Ace. "I have a black suit-"

  "I insist."

  Jonny Chow insisted a lot. Maybe that was the nature of billionaires.

  Ace's jaw got tight, but he nodded his agreement.

  "I presume you have appropriate ensembles, Gabby?"

  She had one always-in-fashion, black cocktail dress. It was form-fitting, with tiny off-the-shoulder cap sleeves, and a super-sexy slit up one leg. She always got compliments when she wore it. "Yes. I have something."

  "Good," Chow said. He smiled, leaning back in his bed. "I'm tired. The party's at 8:00. Will you be coming together?"

  They both spoke at the same time. "No."

  "Hmm. Well, I'll send cars for you."

  Ace didn't answer, but Gabby agreed to be picked up.

  Chow took Cameron's hand again and heaved a sigh. "I'm so lucky. And you two deserve all the credit." He closed his eyes. "Will you excuse me now? I need a little beauty nap."

  "Of course," Ace said, tipping his hat at the trio, then turning to do the same for Gabby. "See ya tomorrow, Jonny."

  "Thank you, Jonny," Gabby said, watching Ace saunter out of the room. She followed a moment after.

  The elevator past the nursing station was crammed with people, so she couldn't say anything to Ace. Gabby didn't know what she'd have said anyway. It seemed like everything that could be said, had been. His eyes were on her, though, and warmth crept over her. Her butt still ached from the harsh spanking, but she hoped it lasted for several days. It was the one reminder she was going to get to keep after he left town.

  * * *

  Gabby came home to a crabby mother and a hungry cat. Back to Earth, she reminded herself. When she told her mother about the money, Anita was very skeptical, saying that billionaires didn't have time for small crap like that. He would forget, or change his mind.

  Although she took her mother's comments with a grain of salt, Gabby knew that until the money went into the account, it was a promise and nothing else. She sent the banking information to Cameron Park, with another thank you. Afterward, she took a few minutes to sit in front of the religious icons in the corner of the room to say a few prayers asking for guidance; she knew what she wanted, but was it the right thing?

  Around 8:00 p.m., someone rang the bell from downstairs at Gabby's building. She answered through the intercom and a young woman's voice said, "Florist."

  Was Jonny Chow sending flowers, too? He'd already been so generous, it seemed crazy that he'd send flowers, too.

  Gabby picked up her baseball bat and answered the knock on the door by opening it the
length of the security chain. She peered outside and, sure enough, there was a young woman in a service uniform with a logo for the best florist in Newark on the pocket. Flowers from them were coveted, and wildly expensive. It had to be Jonny Chow.

  The woman got Gabby's signature, then handed over three big, long, gold foil boxes. Tottering a little under the awkward weight, Gabby took the flowers to the dinette and opened them. There were three dozen yellow roses, each perfect. They smelled sweet and evocative, not like the usual hothouse variety that other florists were fond of. These were like the kind her grandmother grew in her garden in Brooklyn. There was nothing that smelled more lovely than summer roses.

  She slid the little card out of the envelope and read it. She rubbed her eyes and read it again. "What the hell?" On the card was the inscription, "Until tomorrow, Ace."

  Ace? Ace! Why would he be sending her roses? He hadn't spoken to her since they'd broken up. Was he having second thoughts? Did he intend for them to get back together? Was this his peace offering?

  Gabby arranged the roses in large vases and set them around the apartment.

  "Smells like a whorehouse in here, Gabby."

  "Mama, they're pretty. You like roses."

  "My allergies are going to act up. Why'd he send so many?"

  "I don't know."

  "He didn't even get the color right. They're supposed to be red roses."

  "I'm sure he knew what he was doing, Mama."

  Anita snorted. "He's sure old enough to know."

  Gabby sighed. Her mother was persistent, that was for sure. But why had he sent yellow and not red?

  She went to her laptop and began a search. The first thing that came up was someplace called the Yellow Rose in Austin, Texas. She went to the website. It was a strip club! What kind of message was that? Was Ace trying to tell her that instead of porn pictures, she should be doing nude dancing? Maybe he was making a suggestion. Or maybe he was being mean, poking Gabby about her poor judgment.

  She was tempted to throw the flowers out.

  Or, maybe it wasn't a slur. It seemed possible—or maybe it was wishful thinking—that Ace was trying to open the door to communications.