Acquired

by Charlotte Byrd

  “Hey Danielle.” I called out as I walked outside. Danielle was lying by the pool working on her tan which certainly needed no work at all. She was all bronze and beauty and looked as if she belonged to the house that she had bought. As if she was just a part of furniture herself. She had always been a lot more glamorous than the rest of us, even when she was sporting jeans and t-shirts all day. So it was no wonder that she had finally found a place to suit her.

  “Jane. I’m glad you’re here. You mustn’t coop yourself in that room for too long. It’s not good for anyone to be inside for long periods of time. I was actually just thinking that if you weren’t here in ten minutes that I’d have to come up and drag you down. It’s a beautiful day. I have just the thing for you. Actually make that three things: The sun, the pool and a delicious cocktail.” She got up and poured me a cocktail. It was bright blue with a yellow umbrella and little bits of fruit bobbing happily at the top.

  “I cannot believe your life sometimes.” I said while taking a grateful sip of the delicious drink. The cocktail tasted like juice more than alcohol – which I knew from previous experiences to always end up being a bad thing. And with the hot sun pounding down on me, it was hard not to take gulps rather than sips.

  “Wonderful isn’t it. I’m very lucky. But I worked hard to get here. This didn’t just come to me. I made it happen. These moments of lazing around are definitely few and far between. And greatly deserved. I always make the most of them. And so should you.”

  It was true. Danielle was an incredibly hard worker and had done well to get to where she was today at such a young age. She worked at as a hostess and waitress at Palms Casino and maked close to $100,000 a year in salary and tips. Then, despite her busy schedule at work, she had decided to start a landscape company and had asked me to do the marketing for it. I couldn’t afford to pay her much rent so this was my way of helping out as best as I could. But it wasn’t enough. I needed a job.

  “Danielle, I need a job.” I confided.

  “But you have a job silly. You’re doing my marketing. And you’re doing a damn fine job at it.” This wasn’t entirely true. There was barely enough work for it to even be considered a job. So far I’d only done a few hours a week and I had a feeling she’d just made up the position to help me.

  “Yes but that’s only to help with rent. I need to actually start earning money and I’m also not going to be living here forever.”

  “What? I thought we were going to fall in love and get married and live happily ever after here together.” She said trying to sound earnest.

  I punched her in the arm. “Yeah sure. I forgot all about that plan. I wish I could, this place is amazing. But seriously, I need to find something. I can’t just sit around all day looking at photos of Justin and Amy. It’s going to drive me insane.”

  “I hate that you do that. I told you to stop following them. Although, did you see my comment on their latest photo?” She was giggling.

  “I did. You’re awesome. That one made my day.”

  “What is she doing in that photo anyway? Pretending to be a flower? It’s so incredibly lame. And what’s with all those idiots telling them what a nice couple they are? They know that he cheated on you with her. It’s ridiculous really. I tell you what – if there’s one good thing that came out of all this is learning who your true friends are. And saying Au Revoir to the rest.”

  “That’s true. And you’ve proven to be the best of them all. Also, I do love how you always turn to French when you’re trying to make a point.”

  “Well, yes… naturally. Mais Oui.” She took a long sip of her cocktail and flipped her hair back in exaggeration.

  I laughed, “You’re such a show off.”

  “Ah… but at least you know where you stand with me.”

  “That’s true. But now, back to the job thing, I’m honestly getting worried. My savings are starting to run out and I really don’t want to have to move back to Arizona. It’s bad enough seeing their photos – but to actually bump into them would be a nightmare. Also, I want them to think that I don’t need them. That I have my life together. Even though I’m clearly falling apart.”

  “Why don’t I get you a job at the casino with me? I’ve already told you that it won’t be a problem at all to get you in. Just say the word and you’ll have a job.” Danielle had been trying to get me to work with her since I arrived but it wasn’t something that I wanted to do.

  “I don’t know Danielle. You know me and waitressing. I’ve never been good at it. In fact, I’m rather awful at it.”

  Danielle burst out laughing, almost spilling her cocktail. “You’re right. I forgot about your first waitressing job. You were awful.”

  “I was. I was more than awful.”

  “Remember when you dropped that plate of food on that hot guy?”

  “Oh no! I do remember that. And the food was hot and he got up and jumped out of his seat. And then he knocked the other waitress to the floor. Then I tried to help him by throwing water all over his crotch. It’s funny now but it was so embarrassing at the time. I wanted the earth to swallow me whole.” Suddenly the two of us were laughing until our stomachs hurt. We had both put down our cocktails and we were doubled over with tears running down our face.

  “And do you want to know the worst part?” I said, coming up for a breath in between the laughter.

  “What? It gets worse?”

  “Not that moment. But the worst part was that the hot food and water on crotch incident was just one of many. I was forever spilling stuff on people. I think I have a natural tendency to do things like that when I’m nervous.”

  “Thanks Danielle.” I finally said when the laughter had subsided.

  “Thanks? For what?” She asked.

  “For this. For always making me laugh. I really am grateful to be here you know.”

  “I know you are. Now, what about that other job you applied for? I never got the chance to ask you about that.”

  “Oh, well I haven’t heard anything yet although they said that I should be hearing back soon. I have absolutely no idea if I’ll get it though. You know what it’s like – they’re always so vague with these things. I could’ve been brilliant or awful – either way they keep their cool. Well it’s actually for The Sunrise Casino – you know that big one with the pool that wraps around it?”

  “Of COURSE I know Sunrise Casino. Everyone knows about it! I actually tried to get in there once, this was years ago when I first moved here, but it seemed everyone had the same idea as me. I didn’t get in and then I got the job at Palms Casino and I’ve been so happy there that I haven’t bothered trying to get in again. But what a cool place.”

  “Well, they ran this online contest asking for social marketing ideas. I did a bit of research on the place and put a few things together and sent in my proposal. I have to say, for such a big and fancy casino, their social media presence isn’t all that great. I think that anyone who wins that contest will do a better job than what they are doing now. They’ve basically ignored that side of their marketing completely. So it was quite easy to come up with some ideas. And it was so much fun. I love doing things like that. Sometimes half the fun is in the planning.”

  “Half the fun is in the planning? You are SUCH a nerd at times Jane. So, what happens if you win?” Danielle asked and I punched her on the arm. She was always mocking me for the nerdy things that I did. I was the type of girl who always had her nose in her book and who got excited when someone mentioned the word Scrabble.

  “Well if I win then I’ll get to lead the casino’s social media campaign. It will be quite a big job and I’m assuming it will go on for quite a long time. Also, I hear the money’s pretty good. But like I said, I have no idea if I’m going to get it. Also, I have a feeling millions of people applied for it. I’d hate to be the person in charge of going through all those applications.”

  Danielle whistled. “That place is one of the hottest casino’s on the strip already. If they
sort out their social media they are literally going to explode. We did that at the Palms a few years ago and we went from quiet to busy within weeks. I tell you – if people see it on social media then all of a sudden it becomes the place to be. That casino is already doing so well without it – can you just imagine how crazy it’s going to be when they up their game? I hope you get it girl. This is the perfect job for you. Little Miss Organizer and Planner.”

  “I certainly hope you’re right.”

  “Now, will you relax a bit with me? You’re far too uptight and ruining this beautiful day. Also, I have a surprise for you.” She winked at me and I frowned back.

  “A surprise? What does that mean? Oh no, I hope you haven’t organised for some stripper to come?”

  Danielle laughed. She had done that once before to a friend even though it wasn’t her birthday and it was hilarious to be on the outside watching in, but not at all funny for the poor girl who had to endure it all. “No, no. I wouldn’t do that to you. But I really do have a surprise for you. In about half an hours’ time. So until then, sit back, relax and enjoy your cocktail.”

  “But what is it?” I hated not knowing things. Surprises were always good when they happened but there was nothing worse than knowing that something was going to happen and not at all being prepared for it. Also, I was about to lie down in a bikini and it wasn’t quite the best time to have other people walk in. “Can I keep my clothes on in case you are surprising me with people? Should I go brush my hair? Or put on a nice dress? Oh no, I don’t think I even have any make up on.”

  Danielle giggled. “Relax. Relax. You are perfect as you are. I promise you. Just trust me.

  And I did trust her. Only her.

  Chapter 5 - Jane

  Somehow, in the space of half an hour, I had managed to fall asleep.

  “Jane, Jane, earth to Jane. Wake up. Your surprise is here. Hello lovely girl.” A voice called out from the distance. My eyes drifted open and I screamed out in shock. Danielle had her face right in front of mine.

  “Geez, don’t do that to me. You’re going to give me a heart attack. Did I fall asleep?”

  “You sure did. Such a lightweight. One cocktail and you’re out. Come now sleepy head, look around. Look at everything that you’ve missed out on while you’ve been away in la la land.” She signalled around her.

  I looked around and was surprised to see that the outside section had been transformed in what looked to be a spa of some sorts. There were beds, towels, and something that looked to be a changing room. There was also a lady standing there staring at them. The lady was gorgeous and looked like she had stepped straight out of a magazine cover.

  “Okay, how the heck did I sleep through all of this and what is going on?” I was incredulous. I must’ve really needed that nap. And I must say, that even though it was only half an hour, I suddenly felt good.

  “Welcome to your very own spray tanning session, with the wonderful Miss Marian.” With that the lady bowed down.

  “A spray tanning session? That’s my surprise? Oh I don’t need to do that. You don’t need to do that either. Look at you. You are already so brown.” I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful but I really wasn’t a fan of self-tanning. I never had been. Which would possibly explain my translucent skin.

  “Yes, but I have to keep it looking golden brown. Trust me, it fades so easily. And I refuse to use a tanning bed. Those things are so bad for your health. I cannot tell you the amount of horror stories that I have heard from people who have used those things. Remind me later to show you a list of statistics that I have about it.”

  “You have a list of statistics about tanning beds? Now who’s the nerdy one. But seriously, you go, I’ll just watch. I’m more than happy here in the sun. The sun is just what I need. After all, isn’t that the most natural way to go brown?” I thought I had her there, but of course she was always one ahead of me.

  “Yeah the sun is great. Unless you’re people like us. And not to be rude, but when I say us I really mean you.”

  “What do you mean? What’s wrong with me?”

  “I’ve seen your skin in the sun before. You don’t go brown. You go red. Then you go all blistery. Then you peel. You don’t go brown. Come on, I’ve known you long enough now. Be honest with yourself.”

  I sighed. “You got me there. I never go brown. And admittedly, I’ve always been a bit jealous of your sheen.”

  “My sheen? You make me sound like a dog. Now come on, strip off, we don’t have all day. You deserve a little bit of tender loving care.”

  “Uh… can you go first? I’m still half asleep.”

  “No problemo!”

  The truth was that I felt a bit shy suddenly getting undressed out in the open. I’m not sure why because Danielle had seen my naked body many times before and she had seen me through many different stages in my life. And Miss Marian had probably seen a hundred naked bodies before and I’m sure seeing mine was not going to bother her in the slightest. But still, I felt weird. Instead I watched as Danielle took her clothes off with ease and stepped into the tanning booth while giving me a big thumbs up and a massive grin. She was in her element here. Watching her I suddenly wished that I had chosen to go first and I was so grateful that there was nobody else around but the three of us. Danielle was beautiful and she had the type of confidence that just made her even more beautiful than she was. She was wagging her bum at me now and making me laugh but I couldn’t help but think what a nice bum she had and how white and unimpressive mine was going to look after this show. Danielle had a beautiful backside, as one of her ex-boyfriends had once described – which she said made up for her lack of boobs. But her small boobs suited her. She was tall and lanky and big breasts would’ve only weighed her down. She was all elegance and sophistication. Everything that I was not.

  “Okay, your turn now. You’re going to love it. Trust me. Soon, you’ll be wanting to do this every week” She said and came out to sit on the lounger.

  “Oh I doubt that!” I was not into things like this and she should know it.

  But she just laughed. “Oh trust me, you might not think you’ll like it. But you will. At least, you’ll like the way you look afterwards and you’ll never want to go back to that pale skin again. Miss Marian, make her beautiful.”

  “What? So I’m not beautiful already? You’re meant to be my best friend. You’re meant to tell me that I’m already the most beautiful woman in the world even if it’s not true. You cut me deep Danielle. You cut me deep.”

  “You ARE the most beautiful snowman in the world. But if you want to become the most beautiful woman in the world you’ll have to get a bit of color on you.” She laughed at that as if she had just told the funniest joke in the world and I tried not to laugh back.

  “Fine fine. I’m going in.” I took off my clothes and stepped inside, completely aware that both Danielle and Miss Marian could now see me naked. As Miss Marian started spraying me I suddenly felt emboldened by this nakedness and for a brief moment I felt free. Looking down I was glad that I had taken Danielle’s advice to get a Brazilian wax – because this moment right now would not have been pleasant the way I had looked a few weeks ago. It had been my very first Brazilian wax and I had been petrified. I had even told the ladies behind the counter and they had laughed at me, telling me that they had many clients still that came in for the first time and that there was nothing to be worried or ashamed of. I told them that I wasn’t ashamed at all but more frightened by the thought of the pain that as about to come my way. Again they told me that it was not going to be painful and that even if it was it would still be worth it. And they had been right. I had never thought something like that would make a difference to me and yet it had given me a strange and quiet confidence about myself that I never had before. As the cool spray hit my body I noticed how smooth it felt where they had done the Brazilian wax. A shiver formed up my spine at the sensation and I realized that despite being naked in front of strangers, I actually felt
sexy. If only there was a man standing in front of me and not two girls.

  “You know what, Jane?” Danielle said while watching me, “That asshole Justin doesn’t know what he’s missing out on here. You would’ve been his happily ever after. Now, he will always regret what he did and he will always wish that he had stayed with you. Guys like that will just never be happy with anything. They could be with the most gorgeous model in the world who also has a great personality and they’ll still look somewhere else. Those are guys that just always want more and more and more. And they are not worth the time and effort. Don’t you ever think that you were the reason he left you. HE was the reason. You really are beautiful my friend and I mean it. I’m saying it to you while you are naked in front of me. I must be telling the truth!”

  “Thanks Danielle. You know what, I agree with you about Justin. He is an asshole.” It felt good to hear those words coming out of my mouth.

  “That’s it! Say it again. But say it loud.”