The Precious Ruby (The Precious Trilogy Book 1)

by C Renee

  Nick comes by my office to congratulate me on job well done. “So when are you going shopping with Steph for gowns.” Nick has heard about the fundraiser event but he isn’t a date of someone who got invited to go.

  “Um, hopefully Tuesday night after my visit with the Doctor to see if he can get this cast off.” I point down to the cast and give a quick smile.

  “Hun, I don’t even notice that anymore and whatever you wear, you will look stunning. I wouldn’t worry too much about that cast. I do have my fingers crossed for Tuesday girl.” He turns to leave and blows me a kiss.

  I would be lost without him.

  The weekend has arrived and all I want to do with Steph is online shop for potential gowns, what accessories we want to have, and decide what places we have to go to on Tuesday night. Living in the heart of LA most shops don’t close till about seven or eight o’clock.

  We are sitting on her living room floor with her laptop open, scanning online shops, but we both have agreed to go to Gowns R Us on Tuesday night because we both have found the dresses we want to wear, and right next door is an accessory place where we can get shoes and clutches to match our dresses.

  We have had plenty of wine, and I think I have reached my limit because I don’t want to a hangover for Monday. I have two clients to meet with and I need to be on top of my game. It’s only my second week at the job but I want it to last a lifetime.

  “Steph, do you think I’m doing a good job at work,” I slur my words.

  “Yes, I think you are doing a fantastic job. I am so proud of you.” Steph gets up to refill her wine glass again.

  I’ve lost count on how many wine glasses we both have drunk over this weekend. Tomorrow morning’s headache is going to be brutal.

  “Aw, thanks Steph. You are amazing but I think it’s sleep time for bed,” I giggle when I muck up my sentence.

  I get up to leave and fumble back down.

  Steph and I burst out laughing, this whole weekend we haven’t been able to stop laughing. I can’t remember a happier time then I am having with her.

  I finally make it to my bedroom after the third attempt to get off the floor and climb into bed, clothes and all.

  My thoughts start to wonder about how I love work and living with Steph, and I wonder about how my family is. I just wish I had their new phone number so I can call them, just to hear their voices.

  I still feel like there is a shadow following me and at any moment the other shoe is going to drop. I just hope that the shoe never does.

  Chapter Six

  Louise

  THE HOSPITAL IS CROWDED on this Tuesday afternoon. I’ve taken the day off work for this visit and I hope it’s the visit I can get my cast off. I had to come in earlier to get my x-ray done before I saw Dr. Grim. I really don’t want to wait anymore, knowing I have a huge event this coming Friday and I need to look my best.

  “Miss Cater, Dr. Grim is ready to see you now,” the short nurse behind the desk says as she stands to call me in to see the doctor.

  I get up off my seat and look down at Steph. She wanted to come and keep me company today. After the checkup, she wanted to go shopping and then have a few drinks tonight. She told me she didn’t want me coming here alone, just in case it was bad news and didn’t want me facing it on my own. I love that about her, she is putting her own fear aside for the sake of my hurt feelings. I guess she can see through my strong persona and knows that I’m still fragile after the horrible three years I was with Matt.

  I’m standing outside of Dr. Grim’s office and I knock lightly on his door and wait for his response.

  “Come in Louise,” he calls from the other side of the door.

  Steph’s puts her hand on my arm and leans in closer to whisper in my ear. “Lou, I have a funny feeling about this doctor. He seems really creepy, and I just hope this is the last visit you have with him.” She pulls away and waits for me to open the door.

  I give a nod in her direction and walk into the office.

  “It’s good to see you again Louise. Let’s hope today we can get this cast off you and into an arm brace for the remaining weeks until your physical therapy starts.” He gets up from being at his desk and puts the x-ray up to the light.

  “Well, the fracture looks great, it’s healing very well. It’s in position, so we don’t need this cast on, but you will need to wear a brace for about two to three weeks more. You take this off for showers.” He gets the blade that cuts casts off, he says it’s not sharp, but it doesn’t look great.

  I hold my arm out in front of me, and he steps closer to me, sawing it right down the middle of the cast. That feeling of freedom is amazing. I thought this day would never come.

  “Now Louise, this brace is to be worn at all times but if you have an important event, you can take it off for approximately five hours, then it will have to go right back on. The more you wear it the faster you will heal. Do you understand me?” He hands me a black brace, it could be worse. At least this one can be taken off.

  “Thank you Dr. Grim. So is this the last appointment I see you before my physical therapy?” I hold my breath, hoping I never have to see him again.

  “No, I’m afraid not. I will need to do another x-ray to see if you are able to attend physical therapy. Go make an appointment for two weeks, and we will go from there.”

  Just my luck, more appointments with Dr. Creepy.

  Steph and I head for the door and, Dr. Grim’s coughs before we could leave his office. We turn around and he continues to speak.

  “Steph, I know we have only met, but I would like if you would go on a dinner date with me later on this week?” His eyes travel down her body but linger on her breasts, which are exposed in the top she is wearing.

  “That would be lovely, but I’m afraid I’m seeing someone.” She looks at me with a tight smile and we exit his office.

  We make it out of the hospital doors before I’m firing her with my most urgent question.

  “You’re not seeing anyone. Why did you tell him that you are?” I stop her in front of her black Mercedes.

  “Well, because he is creepy, and I know those types of men. Once they get a date, they want more, and next thing you know I’m getting asked to marry them after two dates. I don’t need that in my life right now.” She unlocks her car and we both get in. He does seem like the type to take things too far; I hope he doesn’t try anything more to freak Steph out. Things could turn for the worst if he does.

  We drive into town and we are greeted with lots of shops on the main streets and I spot heaps of café’s. They look so cute and inviting. So much has changed, but so much has remained the same since the last time.

  Steph pulls up outside of the shop with the sign on the front that says Gowns R Us. I squeal in my seat. I am so excited to shop for amazing gowns.

  The store is amazing with racks upon racks of different colored gowns, long ones and short ones, ones with beads and sparkles, gowns with long sleeves, sleeves resting on the shoulders and strapless gowns. The variety is amazing and I can’t wait to pick out my dress.

  Steph walks off, with a bounce in her step to a rack with gold, black and gray gowns. I think she would look so much better in a lavender gown.

  I walk over to the rack with purple, red and blue gowns. I pick a lavender colored gown out and walk it over to Steph.

  “This is the one you should try on. I think you will love it.” I hand it to her and push her towards the change rooms.

  “Lou, I want you to try on a red gown. It’s a ‘you scratch my back, I scratch yours,” she calls out from the changing room

  I huff my reply and walk over to grab a gown that pops out at me. I carry the gown to the change rooms and try it on.

  “On the count of three, we both leave the changing rooms and see each other’s gowns,” she calls over,

  “One, two, three.” We both step out from behind the curtain and the shocked expression on our faces mirrors one another.

  “Steph, you
look amazing. I think that is the dress you have to get!”

  “Lou, I can say the same to you. You have to get that red gown.” I look down at myself and smile. I really like this one.

  Who knew ruby red was my color.

  ****

  Friday night is here, and I start by having a bath to freshen myself up from working today. I shave all areas of my body known to man. I can’t stand the feeling of being a little hairy at one of these events. Can you imagine if someone noticed?

  After the tub, I moisturize every inch of my skin, wanting it to be as smooth as a baby’s bottom. Next, I blow dry my hair, combing every strand so I don’t get any frizziness later on in the night. I put on my new lingerie. Tonight I’m going with the red lace, and it’s by far my favorite set. Of course, I picked a dress that matches it. Standing in front of the mirror, I know tonight will be a night I will remember.

  I style my hair, once it’s dried, and curl it in loose ringlets, and lightly brush it off my shoulders. My make-up is light and not over the top like most women I see at the firm. The colors I’ve chosen compliment my gray eyes, light smoky gray and gold eye shadow, and I can’t forget the red lipstick. I have to remember to stash it in my clutch for tonight.

  I head into the bedroom and sit on my bed to put on the lace-top thigh-highs, which can be seen through the right slit of my dress.

  The gown is tight yet a comfortable fit and it has thin straps that sit on my shoulders. There is an opening leading down my breasts, which leaves nothing to the imagination. It’s tight around the waist but flows straight out under the waistline. I put on my silver earrings and my mid-length matching necklace. The studded black four-inch heels are my savior tonight with a matching clutch.

  “Wow, you look hot Lou. All you need is the devil horns, the pitchfork, and you’ve damned the whole of mankind. But seriously, you look amazing. Thanks for coming with me tonight,” Steph says as I walk into the living room where she is waiting for me as there is a town car picking us up tonight. So exciting!

  “Aww thanks Steph. You look banging as well. Shall we go and enjoy this wonderful event,” I ask after admiring her handy work and heading towards the front door.

  Steph is wearing her blonde hair perfectly straight and she has on the lavender purple gown I picked out for her. It’s an elegant strapless dress with an open V shaped back. It has a slit on the left side and she is also wearing black pumps.

  “Yes, let’s make this evening go out with a bang.”

  We pull up outside the building where the function is being held and it looks very old. It has red bricks with gated windows on upper levels, but the ground level is done up nicely. There are flowers covering the balcony. There are lots of tables and chairs placed neatly out the front of the building in the garden. There’s a red carpet with red stanchion on either side, keeping the photographers at bay.

  “Hey Lou, are you nervous? I am a little bit myself. I have been to a few of these in the last couple of years, but not one as important as this. The main companies are here, and we need to make a good impression on them to land this business deal we have been working on the last couple of months. It is to help more corporate companies come onboard. The CEO of Knight Enterprises is here with his wife. It’s rumored that their eldest son will be attending tonight as well, and I’ve heard he is a catch.” Steph looks over at me with a wink while she squeezes my hand for encouragement.

  The driver parks the car in front of the building and the photographers are already taking pictures.

  “Steph, I’m really nervous about tonight and getting my photo taken. There is a possible chance that Matt will see them, and come after me.” I give her hand one last squeeze before I release it.

  “Remember, as soon as you leave this car, don’t stop smiling.”

  That’s exactly what I’ve been doing.

  I step out of the car and the flashing cameras already blind me. I loop my arm through Steph’s and we begin our walk towards the building. People are calling out to us, asking us to pose for the cameras, they want to know who we are wearing, but we ignore them all. The advice Steph gave me before we left the car now rings in my mind, and it’s comforting.

  I’m safe now that we have stepped inside the building. I’m blinking back the lights, trying to adjust to the beautiful room before me. It is set out with round tables that gather around the dance floor, which is centered in the room. The tables are decorated with white tablecloths and big vases full of red roses are placed in the center. The whole room is decorated in soft pastel colors such as pinks, purples, greens and blues.

  What a pretty sight to see.

  The stage is a step above the dance floor where it is decorated more vases with flowers. The microphone stand is at the center of the stage, and a band is quietly playing classic jazz.

  “This place looks amazing Steph. I can’t believe you’ve been coming to these events over the years. I am truly jealous of you. What a night this is going to be,” I say to Steph who is leading us towards the bar, which is slightly to the right side of the stage. The bartenders are wearing the same color scheme.

  “We will have four vodka shots and slices of lemons on the side, please,” Steph says as she leans across the bar, flirting with the blonde guy. I look over at his nametag; it says his name is Josh. He looks like a Josh and Steph seems to like this Josh, a lot.

  We tip back our four shots, following with two lemons each. I’m buzzing with energy, feeling warm and happy. I can’t wait to start dancing, that’s if this kind of function allows people to let loose and dance.

  Steph and I float around the room talking to people who approach us, and Steph approaches people she recognizes from the last few functions she has attended, mainly CEO’s from major companies who have worked with the firm before. I can hardly keep up with placing names with the faces. It’s a wonder Steph can manage to do it.

  “Miss Andrews, it’s nice to see you again. What a stunning gown you’re wearing tonight,” a deep rich male voice says from behind us. We turn around to see who that voice belongs to and I’m stunned. This is a handsome man I have standing in front of me. He is tall, slightly graying at the temples, and a few age wrinkles line his face (probably from either frowning too much or laughing). His eyes are a rich green. He has stunning white, straight teeth. His tux is a perfect fit for his broad shoulders and standing next to him is his stunning wife. She has perfect dark brown hair, curled slightly at the ends just above her breasts. Her gown is a long silver dress with a halter neck; she is wearing matching sliver shoes. She looks like someone who stepped off the red carpet at the Golden Globes.

  “Mr. Knight, it’s a pleasure to see you again, you’re looking well, and Mrs. Knight, stunning as ever. I’m so glad you’re here tonight for this great charity event. Is your son here too?” Steph gives them both kisses on the cheek and leans back next to me, I feel like the ghost in the room standing next to the most beautiful people I have ever seen. Ugly duckling anyone?

  “He did indeed. He is here somewhere, probably chatting up the waited staff, even though he brought a date.” He chuckles at his son’s expense.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Knight please let me introduce you to my best friend Louise Carter. She recently returned to town and has just started at the firm,” Steph introduces us.

  Mr. Knight leans forward to give me a kiss on the cheek as well as Mrs. Knight.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” I say a little embarrassed, still unsteady by their beauty.

  They leave after a few minutes of talking about the firm and the night ahead with the charity auction. Steph was telling me that at major events like these they randomly select females from the crowd to auction them off for a date. The money raised will go to their selected charities. It seems harmless if you’re not the one chosen. I really hope it’s not me tonight!

  We are sitting at the tables ready to eat our delicious main meal. I asked for the chicken breast marinated in honey mustard with pumpkin and ricott
a purée, with freshly roasted green vegetables.

  A glass of the finest white wine is going down very smoothly. I could really get used to this lifestyle. Fine dining and great company, what could be better? I can’t think of anything.

  Bowls of dessert start coming out of the kitchen and making their way to the tables. I take my first bite into the dessert and I honestly just had an orgasm in my mouth.

  It’s a three-way chocolate fondue, with mixed berries placed inside and a hot caramel sauce poured onto the top. It’s simply orgasmic. I could live off this and die happy.

  Steph groans when she tastes the first bite and the whole table stops, mid chew, to watch her eat it. It’s a fascinating thing, watching Steph eat something.

  Once dessert was done, the microphone on the stage turns on and a man standing behind it clears his throat. “May I please have everyone’s attention? I would like to start tonight’s auction. Are there any volunteers in the audience who would like to be auctioned off before I pull names out of the barrel?” No one answered him, so he stepped towards the barrel, and pulled out a name.

  “Jackie Lee, please make your way to the stage,” he announces as he calls the first woman up for auction and she is stunning.

  Jackie curled her long black hair tied it up in a ponytail, and has light make-up. She is wearing a golden floor length gown; her straps are made up with gold and silver beads. She’s very tall at six foot one. She isn’t wearing heels but she has gold beaded sandals that make her legs go on for days. She seems very confident in the way she walks, and she has a wicked smile that makes everyone in the room turn to watch her. She is breathtaking.