The Prettiest Woman

by Lena Skye

  “No, he’s not fake, I just Facetimed him and he looks even better than his picture.”

  “What? I’m a little jealous right now.” she laughed, “But that’s wassup! When are you going to meet him?”

  “I don’t know, we’ll probably arrange something on iMessage. Hopefully, I’ll get to meet him over the weekend.”

  “See, chica! I told you that you would find someone hot. Just make sure that you keep your wits about you and remember what you’re there for. He’s not someone that you want to fall in love with and don’t give his ass anything without getting something in return. Some of the good-looking men are broke posers too or they think that they don’t have to cough up gifts because of how they look. Don’t let him get away with that shit.”

  I rolled my eyes and stayed silent. I wasn’t a gold digger. I also didn’t want to think that far ahead. He and I hadn’t gone out yet and thinking about how I was going to get into his pockets just didn’t feel right.

  “Keep scrolling girl, I want to see more.” Jessica said. I laughed and showed her more of his photos. She took a quick breath when she saw him standing on a beach with his shirt off. He had a bronzed six-pack. “Honey, this photo is making me clutch my pearls. Would you consider sleeping with him?”

  I laid back on her bed and thought about it, “He has such a great body that I may have to take on a third job and pay him. He has that Magic Mike vibe going on.”

  Jessica laughed, “Girl you’re in heat and I can’t say that I blame you. But please remember what I said. The good looking guys think that they can use you, so be careful. If you do anything with him, make sure he’s looking after you in return. Don’t get swept up or caught up, these men aren’t the kind that you want to fall in love with. They will chew you up and discard you. Don’t let him be the only one that’s doing the using.”

  I wanted to say that she was wrong and that she didn’t know what she was talking about, but I knew her history with men. Jessica went through a lot that no one knew about. Some of her secrets she only revealed to me.

  “I know Jessica.” I replied simply.

  “You may think that I’m being heartless, but when they leave, you have to make sure that you have something, too. They get what they want, so make sure that you have something to show for it.”

  I sighed, “Alright, Jessie.”

  *

  “Te-Te!” My niece yelled joyously when I stepped into my sister’s apartment.

  “Hey Bee Bee!” I responded as I scooped her into my arms. I inhaled her fresh scent, and smiled because she smelled so good. “Someone smells good.”

  “I took a bath!” She smiled brightly.

  “Now if you could only get your mommy to do the same thing.” I grinned as I stuck my tongue out at my sister.

  “I see that someone has jokes.” Penelope said.

  “Well, you know that I’ve got to get them in while I can. Hey, boo.” I said as I leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “Please tell me that you have coffee, because I need it.”

  “Only you will show up at someone’s house at eight in the morning.”

  “Whatever. I have to be at the office at ten and I’m there until two. Then I have a class from three to six, and I work at the diner from seven to midnight.”

  “You are a nut!! Why in the hell would you put your body through that?”

  “Well what do you expect me to do? I have to work, I have to go to school and I need that internship.”

  Penelope shook her head as she walked me towards the kitchen, “Luckily for you, I have coffee. I just got Brian out of here and you know he loves his coffee.”

  “Aww, I’m sad that I missed him.”

  “He got called into the office earlier than usual today. The systems are down at corporate and they want them fixed before the higher ups come in for the day.”

  “Well that sucks.”

  “Tell me about it. I hate it when he has to go in earlier.” she pouted.

  “Ugh, you two are so in love.” I teased as I poured my coffee and took a seat. Bianca was still attached to me.

  “I can’t wait until it happens for you.” she smiled.

  “Same here. But I’m still young, so there’s no need for me to be in a rush.”

  “Well it happened for me pretty early.” she said.

  “I know it did but I just don’t know if that’s my path.”

  Penelope cut her eyes at me, “What path are you talking about?”

  “You know what I mean. I think that your life is great. So don’t get upset with me over this petty stuff.”

  Penelope met Brian when she was 20 and they fell for each other really quickly. Our mom was very upset because Penelope got married a year later and dropped out of school. She wanted to focus on being a “wife.”

  “I know I’m tripping. I’ve been thinking about going back to school.” my sister admitted.

  “Are you serious?”

  “I’m serious. Bianca is older now and I’m ready to finish my nursing degree. It’s going to be a huge adjustment but I spoke to Brian about it last night and he’s on board.”

  “Mom is going to be so happy to hear that, have you told her yet?”

  “No I’m going to tell her when I head over there today.”

  “You’ve got to call me and tell me what she says. Since we’re sharing great news, I have a date tomorrow.”

  “You mean you’re taking time from your busy schedule and giving a man a chance? He must be pretty special. Where did you meet him?”

  “He’s really nice and I’m looking forward to it.”

  “Umm, is there a reason that you just avoided my question?”

  “I’m not ready to share that information yet. Just know that he’s nice, he’s hot and he’s white.” I mumbled.

  “He’s what?”

  “You heard me.”

  “Wow, I never thought that I would see the day.”

  “It’s time for something different.”

  “Let me know how it goes and don’t spare any details.”

  “I will, now tell me about what schools you’re looking at.”

  *

  Almost two hours later I was walking into the investment firm.

  “Good morning Roxanne.” the perky receptionist said. Megan was blonde, beautiful and smart. I’ve seen people underestimate her and they’ve looked like complete fools because of it. Her tongue was sharp and she wasn’t afraid to use it.

  “Good Morning Megan! Is Paul here? He said that he may have a meeting.”

  “The meeting was pushed up by an hour so he should be in his office right now. Tread lightly; he doesn’t seem to be in the greatest mood.”

  “Thanks for the heads up. I’ll make sure that I come bearing gifts.”

  “Good idea.” she smiled. Before she could say anything else the phone rang and she took the call. I placed all of my belongings at my cubicle and went to the break room. I got Paul a raisin bagel with hazelnut cream cheese and a small black coffee. I walked to his office and knocked lightly on the door.

  “Come in.” he said gruffly. He gave a slight smile when he saw me. “Good morning.”

  “I’ve brought you your second breakfast.” I smiled.

  “See, you know how to treat a man.” he laughed, “Come in and have a seat.”

  “I don’t have anything write with. Should I go grab a pen and paper?”

  “That won’t be needed.”

  “Okay.”

  I really liked Paul. He was a pretty decent looking guy. He was white with an average build, a little under six feet, brown hair, nice smile and nice. He was a no nonsense kind of guy with a Type A personality, but you were fine as long as you stayed on his good side. I always made sure to go above and beyond the call of duty.

  “So things are about to get a little interesting around here.”

  “What’s going on?”

  “Corporate is doing random audits of different locations and we got chosen. So we need a
ll hands on deck in our department. I’m going to need you to come in for an extra ten hours a week for the next two weeks.”

  I kept my face as neutral as possible. Inside I was freaking out because I didn’t have an extra ten hours in my week to give.

  “Will I be able to schedule these hours and do they have to be a part of the normal workday?”

  “Good question. But I need you here during the work day. I’m sure that you don’t have class from 9-5 right?”

  “Right.” I said hesitantly. I wanted to tell him that I had another job, but I couldn’t. I portrayed myself as a college kid with no other responsibilities when he hired me. I didn’t want him to nix me out of the interview process because I had another job.

  “Great. Make sure you see Megan today and give her your available hours. She’ll schedule them in before you leave. You’re doing a great job with my presentation. Get as much of it as you can done today and then we’ll put it on the back burner until this blows over.”

  “Yes sir.” I said tightly.

  “Alright, enjoy your day.”

  “You too.” I said meekly as I got up and walked out of his office. The only way that I was going to be able to pull off the extra ten hours was if I skipped class. That was the only time in my schedule that I would be able to fit in a few hours. Taking off of my regular job wasn’t an option because I needed the money. It wouldn’t be the end of the world for me but I hated skipping class with a passion.

  My date with Vincent was looking better and better. I silently hoped that he would make my life a little bit easier. Then I scolded myself for being a gold digger.

  #Chapter7

  “It’s happening! It’s happening!” Jessica exclaimed when she burst into my room.

  “What are you doing here? I thought that you were supposed to be out with Steve.” I said.

  “I ended our date early so that I could be here with you. I wanted to help you pick the perfect outfit, and prep you before you go. I have a really good feeling about this one, so I’m going to help you not screw it up.”

  “Gee thanks.”

  “Anything for you, my love.”

  “Do you know that I realized that I don’ t have anything to wear. My closet is depressing, so I’m just going to wear my red dress.”

  “No you’re not going to wear that dress. I like it but it’s not what you’ll be wearing tonight.”

  “I don’t have anything!” I said in frustration.

  “That’s what my closet is for, so shut up and follow me. There will be no more whining tonight. We have two hours to get you together because what you have going on right now is not working.”

  “I don’t know if I should be offended or not.”

  “Be very offended because you look a mess.”

  “I don’t look a mess.”

  “What the hell have you been doing today? You should have started getting ready hours ago.”

  “I don’t know. I was watching TV and got caught up.” I said.

  “What’s going on with you?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Tell me.”

  “I feel like a gold digger. I’m second guessing if I should go.”

  “Stop the crazy talk. You’re about to go out and have a wonderful time and you’re going to have something to show for it. There is no shame in that. You deserve to be doted upon. You work hard, now enjoy letting someone take care of you for a change.”

  I sighed, “Okay, let’s do it.”

  “Goodie!” Jessica said while quickly clapping her hands together.

  “And you call me a dork.”

  *

  “Girl, you look good. You look really good. If I swung that way, I would have my way with you on your bed.” Jessica said.

  I giggled as I looked in my mirror. She was right; I did look really good. I wore a black skater skirt that stopped mid-thigh paired with a black tight fitted crop top that showed off a bit of my midriff. I felt really exposed so I put on a pair of black tights, with my new red bottoms. I felt like a sexy spy in my all black. My hair was pulled into a high ponytail, causing my hair to frame my face. I accessorized to perfection and my lips were red.

  “I can honestly say I agree with you.” I laughed.

  “It’s amazing what clothes can do, huh? Girl, he’s going to want to rip your clothes off as soon as he sees you.”

  “He can look but he can’t touch.” I laughed.

  My phone rang and my stomach dropped, “I think that’s him.”

  “Answer it stupid.”

  I picked the phone up, “Hello?”

  “Hey, gorgeous, I’m in front of your place. Would you like me to come up?”

  “No, that won’t be necessary. You can meet me at the door.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you soon.” he said.

  I hung up and looked at Jessica, “It’s now or never.”

  “I’m not going to walk you downstairs but give me his phone number before you go.” She walked to our window and looked outside, “I’m going to take down his license plate number.”

  “Are you serious? I don’t do this to you. You don’t have to sweat a thing. I leave all of that information on my dresser before I leave. Better safe than sorry always, remember that.”

  I sighed, “Okay. I’ll text you his phone number right now.”

  After we took care of that, I was headed out of the door. “Good luck Roxie and remember what I told you to do.”

  I nodded my head and walked downstairs. He was standing outside of the door. I opened it and he gave me his award-winning smile. He looked amazing; it was as if he stepped off of one of those sexy male calendars.

  “Hi Roxie, you look…really good.” he said as he gave me an appreciative glance. I smiled shyly, “Thank you.” He leaned in and gave me a hug. He smelled absolutely divine. He was still about two inches taller than me with my heels on. I was grateful that he was over six feet tall.

  We walked arm in arm to his car. I saw the BMW insignia and I smiled. I didn’t know anything about vehicles but his was obviously very current and very expensive.

  He opened the door for me and helped me into the car and we headed on our date.

  “So do you mind if I ask where we’re going?”

  “I do mind.” he grinned, “Don’t worry about it; just know that you’re going to have the best night of your life.”

  “Umm, okay.”

  “Oh, it will be a public place. I’m not a creep. So we’re not going to any hotel rooms or anything like that.”

  “That’s very good to know. I wasn’t sure if I was going to have to mace you or not.”

  “Feisty. I like it.”

  “Good, there is plenty more where that comes from but I’m not mean.”

  “I didn’t think that you were.”

  I blushed slightly. I couldn’t believe that I was out with him. My life had taken an interesting turn and I was looking forward to the rest of my night. I also loved his confidence; it was sexy.

  We arrived downtown and pulled up to the John Hancock building. I’d never been to this kind of restaurant, but I’d heard of it. I was super excited because the Signature Room was famous. He helped me out of the car and the attendant took his car away.

  “Have you ever been here before?” He asked.

  “I hate to admit it, but I haven’t.”

  “I was hoping that was the case. I really wanted to impress you.” he said sheepishly.

  “Are you faking like you’re shy?” I asked as we got onto the elevator.

  “I’m not faking. I’m always nervous around a beautiful woman that I like.”

  “Is that so?”

  “It is.”

  I wasn’t going to believe him until I looked at his face. His face was slightly flushed and his smile twitched a bit. He was nervous! It was so cute that I couldn’t resist the urge to kiss him on his dimpled cheek. “There’s no need to be nervous. We’re going to have a good time.”

  “That’s the p
lan. But you know, I hate uneven numbers. If you’re going to kiss me on one side then you’ve got to kiss the other. You wouldn’t want my left cheek getting jealous would you?”