Haven

by J D Worth

  Fredrick examines the material by pulling at the seams. He’s quiet. Too quiet. He shifts his eyes between my bust line and the tiny black designer dress. “To be honest, I don’t know if this is going to hold all of you in. Spanks aren’t going to do a thing but add a layer. You can’t even wear a thong with this material! This is the smallest size six I’ve ever seen. Oh dear…”

  My heart skips a beat. I push off the chair so hard that it crashes back onto the plush carpet in a loud thud. “The dress was ordered in a size eight!” My heart roars back to life, beating a wild pace. I may have an actual heart attack. “Georgina set me up to fail again!” I grind my teeth so loud Fredrick hears my call of distress. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. I have no backups in my suitcase. This place is in the country. We can’t hop in a town car here and be at a designer boutique in fifteen minutes, buying something off the rack that’s good enough to pass.”

  Fredrick places his hands on my shoulders. “I’m a stylist, one of the best in the business. I can fix this. Just mellow out for a second and catch your breath before I hyperventilate.” He glances over to the rack and grabs his bottle, downing the rest. “Damn, she’s such a backstabbing bitch that she’s even killing my buzz! Now I wish I had a joint.”

  We giggle together.

  “Okay, I got you to laugh. Georgina was expecting you to wear that awful tracksuit until everyone changes right before the wedding. We don’t need a town car when your family has two jets on hand, ferrying guests in all day long. I’ll send Sissy to New York to grab more material if need be. She can also grab my herbal stash while she’s there. It’s medicinal.” He nods while I muster another giggle. “Sissy handles all alterations and can stitch in side seams that no one will notice.” Fredrick hands over the dress and pushes me towards the bathroom to change. “Let’s see what we’re working with first.”

  I pace in the bathroom while tamping down the urge to call Georgina out over this ridiculous treachery. I cringe when I step into the dress and have a hard time yanking it all the way up. Fredrick is on me the second I open the door. He takes his time zipping me up while blowing out a huge puff of air.

  “Huh.” I look down at the tight fit that makes my breasts swell upward. “I dropped a whole dress size due to stress, but look like I’ve had my breasts done.” I draw my hand over my mounded chest. “This is not a win. This is melon territory.”

  “Must explain why I’m craving watermelon, my dear.” I slap my palm to my forehead. He fusses with the hem. “That dress is smaller than I thought. It’s actually closer to a four.”

  “Yeah, only because I can’t exhale.” I almost fall over laughing. He slaps a hand to his mouth, hiding his own snickers.

  “Stop laughing. You may actually rip a seam.”

  “Then I’ll be fashionable. Hipbones and ribs are in this season.” I run my finger over my padded hips. “Georgina was very generous with the measurements in order to make the dress even smaller.”

  “I wish you were kidding, but we both know the New York socialites are another breed. Rail thin with a peepshow of bone is an actual fashion accessory to them.” Our sarcastic chuckles blend into one. Fredrick hands me black high-heeled strappy sandals with glossy red soles and a tiny clutch.

  Forgoing the clutch, I roll up a hundred dollar bill as Fredrick watches. “Insurance,” I share while tucking the bill between my breasts.

  “How delightful.” Taking my hand in his, Fredrick rushes me toward the bridal suite where he pauses outside the door.

  I squeeze his hand. “Fredrick, you’ve got this. Think of the new salon you’re opening as your reward.”

  “I should’ve downed the rest of that champagne.”

  “You did.”

  “I meant the bottle you barely touched.” He’s not joking as his gleeful demeanor fades. His eyes warm towards me. “What a pleasure, Little Lolita, and I hope to see you again soon.”

  “Me too, and good luck.” He kisses my hand before we enter Georgina’s suite.

  Needy velour clad bridesmaids inundate Fredrick. His assistants plead with their eyes for help. One of Georgina’s seven bridesmaids hands me a ‘blushing bride’ pink wine spritzer. I slink off to a chair in the far corner so the bridesmaids won’t ask me to run silly errands. Georgina pushes Connor and Sissy out of the way so Fredrick can get to work. Chaz becomes a hot topic amongst her bridesmaids. He’s the bachelor to “land” tonight. They can’t believe he’s “dating” me. He only dates models, so why waste his time on me? I waste my time by sinking the abnormally bright pink cherry in my spritzer. Unfortunately, I have to stop when my fingertips turns magenta.

  Residing in a world that revolves around numbers, I can’t help but to tally the expense of this wedding. Like a child’s game, I draw the imaginary numbers on the side table. Georgina’s decked out in a custom handmade lace dress from an Italian designer worth at least one hundred thousand. My mind spins as I add on her bridesmaids’ expensive attire as well. The number skyrockets when I crunch in the air travel, the resort remodel and hosting costs, and the real princess diamond tiara my father gifted Georgina for the wedding.

  The maid of honor presents the tiara to Georgina on a crushed pink velvet cushion. The room falls into silence as they worship the tiara that once belonged to a real European princess. I roll my eyes so hard that I almost sprain my neck.

  Given Georgina’s past beauty pageant experience, she expects everyone to fawn all over her. And they fawn like little yapping dogs squealing how lucky and beautiful she is. A triumphant smile spreads across her face as Fredrick pins the tiara in place.

  She gazes into the mirror, transfixed by her own reflection. She planted wedding magazines around our apartment shortly after she moved in. I kept replacing them with easy readers meant for first graders. My father knew a rushed marriage would be in poor taste after my mother’s death. He also wanted the wedding affair held here and far away from the prying eyes of society gossips. Georgina wanted the wedding at the Plaza in New York, showing everyone she bagged a billionaire. Of course, she had to comply with my father’s wishes, but she also got the wedding of her dreams in North Carolina. The exclusiveness of the wedding has only garnered more attention. In essence, she gets everything she wants anyway. She always does.

  Her eyes remain on her own reflection in the mirror. I wonder if she’s asking who’s the fairest in the land. Musing to myself, I repeat in my head, “Magic Mirror on the wall, who is the most egotistical one of all?”

  Mind-numbing hours later a knock at the door jars me from my chair. Dressed in a crisp new tux, Chaz waits for me on the other side. Slapped with my grandmother’s approval, he straightens his pink rose boutonnière for all the room to see. I inhale a deep breath, gathering strength to face the evening with him. Fredrick sends me an encouraging look when two of Georgina’s bridesmaids meet Chaz at the door first, cutting me off. Georgina smirks and returns to her mirror worshipping. ‘Vapid’ and ‘Bimbo’ giggle and flirt with Chaz. He gathers their numbers before realizing I’m behind them.

  I step into the hallway, noticing how shameless he is while checking me out. He makes no qualms about being a shark, circling his dinner. Lilith sent her Huntsman who’s dying to slice my chest wide open and rip out my bleeding heart.

  Chaz’s smile sharpens as an unease builds in my stomach. “Hello, Audrey.”

  4

  During the formal reception dinner, Chaz consumes a large quantity of alcohol. He boasts nonstop about a successful investment acquisition he nailed down yesterday. He’s a shitty broker, but keeps getting damn lucky. Lilith looks on, impressed, while fellow Aster employees stop by and congratulate him on his ‘maverick’ business moves. I bop more cherries, wishing I could pop his inflated head. With the unnecessary ego boosts, they bring more celebratory drinks. When Lilith finally gets up to work the room, I break like a jailbird. Chaz follows, so I retreat through the wait staff door into a service hallway, sliding into the
bathroom across the hall.

  Chaz says from behind the door, “I’ll help with your zipper—”

  “I’m using the restroom. Please head back to the reception.” I grimace. Chaz is clamoring to claim me as his own. This is not a good sign. My fingers are all pink. If I strangle him, I’ll leave magenta smudges.

  Escaping my hideout in a rush, I wind up crashing into a solid wall of muscle. Bracing my hand over my pulsing heart, a pair of dazzling green eyes shines back at me.

  “Oh, sorry.” I whip my head in both directions, scanning the hallway. Having the good fortune of running into Green Eyes, I’m hoping Chaz spares me a free moment. I drink in his ruggedness as if I’m dying of thirst. He’s sporting his black suit uniform with a white button down under his jacket, adding the same black boots as last night. Green Eyes looks just as good in a suit as he does in casual attire. He’s also holding a Belgian truffle between his fingers. I snicker to myself. Well, this is an interesting turn of events.

  Green Eyes gives me the same intense look as before while we stand close together in the vacant hall. “Looking for anyone in particular?” His charming Southern drawl wraps around my body like silk.

  “The opposite. Did you see where Chaz went? He’s probably puking in some dark corner like a champion.”

  “You mean the little shit who was loitering outside the women’s bathroom? Yeah, he hightailed his scrawny ass back to the ballroom when he saw me coming.” His lips curl at the corner as he pops the chocolate in his mouth.

  “You’re all about ‘releasing the hounds.’ Glad you’re thorough with your security detail.” Impressed he ran off Chaz, I incline my head, sending a silent thank you.

  He produces another gold wrapped truffle from the inside of his suit pocket and a glint of a smile. “I saved you one.”

  A smile cracks upon my glossy lips. “You saved me a truffle from the gift baskets?”

  “We were bound to meet again.”

  “You were expecting me to bolt, so is this a bribe to get me to go back?”

  “Do you need a bribe?”

  “I don’t need your permission for a breather.”

  “Depends what you do for a breather. I could either join you, or I could spank you. I’ve got a job I must uphold.”

  Squinting at him, I chuckle under my breath. “No, that sounds like a good time. Wow, you really suck at your job.” I glance past him down the hall. The direction I should be heading to lose Chaz. “And what do you suppose I’d do for my breather?”

  He laughs. “You could run a golf cart into the ocean or trash one of the facilities here. The tennis courts always draw drunk punks who think they can jump the net. Spoiler: they can’t.”

  “Great, thanks for the suggestions.” I step forward, and he blocks my escape. I settle back in my shoes and sigh. “Someone ran a golf cart into the ocean? Was it Simeon or Stanly?”

  “There were two matching dipshits.”

  “Racing golf carts. That’s a new one for the rambunctious duo.” I step forward, and he blocks my escape again.

  “I heard it took three maids to clean your trashed suite this morning. Must’ve been one hell of a party.”

  “You also know a key card was issued to my suite before I arrived. You’ve clearly made up your mind about me, so does it matter what I have to say? I could file a formal complaint pertaining to lax security issues. Guest Services issued another key card without my consent to my grandmother this morning. I now need a new key card. Should I mail my complaint or hand the lengthy paperwork over to you before I check out tomorrow?”

  “Yeah, you do that. You’re staying another night?”

  “Yes.”

  “There’s a security guy coming in later you haven’t met yet. You gotta meet all the security staff, don’t you?”

  “I see. You’re bringing in reinforcements to deal with me.” My frown sails farther south. “At first, I thought you were with security, but with all of this stupendous effort you must be my personal handler. That’s why you took such a hard interest in me last night. If I drink too much or misbehave, which I never do, you’re the one who stops me from embarrassing my family. Let me pass, and I’ll keep your secret. Spoiler: you’re terrible at your job.”

  “Thanks for the employee evaluation. I’m aiming to please here, so I’ll try harder.” His grin broadens. “Do you often need personal handlers?”

  I roll my eyes. “I’ve never had the pleasure … until now.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Look, I’ve come this close to my freedom, and you’re not going to mess that up for me.”

  “You think I’m the obstacle to your freedom?”

  I extend my hands toward his massive frame. His wide stance takes up a good portion of the narrow hallway in front of me. “You’re blocking my path.”

  “We happened to cross paths, and you said yourself that I’m a big guy.” He lifts his broad shoulders into an innocent shrug.

  “Right.” I bounce my eyes around the hall as the heat of the night settles over me. The hallway vents pump out warm air.

  The elevator dings. Fredrick steps out, tugging his suitcase along. He glances both ways, looking for a door to the reception. His face lights up when he sees me at the end of the hallway. “Lolita!” He taps away on his cell phone.

  “Lolita, huh?” Richness steeps in his velvety voice. “This keeps getting better.” Crinkle lines form around his green eyes as a sly smile lands on his lips. The chocolate disappears back into his pocket. He leans his shoulder against the wall, granting me access to Fredrick without unblocking my escape. Fucking Neanderthals.

  Fredrick halts a few feet from us with his eyes still glued to his phone. “I’m doing a last minute makeup and hair check before jetting off to New York. I also can’t seem to follow you on any social media sites because I haven’t found you yet. What’s your handle?”

  I bite the inside of my lip. “I don’t use any form of social media. I’m not sure I’d have any followers since I don’t have time to socialize.”

  “Of course you would, you tasty little tart! Georgina has fifteen million followers on Instagram alone. A cardboard box has more going on inside than she does.”

  I say, “It’s sad to think she has more followers than NASA. But again, they can’t compete. She does has more empty space in her head than the universe.” A deep scoff vibrates from my gorgeous handler. I keep my eyes aimed at him while I address Fredrick. “It’s safe to say that whatever Georgina does, I do the opposite.”

  Fredrick keeps swiping his phone. “Girlfriend, that’s sad if you’re saying friends aren’t at the top of your list. I can’t even find a juicy tidbit about you on Page Six.”

  “Nor will you ever, Fredrick.” I hone my eyes at Green Eyes as he shakes his head, rearing up to his full height of six foot four again.

  “Such a shame, Princess, alienating friends while you’re at it,” he replies. “Your regular full-time handler must be good at keeping you outta the papers.”

  I ask, “Would you be friends with major assholes who ruin golf carts for their own enjoyment?”

  Fredrick’s eyes slide up the handsome yet infuriating man who is overshadowing me. “Oh, my f’ing loving … Jack? Talk about unicorns, he’s the real deal.” Fredrick winks at me while fanning himself with his hand. “Now I know why you’re keeping him from your grandmother. I guess that makes me your dirty little secret too.”

  I laugh. “No, he doesn’t come close to Jack. He’s with resort security, and he’s questioning me about my trashed suite. He seems to enjoy drilling me to no end.”

  Fredrick replies, “We all enjoy a good drilling from time to time.”

  Green Eyes drops his voice low and says, “You wanna try again with that response?” His prompt protectiveness puts me on notice.

  I rock back in my heels, placing my hand on the wall for support as I stare down Green Eyes. “I can’t believe I didn’t see this ear
lier. You’re kissing Lilith’s ass! This is an audition for you, isn’t it? You’re taking this opportunity to show her you can be my full-time handler while I’m at Harvard. No wonder you threw nearby MIT in my face. And you’re enjoying the perks of the job, rewarding yourself with a gift basket for your diligent work of keeping me in line. Oh, you just wait…”

  The muscles in his face tighten, as he fires back, “I don’t kiss anyone’s ass.”

  “Gold Star for sounding like an Aster! But if you wish to remain employed, you better pucker up, sucker!”

  Green Eyes lobs a grin. “Did you really just say sucker?”

  I reply, “What’s wrong with that, it’s a perfectly sound insult!”

  Fredrick chokes on a cough.

  Green Eyes says, “Yeah, if you’re in middle school. You sure you’re going to Harvard?”