Basically, I waste eleven hours of my life trying to make a decision that should have been the simplest one I’ve made in a long time … and I still haven’t made a decision. But I told Alex I would let him know the next day and I plan to keep my word on that.
I considered just tossing a coin and going with whatever it tells me to do, but realistically, I can’t make a potentially life changing decision on something so random. Finally, I decide to consult my two best friends who live in the city, Rosa and Star, to see what they think. Maybe they can look at the whole thing a little more objectively than I can and just tell me what the hell I’m supposed to do about it.
I text them and ask them to meet me for brunch and to bring along their thinking caps because I’m going to need them. Their replies are instantaneous and affirmative. Rosa because she is pregnant and her husband won’t let her even boil an egg so she has all the time in the world, and Star because she married a billionaire and has dedicated herself to charity work and being a mother.
I step into the café where we always have our brunches and look around. The decor is light and airy and the smell of cooking food makes my stomach growl. I spot Rosa and Star at our usual table and make my way across to them.
Cindy
“You’re late,” Rosa accuses as she stands up to hug me. Her stomach gets in the way and we laugh. She kisses my cheek warmly.
“I know, I’m sorry. I lost track of time.”
“What’s with the dark circles under your eyes?” Star asks. And well she might. Even make-up wouldn’t cover the blue shadows under my eyes.
“Couldn’t sleep last night,” I say moving to kiss her proffered cheeks. Star smells of expensive perfume and baby powder.
“Sit down and tell us all about it,” Star invites. “We’ve already ordered you your usual by the way.”
“Thanks,” I slide into the seat.
Both girls lean forward eagerly.
“So here’s the deal. I know it’s going to sound crazy, but just hear me out. The Macau changed hands. Been bought out by a Russian.”
“Wow! When?” Star interjects.
“Well, very recently. It was all so hush, hush, I didn’t even know about it until last night when I met the owner in the most unusual way.”
“Oh, my goodness. I didn’t know it was going to be this good,” Rosa says gleefully. She stops just short of rubbing her hands together.
“The new owner has offered me a deal. A business arrangement. I fly to Russia with him and spend a couple of weeks with him and his great aunt. Apparently, she desperately wants to see him married off … so I have to pretend to be his fiancée.”
Star shakes her head. “What the …”
“You said deal. What do you get in return?” Rosa asks with narrowed eyes.
“I get ownership of half of The Macau with the option to buy him out after five years.”
Both my friends’ jaws drop open with shock. They stare at me for a few seconds, then they turn to look at each other.
“Well, it’s a no brainer, isn’t it?” Rosa says. “Do it. Get a flight booked quickly before he changes his mind. It sounds like the easiest job you’ll ever do and it’s a lot of money to turn down.”
“Hang on. That’s not right. Nobody gives half a casino for something like that,” Star says worriedly. “There has to be more. To be honest I don’t like the sound of it. My husband does business with Russian billionaires and most of them are out and out crooks. Think Kayser Soze from The Usual Suspects and you’ve got the template for almost all of them.”
“Er … excuse me. Didn’t you marry a Russian gangster, yourself?” Rosa asks, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
“That’s different,” Star says defensively.
Rosa doesn’t let up. “How?”
“Nikolai is a good man,” Star says primly.
“He wasn’t when you met him. It was the love of a good woman who turned him into a good man. Maybe we should give Cindy’s guy a chance too. He could turn out to be a good man too.” She turns to me. “As much as I hate to rain on your parade, I have to agree with Star that half a casino does sound excessive for a pretend fiancée gig.”
I shrug. “I know, but he says he did that because he wanted to make absolutely sure I didn’t turn down his offer because the bait was not juicy enough, and also he likes to overpay to get the best out of his staff.”
“Bait? I really don’t like that word. It all sounds shady, Cindy. Who pays someone to pretend to be their girlfriend? Is it just a nice way of saying he wants a week of dirty sex with you?”
The thought of spending a week having dirty sex with Alex makes my body throb.
Rosa turns to Star. “You should know. Didn’t Nikolai do exactly the same to get you?”
Star shakes her head decisively. “Mine was a unique situation. I got lucky. Since then I’ve learned a lot about Russian billionaires and most of it is not pleasant at all. Personally, I don’t think it is a good idea. Anyway, if you’re thinking about doing this, Cindy, just because you want to be the owner of a casino, why didn’t you let me get you one when I wanted to? Why get it from a strange man?”
I sighed elaborately. “First of all, I’m not a charity case. I don’t want you to buy me a casino. You already bought me a flat and honestly, I felt bad even taking that.”
“And you feel better about having sex with your new boss to get it instead?”
“Hang on a minute. Who said anything about sex? It’s not about sex. He doesn’t want sex. He actually scoffed at the idea of him paying to get sex. And to be fair to him, he is what one would call a big catch. Girls must be queuing up to fuck this guy.”
“Why can’t he ask one of those women in the queue then?” Star retorts.
“He gave me the impression he doesn’t want any emotional complications to follow him around once the deed is done. He wants to treat this whole scenario purely as a business transaction. Also, his family can be hard to deal with which is why he asked me as he’s seen me keep my cool at work with difficult people. And the final cherry on the cake is I’m apparently exactly the kind of woman his great aunt would take a shine to.”
“Well, that all makes perfect sense to me. You should go for it,” Rosa encourages cheerfully.
Star gives Rosa an incredulous look. “Do you realize that you could be sending Cindy off to Russia with a psychopath?”
“Nonsense. This man has far more to lose than Cindy. Besides, any man who is willing to throw that much money away to keep a great aunt happy is no psychopath.”
Star turns back to me. “If everything is that clear and wonderful then what’s holding you back? I know you’re not worried about a few difficult relatives.”
How do I even begin to explain this? “I don’t know really. I just … I kind of like him and I’m worried I’ll get too attached to him I suppose.”
“Well that’s easy to fix. Just tell yourself it’s business. You’ve never been one to mix business with pleasure. Don’t let yourself get attached. Just keep it in your mind that it’s all fake,” Star says.
I look at her with surprise. “Now you sound like you’re trying to talk me into it. A second ago, you sounded like you were trying to talk me out of it.”
“I’m not trying to do either. It’s your decision, Cindy. I’m just saying if that’s all that is stopping you, then it’s easy to protect yourself.”
“Would you do it if you were me?” I ask her.
“I wouldn’t do it. Not a chance in hell,” Star cries passionately. “But I was never really a risk taker. I leave things like that to you and.” She eyes Rosa. “And Braveheart here.”
“What about you?” I ask Rosa.
“I’d do it in a heartbeat.” She laughs. “A free holiday, half a casino, and a week spent with a guy you’re clearly lusting after.” She pauses. “But little Cindy, what aren’t you telling us?”
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“There’s something you’re holding
back. I know you said you’re worried you’ll fall for this guy, but there’s more to it, isn’t there?”
I sigh. I should have known they’d see right through me. They’re my best friends and we’ve known each other since school. If anyone can tell when I’m holding something back from them it’s these guys.
“I think he might be a part of the Russian Bratva, or something,” I say.
“What makes you say that?”
“He kind of looks it. Besides, who do you know that has the money to walk into a casino and buy it on a whim unless their money is dirty?”
“What’s the guy’s name? I’ll find out if he’s legit.”
I think about it for a second. Star’s husband is well connected in the business world and if Alex is legitimate, his people will be able to trace him easily enough.
“Alexander Obolensky,” I say.
Star takes her phone out and sends a quick message to her husband. “I’ve texted Nikolai the name. Let’s just wait and see what he comes back with,” Star says.
“Thanks,” I say.
Our food arrives and I realize just how hungry I am. I tuck in immediately, enjoying the waffles with strawberries and chocolate sauce. I wonder if they have waffles in Russia.
We’re about halfway through the meal when her phone pings. She picks it up and looks at the screen.
“It’s Nikolai,” she says. “Let’s see what he has to say.”
I can feel my heart racing as I wonder what Nikolai will say. I can barely taste my pancakes now, that’s how nervous I suddenly am.
“Hey baby,” she coos into the phone. He says something which makes her giggle, then she catches the expression on my face and quickly says. “So do you know that man?”
“You do? Great. What’s he like? Can he be trusted?”
He must have asked why she wanted to know, because she mouths to me. “Can I tell him why you want to know?”
I shrug, then nod.
“Well,” she tells her husband, “he bought The Macau, you know, where Cindy works and he’s offered her half of the casino in exchange for her pretending to be his fiancée.”
Both Rosa and I can hear the low whistle that comes out of the telephone speaker. For a while he talks and Star listens, then she coos her goodbyes, peppers them with coy kisses, and reluctantly ends the call.
“Well?” Rosa demands impatiently.
“Looks like he is okay,” she says. “Nikolai knows him. Not personally, but he knows of him. He’s from a fabulously wealthy old family, but for some years he did the rebellious thing and became the second man to a famous Russian crime boss, but he’s gone straight since then and become a legit businessman. Nikolai says his word is good. If he says he’s going to give half a casino then he’s going to give it to you.”
I feel a rush of relief wash over me, but Alex still seems like someone who’s dangerous, and he must still have connections with dangerous people, but it’s not like we’re going to be smuggling drugs or something. Suddenly, my waffles taste pretty sweet again.
“Now that we’ve established he’s legit, are you going to do him … I mean, it?” Rosa presses me with a cheeky grin.
“I’m going to do it,” I say with a grin.
“Good choice. Life is for living and taking risks. That’s where all the fun lies,” Rosa says.
Star stays quiet and I know she doesn’t really approve of my choice, but like she said, she’s not a risk taker. I am. Half of The Macau is just too good to turn down. Besides, I’ve never been to Russia. It might be interesting to see the sights.
But mostly, it’s Alex who’s made the final decision for me.
Those damned eyes. I’m too intrigued by him to say no. I think I like Rosa’s take on things. Life is about experiences. Going out to Russia with a gorgeous billionaire must count as a great one. Also I’d like to get to know more about Alex. To be perfectly honest, I want to get to know everything about him.
“Oh my God, Cindy. You really are smitten with this guy, aren’t you?” Star laughs.
I smile and shake my head. “Maybe,” I admit.
“Well it can’t hurt to spend some time with him then. But don’t forget that it’s just business. So don’t lead yourself on and get attached to him. He sounds like a man who wouldn’t know emotional commitment if it climbed into his bed and gave him a blowjob.”
I grin. “Don’t worry, I know the garden is not mine, but there’s nothing wrong with admiring the flowers, right?”
“Nope,” Rosa says. “As long as you only look and don’t touch.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll keep my legs crossed,” I say with a grin. As intriguing and sexy as I find Alex, I have no intention of being unprofessional on this trip. And I’m certain he feels exactly the same way. I can put up walls and not let myself fall for him. I’ve done it before. Never with someone as hot as Alex, but I know I can do this. And who knows? Maybe after a few days with him, I’ll see his bad habits and decide he’s really not all that after all.
“So when are you supposed to be going?” Star asks me.
“He said this weekend,” I reply. “Presumably Friday or Saturday. I’m not sure.”
“You’d better get home and get packing then. You’ve only got two days.”
I laugh along with them, then Star tells me what sort of clothes a person needs to go to Russia. I have no idea what to pack, but I’m sure I can work it out. Google will be my friend on this one.
“Isn’t it like the Arctic out there?” Rosa asks.
“It is in winter,” Star says. “But it’s June, so it could be wonderful, but depends where you are. Even so I don’t think it’ll be that bad”
We finish our brunch and as we leave the restaurant, the girls make me promise to stay in touch while I’m gone and keep them updated on how things are going. I promise I will and I can’t help but feel better just by knowing that they will know where I am.
That’s the wrong attitude to go into this with, and I decide to let go of my fears. Nikolai has confirmed Alex’s businesses are legit and Alex has promised me nothing bad will happen to me. I shouldn’t trust a man I’ve only met once, but somehow I do. I knew instinctively he would keep his word even before Star confirmed it. The worst thing that can happen is a few snotty comments from his family. That I can live with.
I pull my phone out the second I get back home and I send a simple text to Alex.
I’m in.
His reply is immediate. No messing about or playing games for him.
Good. My lawyers will Fedex your contract to you.
I text him back.
Great. When and where should I meet you?
My phone pings even faster than before. I read his message with a small smile.
Flying out Friday afternoon. My driver will pick you up from your house at 2pm.
I text him back.
See you then.
My phone pings again and I feel a rush of warmth inside of me. The business part is dealt with and Alex is still texting me.
You won’t regret this. I promise.
And a GIF of a man repeatedly banging his head against a wall.
I laugh to myself. Whatever happens on the trip, I think Alex and I will get on ok. He has a sense of humor and I think we’ll be just fine. I can’t help but wonder what he’s really like deep down, behind the dark and stormy exterior.
Just thinking about him, I feel a surge of excitement in my stomach which I swallow away quickly. I’m not meant to be excited about this. It’s business, not a holiday. My fingers fly over my screen.
I’ll hold you to that promise
Alex
I stand on the steps of my plane and glance at my watch. It’s a little after 2.30. She should be here by now. I feel a brief pang of worry, which I ignore. She’ll come. Of course she will.
My driver sent me a text when he picked her up.
I walk back into the cabin of the plane. The black leather seats and the blue carpet are spotless as always.
The bar is well stocked with both drinks and snacks. Have they prepared orange slices?
I tell myself to stop this.
What the fuck is wrong with me? This is a fucking business arrangement. Nothing more, nothing less. I’m paying Cindy handsomely for her troubles. If there are no oranges she will just have to put up with lemons. They’re fucking good enough for everyone else.
Seriously irritated with myself I move back to the top of the steps.
What the hell is it about that woman that has me so worked up? I decide not to even try to answer that question. The answer is dangerous and it sits in a place I don’t want to go. I can’t let myself think of Cindy as anything other than one of my staff. I promised her I would be respectful towards her on this trip and I meant it.
I finally spot my car coming along the road leading to the private airport and I relax. She’s here. They must have hit traffic or something. I check my watch again. It’s getting on for 2.45 and the pilot has a three o’clock take off booked. We have more than enough time.
The car pulls up alongside the plane and the back door opens at the same time as the driver’s door. A smile twists my lips. How interesting. All the girls I’ve ever been with waited for the door to be open. Cindy clearly isn’t used to being waited on.
I lose my train of thought when I see her emerging from the car. She stands looking up at the plane, shielding her eyes from the sun with one hand. She’s wearing a canary yellow sundress that shows off her long, long legs and her stunning tan. Her hair is loose, blowing slightly in the breeze. My brain takes a mental picture of her standing there like that so I never forget this moment.
Cindy follows the driver around to the boot of the car and I have to laugh at his surprised expression. He speaks to her and she shrugs. Clearly, she thought she would fetch her own luggage. She doesn’t, of course. Steven knows better than to allow her anywhere near the cargo area. She turns and starts walking towards me.
Nice Day For A White Wedding Page 5
