by Emily Hayes
Ashley was in navy blue pants that clung to her ass, and a white button-down shirt with a tight vest over it, and her hair slicked back. She looked dapper in a masculine, feminine hybrid way. Vienna liked it. Vienna couldn’t help noticing how the cut of it showed off the strength of her body.
Ashley tried to keep her cool as she looked at Vienna and moved around the car to open the door for her.
Vienna was breathtaking, Ashley thought to herself. Never had a woman had this effect on Ashley before.
“Vienna, you are stunning. The dress is perfect.”
“Shall we?” she asked, extending her hand for Vienna to take.
Vienna smiled warmly and took placed her hand in Ashley’s, nodding.
“Chivalry isn’t dead. Thank you,” she said as Ashley helped her into the car.
The ride to the event consisted of Ashley explaining the event formalities to Vienna and telling her about the people she would come across once there. Ashley was all business. This was a business arrangement.
The valet took the car, and the two women headed into the building. Heads turned in their direction as they walked in, and Ashley took Vienna’s hand in hers, as Vienna smiled at her. Electricity jolted through her feeling the softness of Vienna’s hand in hers.
Looking around, they noticed the lavish arrangements for the charity event.
It was held at Guastavino's. Located at 409 E. 59th Street, this architectural phenomenon was packed full of rich history. With its massive granite arches and Catalan vaulted ceilings, the 15000 square foot venue was the perfect destination for such a luxurious event.
The elite class filled the venue as they drank and busied themselves in fatuous conversations.
Ashley and Vienna grabbed their drinks from a waiter and moved to sit at their designated table.
“After the formalities are over, that’s when the mingling with the people begins,” Ashley informed Vienna, her voice low.
“We should go through the history of our romance again,” Ashley suggested, and so they did.
Soft music played in the background as people chatted when a voice grabbed their attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, as your host for tonight, I would like to thank all of you for coming tonight and donating to such a noble cause. Events like these are a chance to indulge ourselves in the way of helping the less fortunate. I hope you contribute generously to this cause and bring happiness to those in need. Thank you once again, and enjoy your evening.”
“That’s Tyler Johnson. He’s one of the leading businessmen in the country. His father is the former US Supreme Court Judge. Great guy. Always ready to help people. His wife, however, a real bitch.” Ashley explained.
“I think that sneer is like something permanent on her face. She probably thinks it’s pretty, but it’s not.” Vienna snickered.
“She always has her nose in my life all the time.” Ashley continued.
“If she asks, we have made out several times, and I taste like cherries,” Vienna stated, her eyes glinting with mischief.
“Why should she ever ask that?” Ashley asked, amusement clear on her face.
“Well, you did say she was a prying woman.” Vienna was used to defending her unabashed humor. Ashley smiled to herself. Vienna was something else.
Sipping their drinks, the two women sat back and relaxed. These events did take a lot of time.
“This is a fancy place.”
Vienna said before continuing,
“We’re just one murder short of a real-life Agatha Christie novel.” She laughed.
Ashley looked at her, surprised, and then let out a short laugh herself.
“You have an interesting mind, I must say.” She teased.
Vienna shrugged lightly smiling at Ashley before asking,
“Why do you hate this Mrs. Supreme Court Judge Daughter-in-law, did one of your girlfriends leave you for her and break your heart or something cliché like that?”
“Her name is Leyla, and no, that is not what happened. We are not seventeen.” Ashley replied.
“Funny, we think emotions and heartbreaks are only for seventeen-year-olds.” Vienna retorted.
She had always had the mind of a philosopher, behind all the sly humor, and she didn’t hide it at all.
“It’s just that when you get rich and successful and are openly homosexual, you score yourself some enemies,” Ashley replied, her eyes dropping on Vienna’s left wrist, noticing a small tattoo.
“I got drunk and got inked. I’ve got loads of them under this dress.” Vienna explained and then without waiting for a reply continued,
“I am joking; it is a Celtic Triskellion. It symbolizes reincarnation.” Vienna’s emerald eyes flashed wildly under long dark lashes.
“Interesting, so someday you want to leave what you do and begin a new life?” Ashley was showing genuine interest. She couldn’t remember the last time she had been so interested in someone.
“Well, originally, I got the tattoo because I did start a new life. Moving to New York, becoming Vienna, the Black Label girl was a reincarnation for me. One that I cannot thank Meredith enough for. I didn’t have a great childhood. This job pays me well, and I enjoy it a lot. I get to live a life of luxury that many can only dream of. But, yes, someday maybe I will do something that is more for myself. As they say, more for the soul, you know. There are other things I want to pursue in life.” Vienna replied as the conversation flowed.
As the evening progressed, whoever Ashley introduced Vienna to was blown away by her. Vienna was right; she could make anyone love her. The sarcastic humor she showed alone with Ashley was reined right in, and Ashley watched as Vienna quickly assessed each new person and then became lovely and charming and interested in them.
Ashley dropped Vienna home later.
For the first time in a while, Ashley had a good time without caring about how many clients she had picked up. This was different.
What was not though, however, was a text from Trisha asking to meet her the next morning. Ashley replied, telling her to come to the office at 11 am.
“Hey, where do you disappear to at times, are you in a secret cougar society?” Trisha barged into Ashley’s office as she always did.
“No, you know me, I have to be surrounded by dumb rich people to get more work,” Ashley answered, not matching her best friend’s excitement.
“You badmouth rich people a lot for someone worth quite a bit herself.” Trisha shot back.
“So, I went ahead with your idea and got a girl to attend these events with me. A fake girlfriend.” Ashley told her best friend.
“Oh! Congratulations on your new fake relationship, like always Trisha saves the day!” Trisha quipped, “I am happy it solved your problem, and the old ladies are off your back.” She continued with a grin.
“Well yes, but it’s not just that, I had fun with Vienna, you know. She is smart, knowledgeable, talks well, is carefree. She’s like a younger version of me.” Ashley contributed, with a fondness for her pretend partner evident in her voice.
“What is this? Ashley Davidson, the robot I have known for years, finally feels something?”
Trisha had her comeback ready. The witty sense of humor was common between her and Vienna. Ashley thought to herself.
“Yes. It is weird and uncomfortable for me. I don’t know how to feel about it. Also, it is her job. She is supposed to make me feel like this, isn’t she?”
“So, you know a lot about this girl in one meeting. Do you even know me this well?”
Trisha had made her mind to tease Ashley.
“Stop being so extra, Trish; I know everything about you.” Ashley finally retorted, coming out of her bubble.
“Oh, shoot! I better get ready. I have to meet Kevin’s parents tonight.” Trisha said with a look of sudden realization spread on her face.
“Just don’t be yourself, and it will all go well.” Ashley teasingly offered advice.
“Ok, I am offended, but I will also take your advice,
you just make sure I get to meet this girl of yours soon. We could hang out together at my house it has been a while, just the three of us.” Trisha suggested.
“As much as I miss being at your place, you realize she is not a real girlfriend and charges me quite a lot for the pleasure of her company?” Ashley continued the conversation, trying not to let everything out.
“Oh, sweetie, you can pay someone to be nice, but you cannot pay them to them to be interesting.”
Ashley had tried to underplay Vienna’s effect on her, but deep down even she knew, she was charmed.
Pull yourself together, Ashley. Get back to the reason you have a fake girlfriend. She is good for business. Vienna will be great for business.
Vienna had a relaxed evening completing a painting, stroking the brush artfully on the canvas. Her paintings were always dark. The colors gave flashes of her tragic past–her drug addict mother yelling at her in the dark, messy pit of an apartment that they lived in. But Vienna also found them soothing. She had come a long way. She had clawed her way out from the gutter. She looked around her beautiful home and the life she had created for herself. The light coming through her window changed color as the sun set.
5
A couple of days later, Ashley was in her office, trying to decide whether or not she should ask Vienna to tag along to Trisha’s house. She couldn’t stop thinking about her. She had never been nervous about anything before. What had changed? Finally, deciding, she grabbed the telephone and dialed Vienna’s number.
“Hello?” Vienna’s voice came over the phone.
“Hello, Vienna. How are you?” Ashley began.
“I’m doing well,” Vienna replied formally.
“Are you free this evening. Sorry, I know it is late notice.” Ashley continued.
“Oh, luckily, I am actually. What is the event? You can text me the details, and I’ll be there.” a usual reply came from Vienna.
“Actually, it's not an event. We are going to see my friend.” Ashley clarified.
“Sure, of course, what do you need me to wear? How do you need me to be?” The charm in Vienna’s voice was back.
“I mean, just come real casual. Jeans or whatever. I was thinking we just hang out, you know. It’s something me and Trisha do once in a while, and I thought maybe you would like to be there too.” Ashley explained.
“Oh.” Vienna screwed up her face in confusion. “No one has asked me to just hang out with them for a long time now. Paid or otherwise.” Vienna genuinely felt surprised.
“Well, if you can’t or don’t want to, it's fine,” Ashley said trying to hide her disappointment, maybe Trisha wasn’t the only one wanting to see Vienna like an average person.
“No, I’ll be there. It will be a refreshing change for me too. Besides, you are my main client now, and you pay my retainer, so yeah, absolutely, sign me up.”
“Great! I’ll wait for you at my office, be here for 6 pm. Trish’s place isn’t far from here.”
Ashley hung up the phone, the disappointment in her voice was gone, replaced by her usual confidence.
Vienna bid her colleagues goodbye and drove to her house. She had recently started as a part-time Intern at the New York Institute of Fine Arts. Her work there was very flexible. It had to be given the unpredictable nature of her main job for Black Label.
After showering, she pondered what to wear. This was one of those rare moments where she was confused about how to look and what to wear—hanging out at Ashley’s friends. Jeans or whatever. Jesus.
She suddenly realized she had a lot of clients and colleagues, but not many friends.
Outside of work, she usually chose to be alone. The only person she could call a friend was Chloe.
She ended up deciding on some faded denim skinny jeans, torn at the knees, and a plain white Tee-shirt. Really casual. She kept stressing it was too casual, but took a deep breath and got over it.
She braided her hair to one side and applied some light makeup.
Satisfied with how she looked, Vienna grabbed her purse and phone and headed out the house where the driver was waiting for her.
Arriving at Ashley’s company, she made her way to the front desk.
“Hi. I’m here to meet Ashley Davidson. Could you direct me to her office?” she asked the woman politely.
“Do you have an appointment?” the woman inquired.
“Yes,” was Vienna’s response as the lady dialed Ashley’s office.
“Miss Davidson, there’s a..” the lady looked at Vienna.
“Oh. Vienna Rhodes.” She replied.
“.. Vienna Rhodes here to meet you. Shall I send her up?”
Vienna waited as Ashley gave the order, and the woman directed her to Ashley’s office.
Vienna was impressed by the setting. The working space was spacious and straightforward, furnished by a long desk in dark green and contrasting white chairs. The floor to ceiling windows gave an open and comfortable feel, providing light, and displaying a gorgeous view of the city.
Vienna walked to Ashley’s office and knocked.
“Come in.” Ashley’s voice echoed.
Turning the handle, Vienna walked into Ashley’s office. It was similar to the rest of the floor setting, minimal and spacious. Ashley got up to greet Vienna with a quick hug.
“Hey. Welcome to my office.”
“Thank you. It’s very nice. I like the setting.” Vienna complemented.
Vienna took some time to admire Ashley. She wore a black crew-neck sweater with navy blue trousers. Her short hair was behind her ears; her dark eyes were intense. She looked as well kept and quintessential as always.
“Take a seat, please,” Ashley said to her as she walked back to her desk.
“Would you like some coffee?” Vienna’s thoughts were interrupted, as Ashley asked.
“Oh, no, thank you. I have had too much of it already.” Vienna refused.
“Just give me a minute, and then we can leave.” Ashley continued talking while sorting some of the files.
“Sure,” Vienna replied, noticing the art and design around her.
Ashley focussed on the files. She needed to finish off this paperwork before they could go. She needed not to be distracted by Vienna. She could smell her sweet perfume across her desk. She was exquisite in jeans and a Tee. On Vienna’s body, the simple outfit was striking.
Ashley could feel her desire for Vienna rising.
She shook her head.
For god’s sake, Davidson. Stop it.
“Hey! I’m so glad you guys could make it!” Trisha exclaimed, hugging Ashley, then moving to Vienna.
She pulled back and extended her hand to Vienna, making Vienna grin at her antics.
“I’m Trisha Peyton, the person responsible for the keeping this woman sane.” she hinted at Ashley and laughed as Ashley rolled her eyes.
“I’m Vienna Rhodes. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Trisha.” Vienna shook her hand with a warm smile.
“Are we spending the rest of the day here, or are you going to invite us in, Trish?” Ashley smirked.
Trisha rolled her eyes and smiled.
“Please, do come in.” She moved aside, letting the two women enter.
The apartment was magnificent with its custom white oak flooring and gracious, European-style casement windows—floor to ceiling windows and a captivating view.
Vienna complemented Trisha’s house to which she grinned from ear to ear, thanking her.
“Don’t mind her; she’s usually high on something,” Ashley whispered into Vienna’s ear, making her chuckle, as they went to sit in the living room.
“So.. Vienna, thank you for coming here. Please relax. I know the arrangement between you and Ash. You don’t have to pretend anything.” Trisha continued as they sat down. Vienna was next to Ashley, her denim-clad thigh tantalizingly close.
“Thanks. So, I’ll just be myself then?”
“Yes. I wanted to meet you after Ashley went on about you the other day, tel
ling me that she couldn’t have a better fake girlfriend. A compliment indeed!” Trisha wanted to go on but was stopped midway as Ashley have her a look that clearly said don’t.
Ashley cleared her throat suggestively before speaking up,
“Let’s have something to eat first, reporter woman.” She continued.
“Oh, that’s where I have seen you!” Vienna exclaimed, purposely ignoring the earlier the part.
Although she didn’t make it apparent, it made Vienna happy that Ashley thought well of her. She always wanted to please the client, right? There was nothing special about Ashley.
“We do these sleepovers so that one of us does not feel old.” Vienna was jolted back to reality by Trisha’s crisp voice.
“Please, Trish, you are not much younger than me, you just have this skin that never ages.” Ashley continued the banter as Vienna smiled silently.
“Seven years is a lot, but oh well, whatever helps you sleep at night.” Trisha shot back.
“You two wait here while I check the oven,” Trisha said while moving to the kitchen.
As the two women were left alone, Ashley found herself absorbed in Vienna’s perfume; it smelt french, a more potent scent with a subtle rose underneath it. It was driving Ashley crazy, and she was almost leaning into Vienna, quickly drawing back she spoke awkwardly,
“Um, I must tell you Trisha is a big foodie. She will go on and on about what she cooked and how it’s made.”
Vienna nodded, she noticed the earlier awkward advance but did not mention it at all.
“Oh, this perfume is amazing! Which one is it?” exclaimed Trisha as she returned and pointed towards Vienna, she knew it wasn’t Ashley’s.
“Thank you. It’s Amouage Jubilation. It is my favorite.”
Ashley logged the name in her brain and thought about finding it next time she was near a perfume counter. Her favorite scents, she used to test when she was passing a perfume counter. A small spritz on her wrist that she would wander around smelling and remember memories or the women behind them.
