Chapter Eleven

Chapter Eleven

Music filled the room, throbbing off the walls and electrifying the milling crowd. Conversation was best spoken into the ear of the intended, enhancing the feel of intimacy. Kandace was radiant in a bright red dress. The short skirt showed off her legs, and the bowed top hugged her curves. Her blonde curls were pulled back from her face by a headband in matching red.

Rosalie simply caught everyone’s eye. She didn’t require pomp or flash. Instead she opted for a shirt of deep green and a simple black skirt. Her hair was pulled into a high pony-tail, offering a view of her elegant neck.

People, mostly men, roamed through the apartments. A floor party, Kandace had called it. And now I understood why. All three apartments were open to the guests.

Sighing I sipped my Coke and tried my best to blend into the window. Rosalie had allowed me to come out of my room only after she’s assessed the guest list. Twice.

I still couldn’t believe they were escorts. I watched Mandi flirting with a group of men. It seemed so effortless for her. I gaped as Adelle disappeared into the depths of her apartment with a handsome young man in tow. Some might call them high class hookers, but to me this was art.

I wondered how many clients Rosalie had as I watched her twirl around the room with Armand. A smile tugged at my lips as her laugh reached me, warming my soul.

“Excuse me, but do I know you?”

I tore my eyes from Rosalie to the young man standing before me. He was handsome, dignified. His brown hair was cut short on the sides, but left longer on top. He wore a casual white button down and dark wash jeans, but arrogance seemed to pour from him in waves. His brown eyes held curiosity, and echoed the smile on his lips.

“Mark Brewster. I know I’ve seen you before.” He extended his hand, his smile spreading to reveal perfect white teeth.

I stared up at him dumbly before my brain finally kicked into gear.

“Uh, Ashley Jones.” I shook his hand, trying to force my brain to catch up. Something about him was stirring the dust bunnies of my memory. I felt like I should know him. Brewster, Brewster.

“Mark Brewster? Of Henry and Rita Brewster? From Washington Golf and Country Club?” I asked, my brow furrowing.

“Why, yes. That’s where I know you from!” He sat beside me, his eyes moving over my form. “Your hair was shorter then. Fancy, meeting here.” He looked out at the crowd as he lifted a bottle of Corona to his lips.

My heart fluttered in my chest as I watched the golden liquid hit his lips, kissing against them, only to be swallowed down. I blushed furiously and forced myself to look away. Mark chuckled, the sound a low rumble that filled me with warmth.

I glanced up at him from below my lashes, a smile spread across my lips. Our conversation flowed easily, surprising me. Soon I was lost in the normality of it; sitting at a party, talking to a very handsome man. Mark made me feel safe. I was able to laugh with him, to be myself.

“Would you like to go to my room? It’s quieter.” Nerves rioted in my stomach, but part of me wanted, hoped, he would accept. I was scared and confused by the feelings washing over me.

“Ashley,” his voice was soft as he turned his eyes to me. “I would love nothing more than to go back to your room with you, but I’m afraid that if I we got behind closed doors I would be unable to continue playing the gentleman.”

“Oh,” I blushed deeply, heat eating away at my cheeks and neck. I didn’t believe him, why would I? Who would want a reject like me? Yet, his words filled me with an excitement my brain was desperately trying to shoot down.

“You don’t believe me. Well, that’s fine. I’ll just have to prove myself.” He reached out tucking my hair behind my ear, his eyes on mine.

My mouth opened and closed like a fish sucking at air. I didn’t know what to say, how to act. My befuddlement seemed to amuse him; he smiled leaning in to press a soft kiss to my cheek.

“I would like to see you again. Maybe Saturday, for dinner?”

I nodded dumbly, my heart skipping along in my chest. “Saturday sounds good.”

“Until Saturday then,” He rose, giving a bow that had my face turning to flame.

“I thought people only did that in the movies.” I muttered, sinking lower into the window seat.

“I’m full of surprises.” He winked, turning to make his goodbyes. I watched him speak to Rosalie and Kandace. Watched Kandace’s eyebrow shoot up, Rosalie’s smile bloom as she pressed her cheek to his.

Mark stopped at the door, turning back and offering a wink. I gave a small wave, looking down at my lap.

I glanced up as spicy perfume enveloped me. Kandace grinned at me, a she wolf watching her prey.

“So, Mark Brewster? Setting your sights high.” Her lips peeled back, revealing shiny white teeth.

I shrugged, finding myself entranced by my coke. “We were just talking, nothing more.”

“Oh, so much of nothing that he asked Rosalie’s permission to take you out on Saturday?” She sniffed, leaning back against the pillows, her eyes on the revelers.

“He likes you.”

I stared at her, my mouth open. “What? No. Why would someone like him want a reject like me, when he could have-“ I stopped, my gaze shooting down once more.

“When he could have someone like me?” Kandace chuckled, shaking her head, her blonde curls shimmering in the dim light. “Been there, tried that. I’m not his type. But you, you could be. With a little help, of course.”

She sipped her wine, sitting silently beside me, letting me stew. Everything was so confusing. I didn’t know what she wanted from me, so I said nothing.

“I could show you our world.”

There it was. The offer spread out before me like the Yellow Brick Road. I looked at her, captivated by her beauty. I didn’t know why, but I wanted to do whatever it took to earn her favor. I wanted it. I wanted to take her offer and dive down the rabbit hole to where I was no longer Ashley Jones, broken and rejected and lost. But someone better. Someone confidant; someone who claimed attention whenever she moved.

“Show me.”