Chapter 9 Hollow
CHAPTER NINE
Hollow.
SCARLETT – POINT OF VIEW
“Does he have to be here right now?” Eve frowns as we walk into our apartment, with Ricardo behind us.
“He is my bodyguard, Eve. A paid bodyguard, so yes, he has to be.” I force a smile and push back my nerves.
I have about two hours to prepare for the dinner, my first assignment. I am expecting a brief profile on the client, which will include his job and interests. I will have to read up on it, which is funny because I am simply for ornamental purposes.
“He should at least smile more.” She scoffs, and I glance at her, amused, “Don’t tell me that you, of all people, are telling someone to smile more.”
She rolls her eyes and flips me off. “What do you want for dinner?”
“Surprise me.” I walk to my bedroom and open my closet.
Tonight will be wonderful. There will be no issues. I will smile and giggle like an idiot. I will make him feel like a man. I will be very charming.
I browse through my dresses and catch a glimpse of my backpack in the corner. I ignore it and keep searching for a dress. I need one that is very beautiful and classy.
A knock on my door pulls my attention, and I frown. Eve never knocks, which means it's the bodyguard.
I walk to the door and open it.
“Is there a problem?” I ask, looking at him. He is very huge and clouds the doorway with his broad shoulders.
“I have some observations. Your locks are not properly done. I can fix it for you. I can also install additional security features. It is clear that you value such.” He expresses quietly, his gaze on mine.
I should take offence to his words, but I am too busy to.
“Knock yourself out. Check the roof while you are at it.” I shrug and return to my search.
An hour later, I settle for one of the most expensive dresses I own. It is a corseted tea-length column gown with beaded embellishment. I let my wavy hair flow behind me, and pair it with a golden heel, which is a gift from Marcy. My makeup is simple, but alluring. My neck is adorned with a simple gold necklace.
I walk to the living room, and Eve smiles warmly, “You look gorgeous.”
“Thank you. Now, let’s take pictures. I need to send some to Marcy.” I urge, as I make sure my hair looks good.
“Can we use the roof, Rick?” Eve asks, and I blink in confusion.
He nods, and she leads me to the roof. The sun is setting in the distance, which adds to the wonderful glow. The sky looks like water color spilled all over it. I pose, and she takes my pictures. The joy on her face is pure and beautiful. Photography is the love of her life. I want to make her happier.
“So, you’re friends with Rick now?” I tease as she takes more pictures.
“Maybe, I don’t know. If he is going to stay here often, we might as well be friends.” She shrugs dismissively, but I see how her cheeks flush. I don’t mention it, though. My hands are full of thoughts of tonight.
“Do you want me to come with you?” She asks, shoulders slumping.
“No, stay here, get some rest. Rick will be with me, and I’ll share my location. You don’t have to worry about me.” I assure her.
After making sure she locks the door properly, I get in the car provided by the company, and Rick drives me to Brooklyn. The drive is silent. I sent everything needed to Marcy, and calmed myself. By the time we get to the restaurant, my nerves are gone. Scarlett is also gone, and I am Velvet now.
The restaurant is lavish and beautiful. It is very clear that it is for the upper class. Rick is behind me as I am led to my client. I try not to drool on every inch of the restaurant. I grew up with money, but caged. I wonder if my parents ever enjoyed something like this.
“Here you go, ma’am.” The staff tells me, and I nod at him.
Rick reaches for me before I slip away. “I’ll be right outside. Shout if you need me.”
His possessiveness is clear and awkward. I nod and slip away. I find Richard with ease. I slip on my charade like a dress.
“Richard? I’m Velvet. It’s nice to meet you.” I gush softly, and he meets me halfway. He hugs me warmly and helps me to my seat.
“Your dress is beautiful, my darling.” He compliments, and I beam warmly, playing the game too well.
Slowly, conversation flows softly, and I come to realize he is not a bad guy. He is just a rich businessman who is here for a fun time and a conference. He has a wedding ring, so he is married, but I don’t point it out or particularly care. He is free to do whatever he wants.
I let him order my meal, and when it arrives, I barely eat while he scuffs his away in minutes.
“How have you been liking New York?” I ask softly, remembering my training.
“New York is beautiful, but it’s like a lover, one you visit occasionally, or the novelty will be lost. Do you understand? Are you from here?” He asks, filling our glass.
“I was born and bred here. A true New Yorker. I do understand what you mean in a way, but it is hard to see from that perspective. New York is not a lover to me but a warm marriage. It is always here for me.” The lies spill out in the shape of truths. I should be worried about how easily I embody a new character.
He tells me all about his hobbies, golf, sailing, cars, wine collecting and more. I show genuine interest. He tells me all the places he has travelled to. I make him feel like a man. I make him feel validated. I tease playfully.
At the end, he murmurs as he helps me with my coat, “I’d like to see you again, Velvet.”
“I want to see you too, Richard. I had a splendid evening.” I beam.
He walks me to my car, where Rick is waiting, and hands me a large bottle of wine.
“Thank you for a wonderful night.” He leans in and presses his lips to my cheeks, then he leaves.
Rick helps me into the car and drives me back home. There’s a hollowness in me, one I can’t explain. It slowly encompasses everything, but I push it back. I know this is not the life I am supposed to live, but it doesn’t matter.