Chapter 19 Vignette 19
"Courtney, I think this perfume will smell good," Melissa said, as she plucked one perfume from the neatly arranged display of identical bottles on the shelf.
But Courtney was a bit restless, "Melissa can we go home already? I don't feel comfortable here at all."
Melissa turned to Courtney, her face twisted in frustration. "That's the problem with you, Courtney," she said, her voice tinged with exasperation. "You rarely venture out in public, and when you do, you act like you've gone above and beyond, even if you've barely spent five minutes."
Courtney sighed, "I don't feel comfortable, that's all. Stop trying to make a fuss out of it."
Melissa raised a brow, "you really think that…"
She was cut short by the sudden entry of a young man walking into the mall with two hefty men guarding him.
"Hey, who is that?" She asked,
Courtney's gaze shifted to the entrance before turning back to Melissa, "I don't know, probably some rich dude who likes to walk around with bodyguards."
Melisa's eyes were still fixed on the man. She watched as his bodyguards picked up items from the shelf on his order.
"Hold on, I think I recognize him."
"Who is he?"
Melissa turned to Courtney, "Do you remember the trending news of last week? The one about the man who bought ten of the most expensive houses in the country, within a month."
Courtney's eyes widened, her mouth dropped open as she looked closely. "Oh my god! What is he doing here?"
"I'm clueless," Melissa said, turning to sneak another glance at the man. But this time, she spun away sharply. "Look, he's coming towards us!"
Courtney and Melissa quickly turned to the counter, pretending to shop while their minds were fixated on the rich, handsome man behind them.
They heard his voice as he spoke to his bodyguards, "Who are those girls over there?".
A deeper voice responded, "I don't know who they are, sir. Shall I get them for you?"
"Get me the girl in a white strapless dress."
Courtney stood frozen as Melissa whispered to her, "oh my god, Courtney, you're the one he's referring to."
They heard footsteps matching towards them, and the tall, gigantic man with huge, veiny arms tapped Courtney on her shoulder. She turned and looked up at his dark face and balding head, where a small patch of hair remained in the middle.
"My boss wants to see you," his bold voice reverberated in the mall.
Courtney summoned some courage and asked, "why does your boss want to see me?"
The huge man's face was plain and strict, "I hate questions, come with me now!"
Courtney turned to Melissa and she gave her a go-ahead nod. She walked behind the bodyguard to where the elegant looking young man stood. The bodyguards gave their distance and she stepped closer to him.
"What's your name, pretty?" His dashing voice echoed in Courtney's mind as she struggled to maintain her composure.
"I'm Courtney," she responded, the tailored denim pants and t-shirt that hung on his chest drew her attention but she fought hard to keep her eyes on his face. Still, his sharp jawline, well sculpted nose and dark eyes were a distraction.
"Nice name, Courtney, I'm Jackson,"
"There's no need for that, I already know what your name is. I mean, everyone does,"
Jackson smiled. "Would you like to hang out sometime?"
"Hang out with you?" Courtney asked, amazed.
"Of course. I hope you won't be restricted by your parents."
"Certainly not. I'm allowed to go wherever I want."
"Awesome, where would you like me to pick you up?"
"No. 24 glamour street is my house, you can pick me up by 12 noon."
"Perfect!" He exclaimed, taking in on Melissa's presence behind them, "Is that your friend over there?"
Courtney smiled, "Her name is Melissa,"
"Call her over, we're doing some massive shopping,"
Courtney's smile was wide, it almost touched her ear. She turned to Melissa, "Melissa, come over here!" she called, slightly above her voice.
Melissa came over, and Billionaire Jackson made sure to pay for every thing as the girls emptied the mall in their shopping bags.
……..The Next Day, 11:55am………..
Melissa zipped up Courtney's dress, "Courtney, come on, you need to hurry up, Jackson will soon be here." She shifted to the front and gave Courtney's hair a final touch.
"Courtney stared at her reflection in the mirror, "Melissa, do you really think I look good in this dress and makeup?"
"Are you kidding me right now? You look flawless, Courtney," Melissa flattered.
A smile spread across Courtney's face, "Thank you, I hope he is impressed by my outfit,"
There was a brief silence between them before Melissa spoke, "I must confess, I think you've just caught a big fish," Melissa said, "I mean, my best friend is going out with one of the richest men in the country. Isn't that amazing?"
Courtney's lips curved upwards, "I know right? Let's just hope it all ends well."
Suddenly, there was a knock and Melissa went to check who was at the door. As she turned the door knob and pulled the door open, she came face to face with the same towering bodyguard, but this time, neither of them flinched.
"Here to pick up Courtney?"
The bodyguard replied in a deep, resonant voice, "Obviously, yes."
"One minute," she closed the door and went back to Courtney who was putting on her shoes, "Courtney, Jackson's bodyguard is here to pick you up."
"Really?"
"Yes sweetie," Melissa took Courtney's clutch bag from the bed and handed it to her, "Make sure you give me a call if you find yourself stuck with anything, okay,"
"No need to worry, Melissa, I've got this!" Courtney said reassuringly and gave her friend a warm hug. With a confident stride, she headed for the door, Melissa following closely behind.
Melissa watched as the bodyguard treated Courtney like royalty. He supported her, gently holding her hand as if she were a queen, until they reached the bottom of the stairs. Then, with a gallant gesture, he opened the door to the sleek, red Mercedes, its tinted glass gleaming in the light.
Courtney turned to Melissa and waved, while Melissa blew her a kiss from the balcony. As Courtney settled smoothly into the back seat of the car, the bodyguard closed the door. He then entered through the other door and sat beside Courtney with a respectful distance.
The middle-aged man seated in the driver's seat immediately ignited the engine, shifted into gear, and expertly maneuvered the steering wheel. The car glided smoothly away, disappearing into the distance.
The steamy scene you've been waiting for is just around the corner... Vignette 19b.