“Where are we meeting this guy at anyway? I’m not even dressed very nice. What about the pictures I’m supposed take?”
Bret looked me over after I mentioned my clothing. “You’re dressed fine. Just come on. We’ve gotta be there soon.”
I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to be playing the part already but he stretched out his hand toward me, I took it and together we walked back to his car. His warm touch, although only my hand, caused me to blush. I could feel the warmth creeping along my face.
His associate had picked a higher priced place to eat, a Japanese place that was a short drive away. It was the only thing close to fine dining that we had in town really so I wasn’t surprised that the wealthy elite ate here like it was take out.
I was nervous as we went inside. Of course I’d been here a time or two, only on special occasions, but still I was pretending to be arm candy for a very rich, very hot guy. The day had taken a strange course.
The hostess directed us towards the back. A booth held two older men, one gray haired wearing a white button up shirt and the other with a dark tan, shaved head, and a gray button up shirt. They were conversing back and forth but when the tanned guy saw Bret he stood and opened his arms wide leaving his counterpart sitting down.
“Mr. Harlow! I’m glad you could join us!”
I still had my arm intertwined with Bret’s when he reached out his free hand to shake hands. The tanned guy then turned to me.
“And who is this beauty you’ve brought with you?”
I wanted to jokingly look around, but I had to keep up premises and act like a smiling unknowing arm piece. So I did just that, allowing Bret to speak for me.
“This is Bri, my girlfriend. We were just headed out to lunch before our date. Isn’t that right, dear?’
I nodded and smiled, trying to immolate a stepford wife persona. “Couple’s massages.”
“Bri, this is Roger Collins. The founder of The Animal Wellness group,” he then nodded to the gray haired man that sat at the table, “This is Allen Richards, who works as the treasurer for the county and also has a big role in commerce meetings. I’m sorry I don’t know what position you hold anymore Allen.”
“VP now. I just help with odds and ends you know.”
The men laughed, but I wasn’t sure why.
We all sat down and ordered. The men took off with their conversation immediately, leaving me to look around absentmindedly. I didn’t care about their small town politics or what have you. I wasn’t even sure completely why I was here. Despite being very attracted to Bret, and really wanting to sell his house as my first piece of commission, I didn’t understand why he didn’t just tell these men no rather than can up with an outright lie as me as an alibi. It’d made sense when he’d earnestly been staring into my eyes, now, not so much.
“So, with all that behind us, do you think you could make the event tonight? Lots of opportunity for tax write offs plus you’re helping a great cause.”
This was my cue. We hadn’t really discussed what else it was I was supposed to say. He’d already told them some bullshit about the massages and obviously it didn’t matter.
“Honey, you promised to take me to the theater over in Milford tonight? Remember? The tickets aren’t refundable and besides I really wanted to go. You promised?”
I even tugged at his arm a bit and pouted like a child. Shit, I knew I should’ve moved to LA and chased the dreams of being on screen.
“Baby, this is a charity event though. For animals.”
I thought he wanted me to get him out of this! Instead he was putting me on the spot. If anything, yes, I thought he should go to a charity to help shelters and strays and all that. If anything I didn’t understand why he didn’t. Maybe he was a jerk. A really good looking jerk.
I crossed my arms over my chest. “Fine. Let’s go to your charity event.”
He gave me an odd look. He should’ve just gone with what I originally asked instead of pushing it. Whatever, Mr. Moneybags could go to the charity.
“You know Bri, that friend of yours called me. Mary? Yes I’m sure that’s her name. You know the real estate agent?”
The two older men were watching us converse in confusion. Instead of sputtering out what I wanted to our food arrived and broke the moment. Everything was steaming and smelled delicious and my stomach grumbled at the sight of it. But Bret was still watching me, waiting for me to say something.
“Excuse me gentlemen, I need to speak to Bret alone.”
I stood and grabbed at his arm, leading him away from the table. When we were out of earshot and around the corner of the restaurant, I finally let loose.