Memoirs Of A Gigolo (14 page)

“How did things go with the office space?”  “I found the perfect place a few miles from here.” “Did you like the realtor the decorator suggested?” “Yes, she was very professional in every way.” I kissed her on the forehead.

“What about a little something extra before dinner?” I asked feeling horny. “Not now the sauce might burn.” “Take a shower, and maybe later.”  “Maybe, I need my woman I’ve thought about your beautiful body all day.”  “You know I love you, and I want nothing more than to be with you.’’ “All right, I’ll get cleaned up I’m hungry, and I hope it’s good,” I laughed. I showered and slipped on my flip flops and walked down stairs.

I noticed the decorating was coming along beautifully, and Stephora seemed happier. “This is really good babe, but you didn’t have to.’’ “I know I didn’t, but I wanted to show off my cooking skills.” “I can make more than eggs you know.” “The decorating is coming along I see?” “Yes it is, and the swatches for the drapes are coming tomorrow.” “I haven’t asked, but how are you feeling these days?”

“I was a little nauseous this morning but I’m doing better.” “We are finding you a doctor tomorrow to make sure things are good.” “I’m way ahead of you I found one online, and I seeing her next week.” “That’s great I don’t want to have to worry about this baby to.” She asked with this puzzled look, “What do you mean worry about this baby too?

“I don’t know, but things don’t always show up immediately.’” “Donavan is there something you’re not telling me?” “No, it’s nothing you should be concerned about. “Is there something wrong with Janet?” “Babe you have enough on your plate right now so let me worry about Janet.” “Donavan, you’re scaring me, and I love Janet like she’s mine.”  The doctors think she might have Sickle Cell Anemia like her mother.”

“Oh, Donavan maybe she will only have a trace of the disease.”  “I’ve done a bit of research on it, and it doesn’t have to be a death sentence if diagnosed in time.” “The treatments have come a long way.”  “I hope so; because I saw her mother suffer in her last days.”

“Donavan I don’t want you to leave me out of her life, because you think I can’t handle it.” “Stephora I love you so much right now.” “I love you too, and nothing will ever change that.” “Let’s go to bed I’m in the mood to make love to my woman.” 

After Stephora doctor’s appointment, the doctor assured us things were normal with her pregnancy. Mom and baby Janet were arriving tomorrow, and I wanted things to be perfect. Mom said she would discuss the test when she got here.

Stephora was almost finished with the decorating, and I had moved into my new office space. Nick and I were meeting for lunch, and he had someone he wanted me to meet. This was serious, because he only talked about the business. We were meeting at the Gilmore, a high-end bistro in Hollywood. I wondered what was so special about this woman. She had to be one of a kind.

When I arrive at the Gilmore, Nick and his date were already there. He waved me over so I wouldn’t have to wait to be seated. “Hello Donavan I’m glad you could join us.” “I’d like you to meet Renee Gordian my fiancée.” “This was a switch…,” I thought, “And what was going on here?”

This wasn’t Nickolas Green standing before me. “I’m sorry Renee, but this comes as a bit of a surprise.” “It’s nice to meet you Ms. Gordian, and are you any relation to Graham Gordian?” “Graham is my father Donavan, and the pleasure is mine.” “Your father…?.” I looked at Nick trying to maintain my composure.

“When did you guys become engaged?” “I’m sure it was sudden?” “Donavan you should know as well as I do love has no time.” “I see, and when is the wedding? “We’re not sure, but we were thinking the beginning of the year.” “Let me be the first to congratulate you two.” “Thanks Donavan, excuse me I need the ladies room.” We stood as she exited the table. 

“Nick, what the hell are you trying to pull here….?” “You know damn well this is unacceptable, and you know why.” “Donavan I think you’re overreacting, and your one to talk.” “Why should this be any different from what you’re doing with Stephora?”

“I love her Donavan, and we’re a great pair, and I was as surprised as you seem to be.” “What did daddy say when he found out about this little engagement?” I asked knowing Graham didn’t know. “I don’t think she told him yet, but I don’t give a damn what he says.” “Does she know what you do for a living? “Yes and she doesn’t seem to care.” “Nick I think she’s out of your league, and I don’t mean that in a negative way.”  “What other way is there?” He said, “I guess I’m not good enough for Renée in your eyes, and I’m just a high-priced prostitute.” “This isn’t about your insecurities Nick so get over yourself.” “You sound like a bitch with this psychoanalyzing bullshit.” “I won’t let you or anyone else stand in the way of my success.” “Success Nick, that’s what this is all about?” “I think you’re going about this the wrong way Nick, but that’s my opinion.” He snapped, “That’s right, and you can keep it to yourself.” I couldn’t believe Nick was acting so recklessly, but he was his own man.

“Are you guys all right I could hear you all the way in the back,” Renee asked. “Donavan I have something to say that’s if you don’t mind?”  “Go right ahead Ms. Gordian, maybe you can tell me why?” “First Donavan you don’t know me at all, and you’re standing in judgment.”  “I didn’t know what it felt like to love until I met Nick, and he makes me happy.”

“What I want to know is how it feels to be with another man’s wife, and call it love? “Don’t look so surprised Donavan.” “Did you think I didn’t know about your affair with my father’s wife?”, “So I think you should examine your own life before you analyze mine.”  Surprised by her wit I answered, “Maybe you’re right Renée, but I care about Nick, and you might want to rethink the motives behind your engagement.” “I have, and if you think the motive is money I don’t care because there are worse motives.” “Renee I wish you and Nick happiness, and I hope that you two find what I have with Stephora.” “Nick I’ll see you back at the office later, and Renée it’s been a pleasure.”

I thought it was admirable how Renee came to Nick’s defense because she would forever have to. The furnishings for my office were being delivered in an hour, and I had to be there. I put Nick and Renée out of my mind for the time being.

“Donavan,” I saw Shelia waving from across the street.

“Darling have you been ignoring my calls, because I’m only getting your voice mail?” I answered knowing full well I was, “No Shelia, but I’ve been busy getting things ready to open for business.” She replied, “I called your house this morning and talked to your girlfriend.”

That pissed me off, and I almost snapped here head off, “Let me make a few things clear Shelia, you are never to call my house for anything.” “What we do is between us and not my girlfriend, are we clear..?” “Yes perfectly, but I need you Donavan, and she rubs my face with the back of her hand.” Let’s go inside Shelia and take care of this need you have.” I was more relaxed after getting my wick waxed and at her expense.

While I waited on my delivery guys, I wondered what Stephora was going to say about her stepdaughter being in town. The furniture was in place, and Adam Berkinstynes my decorator was on his way over. Stephora wanted to cook dinner for Mom, and she needed me to pick up a few things.

She was giving me all these honey do’s, and I just didn’t have the time. The phone rang, and it was Nick wanting to meet me before I left, and I agreed.

“Hello Adam, come right in,” I said. “I hope we can move this along quickly, because I have so many things to do. “This won’t take long I just need you to look at a few swatches,” he replied. “I don’t do swatches Adam, that’s not my forte.” “I want all neutral colors, and the rest is up to you, but I want it done within a week.” “I’ll do what I can, but that’s so little time Mr. Jacobs.” “I know, but I need to have it up and running like, yesterday, and I know you won’t let me down.”  “You came highly recommended, and I’m willing to pay extra if you can pull it off.” “I’ll do what I can,” he said. 

Nick walks in while I was speaking to Adam, and took a seat in my soon to be the office. I said, “If you’ll excuse me Adam I need to speak with the gentleman in my office.”  Nick was checking out my desk, and looking as if he had a lot on his mind.

“What’s so urgent that you needed my undivided attention?” I asked. Nick said, “Donavan I have a proposition for you.” “All right I’m listening, but if this is about the agency I’m not interested.”  “You haven’t even heard what I have to say.” “I’m willing to buy you out, and for double what you paid.” “What is this about Nick?” “No, let me guess her name is Renee?” “Renée has nothing to do with this.”

“Donavan I built this business into what it is, and my private life has nothing to do with it.” “I think it has everything to do with it, and you’re not thinking this thing through.” “Nick, your power hungry, and it will lead to your demise if you’re not careful.”

“I want you to remember something; “What’s that, he replied, I was doing this solo before we partnered up.” “I have my own personal clients, and believe me it’s enough.”   “Donavan you have always been self-centered, but I worked with you in spite of it.”

“I may be self-centered, but you’re an egotistical bastard Nicklaus Green?” “Have you looked in the mirror lately?”

“You have more money than you’ve ever had in your life, but it’s not enough.” I asked mainly out of curiosity, “Why do you think you’re marrying Renee?”  “Yes she’s beautiful Nick, but you’re only seeing dollar signs.”  I waited for his answer, “You don’t know what I feel for her, and you’re talking crazy.” “I may be crazy, but I think I know you’re in denial.” “I think of you as a friend, but if you want the agency you can have it.” “I won’t let money destroy a friendship that I value.”

“Maybe I’ve jumped ahead of the game but I always had too.” “I never trusted anyone but myself, because I had it hard.”  “Donavan you think you know me, but you have no idea.” “I may be self-centered about most things, but not about this.” “I do care for Renee.” “I’ve never felt this way about any woman, and I’ve had my share.” “She doesn’t judge me Donavan, and she treats me with respect.”

“She loves what’s on the inside, and I’m sure you can relate.” “Yes Nick I can, but she comes with some baggage of her own.” “I hope you’re willing to carry it because it might break the two of you.” 

“What are you saying?” “I’m saying that a woman like that, and with a father like Graham is like throwing dynamite in a fire.” “I know what I’m up against with her father, but I’m willing to take that chance.”

“You know that you were being followed by a private investigator.”  “No, but I had a feeling we were being followed in Miami.” “Is it still going on?” “I’m not sure, but I’ll keep you posted.” “Is it true that Stephora is pregnant, and you might not be the father?” “Yes it’s true, but I hoping I’m the father.” “Me to, because if you’re not she’ll never get a chance to raise it.” “I know, and think that would tear her apart.” “Thanks for being a friend Nick, and let’s forget we ever had this conversation.”  “It’s done friend.”

“I would ask you over for dinner, but that might be a little premature.” “You might be right,” we both laughed.” “Nick, my mom and baby Janet will be in town, and I do want you to meet them.” “That sounds great man I would love to meet your family.” “Give me a call on when, and I’ll come by without Renée.” “We’ll talk about it more, but right now I need to get out of here.” “Talk to you later Nick, and I’ll see you tomorrow.” I hurried to get the things Stephora needed for dinner.

Renee was back at the hotel, and I knew she would be furious about me backing down with Donovan. I was my own man, and I knew Donavan was right about a lot of what he’d said. I slid the key in the door and walked in, and Renée was on the phone talking with her father.

I overheard her saying, “I’ll have to talk to you later Daddy, and I’ll be back in Miami soon,” she said as she ended the call.  “Nick would you like a drink?” “I’m anxious to know the outcome of your conversation with Donavan.” 

She handed me a drink and stood there tapping her foot waiting for an answer.  I felt like she was trying to be my mother standing there in judgment.

I thought about what I was going to say before I replied, “Renee I think this is between me and Donavan, and you need to back down.” “I take it your still a partner with a guy that thinks you’re beneath him.” “I don’t think you understand.” “Renee, would you please let me be me, and stop acting like I’m your project.”  “You’re, not in the boardroom, and I’m not your assistant.” “Yes, Donavan and I have our differences, but it works for us.”

Now it was my turn to place her in the hot seat, “What I want to know is why you haven’t told your father about the engagement?” “This whole situation is complicated Nick, and I’ll get around to it.” “Well until you do our engagement is off.” “Why are you saying this?” “I’m good enough to fuck, but not good enough to take home to Daddy.” “Nick I think you’re over reacting, and it’s not like that.”

  “I’ve spent my time with you, and my time is money sweetie.” “I’m out of here, and the next time we’re together it will cost you.” “Nick you don’t mean that.” “Like hell I don’t.”  “If you want this you’d better make up your mind fast.”

I left without a backward glance, but it hurt like hell. I wanted a drink and bad…  I cursed myself and drove around for a while trying to clear my head.

How did I let this woman get next to me? I had spent my whole life avoiding love, and now I let myself feel. Trisha, my sorry, ass mother never showed me any love that I know of. The only thing she loved was a cheap bottle of wine and a needle.

I recently called an old friend back home, and she’s was still in that trailer park. I don’t know why I expected anything more. Maybe part of me wanted to know she had changed, but some things never change.

I found myself parked in front of Aarons, so I knocked on the door.

“Nick, what the hell are you doing here?” he asked. “I thought you were with that rich bitch?” “I was, but I’m having second thoughts about that rich bitch.” He said, “Come on in fool, and would you like a drink?”  “Yes, and before you start saying I told you so, don’t.”

He replied, “I wasn’t going to say a word, because you’re my friend, as well as my boss,” “What’s your poison?” “I’ll have bourbon straight up.” “You know I have to ask what happened.” I said rubbing my tired eyes, “It’s a long story, but I called it off, and I feel bad about it.” “Nick you know her type, and you were playing with fire.” “I know, she out of my league, at least that’s what everyone keeps telling me.” He said, “I wouldn’t go as far as to say all that, but you thought she’d be different.”

“I think you let her inside your head, and she treated you like the help.”  “Maybe, but I thought I loved her, and that maybe it would work.” “It would have, if you made it clear who was man in the relationship.”

“Miss Thang needs to know her place and that money don’t make her better.” “I don’t think it’s that, she has a problem telling her father.”  “If she loved you Nick it wouldn’t be a problem.” He looked at me and said, “I would give the world for your love.”  “What are you saying Aaron?” I asked in shock.

“I didn’t mean me, I just meant “if.”  “Thanks Aaron that means a lot, and I consider you a friend too.” “Can I crash here tonight,” I asked. “I don’t feel like driving to the office.” “Sure, I just cleaned up the guest room, and there are towels in the closet.”  “Thanks again Aaron.”

I sat there feeling a little anxious after almost letting Nick know how I felt. I hated these feeling, but how long would I be able to fight them? I was in love with him, and it made me sick to think she was taking his love for granted. I wasn’t going to sit by idly and watch her hurt him. I grabbed the keys from the counter and headed to the Beverly Wilshire hotel.

I knocked on the door, and Renée answered. “Can I help you? I said, “Yes you can I’m a friend of Nicks.” “I could tell by the look on your face you thought I was Nick.”  “Come on in, and I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name.” “Aaron and I know yours,” She said and could tell she'd been crying, “Ok Aaron what is this all about, and does Nick know you’re here?” “No, and I want to keep it that way, because he wouldn’t like it.”