Pain Lived, Love Found 2 (5 page)

For a brief moment sadness overtook me, and I felt like I was going to cry, but I couldn’t cry or else I would ruin my perfect makeup. Quickly pushing those feelings aside, I exclaimed, “I was just messin’ with you, boo! I know I’m fabulous!” I gave an emphatic snap of my fingers in the air and rolled my neck with all the attitude I could muster. That resulted in Trevor laughing and high-fiving me.

“What did you say, diva? Yaasss!” he laughed.

Megan joined in the laughter and high-fived us as well. “Ok, let’s get this hair done,” she said, as Trevor began to pack up his makeup and tools to make room for her.

My hair was already washed and blown dry, so all Megan had to do was work her magic with the flat iron and curling iron. About twenty minutes later she was done, and just as she promised I looked like a Hollywood vamp. I was so giddy with excitement I could barely contain myself. I truly felt like a movie star. I had my hair and makeup done before, but never like this. I couldn’t wait for my client to see me. I was going to knock his socks, shoes, and underwear off! That is if he even wears underwear. Why am I thinking about this man’s underwear? I need to get dressed.

It was now 6:30 PM and time to get dressed. Sandy, Trevor, and Megan all helped me. Trevor and Megan gave me do’s and don’ts regarding my hair, makeup, and dress. They also advised me on how to sit, and how to walk. I looked at Sandy and we both smiled. They thought this was my first rodeo. It may have been the first ball I had ever attended, but I was no novice when it came to how to behave in a beautiful dress at a classy function. Oh, if they only knew. I was a seasoned diva who learned from some of the best in the game. I knew how to be a lady, and I credit Richard for teaching me a lot too. I let Trevor and Megan continue to fuss over me. I knew they were only trying to be helpful, and I was enjoying being doted on.

The last thing I applied was my favorite French perfume that Sandy happened to use herself. She let me use some of hers, and I made a mental note to myself that as soon as I got some extra cash I was going to buy myself a bottle. I applied light dabs on my neck and my wrists, and that’s when I felt completely dressed. I was still in Sandy’s bedroom looking at myself in her full-length mirror after putting on some of her perfume when she walked in with a concerned look on her face.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, with a slight frown.

“Are you going to be okay being surrounded with alcohol tonight, Sarah?” Sandy asked, as she took my hand into her warm one.

Sandy was one of my dearest, truest friends and I loved her even more for her deep concern.

I took a deep breath before I answered her, and I made sure to look Sandy in the eyes when I spoke. “I love you for being so concerned about me, but I’m going to be fine. This will be my first true test, and I plan on acing it. I can’t hide from alcohol forever, or people who partake in it. Yes, it’ll be a struggle, but I know I can be strong. Especially when I have wonderful friends like you cheering me on.” Sandy’s eyes were full of unshed tears when she pulled me into a tight, warm hug that only a best friend could give you. “I love you, Sarah. You’ve been through so much but you just keep bouncing back. You’re stronger than most people I know.”

“You’re gonna make me cry and mess up my makeup, girl!” I laughed as I tried to keep from getting choked up myself.

“Did somebody say cry? Uh-uh, there better not be any tears messing up that face that I just beat to the gawds!” Trevor shouted from the hallway, causing Sandy and I to crack up.

“Somebody has radars for ears,” I whispered to Sandy, and we both giggled some more. “I’m fine, there’s no tears,” I yelled back.

Our lighthearted banter was interrupted by the sound of Sandy’s doorbell ringing. I looked at the clock that hung on her bedroom wall and it was seven o’clock on the dot. Lord knows I love a punctual man. I looked at Sandy.  “It’s show time. Wish me luck.”

Sandy winked at me and blew me a kiss as I walked out of her room and towards the stairs. I slowly made my way down the staircase while Sandy, Trevor, and Megan all peeped around the corner from the top of the stairs. I looked at myself one last time in the antique mirror that hung in the foyer. I took a deep breath, and unlocked the door and opened it. What stood on the other side of that door took my breath away, and that doesn’t happen to me often. This is going to sound very cliché and cheesy, but he was tall, dark, and handsome. Our eyes connected immediately and I saw his eyes slightly widen as he slowly took me in from head to toe. A faint smile appeared on his full lips.

“Good evening, my name is Roman Mancini. You must be Sarah.”

I wasn’t prepared for that voice to come out of that gorgeous face. It was deep, gravelly, and very sexy. He was ruggedly and uniquely handsome. To most women, he wouldn’t be considered drop- dead gorgeous, but there was definitely something about him that made me instantly tingle and feel flush all over. His eyes were a beautiful whiskey hue framed by long, dark eyelashes. He wore a well-groomed light beard that was peppered with silver hair. His hair was thick and wavy with speckles of silver throughout. His nose had a bump on the bridge, which led me to believe that it had been broken once or twice, and he had a scar that went through his right eyebrow. But his lips…his lips were full and sensual looking, and I just wanted to grab his face and…Good Lord, what is wrong with me? Yes, it had been awhile since I’d had sex, but it’d also been a very long time since I’d been instantly turned on by a man like this fine specimen that stood before me.

Coming out of my wicked thoughts, I quickly stated, “Yes, I’m Sarah. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Mancini.” I put my hand out to shake his, and when his giant, tanned hand took my hand into his own, my body temperature went up several degrees. His hand wasn’t soft, but it wasn’t rough either. It was somewhere in the middle, but it felt oh so manly.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, and please, call me Roman. You look beautiful.”

The way the words rolled off of his tongue made me want to faint. The magnetism of this man was off the charts. His aura was holding me hostage - and I liked it! There was a short pause after he spoke, as if he was letting the honesty of his words sink in with me. I began to feel nervous, and I didn’t know what to do with myself.

“Shall we go?” he asked.

The way his deep voice rumbled out of him made me want to curl up in his chest and listen to him read me love poems in front of a fireplace. Hell, he could have read the Sears catalog on power tools to me and I’d have been on cloud nine!

I couldn’t help the smile that came across my lips at my own strange, random fantasies as I recovered my wits. Smiling is the polite thing to do, right?

“Thank you, and yes, we shall,” I said, stepping outside of the door and closing it behind me.

He offered me his elbow as we walked towards the limo. The driver stood beside the door waiting for us. He opened the door and was about to help me inside when Roman stepped in front of him and took my hand to assist me inside of the limo.

Well okay then, I thought to myself.

Once we were inside and settled, the driver slowly took off. There was champagne, bottled water, a tray of freshly-cut fruit and rich cheeses and an assortment of crackers for us to partake in. I was tempted to eat a few strawberries but I didn’t want to risk ruining my dress. My nerves were so jittery right then that I could just picture myself spilling water or food all over my dress. I purposely kept my eyes from looking at the alcohol again. I had to pretend like it didn’t exist. Sandy said it would take about fifteen minutes to get to the mansion where the ball was being held, so I tried to think of things that we could talk about. I liked to try to get to know my client before we arrived at the event we were attending. Some clients want you to follow a story and say you’re something you’re not, while others didn’t care and simply said you are their date for the evening.

Roman sat very close to me, and it made me nervous. I could feel his body heat, and Lord knows I didn’t need to get any warmer than I already was. His cologne smelled so good I was ready to climb into his lap and do some naughty, dirty things to him. I know I sound horny, and I needed to get laid - soon!

While avoiding Roman’s direct gaze, I busied myself by straightening and smoothing out my dress. I could feel his eyes caressing me from head to toe, but often lingering on my lips. Finally he spoke.

“I’m curious, Sarah. Did Sandy tell you that I preferred you to wear a black gown for tonight’s ball?”

I stopped what I was doing and turned to look at him. His brow was furrowed in confusion as he patiently awaited my answer. As I took in his form, I couldn’t help but notice how he filled out his tuxedo to perfection. His legs were crossed and his hands were neatly folded in his lap. His nails were well manicured and his cufflinks were onyx lined with diamonds. They were stunning, and the man had simple, yet impeccable taste.

“She did tell me, but I felt this style of dress and color looked better on me. Besides, I think a successful businessman like yourself should stand out, not blend in. From what I hear, you’re fairly new to Detroit. People need to know and remember who Roman Mancini is,” I replied, confidently.

Roman looked away and smiled to himself. When he returned his attention to me his face was serious and his eyes were dark. I silently marveled at how quickly his demeanor changed.

“That was a great answer, very well thought out and smart. But if you were an employee of mine and displayed such blatant insubordination, I would have fired you on the spot.”

I raised an eyebrow and nodded my head out of surprise and respect. He was being honest, and I appreciated that. He was also flexing that big muscle called ego and that irritated me. What Roman Mancini was unaware of was that I didn’t scare easily, and I didn’t do well with rules either. As far as his ego went, he could stick it where the sun didn’t shine for all I cared.

“Well, you would have missed out on a wonderful, hardworking employee who thinks ahead and outside of the box. Tonight is all about providing companionship and making sure you look good. Blending in with the crowd won’t accomplish that. People will not only remember you because of the smart, savvy businessman that you are, but they will also remember you because you’re the one who bucked the rules and came to the ball with the date in the beautiful red dress.”

We stared at each other for a few moments before Roman spoke. I saw the humor in his eyes. He was impressed, but I knew he would never admit to it.

“Next time, please do as you’re told,” he said, in a firm tone.

Wait, what? Who said there would be a next time? And who in the hell is he speaking to that way?

I scooted away from him to put some space between us so I could look at him directly as I told him the hell off. Yes the classy, professional Sarah had flown out the limousine window and the ‘hood Sarah was about to make her appearance.

“Let’s get something straight before we go any further, because after I say what I have to say you may decide to turn this limo around and take me back home. I am not some weak-minded ‘yes’ woman! If that’s the kind of date you were looking for then you need to call Sandy back right now and ask her to send you someone else.”

My eyes were glaring at him and the blood was pumping in my veins. I was pissed.

Clearly ready for a fight, Roman came right back at me. He was calm as he regarded me, and I saw a twinkle in his eyes that told me he was amused. How dare he be amused when I’m so pissed at him right now!

“I’ve paid you and Sandy very well for you to be whatever I ask you to be tonight. I paid for your hair, makeup, that beautiful red dress that should have been black, your shoes, that clutch - pretty much everything you have on right now. In addition, I paid for your companionship tonight. You’re expected to play a role, a role that I decided upon, not you. If you have a problem with any of my expectations, then perhaps we should call Sandy and cancel everything.”

I was eaten up with anger. The nerve of this arrogant man! Steam was blowing out of my ears and fire was shooting out of my nose. I was firmly put in my place by a stranger, and what sickened me even more was he was absolutely correct in everything he said. Even though I was boiling with anger and screaming, “How dare he?!” over and over in my mind, I couldn’t argue with him. I quickly swallowed my wounded pride and put a smile on my face even though it was as fake as a three-dollar bill.

“As the saying goes, ‘The customer is always right.’ So, you lead and I will obediently follow, Mr. Mancini.”

I turned back around in my seat and scooted to the far left and began looking out of the window. I was no longer excited about going to the ball with this...this person. Now I simply wanted to get this evening over with. My back was straight and my entire body was stiff. If I hadn’t needed this money, I would have told the limousine driver to pull over and I’d have walked back to Sandy’s house. But not before I stripped down butt naked and threw all of the things that Roman Mancini’s money bought back into his face. Even though I was wrapped up in my thoughts and trying to calm down, I could smell the champagne. I closed my eyes for several moments and tried to imagine the smell of a freshly-baked chocolate cake, or my favorite chocolate chip, pecan cookies fresh out of the oven. Anything to get my mind off of wanting a drink to calm my nerves.

That irritatingly sexy, deep voice brought me from my reverie. “Did you hear me?”

I turned my head slightly and frowned when I saw Roman staring at me with a stern look on his face. Apparently, Mr. Ego wasn’t done telling me off.

“What?” I snapped.

I saw the slight look of surprise in his eyes and I continued to look at him impatiently as I waited for him to state what he wanted. As far as I was concerned there was nothing more for us to discuss.

“I said that we got off on the wrong foot tonight and I think we should start over.”

I scoffed and rolled my eyes and returned to looking out into the darkness through the window.

“No, I think we got off on the right foot. You’re like all the rest, eager to show who is in charge and what your money paid for. I get it, and you can relax, Mr. Mancini. I’ll be sure you get your money's worth tonight.”

“Turn around and look at me so we can discuss this like adults,” he demanded, firmly.

The nerve of this man was baffling. Oh, I was going to turn around all right, but it was to set some ground rules of my own. I turned slightly to pin him with my angry eyes as I spoke. “As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing left to discuss. The tone for the evening has been set.  Whenever we’re alone, like we are right now, you’re Mr. Mancini and I’m Miss Paris, and you will get nothing more from me. In front of your colleagues and counterparts you will be Roman, and I will play the role of a lifetime as your date and give you exactly what you’ve paid for. Is there anything else you want to set me straight on? Should I enter the party through the servants’ entrance with the rest of the help, or am I presentable enough to be on your arm?”