Secrets of a Gigolo

8

Zachary stood in the store staring blankly at the big screen TVs mounted on the wall. The store attendant was going on about the features of each model, but he hadn’t heard a word. In his mind, he was still standing at his bedroom window watching the taxi drive away with Brianna in it. He’d only known her three days, but he couldn’t get her off his mind. Normally he enjoyed shopping, but right now he was distracted.

“Do you like this one?” Amelia asked. She snapped her fingers in front of his face trying to get his attention. Zachary shook off his thoughts and focused on the woman he was with. “What are you thinking about? You seem distracted.”

Zachary shook his head. “No, sorry, yes this one is just fine.”

“Where is your head today?” Amelia asked running her hand over his back concerned.

“It’s nothing. I guess I'm just still shaken up from the robbery.” He lied and then forced that practiced smile he was so good at.

“Poor baby.” She said affectionately brushing his hair out of his eyes. “What a terrible ordeal. Don’t you worry we’ll replace everything that was damaged, and it will be like it never happened, you’ll see. I’m going to take such good care of you.” He smiled, and they went about the rest of their shopping spree. Zachary couldn’t take it all home in his Jag, so they paid for delivery. Everything would arrive the next afternoon.

After shopping, they went to dinner, and then they slipped out to the Grand Hotel where Zachary paid for a room, and he thanked Amelia properly. They were in bed she was bucking and moaning. Zachary went through the motions, but he wasn’t feeling it. He was doing his best to focus on the woman beneath him, but he kept losing it. He tried everything, but he was having trouble keeping it up. He’d never in all his life had this problem.

He groaned with frustration and dropped his forehead against hers. He’d stopped dead, and Amelia’s hands moved down his back and over his bottom pulling him closer. “No please don’t stop.” She pleaded.

He wanted to keep going but he couldn’t, his body wasn’t cooperating. “I’m sorry.” He whispered. “This has never happened before.” He said lifting his head to look her in the eye.

“What’s wrong? Is it me? Did I do something wrong?”

“No… god no. I don’t know what’s wrong.” He groaned with aggravation and pulled back. He couldn’t go out like this. He was determined to finish anyway necessary. “Don’t worry baby,” he said kissing a path down her belly, “I’ll get you there I promise.” He said resorting to a substitute. He’d never left a woman unsatisfied, and he wasn’t going to start tonight. He might leave frustrated, but he was still going to make her legs shake.

When it was over, he stood in the washroom brushing his teeth and glaring at his reflection. He leaned over to spit and then tossed the disposable toothbrush into the trash. He braced his hands on the counter and looked at himself in the mirror. He loathed the man staring back at him. Amelia turned off the shower and grabbed the towel. Wrapping it around herself, she stepped out of the shower, and ran her hands over his back and smiled at him through the mirror. “Don’t worry about it baby, this sort of thing happens to everyone.”

He hung his head feeling like the biggest loser in the world. This sort of thing didn’t happen to him. He left the washroom and started getting dressed. “I should get home and check on my niece.” He said pulling his pants on. “I’ll drive you home.” He offered.

“Well, I thought we’d spend the night together.” She said laying out on the bed with a smile. “My husband won’t be home until tomorrow, so I got all night.”

“I’m sorry but if I’m not home in the morning Eliza gets worried, and after the robbery, I just want her to feel safe and confident.” It wasn’t a total lie. He never spent the night with his women. He always went home and slept alone in his bed.

“You are such a good uncle.” She said getting off the bed. “Ok, we’ll go just let me get dressed.” Zachary took Amelia home and finished the night with a good-night kiss. Then he drove home but took a long way. First, he drove over to Brianna’s building and watched the window he thought was her apartment. The lights were out and why not it was two in the morning. This was ridiculous. This was stalking. Ok, he was determined to put that blasted woman out of his mind for good. Time to refocus.

***

Brianna sat on the other side of the desk watching Arthur read her article. It was hard to determine if he liked it or not. His expression was unreadable. He read the last line and then made a thoughtful sound and tossed the draft on the desktop. “Well?” She asked hopefully.

“It’s not what I expected, but I like it.” He said bringing a smiled to her face. “It’s not the angle I thought you’d work, but I like this one. You took a selfish seedy individual and transformed him into a man the public can relate too. I love this niece thing, and that he provided for his family. But what about the Judge? What about the scandal he’s dead center? You didn’t touch on the nerve of the article. What about the women he uses or the marriages he’s broken up? You make this man out to be a saint. The public wants the dirt. How are these women supporting him? The state pays judges had Judge Donald spent taxpayer’s money on her s*x toy? Who else is he seeing? I want names and details.”

“But he won’t give me his client list. He was very adamant about not exposing the women he sees he said the only way he’d give me the interview was if I didn’t ask about the women.”

“The women are the story.” He said. “It’s a puff piece. I need more. I can’t publish this drivel. If you want this job back, you need to get some dirt on the man. What about the IRS does he pay taxes on all these gifts or is he cheating Uncle Sam? Has he ever been arrested for solicitation? What does the Child Protective Agency think about his lifestyle and the effects it is having on the seven-year-old he’s raising? Come on Parker you can do better than this.” He said leaning back in his seat. “Look you still got a few weeks so why don’t we forget this weak draft you brought you and me try again. This time gets something I can sink my teeth in to.”

Brianna frowned and took the draft from the desktop and left the office. She wasn’t sure how she was going to get the information Arthur wanted. Though Zachary had been forthcoming on certain matters, he was tight-lipped on others. One of which was the women he saw. She also didn’t know if she could get a hold of CPA, the IRS, or any possible criminal record Zachary might have had. She didn’t want to make trouble for Zachary, but she wanted her job back.

How was she going to get the information she needed? She sighed; she’d have to see him again. How she wasn’t sure. She didn’t want to admit that her boss disliked her article and had sent her to dig up dirt on him. She couldn’t hang out with him socially she couldn’t afford to. She was going to call her PI and see what he could find out. She also needed a look at his little black book for the names of the women he’d seen and was currently seeing. For that, she had to get back into his house unattended. The only question was how?

Well, she had one lead. She knew he was seeing Mrs. Amelia Aker. She could interview the woman, but then it might get back to him that she was hassling his women and that could backfire. She could interview the bartender Zachary paid for information, but he might not want to talk ill of his meal ticket. There was no way to do this that would not end up in hurt feelings and hostility. So maybe first she saw what she could get out of Zachary, and his staff then branch out from there.

That meant she had to figure out an excuse to see him again.

***

The week had slipped by quickly, and Zachary found himself in a slump. Though he was going through the motions and no one complained he just felt like his heart wasn’t in the game. When Thursday came around, he had been grateful for the reprieve. He took Eliza to see a movie and out to dinner with the boys. He’d gotten home around Eliza’s bedtime with the intention of putting her to bed and then going out to shoot some pool with Jordon and Haden.

He’d tucked Eliza in and changed his clothes, and he was walking out the door when the phone rang, and Chino answered. He was pulling on his jacket when he overheard the call. “I will have to take a message Señorita Parker; he is out for the night.”

Brianna was on the phone. Zachary came rushing into the room. “Is that Brianna?” He asked.

“It is.”

Zachary snatched the phone from Chino’s hands and took the call which he rarely did. “Hello?”

“Hello? Zac?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m sorry, did I catch you going out?”

“I was going to shoot some pool with the boys, but it can wait. How are you?” He asked leaning against the wall. It was so good to hear her voice.

“Good.”

“Good to hear.” He banged his head on the wall feeling stupid. It was like he was twelve and talking to the girl he’d been crushing on. He felt like an i***t.

“And how have you been?”

“Good. Great.”

“And Eliza?”

“She’s great.” He sighed. What was he doing?

“Well I know you’re a busy man and I’d hate to keep you so I’ll just cut to the chase. I was hoping… maybe…. you might want to get together, and I don’t know hang out?” He could hear the uncertainty in her voice. “But if you’re too busy I understand.”

“Well, actually I’m free tonight.” He said quickly.

“I thought you were going out with the guys?”

“You know I was but they cancelled and my night has completely freed up.” He lied. “I could pick you up, and we could go do something? Anything you want money’s no object.” He offered.

“That would be great I’m actually at work right now, but I’m off in about two hours if you want to pick me up from work, we can go to an all-night diner and get some coffee and pie.”

“Pie sounds great. What’s the address?” He asked snapping his fingers for a pen. Chino took the pen from his pocket and handed it to him and lacking paper he jotted the address down on his palm. He hung up the phone and handed it back to Chino. He then took out his cell phone; he had to tell the guys he was bailing on them.

***

Brianna wiped the last table down while Violet swept. Kate had gone home to deal with the kids while Wallace closed. He was presently cleaning the kitchen down for the night. Brianna was trying to get her work done fast Zachary would be here soon, and she wanted to be ready to go out. There was a knock on the glass doors, and Brianna looked up to see Zachary on the other side. She immediately began to fix her hair in the hopes to make herself presentable.

“We’re closed,” Violet said walking over to the door. “Come back tomorrow.”

“No, let him in,” Brianna said tossing the dirty rag behind the bar and quickly removing the black waitress apron from around her narrow waist. “That’s Zachary Cooper.”

Violet smiled. “The Prince of Seduction? Really? Is he here looking for you?”

“Yes, please just let him in.” She said adjusting her t-shirt.

Violet unlocked the door and welcomed Zachary inside. “Am I early?” He asked.

“No, you’re right on time. I was finishing up. Let me get my coat.”

“Aren’t you going to introduce us?” Violet asked leadingly.

Brianna sighed. “Zac this is my friend Violet.”

“Nice to meet you.” He said shaking her hand. He looked around the restaurant questioningly. “I thought you were a writer?”

“I am. I’m just presently between publications.” She said as her brother came out from the kitchen.

“Well are we all done?” He asked coming to a stop when he saw Zachary. “Who’s this?”

“Wallace this is Zac.” Brianna introduced them. “Zac this is my brother Wallace. He owns this place.”

Zachary shook Wallace’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“How do you know my sister?”

“This is the guy Brianna’s writing about.” Violet giggled.

“The playboy?” Wallace said with disapproval. “You better not be playing with my sister.”

“Wallace.” Brianna snapped.

“I’m just looking out for you.” He said looking back at Zachary. “You know she’s broke right she can’t afford some million-dollar boy toy. Stick to the rich ones and leave my sister alone.”

Brianna glared at her brother. “I swear to god if you don’t stop talking I’m going to smack you.” She warned. “Now I’m going to go get my coat please be nice.” She said heading for the office. She grabbed her coat from the hook on the wall and rejoined the others. She pulled her coat on and tied the belt around her waist. “Come on Zac there’s a diner with great apple pie about four blocks from here.” She said walking him to the door. “I am so sorry about my brother.”

“It’s not the first time. Men tend not to like me. They see me as a threat.” He said as they walked along the quiet, dark street.

“Well, he still should have been nicer.” She said. “So, have you been busy?”

“It’s been a pretty standard week.” He said not looking at her. “It’s been a long week. I’m glad it’s Thursday. I needed some time off.”

“I’m eating up your downtime. I’m sure you could find better things to do than hang out with me.” She smiled as they reached the diner.

“I can’t think of anyplace I’d rather be.” Zachary opened the door, and they went inside and took the booth in the back far away from the other customers. Zachary slid into the vinyl seat across from her, and the waitress was at their side before they were settled. They ordered coffee and pie, and the waitress left and returned with their order promptly. “So, you’re a reporter doubling as a waitress in a BBQ joint?”

Brianna frowned. “It’s temporary. I need the money. I’m trying to get back into the writing business, but it’s slow going.”

“The story you did on me wasn’t enough?”

She frowned and poked at her pie with her fork. “Well, it’s a work in progress. It would be helpful if I could ask you a few more questions. To clear up some things I’ve been wondering about.”

He looked uncertain. “Is this a business meeting? I thought you wanted to hang out.”

“I do. Never mind I’m sorry I asked. Forget it.”

He sighed and sat back in his seat draping his arm over the back of the booth. “Ok, what do you want to know?”

“No, really I don’t want you to think it’s the only reason I asked you out.”

“Is it the only reason you asked me out?”

“No, I wanted to see you again.”

He smiled and then reached across the table and took her by the hand. “Good because I wanted to see you again.”

Hearing that made her day. “Why?”

“It’s rare that I find someone that compliments my personality as well as you do. I think we fit well together.” He then laughed. “I know that sounds like a line, but it’s really how I feel. I like you. More than I like most people.” He then looked down. “I got a confession. I was supposed to go out with guys tonight, but I dropped everything when you called. I’d rather spend my night off with you than them.”

That was sweet, now she felt like a jerk for leading him on. She wasn’t sure she could do this. Brianna liked Zachary, very much, how could she look at him knowing she had to deceive him? “Me too.” She said softly, and he took her hand in his.

“You know I’ve been thinking a lot about your question… you know why I don’t date for the fun of it. I meant what I said when I said it. I’ve never met a woman I wanted to see until I got to know you. I know this is going to sound self-serving, but I’d like to get to know you better. I understand if you don’t want to get mixed up with me. My life is not exactly normal, and I’m not ready to change it. I know that sounds unfair to ask you to deal with it; but if you can keep in mind that business is business and what I feel for you is not…” He trailed off. He was asking if she could see herself in a relationship with a man that was essentially dating other women. “It’s dysfunctional I know. It’s a lot to ask, but stranger things have happened.” He looked away and ran his fingers through his dark hair. “What am I saying? It’s a stupid idea I shouldn’t have even brought it up.”

Brianna saw an opening. This was her way back into his house and life. All she had to do was look the other way and pretend to be ok with his business. She wasn’t, but she could fake it until she got what she needed. “No, I think, I mean… yeah, I think I could do that.”

He looked shocked. “Really? You’re ok with it?” He sounded genuinely surprised.

“You’re not going to charge me, right? I’d be different from the others, wouldn’t I?”

“Yes.”

“Well, then I think I’d like to see where things might go.”

“And you’re ok with me working?”

She shrugged her shoulders. “The way I look at it you’re no different than a stripper and people date strippers all the time. Business is business, and we are something else.”

“That’s a good way to look at it.” He then cringed like he didn’t want to say what he felt he had to. “The difference is I sleep with these women.”

She knew, but she didn’t want to think about it. “Do me a favour. Wear a condom.”

He smiled. “I always do.” He promised. She’d just made a demented deal, but if it got her to her goal, it would be worth it. Suddenly his cell phone went off, and Zachary answered it. “What’s up?” His expression changed, and he looked worried. “Um yeah, I can be there in twenty.” He said and ended the call.

“Work?” She asked with disappointment.

“No, Addie’s in the ICU. I got to get to the hospital.” He said getting up.

“Oh no. Do you want me to come along?” She asked watching him get up.

“You can.” He said tossing money on the table for the bill. Brianna got up and followed him out of the diner and back to his car which was left parked outside the BBQ house.