Chapter 16
1535 Words
James
Michael leaves, and Charlotte doesn’t see him as he turns to look back at her. His expression is strange, but then he glances back at me, nods, turns and goes.
What’s he thinking?
I return my attention to her.
How is she? What’s in her mind?
She doesn’t appear to be panicking, just thoughtful.
"Alright, Charlotte?"
She swallows hard, but, "I think so, yes. He seems…. very nice."
“Yes, he is. That"s why I chose him for today. You will, by the way, find if you check your account, that it has swelled overnight. You will be earning quite a bit more towards those college costs of yours.”
No need to tell her right now that it’s not from Michael….
She’s staring at the table-top, putting a brave face on it, but I think struggling a little. “Er… can I ask what we will be doing?”
Keep her calm….
But be truthful….
“We’re all going to play together this evening. I think you’re going to have fun. But, as I say, that’s for this evening….”
playTime to relax her again….
“…. Is there anything you would particularly like to do today?”
She looks baffled. Plainly, she had not expected to be asked something like that. Her mouth opens and closes a couple of times, but no words come out.
What to do?
She was still walking a little stiffly as we came down to breakfast. The bath has helped, but she needs to limber up a bit.
Some sort of light exercise….
“A trip out somewhere perhaps? It’s a beautiful day. Do you like picnics? On the beach maybe?””
Her face brightens. “I love picnics, yes. But perhaps somewhere up in the mountains? It will be hot by the beach.”
“Good idea. Finish your breakfast. I’ll go order us a packed lunch.”
In Reception, I order a hamper, the best one they have available….
…. Let’s pamper her a bit….
When I return to the table, Charlotte is nowhere to be seen.
Gone back to the apartment perhaps….
…. No, I have the key….
I’m scanning the room, walking in circles, when I spot her in a small lounge off to one side. The hotel has set it up as a library area and she’s there working her way through the bookshelves, pulling out various volumes.
“Charlotte?”
She startles, flushing and looking worried. “Sorry, Master. I lost track of time. Were you looking for me for long?”
“No, just a couple of minutes.”
“It won’t happen again.”
“I’m pleased to hear it. Shall we go and dress for our day out?”
She slips the book in her hand back into its slot on the shelves. “Of course, Master. Um… what would you like me to wear?”
“Anything you’re comfortable in. I’m going to wear jeans and a tee-shirt. I suggest you do the same.”
I hold out my arm, indicating the door and she brushes past me, still with small circles of colour to her cheeks. As she leaves, I take a quick look at the book she just put back.
‘The Blind Watchmaker’ by Richard Dawkins….
…. Not exactly bedtime reading….
Not just a pretty face then….
It’s a glorious day, with brilliant blue skies and bright sunshine. Charlotte’s idea of having our picnic in the mountains turns out to be a good one and I drive up to a spot I know overlooking a lake. Sitting out on high meadows and taking in the fresh air is sheer tonic to the soul.
And as it turns out, my jade-eyed ‘guest’ is surprisingly good company. Except for the clubs, I’ve had very little female companionship for the last few years, and on those occasions, I wasn’t doing much talking. And before then, married to Marlene, she spent more time screeching at me than speaking. Also, Charlotte’s choice of reading is making me aware that she has more about her than just a lovely body and face.
I mustn’t knuckle under to my own prejudices; that a woman cannot be both beautiful and intelligent.
andBeautiful, intelligent and brave….
Beautiful, intelligent and ….“So, what are you planning on studying at university, Charlotte?”
“Physics, Master.” She sounds a little shy about it, as though I might scold her for it.
Why would that be? She thinks I would disapprove?
Or somebody else has?
“Physics?”
“Why physics, Charlotte? What made that your choice?”
“There’s so much to know, Master. I want to learn it all.” She pauses, staring at the grass. “Sorry, does that sound silly or conceited?”
“No, not at all. Which university are you going to?”
She pauses, her face away from mine, swallowing her words, and I realise my error.
“My apologies, Charlotte. I shouldn’t have asked that.” She glances up at me speculatively, her body stiffening. “You don’t have to worry about me.” I continue. “I’ll not come trying to hunt you down after your week is done. I don’t want you to be afraid of me, and I shouldn’t have asked you for personal information.”
She relaxes, smiling. “Sorry, Master. I didn’t mean to come across like that. And no, I’m not afraid of you. Your behaviour last night told me a lot about you. I know I"m lucky that you were my buyer.” She holds my eyes, her gaze steady. “I already believe you’re a good man. I’ll do my best to please you this week; to give you value for your money.”
Her words take me by surprise. I’d not expected her to be so forthright.
Return the courtesy…. Be straight with her….
“I"m going to stretch you, you know”
“I know, and that"s alright. With what you"ve paid, I think you"re entitled to a bit of stretching.”
stretchingWhat the f**k do I say to that?
Time to lighten the mood….
“Shall we eat?” I suggest.
Her enthusiasm returns. “I’d love to, Master.”
The hotel made an excellent job of the hamper they out together. Of course, I did specify that I wanted something special, and they’re being paid well for it, but what I really smile at is Charlotte’s appetite. Despite her huge breakfast, she attacks smoked salmon, strawberries and champagne with gusto.
And she relaxes again.
“So, you said the apartment isn’t your home, Master. You don’t live in the City then?” Then she looks worried. “Sorry, do you mind my asking something like that?”
“Not at all, Charlotte. Ask what you like. I’m not in the same position as you. And I am not worried about your knowing who I am.”
She’s still eating, packing away cheese and crackers like a champion. She swallows and wipes a few crumbs from the edge of her lips.
How on earth do you eat like that and stay that shape?
“Is something funny, Master?”
“I’m agog at your appetite, for food that is.”
“Sorry, Master. I don’t often get a chance to eat like this.”
Mmmm….
“Don’t worry about it, Charlotte. To answer your question, no, I don’t live in the City right now, although I am thinking of buying a permanent home there.”
“So, where is ‘home’? Do you visit the City a lot?”
What to say?
Avoid the question….
“I travel for my business. I simply rented that apartment for this week because I was hoping I would win the bidding for you.”
Is she going to ask about me?
Why would she? I’m just the man who bought her?
“So, there’s no ‘Mrs James’ out there, then?” she laughs. “I’m not going to have some jealous wife or girlfriend coming after me?”
“No, don’t worry about that. I was married, but I’m divorced now. These days, I like to keep my personal life uncomplicated. I don’t want to be tied anymore.”
Her eyes widen. “Have there been others?” she asks. “Before me I mean? Have you done this before?”
Well, she was bound to ask that, wasn’t she….
“I suppose that’s a natural question. No, I haven’t done this before; literally buying a woman….”
thisShould I tell her? How much of an impact she made on me in that brochure?
Tread carefully. Don’t put her in the Twilight Zone….
I take her hand. “…. You are unique in that way, Charlotte, and in other ways too I think.”
She frowns. “I’m not sure what you mean?”
“Very few women, especially a young woman like you, would have had the sheer nerve to do what you have done. I admire you for it….
Enough already….
I purposely stretch, yawning widely.
“…. We have an appointment with Michael. Shall we go?”
- Writer
