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“Well for starters, I’m not sleeping with you for money,” I blurt out.
“Never planned that you would,” he tells me, looking over the edge of his mug as he takes a drink. “When you do, it’ll be because you want to, not because I’m paying you.”
“Really? I’m not even addressing that last part. Anyways, I need to be clear about what’s expected of me. If I understand what you’ve laid out so far, you need someone to attend evening events with you. Business dinners, cocktail mixers and a gala, those types of things?”
“Exactly, a perfect blend of brains and beauty.” He winks and I roll my eyes.
“Thanks… I think. So, how long will you be requiring my services? You mentioned two weeks?”
“Yes, a couple of weeks should cover everything I’m needed here for. Then, we will head back to San Francisco, and you can get on with your life.” His jaw ticks as he says it, and it stings a little how he plans to dismiss me.
“About that. You mentioned you were willing to pay me twenty-five grand, and while I could use the money, more than you could imagine, I need something money can’t buy. Or, in your case, I guess it does, but I need connections,” I start, nervous he will reject the idea.
“What exactly are you asking for?” he questions, his firm arms now crossed tightly over his chest.
“I would like you to pay me by doing me a favor. Help me land an interview with Tate and Cane. I don’t expect you to arrange for me to be hired, just a meeting where I can explore permanent employment possibilities and pass along my portfolio.”
While he’s momentarily stunned into silence, I use it to my advantage and keep going. “I would prefer to earn the job on my own merit, but I’m not above asking you to set a up meeting. First rule of business, It’s who you know.”
“And as for payment,” I decide to press my luck, “an hourly wage of what you would pay an assistant should suffice, provided you are still covering travel expenses, required wardrobe and meals. Sound fair?” I hold my breath, waiting to see what he will say.
“So, it’s a job you’re after?” His tone is flat.
“Yes, even though I won’t be able to walk with my class, I graduate in a couple weeks. I was looking at relocating to attend MBA school, anyway, so why not New York? This is the perfect opportunity.”
“So it would seem.” He stands and walks over to the sink, dumping the remainder of his drink out. Then he grabs something off the counter that turns out to be a wallet. “For these next two weeks, you’re mine from 3:00 pm to midnight, seven days a week. My assistant would make around twenty-five dollars per hour; normally that would include full benefits, but that won’t be necessary in this case. I’ll have it all drafted up for you to sign. All expenses, shopping, salon, groceries, anything… put on this.” He hands me a shiny black card, but this one is plastic and feels like lead in my hand because I know what type of card this is, and the credit line is more money that I’ve ever imagined possessing.
Speechless, I take the card, and he nods. “I need to get in to the office. Hit a few stores today to obtain a wardrobe. Don’t worry; I’ve arranged a car service and a personal shopper to assist you. They will have a list if what we need, so enjoy your day, and I’ll send for you around 5:00 PM sharp. Please don’t be late.” And with that, he turns to head to his room.
Welcome to New York. Walking to look out the windows, I stare out at the city coming to life in the morning light, and I can’t help but feel like he’s angry with me for some reason. The thought sits heavy on my chest.
