"I still don't see him as the gigolo type."
"They’re not all like the movies you know? No fake tan and bleached white teeth. They have to blend in, the kind that escort professional women. I'm sure it doesn't always lead to sex."
"Good, because it isn't tonight."
"He hasn't seen you yet. I bet he’ll give you a freebie." Robin turned Max around so she could see herself in the full length mirror.
"Wow. is that really me?"
"Yep. All those secretaries, and assistants will be dead jealous. And not just because of your man."
Max stared at herself in the mirror, repeating Robin's words. She only wished he was her man, that this truly was a date. Could they slip back into the easy relationship they had spawned yesterday, or would it be awkward after the kiss he had given her? She pressed her lips together, feeling the lipstick coating them. It didn't make kissing easy, so he wouldn't attempt it again, not without risking smudging it before they went to the hotel where the dinner was being hosted. Pity, she thought.
"You're cab is here. Do you have the address you're picking him up from?"
"Yes. Don't worry. I have everything covered."
"Apart from this." Robin slipped a condom into Max's purse.
"I won't need that." Max insisted.
"Good, then you can give it me back tomorrow morning."
Max stuck her hand in her purse, trying to find the small packet in amongst her other stuff. "I can't, what if someone sees it."
"Then they will think you're practising safe sex. More importantly they'll think you really are having sex."
"Robin."
"What? Look, take it, for my sake. I want you to have fun, and if that means fun after the party so be it. Now go."
She shooed Max, condom still in her purse, out of the apartment. Following her out she made sure she was safely stowed in the cab, when Max turned around she could still see her standing waving. She smiled to herself, feeling lucky to have such a good friend. With no real support from her family, she had become dependant on Robin for so much. And Robin never let her down.
"Here's the address," she gave the cab driver a piece of paper with Robin's handwriting on it. It was the address where Dan had said he needed to be picked up. Max expected to have to get out and knock his door, but he was waiting on the corner of the street, black suit, totally devastating, Leaving Max totally lost for words.
"Hi," he said sliding in next to her. His thigh pressed against hers in the back of the cab, which suddenly felt much too small. She swallowed hard, and smiled, the only movement she felt capable of. "You look fantastic," he added.
Still nothing. Her brain flopped around like a stranded fish.
"I wanted to get you flowers, but didn't see how that would work. So I got you this."
It was a small corsage, a thing no one had ever bought her before. Going to boarding school had meant no prom, so no prom date. It was simple touch that meant so much to her. "Thank you," she managed to say, her throat contracting, threatening tears.
"I hope you like it. I've never been to one of these things, so wasn't sure what to wear. I took some advice, and chose this. I hope it's suitable."
"You're perfect... sorry, it's perfect."
"I preferred your first compliment."
She blushed, but couldn't bring herself to look away from him, while he pinned the pretty flowers to her dress.
"You don't think it's too much?" she asked, spreading her hands over her dress.
"No, not at all, all eyes will be on you."
"I know, because I'm with you. Any single woman, and a few that aren't, will be drooling over you in that suit."
She meant every word, now he was seated next to her she could get a better look at him as they passed under the street lights. His shirt was bright white, possible brand new, and set off his tanned complexion, giving him the air of a sheik about to put her over his shoulder and make off with her. She could hope.
The black jacket was well cut, and fitted him perfectly, it look expensive, the fabric high quality, making it hang in such a way it flowed when he moved.
The cab weaved itself through the traffic, nearing their destination. Max struggling not to fiddle nervously with a ringlet of hair which had fallen forward onto her chest, something she hadn't done for years. Instead she managed to curb the urge and push it back into place. She was a woman, not the awkward young girl she used to be.
"So this is a big evening, lots of people there?" he asked, and his voice held the slight waver of nerves.
"Yes. My employees organise it every year. They raise money for charity, everyone is expected to attend. It's not exactly compulsory, but we all know you better have a very good excuse for not being here."
He plucked at his suit, straightening his tie, she could feel the buzz of nerves emanating from him. It worried her that he wasn't used to this kind of thing. Robin had said he escorted professional women to many functions, that he knew how to behave. But Dan looked distracted.
“Are you OK? I could go on my own if this is too much for you."
“No. Sorry, it's been a long day, and I don't usually dress like this, I'll be fine once we're there."
She ducked her head and looked out of the window. "Good, because here we are."
The cab pulled over, Dan got out first, and came around to open the door for her. He stood patiently while she paid the driver, and then held his hand out for her. She took it, her skin brushing against his, igniting a fire she fought to control. Dan looked more at home now, but his inner turmoil seemed to have transmitted to her.
Lots of faces she knew from different departments were going inside. Panic took hold of her firmly, impossible to shake off, she stood rooted to the spot.
Seeing her unsure, he flipped from being the one in need of reassurance, to the man in control. He kissed her hand, which he still held firmly, and smiled. "You look even better now I can see all of you. That dress is going to turn heads."
"Oh, really." Her voice wavered.
“Yes, Max, and for all the right reasons. You look like a voluptuous vamp."
She laughed. “That was not exactly what I was aiming for. I wanted to look classy."
"You do, but with a hint of undiscovered delights."
"I want to go home."
"Don't worry we can face the demons inside together."
"I'm worried I'm going to make a fool of myself, I don't want you to witness that if I do."
"I've made a fool of myself enough times to know it's best not to judge."
She breathed in very slowly, and out again keeping her breath even. "One last thing before we go in."
"Anything."
"I can trust you, can't I Dan?"
"Yes, Maxine. You can,” he said solemnly.
"Only I was wondering why you told me your name was Dan, when you're supposed to be called Drake."
"I thought I told you, I’m more comfortable with Dan. Drake is a bit melodramatic for a business woman like you."
She wanted to ask him if that was his real name, or made up, but she couldn't. Instead she focused on his hand, and the warmth and reassurance he gave her.
"Ready," he asked.
She nodded. "Ready."
He leaned forward and kissed her cheek, whispering, "You look stunning. And no I'm not just saying that, you really do look beautiful."
"Thank you," she said breathlessly, and followed him up the steps, feeling as though she was going to an impending doom. Yet she would go anywhere with him, and that made her a fool. This wasn't real. But for tonight they had to make it real, so she gave herself permission to live in the land of make-believe for the rest of the evening.
However, as they were about to go inside she had second thoughts. What was she doing? Surely it would be better to arrive alone, than to have someone find out she had hired Dan to accompany her. Robin was right, and the whole thing had got out of hand, and needed to stop. She could just imagine her father's face when he heard about it. His chubby daughter disappointing him again.
"Dan, I... "
"Hello, again." Too late to change anything, Phil climbed the steps into the hotel, right behind them. There was no way she could back out, She looked at Dan imploringly, and he seemed to read her mind, he slipped an arm around her shoulder, possessively, and pivoted them both around to present a firm, and very much together, front.
"Hello, Phil. Amy." He reached out and took Amy's hand, his eyes going to hers. Max was mortified to see Amy blush, and cover her mouth with her hand.
Phil had gone red for a different reason. "We'd better get inside." He blustered past Max and Dan.
Amy followed him, saying to Dan on passing, "Perhaps you could save a dance for me?"
Dan simply smiled and watched them leave. Max on the other hand was furious, probably on a par with Phil, but managed to keep her composure. "What the hell was that about ?" she asked once Phil was out of earshot.
"I couldn't resist."
"If you're going to make a fool of me, then please leave now. I'll give you your money, just leave."
"Hey, Max, no. That's not my intention at all."
"Then what is your intention? To make Phil jealous by flirting with his wife."
"A little. She will have her eye on me all evening, but I am not going to leave your side. Phil can stew for a bit."
"That's mean."
"I'm sorry. It's only the way he looked at you last night. It really got me. Thinking there was no way we should be together."
"But he's right isn't he." She lowered her voice to a very quiet whisper. "If I wasn't paying for your services, you wouldn't be here."
"Max. I enjoyed myself last night. More than I have for a very long time. I wish I could explain things to you, but I can't. So for now will you please believe that I genuinely had a great time. And money aside, I would date you in a heart beat."
Max examined his face, using her years of experience with clients to try to read him, If he was lying them he was very good at it. She had no choice but to take his word, and hope he kept his part of the deal.
"By the way, we didn't discuss what job we were going to say you did. I told my secretary you were in construction. I hope you can bluff your way through that."
"Construction. I can go with that. At least you didn't say I was in insurance, or a lawyer."
"I don't think anyone would believe me. You're too fit for an office worker."
"Fit. That's nice to know."
"I mean physically in shape. Nothing more."
"Don't kid yourself, Max. We both know you're attracted to me."
"I've never said that."
"You don't need to. Your lips did all the talking last night."
His hand was on the small of her back, guiding her forward into the bar where drinks were being served. She wanted to turn and give him some clever retort, but she couldn't, her nerves took over, and she felt sixteen again. Awkward and naive. They headed over to the bar, she figured a glass of wine might calm her nerves, but she told herself to stay off the alcoholic punch, to get through the evening, she had to leave her faculties fully functioning.
"Here," he said, passing her a long stemmed glass.
"Thanks," she said, sipping it while looking around the room. Everyone was here, and quite a few people were taking an interest in her and her partner. That's what happened when you always turned up alone or with a girlfriend. Max decided she didn't like being centre of attention, not one bit.
"Should we mingle? Is there anyone you want to talk to?" he asked.
"Not really. We should have come later, and then we could have just slipped into dinner. I feel totally unprepared."
"Then wing it."
"I've never done that in my life."
"Then this is the time to learn." With that he grabbed her hand and propelled her into a group of people. People she didn't know, they must work in a different department. Well, if they were going to do this anywhere, this might be the best place. No one to trip her up, or question her about anything she might say, at a later date.
That plan worked well until she heard. "Oh, hi, there you are Maxine."
She turned to see her secretary, fiancé in tow, heading their way.
"Hi, Shirley and... " She had forgotten his name, but held out her hand to shake his.
"Carl." He filled in for her.
"Of course. Head like a sieve," she said awkwardly.
"And this is Dan who I've heard so much about. But not from Maxine. She has been very secretive about you, I can see why." Shirley eyed him up and down.
Dan smiled. "Good to meet you Shirley." He leaned forward and kissed her on both cheeks, and then shook hands with Carl.
"Likewise. So how long have you been together?"
Straight into interrogation, there was a reason she chose Shirley to work for her. Always ferreting out things her clients might be trying to hide. Usually her questions were welcome, tonight not so much. She looked at Dan, and then said, "Three months."
"That is a long time to keep a secret, as yummy as Dan."
Carl took Shirley's obvious flirtations in his stride, Max liked that about him, he was secure in their relationship, which gave her a pang of guilt, with more than a hint of jealousy.
"We decided to take it slow," Dan added, And slipped his hand around Max's waist, pulling her close. "Now we're full steam ahead. Aren't we honey?"
"Absolutely," Max said, taking a long drink of her wine to calm her nerves.
"What about you guys, Max tells me you're engaged. Set a date yet?"
Max wondered how he knew, then noticed the large engagement ring Shirley liked to flash about. Very observant. And very well played, because Shirley launched into a long description of her wedding dress, the way she wanted the ceremony, complete with a blow by blow account of how she had organised the cake, and flowers. After that Max switched off, her eyes sliding up over Dan's body, to see him smiling indulgently at Shirley. His eyes glittered, filled with warmth, making her heart clench tight. If only it was them organising a wedding. What she wouldn’t give to walk down the aisle with him waiting for her. For a moment she struggled to breathe, her mind filled with the knowledge he would never be hers. Not without a big bank balance, and never for keeps.