CHAPTER 10 - LEO
“Oh my god, you didn’t tell me he was this rich,” Sarah says as we walk into the elevator that takes us to Ethan’s private hallway, leading us to the large double doors of his penthouse. Completely unaware of the perspiration that is gathering on my forehead and the churning of anxiety in my stomach. Fucking Ethan. He makes me nervous as hell and forgive me if I am wary of this impromptu dinner. I’m not very good at mingling and striking up conversation with strangers. Let alone strangers from a world of money and power. I’m sure they will notice my suit is from an unknown department store, rather than a designer that charges more than my yearly salary. But I scrub up well enough. My suit is very basic, black jacket and pants with a light blue shirt underneath. Simple and classic, according to Sarah, who looks stunning in a simple black fitted dress with thin straps, and stilettos that look like a weapon. Her hair is freely flowing and her makeup isperfect.
When I told Sarah yesterday about Ethan’s proposal and what it could mean for me, she was suddenly supportive. It’s amazing how money makes everything better. It’s nice to see her happy as it’s been a long time. She has spent most of the day trying to decide what to wear. It’s the first time our apartment was filled with life. Happiness, but that’s only on Sarah’s side, I’ve been a nervous wreck questioning why this is all happening.
“I told you he owns the Infinity Hotel chain,” I say.
“Yes, but I thought he would be, like, you know, just rich. not this rich. He must be a billionaire!” she whisper shouts, excited like a child on Christmas morning. I’ve no idea how rich Ethan is, I’m too skeptical of his sudden interest in me and my work. It doesn’t make sense and I hardly slept last night mulling it over and over in my head.
“Does it matter?” I mumble as I press the doorbell. Sarah is about to respond when the doors open to the most lavish entrance hallway I have ever seen. It screams wealth and too much money to spend. It’s more like a hotel than a home. Then again, who am I to judge? I live in something akin to a cereal box. The young man who is dressed like a waiter, doesn’t speak and moves to the side to allow us in.
Footsteps click on the shiny marble floors and around the corner of one of the two large white pillars in the center of the hallway appears Ethan. I know Sarah will lust after him, he is every woman’s fantasy. Tall, dark, very handsome, rich and arrogant with a hint of weird.I’m jealous. This guy has everything in life. I bet he doesn’t spend every night having a conversation with a crack in his kitchen wall.
Then something hits me and I stop in the entrance hall. Something doesn’t feel right. Why are there no other people here? Does this penthouse have another level? I expected music and people milling around with glasses of champagne in their hands.
I look at Ethan, and he is immaculate in a way that borders on artificial. A tailored black suit, deep red shirt, no tie. His face is calm, handsome in a harsh, dangerous way, eyes like dark glass that never quite reflect what’s looking into them. And his eyes are on me. I gulp under his scrutiny.
I turn to look at Sarah who is openly checking him out. Not surprising.
Ethan lifts the glass of wine in his hand, “I’m glad you came.”
“Thank you for the invitation,” Sarah says quickly, already smiling too hard. “This place is beautiful.”
“It serves its purpose,” Ethan replies.
His gaze never leaves mine. My pulse is too loud in my ears. Something about the attention makes my skin feel almost transparent. I’m used to being overlooked, passed through. This is the opposite. This is beingseentoo clearly and it gets worse every time I see him.
“Are the other guests joining us soon?” I ask, and Ethan tilts his head slightly to the side, like he is processing the question.
“I’ll be direct,” Ethan says as he takes a step closer.
Sarah straightens next to me while my stomach drops waiting for a bombshell to implode my expectations.
“That was a lie to get you here. I have a different proposition for you both. Come. Let’s sit for dinner.”
Wait, he what? Lied? What the fuck is going on?
We follow him out of the hallway towards an open plan living area that has me grounded on the spot. Fucking hell. Gorgeous. That’s all I can say. The whole area is surrounded by a wall of windows with the sparkling lights of the city, creating the most jawdropping backdrop I have ever seen. My mouth is agape, I turn and look at the homely yet modern furnishings in this living room, two large cream sofas take up the center of the room. To the far right is a dining table large enough to seat an entire baseball team and their partners. Then to the left is the biggest open kitchen I have ever seen. Natural wood with dark gray cabinets make it look elegant and welcoming. My eyes wander to the three people in the kitchen who appear to be staff, working busily away on our meal. This can’t be real. Who the fuck has staff in their home?
“Let’s eat,” Ethan says and directs us to our seats and the beautifully present table. Tapered candles create a romantic feel which is so out of place for this meeting. The vibe contradicts the intention. This feels like a date rather than a potential business meeting. Or am I looking too far into this?
“Yes, that sounds great!” Sarah says enthusiastically, flicking her hair over her shoulder, openly tryingto flirt with the guy, but it’s pointless as he is paying no attention to her. I roll my eyes and walk over to the table where we take our seats. Ethan sits at the head of the table, myself and Sarah sitting across from one another, me on his left and I can’t help but feel on edge without Sarah at my side. This is like being in a meeting at school with the principal.
One of the kitchen staff comes over, offering us a drink.
“Red wine please,” Sarah responds. I’m not sure whether to get drunk to endure tonight or keep my wits about myself and drink water. Fuck that.
“A beer if you have one. Please,” I say.
“I have everything you could want, Leo,” he says before retreating from the table to go and talk to the kitchen staff. Why do I feel like his comment has an underlying meaning?
“Leo, you need to relax. Don’t embarrass me,” Sarah whisper-shouts across the table at me, and I’m shocked that she has even uttered those words.
“Embarrass you? I’m not the one flirting acting like I’m single. Plus, he is my boss, so I should be the one who is embarrassed,” I hiss.
“Leo, don’t be insecure. Just be nice.” She smiles sweetly at me, but with an edge that makes me know it’s not real. Whatever.
“Dinner is ready, if you’re both good to eat now?” Ethan says as he returns to his seat along with a server who places our drinks in front of us.
