Page 10 of Lightness In My Dark

“This lifestyle expects a certain appearance, and your wardrobe won’t cut it for many occasions.”

I entered the oversized walk-in, which had double hangings and shoe space on each side, drawers, and a mirror at the far end. An island in the middle had a bench on one side, facing the mirror. My hand ran along the clothes and shoes: silks, lace, pleats, high heels, and leather boots. Making the mistake of opening one drawer produced an array of lingerie, bras, and underwear. I slammed it shut, a warm flush to my cheeks at the thought of wearing them.

I avoided him when I asked, “How did you know my size?” He didn’t reply, so I turned to find his eyes roaming over me.

“I checked the clothes you had sent, about a size eight, and I guessed with others.” A Joker’s grin spread across his face as he said, “I can always send back what doesn’t fit,”—as he dangled a thong on his finger— “except for the lingerie.” And there he was again, rattling me.

A lump the size of a rock lodged in my throat as I gulped and turned away. “Pink isn’t my color.”

“Yes, I’m aware.” He walked over to my grandmother’s dresser and slid a drawer open. “It seems black, grays, and browns are your color.” Finn tilted his head to the side. “I want people’s eyes to pop when they see you, not wonder if you came from a funeral or lost a bet.” I pressed my lips together in a smirk.

Bold, beautiful, and arrogant with a twist of sarcastic humor. Of course, it’s at my expense.

We all stood for a moment before Finn asked, “Are you hungry?”

I looked around the room. “Not now. I wouldn’t mind unpacking my things and getting settled.”

He nodded and before they left said, “Maybe we’ll see you in a few hours? I’ll throw steaks on the grill. I gave Chef Dan the day off.”

Before I could enquire about Chef Dan, the door shut, leaving me in a state of bliss, until my thoughts strolled backwards over the last weeks. My job cut me loose like leftover thread, which frayed when I accepted the proposition. Alone, shuffling through recent events, decisions, balancing on a tightrope of sadness and fear. I kicked my shoes off, climbed onto the bed, grabbed a pillow, and hugged it against me. Tears escaped. A stranger to this lifestyle, I’d have to find my way through the maze and haze of new people and customs. These choices sucked the air from my lungs, zapped my nerves, leaving me drowning in doubt. I left my world for Finn’s. I closed my eyes and kept reciting to myself,you’re here for ten million dollars. Although it would provide me freedom to do what I wanted, the hollowness of the words extracted more tears, and then I gave into sleep.

A light knock on the door startled me awake. I opened it to Cole. “Are you okay? It’s seven pm. Are you hungry?”

I touched my cheek. “The trip tired me out, and I fell asleep. Let me make myself halfway decent and I’ll be down.”

I threw some water on my face to wash away the tear streaks. From my dresser, I slipped on a pair of yoga pants and a baggy “Highly Meditated” sweatshirt that came down inches above the knees. I went downstairs and heard laughter behind two double-doors. As I put my ear to the door, it opened, hitting me in the head.

“Ow!”

Finn’s eyebrows knitted together. “What are you doing?”

I rubbed the side of my head. “I was listening to see if you were in here.” My hands fidgeted with my sleeves. “… you hit me with the door.”

He took my hand and pulled me inside as he whispered, “We have a surprise visitor.” My jaw tightened. Inside the room were Cole and another man. The other man stared at me, sizing me up and down.

Cole's smile settled my nerves as I stretched the end of my sleeves and bit my lip. “I apologize for not dressing better. I didn’t know we had company.”

“You look fine,” the man responded.

Finn sat on the arm of a chair. “This redhead with a constant sunburn is my friend Kye. Kye, this is Wren. Kye and I have been friends for many years now.”

I gave a slight nod. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Kye approached, and I unconsciously took a step back. He put his hands up. “I was just going to give you a hug.” My thumb found its steady brush as I let him hug me without returning it, but he held me longer than I liked. He released me with his hands still on my shoulders and said, “The pleasure is all mine.” I squirmed for him to let me loose, which he did. His eyebrows bobbed up and down. I let out a laugh although my inner self was screamingcreep.

Finn pushed Kye’s shoulder. “Hey, quit goosin my gal.”

My face scrunched in confusion, but no one explained what that meant.

Kye glanced at my hand and asked, “Where’s the rock?” He looked at Finn. “Didn’t you even buy the poor girl a ring?”

I could tell Finn was searching for an answer, so I spoke up. “Oh, it’s at the jewelers. It needed to be resized.”

Kye shrugged at my response and offered me one of the high leatherback chairs. He sat on the end of the couch closest to me, scoping me out. Finn handed me a beer, and I thanked him. Cole had left the room while the two of them remained quiet, as if they were waiting for me to say something. I took a swig of beer, played with the label, neither one reaching for their own drinks. I tucked my legs underneath me, yanking the sweatshirt over my knees.

“Wren”—Kye began— “how did you two meet?” Finn didn’t respond, so I assumed it was safe for me to make up whatever.

“Well…” I looked at Finn and back to Kye. “We met at a club.”

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