Page 1 of Audra: The Prequel

Chapter One

“How do I look?”

Claudia, Audra’s friend and co-worker, checked her appearance in the mirrored door of the elevator, puckering her lips and then turning around to examine the fit of the dress on her backside.

“You look fantastic,” Audra said.

Claudia’s outfit was perfect for the springtime weather during the first week of April. She wore a hot pink bandeau dress that matched her hot pink lipstick, and her blonde hair fell midway down her back in glossy waves.

Audra, on the other hand, looked plain in purple shorts and a white sleeveless top, which she didn’t regret wearing. She hadn’t wanted to come to this party in the first place.

She shouldn’t have let Claudia talk her into coming, but what else did she have to do on a Saturday afternoon? And Claudia didn’t want to come alone. She’d had a big fight with her long distance boyfriend, and when a friend of a friend told her about the get-together, she saw it as an opportunity to meet and nab a man in town.

Of course, Claudia didn’t listen to Audra when she warned that athletes—celebrity males in general—were not exactly thekind of men she should consider for a serious relationship. Audra knew this from firsthand experience.

“I don’t know why I’m so nervous.” Claudia laughed and sent a quick glance her way.

“Because you’re hoping to pick up a man while we’re here, knowing full well you and Kent are going to make up and this will all have been a waste of time.”

Claudia pouted her pink lips. “You’re wrong. We’re not making up this time. I’m done with him.”

The doors opened on the top floor where the party was taking place, at some baseball player’s condo. Members of the team were celebrating the end of spring training and the pending start of the season.

Since Audra didn’t pay attention to sports, she had already forgotten the nickname Claudia said the fans called the host. She vaguely remembered his name meant fast. Was it Lightning….? Mr. Speed? She wasn’t sure.

They walked down the hallway to a door marked with the number eleven-fifty in gold. Music thumped from the inside, and Claudia turned to Audra with excitement in her eyes. She shimmied her shoulders before she rang the doorbell, and almost immediately, a tall white guy with dark hair and a five o’clock shadow swung open the door from the inside.

Is this him—The Rapid One?Audra wondered, trying another name that didn’t sound right, either.

“Well hello, ladies,” he crooned, his eyes practically devouring Claudia. He stepped aside. “Come on in and welcome to the party.”

“Thank you,” Claudia smiled up at him as she sidled past.

Audra followed, hiding her amusement. Claudia was a master at flirting.

There were a few dozen people in attendance, mostly women dressed in revealing outfits. Her discerning eyes flicked overthe decor. She saw white—walls, furniture, and most of the furnishings, which she figured wouldn’t withstand the party atmosphere. What wasn’t white was black. Outside the large windows was a balcony where some of the partygoers had congregated, looking out over the city and the highway nearby.

“I’m Jacob, by the way, and you are…” Jacob extended a hand to Claudia.

“Claudia, and this is my friend, Audra.”

“Nice to meet you both. What can I get you ladies to drink?” He held on to Claudia’s hand, and her friend didn’t pull away.

“I’d like something fruity,” she said.

“I will make you something fruity,” Jacob promised. “Do you have a specific drink in mind?”

“Surprise me.” Claudia twirled a lock of hair around her finger.

“Will do. And what can I get for you, Audra?”

“Coke is fine,” she replied.

“A non-drinker. Smart woman. I’ll be right back.” Jacob winked and strutted away.

“You’re being real subtle,” Audra teased.

“I told you I came here to get a man, and I meant it,” Claudia said out the corner of her mouth. “Let’s see what other fine specimens are available for me to sink my claws into.”

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