Page 51 of Prince Charmless
“Exactly,” she says. “What’s the worst people could say about me? I don’t have any skeletons in my closet. The news cycle goes so fast, I bet people will forget all about me in a couple of days. It happened the last time.”
“Do you think we can fork it?” Tom asks me like an orphaned child.
I look at Melina and picture her next to me in a fancy dress. I’ve told her about the consequences, right? She’s a grown and educated woman. And one that I like talking to more than most.
I picture the dress being tight and low-cut.
“If you’re sure, I’m sure.”
She shrugs. “What are friends for?”
17
Melina
“Maybe I shouldn’t have asked for money,” I say as Alex hands me a check. “This feels a little escorty.”
I look down at the dress I’m wearing. The dress Taylor paid for. This is totally the plot ofPretty Woman. I think a part of me asked for money just to prove to everyone, and maybe myself, that this is purely a business decision. Being paid announces to the ether that I’m only here for the coin andnotbecause going on a date with Taylor piques my morbid curiosity. And definitely not because I’d be jealous of him standing next to some other broad. Now that I’m able to handle Taylor’s antics, he’s just a guy I can tolerate who also happens to be attractive. I should tread carefully.
“You should’ve asked for a lot more,” Alex assures me.
Should I have? Taylor phrased it as ‘taking my anonymity for granted’, but it’s just one night, right? I’m really not that interesting a person. I don’t think the press will care about me for that long.
I stand an inch above Taylor’s private secretary in my high heels. This is exactly why I never wear them. I hate looking like a skyscraper. My womanly height of five feet ten inches is already just shy of circus freak. Taylor is very tall, however, and there’s no chance of me towering over him unless I’m wearing stripper heels. Though I might be able to finally look him in the eyes.
Alex tells me he’ll be right back, then leaves me by the door. This is the fourth time I’ve been to Taylor’s house. Who knew our friendship could come this far? We’ve actually been texting. Well, I text him. I ask questions about how his day is going,and he’s quick to respond with vague one-word answers. I’ve realized Taylor’s a lot like my cat, Popcorn. I put in lots of effort on my side of the friendship, and in return, between the snarky remarks and claw marks on my skin, I sometimes get a glimpse of his soft underbelly.
I preen myself in the reflection of a window. Rachel took me shopping and we found a dress that didn’t have to be tailored. The one-shoulder gown is made of a trillion little sequins, so the fabric appears glossy in the light. Rachel said the rich burgundy color goes well with my undertone. I’m not sure what an undertone is, but I’ll take her word for it.
After staring at the painting of the sailboat for what seems like forever, I start to wonder if I’ve been forgotten about.
“Alex?” I call out.
My heels echo against the marble as I slowly walk down the hall. Peeking into the living room, I make eye contact with a man I was not expecting. Not Alex, not Taylor, buttheCrown Prince David, the man who will be king in a couple of years, depending on the Queen’s health. Taylor didn’t tell me his dad would be attending this thing.
Prince David wears a double-breasted, gold-buttoned suit. His position is casual. Jacket open, one hand in a pocket, the other on a cigarette. The ever-majestic Vinnie sits by his side, holding a stuffed carrot in his mouth. I’ve seen this person plenty of times in the media, but only now am I realizing how much he resembles Taylor, just a lot older.
The Prince takes a long drag before asking, “And you might you be?”
“Um—”
“Are you the new Alex? I thought Taylor liked him.”
Vinnie trots over to present the carrot at my feet.
“No. I’m not,” I say.
“Well, next time you break into a house, I would wear something a bit more practical.” His deadpan inflection is the exact same as Taylor’s.
“I’m not an intruder. I’m...I’m Melina.”
I sound like an awkward little kid.
The Prince smiles. “You’re Melina?” he asks like he’s heard of my name.
I don’t know why he would have.
“Uh, yes?”
