The Boardroom (New Adult Contemporary Romance) (3 page)

“The past few months have been tiring,” Avery said, frustration in his voice. “I’m just sick to death of being alone. The dating scene sucks and the girls I’ve went out with... well... they’re not for me.” He sighed, looking into his glass. “I thought I had come to terms with flying solo. I definitely don’t
need
anyone.” He glanced at his friends, wondering what they might think about this next part. “But then I started having dreams about this really hot woman. A woman I’ve never actually met in real life.” He chuckled. “I don’t even know if she exists in real life.” He sipped his drink, looking at each of his friends in turn, as if daring them to say something sarcastic.

The guys sat in silence, exchanging looks of concern for their friend. Damon broke the silence. “I understand what you mean, Avery, and I think I know a way to help you out.”

Avery sighed. “Really? And how is that?” Damon was a wild kind of guy; a nice guy, but a born party animal and lady’s man. He was pretty sure he wouldn’t be interested in any of his friend’s dating advice.

“A few of my clients have mentioned this club that caters to the elite; The Boardroom.” He flashed Avery a wicked grin. “They specialize in finding partners for men and women.”

“Partners?” Avery asked. “Damon, I’m not interested in an escort or a fucking stripper! I want...” Avery left it at that, unable to finish the sentence, unsure of exactly what he wanted.

“It’s not like that,” Damon said. “I know you would never go for that kind of thing… and I’d never suggest it, but you should give the place a try. You don’t have anything to lose. We can check the place out tonight.”

“Fine,” Avery mumbled. Humoring his friends was the easiest route. He’d go along willingly and then they could all forget about it after it didn’t work out. If he got stubborn about not going, they’d just get stubborn about making him go.

After several drinks, the guys decided to take a drive to The Boardroom and see what the place was all about. Avery wasn’t sure if it would be best to go alone or with his friends, but they probably wouldn’t believe he went unless they saw with their own eyes, so going as a group became the plan. His faceless love was out there somewhere. She was more than just a product of his over-heated imagination. He could feel it in his bones. She probably wouldn’t be at a place called The Boardroom but he’d never find her if he didn’t start looking sooner or later.

Chapter Six -- Peyton

The girls were gathered around the kitchen table awaiting the arrival of the pizza delivery guy. With classes to attend and homework to do, they had each had a very long and tiring day. Peyton wanted to discuss the possibility of “The Boardroom” with them and get their opinions. She would need their support and help covering for her with her brother and sister.

The pizza arrived and everyone dove in like a pack of wild animals. It was moments like this that reminded Peyton why she worked so hard to provide a safe and loving home for her family. Looking around the table at everyone smiling, laughing, and talking made her heart melt.

She wished her parents could be here to see how well Jacob and Maggie were doing. The grief still had not passed and she wasn’t sure it ever really would. It would take time. She just had to be there for them when the emotions finally surfaced.

She cried herself to sleep many nights, worrying if she’d be strong enough to hold the family together. It was hard to walk through a house that held so many memories, but those same memories made it easier, too, making it sometimes feel like her parents were still there, watching over them. Tonight was one of those moments.

After dinner, Jacob and Maggie went to their rooms to do homework. Thankfully, that was one thing she didn’t have to worry about. They studied hard, determined to do the best they could, and for that, she was grateful.

They were good kids. The discipline their parents had instilled in them easy to see. Peyton knew they would succeed in whatever they decided to do with their lives, which was why she was determined they have every possible opportunity available to them. Even if that meant making extra money at The Boardroom.

With the kids studying and dinner taken care of, the house seemed to be wrapped in a calm quiet; something rare with so many people under one roof. It was time to have a heart-to-heart chat with her friends and get the advice she desperately needed.

The five of them gathered in the living room, glasses of wine at the ready. With the conversation that was coming, a little liquid courage couldn’t hurt.

Peyton cleared her throat and took a large gulp of wine. It was time to get down to business. “Okay. I’ve decided to see what The Boardroom is all about. Money is beyond tight. I have to do something. I need advice... from all of you.” She looked around at her friends. They all nodded, knowing this was a hard conversation for Peyton. They had been friends long enough to know she hated to admit she needed help.

After a lengthy conversation – and two bottles of wine – the group had decided Peyton would call and schedule an interview at The Boardroom. From what they had learned about the private club, the girls could tell it wasn’t a strip club, but more of a dating service for the wealthy.

It sounded safe… and there was a certain amount of adventure attached to the whole idea of working in such a place. With discretion about the club and its members obviously being so important, it should be easy to keep her employment secret. That’s if she could even get hired.

Chapter Seven -- Avery

Avery and the guys filed out of the black stretch limo, ready to see what The Boardroom had to offer. As they approached the entrance, Avery took a deep breath and said a silent prayer, hoping this wouldn’t be a lost cause. Stepping through the entrance, Damon grasped Avery by the shoulder. “Relax buddy. You don’t have to marry anyone tonight. Just relax and have a good time.”

“Right,” Avery muttered, glancing around the main room of The Boardroom.

The room was sterile but strangely luxurious. From floor to ceiling, the walls were constructed of glass, with streams of water rushing from top to bottom. What little light the room had was due to large lave-lamp-like stands at the base of each table throughout the room.

Everything about the The Boardroom shouted power and prestige. The silver furnishings were a nice touch, blending smoothly with the glistening water flowing in the walls. Despite his doubts, Avery thought for a moment this was actually his kind of place. The guys had already made themselves at home at a table near the dance floor in the center of the room. From that spot, they could see what was going on in the entire room.

“That could be a good thing,” Avery mumbled under his breath, still not wanting to admit he liked the place.

A soft, gentle voice brought Avery from his thoughts. “Mr. Roderick, I presume.”

Turning around, Avery noticed a short, heavy-set woman in her late fifties looking up at him. “Yes. I’m Mr. Roderick. And you are?”

“I’m Trixie Davenport,” she said, her eyes roaming his body slowly before returning to his face. “I own this fine establishment.”

“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Davenport. But how do you know who I am? Being this is my first visit here.” Avery asked, a concerned look on his face.

The woman laughed softly. “Oh, my dear boy. It’s Miss Davenport, and I make it my business to know the eligible bachelors in this town, because after all, it really is my business, if you know what I mean,” she said, motioning her hand across the room filled with men and women.

“I see,” Avery said. “Shall we take a seat? I have a few questions about your services.”

“Sure. We’ll chat in my office. I’m assuming privacy is of the utmost importance.” She winked. “It usually is.” She turned before he could think of a response. “This way, Mr. Roderick,” she said, without looking back.

Avery followed Trixie down a narrow hallway to her office. He had so many questions. If Trixie could do everything his friends had said, then he was in good hands, and by the look of the place, Trixie knew what she was doing. He still didn’t think the woman of his dreams would be here, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t.

Entering the office, Avery took a seat in front of Trixie’s desk. He held back a smile, unable to remember the last time he had sat on the client-side of any desk. It was vaguely unsettling, as if he were willingly giving control to someone else. He felt like a child begging for a cookie before dinner.

“Mr. Roderick,” Trixie said, handing Avery a glass of bourbon, “I assume you are searching for something you cannot seem to find. Is this true?” She looked at him, eyebrows raised.

Avery took the offered glass. “Thank you. Yes. I... I have been searching fruitlessly for some time for a remarkable woman.”

“I see,” Trixie said, sipping her bourbon. “A remarkable woman. What exactly does this remarkable woman look like?”

Avery glanced around the office, suddenly feeling foolish. This was insane… but he was here. Might as well see what might happen. “This is going to sound rather… odd,” he said. “I’ve been dreaming of this woman for months. She takes my breath away.” He closed his eyes, seeing her again. “She has the most beautiful sun-kissed skin, long, flowing blonde hair that curls about her gorgeous body as she dances so gracefully.”

“A remarkable woman indeed,” Trixie said. “You share such detail about her, and your longing for her is obvious… but nothing of her face. What color are her eyes?”

“I don’t know,” Avery admitted. “In all the months that she’s consumed my dreams, I have yet to see her face.”

“I will help you,” Trixie said. “She’s out there, Avery. We will find her together.” The conviction in her voice and certainty in her eyes made Avery actually believe they could do it, sending a chill down his spine.

“How does this work, Trixie? How much will your service cost? Not that price is important. I’d pay anything to find her.”

Trixie waved her hand as if shooing away a fly. “We will not talk of money yet, Avery. That comes later.” She stood up. Avery did, too. “I will find your girl,” she continued, escorting Avery to the door. “I am very good at what I do. You simply need to come here when I call you. Be ready!”

“I look forward to your call, Trixie.” Avery responded. Stepping back into the hallway, relief wrapped around his body like a warm blanket on a cold winter night. A smile appeared at the thought of Trixie’s promise. Could she really find his dream woman? He was confident that if anyone could do it, Trixie could. Joining his friends, he was able to have fun and enjoy their conversation. He welcomed the possibilities that were to come and would savor the resulting prize.

Sitting at the table, he watched his friends dance the night away with Trixie’s ladies. The champagne poured as though from a fountain, his glass never seeming to get even close to empty, no matter how much he drank. Trixie’s place was all his friends had said it would be... and more. So much more. Every businessman in the joint seemed overcome with the excitement provided by the ladies at their sides. Soon, he would feel the same way. He just knew it!

Chapter Eight -- Peyton

Today was the day. Peyton had tossed and turned all night thinking about The Boardroom and what it might be like. The butterflies in her stomach fluttered violently each time her thoughts centered on what the club’s clientele would be like.

Her mother had always told her that some men would be honest and loving and caring with their whole heart, while others would only be concerned with their own desires. Those men that went into a relationship only caring about themselves could be very dangerous, caring nothing about the pain they put others through.

Peyton had always listened to her mother and tried hard to live by the rules and words of wisdom she shared. To keep herself safe on this journey, she would have to be constantly vigilant so that she was not taken advantage of by anyone. These men at The Boardroom were wealthy, and most people didn’t get rich by being kind and caring towards others. It was important to remember this was business; nothing more.

Waiting for everyone to leave the house, Peyton sat at the kitchen table, worrying her bottom lip. After she was sure everyone had left, she picked up the phone, took a deep breath, and dialed the number for The Boardroom. “I hope I’m doing the right thing,” she whispered to herself as the phone began to ring.

“The Boardroom,” said a woman on the line.

“Hello,” Peyton said, not expecting the phone to be picked up so soon. “I... ummm... I’m interested in seeking employment. Are you hiring?” She prayed she didn’t suddenly chicken-out and hang up.

“We are,” said the woman. “Let me transfer you to the owner. Trixie will be able to answer your questions. Hold a moment while I transfer you. Okay?”

“Sure. And thank you for your help.” Peyton said as the line clicked.

There was a series of clicks before someone came on the line again. Peyton thought a club serving the wealthy should surely have some music to listen to while on hold. Another click and a woman’s voice came on the line.

“Hello. I’m Trixie Davenport,” the new voice said. “I hear you’re interested in a job at The Boardroom.”

“Yes. I’m a student so I couldn’t work full-time but I’m a hard worker.”

“I see. What’s your name dear?” Trixie asked

“Peyton. Peyton Jameson.”

“Peyton. That’s a lovely name. I’ll be here all afternoon, Peyton. How about you stop by and we can get to know one another. How does that sound?”

“That sounds fine with me. What time would be good, Miss Davenport?” Peyton asked

“Any time, dear. I’ll be waiting. See you soon.” she said before ending the call.

Peyton hung up the phone and rushed upstairs to get ready. She stepped into her closet and froze. What should she wear? Scanning her closet, she grabbed a pair of jeans and a black fitted tank top. Dress clothes weren’t in the budget so a casual look would have to do. She applied her makeup, wanting to make a good impression on the owner. If she could pull this off things would surely improve for her and her family.