The Boardroom (New Adult Contemporary Romance) (4 page)

Taking another look in the mirror, satisfied with how she looked, she grabbed her purse and headed for the front door, snatching her keys off the kitchen counter as she went. Making sure the door was locked, she got in her car and headed to her interview.

Across town, Peyton pulled into the empty parking lot of The Boardroom. She felt that if she opened the car door, the butterflies in her stomach would cause her to float away. She had to get herself together. She took a few deep breaths and got out of the car. “You can do this. You can do this.” she said to herself as she approached the front doors.

The Boardroom wasn’t as big as she thought it would be. It was a nice size club for sure. The outside of the building was like any other club. Nothing special really, but she was sure the inside would be a different story altogether.

Once inside, Peyton stopped, frozen in place as she looked around. She didn’t see any employees so she waited. The club was absolutely gorgeous. The waterfall walls of glass were stunning. Everything in the place was glass and silver... very elegant. The simplicity of the decor was unique. The lack of color was interesting but it would make the people in the club more noticeable. They would be the focal point, with nothing taking away from what mattered.

“You must be Peyton,” said a young woman.

Peyton turned in the direction of the voice. “Yes. I called earlier about a job.”

“Come with me. I’ll take you to Trixie’s office. I’m Ashley, by the way.” she said

“Nice to meet you, Ashley. How do you like working here?” Peyton asked.

“It’s great. Trixie’s really nice. We have a lot of fun here.” Ashley said as she knocked on Trixie’s door.

“Come in.”

“Trixie? Peyton is here to see you about a job.”

“Right. Come on in and have a seat.”

Peyton entered the office, looking around nervously. A pretty middle-aged woman sat behind the desk. She gestured towards a chair across from her desk, smling. “Nice to meet you, Peyton.”

“Nice to meet you, too, Miss Davenport,” Peyton said as she sat down. “Could you tell me what exactly the job consists of? I guess I should have asked on the phone.”

“Oh no, dear, that’s quite alright. We have nothing to hide. Here at The Boardroom, we help to connect eligible bachelors with a young woman they can have a good time with. We aren’t an escort service so you aren’t expected to do anything you don’t want to do. I leave your actions up to you.” She levelled a stern gaze at Peyton. “But sex is a no-no inside my club. No exceptions.”

“Okay,” Peyton said, relaxing as relief flooded through her. “I was a little worried about that,” she said, shyly.

“Tell me a little about yourself, Peyton.”

“Well, like I mentioned when I called the first time, I’m a student. My parents died in a car accident about a year ago. Since then, I’ve been taking care of my younger brother and sister. I love dancing but haven’t been able to be as active as I’d like with it since the accident.” She shrugged. “Money has been tight so other things have had to come before my own passions.”

“Would you be interested in dancing with the gentlemen here that enjoy a dance now and then?”

“Sure,” Peyton said. “I’d like that very much.” She hesitated, unsure of how to ask the next question. It was important – and a perfectly normal question to ask – so the direct approach was probably best. “What’s the pay like?”

“My girls are paid well,” Trixie said with a smile. “It varies, but around twenty an hour to start plus tips… and any gifts the gentlemen provide you.”

Peyton’s eyes lit up. Twenty an hour was more than she had expected, and more than she had ever made before. She’d finally be able to get caught up on all the bills, and things like Maggie’s cheerleading would be no problem at all.

Trixie noticed her smile. “I take it you’re interested in working for me then?”

“Absolutely,” Peyton said, hoping she didn’t start crying tears of joy in front of her new employer. “When can I start?”

“Tomorrow night at six will do just fine. Be here at five, though, to get dolled up and dressed for the dance floor.”

“Okay,” Peyton said, standing. “And thank you for the job, Miss Davenport.” She couldn’t wipe the smile off her face.

Trixie smiled back. “See you tomorrow, Peyton… and welcome to The Boardroom.”

Chapter Nine -- Avery

Avery couldn’t stop thinking about his meeting with Trixie. Every time the phone rang, he wanted it to be her. His concentration had been shitty all day. It had only been a few days and he was sure even she couldn’t work that fast, but he couldn’t resist hoping.

The past few nights had been more of the same. The same dream, the same woman, the same empty feeling when he awoke alone. Sitting at his desk, he tried to review his open cases and prepare for Dawson’s big court battle, although it was basically a lost cause. He hadn’t been lying or using scare tactics with the kid. His situation was bad and there’d be no saving his ass this time. There would definitely be jail time. The only question that remained was how much time would be spent behind bars?

“Mr. Roderick,” Alice called out. “You have a call from a Miss Davenport on line one.”

“Thanks you, Alice.” Avery quickly snatched up the phone. “Miss Davenport,” he said, forcing his voice to remain calm and professional. “It’s good to hear from you.” He had waited for Trixie to call and now that she had, he was overcome with nerves, shaking with excitement.

“I think I’ve found your gal, Avery,” she chirped

Avery was shocked. “I... I expected it to take longer.” Doubt and hope fought within him. “How do you know she’s the one?”

“She loves to dance,” Trixie said, her voice filled with confidence. “She has a beautiful tan complexion, her hair is just as you described, and she seems to be a truly remarkable woman. If age isn’t a factor for you then I’d say I’ve been successful. She really just dropped into my lap all of a sudden… as if fate led her to me at just the right time.”

“I... I don’t know what to say. How old is she?” He hoped the age difference wasn’t too great, although he had no way of knowing how old the woman who visited him in his dreams was.

“She’s in her early twenties; a student at the local university. She’s a beautiful girl, with siblings to take care of,” Trixie replied. “She inquired about a job to pay for school and to help support her family. She’s rather charming.”

“Right,” Avery said. She did sound charming. “So how does this work? When should I come to the club to meet her?” He could no longer keep the excitement – the eagerness – out of his voice.

Trixie chuckled good-naturedly. “And you doubted me, didn’t you, Mr. Roderick?” She continued before he could reply. “She will be available as a dance partner next Friday. You should stop by for a dance and get to know her.”

“Okay,” Avery said, a question popping into his mind at the last second. “Trixie? Could you tell me her name?”

“Of course. It’s Peyton. Peyton Jameson.”

Avery smiled. It was a beautiful name. “I’ll see you next Friday then. Thank you, Trixie.”

“You’re very welcome, Mr. Roderick.”

Chapter Ten -- Peyton

Peyton had spent last Saturday at The Boardroom shadowing some of the other girls, learning all she could about the club. She danced with a few nice gentleman. She wasn’t much of a drinker so she had a lot to learn in that respect, but dancing was a whole other story; she could do that with her eyes closed.

The other girls had told her making conversation was awkward at first but got easier if she relaxed and acted as though she were on a regular date. “Just have fun and enjoy yourself” was the general strategy shared by everyone.

She was scheduled to work every Friday night and Saturday night, allowing her to continue going to school, and her friends would help take care of her brother and sister so there wasn’t anything to worry about there. Working two days a week would be a nice change of pace from waiting tables at the local pizza place or campus coffee shop, and the pay was better. Much better.

Peyton talked with her friends about the job and they were excited for her. It was an adventure – something new and exciting – and to be honest, she really hadn’t allowed herself the chance to experience very much after the loss of her parents. Her life had become quite boring and simple. The Boardroom would change all of that, at least for a while.

She showered, pulled her long hair into a ponytail, slipped into a comfy pair of jeans and a t-shirt, and slid her feet into a pair of flip flops. She was almost ready to head to the club, but she needed a couple of things before heading out the door.

Trixie had told her the club would provide her outfits, which took a load off her mind. There was no way she could afford fancy dresses, but she didn’t know if the provided outfits included shoes; at least shoes that were guaranteed to fit, and shoes that fit were a requirement if she was going to be spending time on a dance floor. She ran to her closet and grabbed a couple pairs… just in case.

The drive to the club went faster than expected. She thought she’d be nervous but she wasn’t. After all, dancing was something she really enjoyed. Even if her dancing partner wasn’t the best, she’d suck it up and smile. It would be worth the money.

Turning into the parking lot, she saw it was already filling up with expensive cars and even a few limousines. She parked in the designated employee parking area on the side of the building and headed inside. Soft music was playing and the lights were dim throughout the bar. The ambiance was nice and relaxing, an atmosphere for slow dances and conversation and getting to know someone; not the typical eardrum-shattering, strobe-flashing club scene.

Peyton slipped down the hallway to the dressing area and found Ashley, the girl assigned to help her get ready to hit the dance floor tonight. At least two dozen other girls sat in front of dressing mirrors, preparing for the night. Everyone looked happy and ready for whatever might happen. She followed Ashley to her dressing table in the back of the room. Flicking on the lights lining her table, she took a seat.

“I’ll be back with your dress and shoes in just a minute,” Ashley said

“Okay. Thanks.” The butterflies in her stomach, which had been remarkably calm all day, were flapping their wings like crazy now.

Ashley returned with the most stunning little black dress. It was a strapless, fitted dress that hit just above mid-thigh. She had never worn anything so short before. But it was gorgeous. Ashley helped her get her makeup and hair just right.

“All done. You look gorgeous, Peyton.” Ashley chirped, a big smile on her face.

Peyton looked at her reflection in the mirror. “I feel like a princess.”

“You should,” Ashley said as they headed for the hallway, “because there are dozens of Prince Charmings out there tonight… and you’re going to be very popular. You look amazing, girlfriend.”

“Thank you, Ashley… for everything.”

“Smile,” Ashley said. “You’re going to do fine.”

Chapter Eleven -- Avery

Avery had been looking forward to tonight ever since Trixie called. He couldn’t wait to see Peyton. He talked to juries and judges all the time but he had spent all week thinking about what to say to this particular woman. He wasn’t normally a nervous person, but tonight he was as restless and nervous as anyone could be.

Entering The Boardroom, he let the music wash over him, relaxing the tension and nervousness that had taken residence in his muscles. Head held high, he walked into the main area and scanned the dance floor for Peyton, wondering if he might be able to recognize her. She wasn’t there… at least not that he could tell. Before he could take a seat, a flash of black moving to the edge of the dance floor caught his attention.

A young blonde in a tiny black dress stepped onto the dance floor with a middle-aged man. Avery watched them dance, trying to get a glimpse of her face each time they circled the floor but he couldn’t quiet catch a clear view. His pulse quickened as he watched them – watched her. He moved closer, wanting to see her more clearly.

The long, flowing hair, the elegant and graceful way she moved her body. He resisted the urge to pinch himself, wondering if he was dreaming again, with the lush meadow now replaced with the interior of the club. When the song came to an end the couple turned to leave and he finally saw her face, the face he had yearned so long to see. His heart stopped and he felt unable to draw breath as he came face to face with an angel... his angel. She was the one. He couldn’t say how he knew, but he had no doubt. “Mine,” he mumbled to himself as they walked up the steps beside him.

Avery had to have this enchanting creature. He approached the couple, knowing he must dance with her, to hold her tight and feel her skin against his own. Reaching out, he lightly touched her arm. She turned towards him, the sweetest smile lighting up her delicate features.

“Excuse me. Would you like to dance?” he asked

“It would be my pleasure.” she responded, that angelic smile making a strange warmth radiate through him. She quickly thanked the other gentleman for the dance and wished him a good evening.

Avery extended his hand to her and she slipped her soft delicate hand into his. “My name is Avery. Avery Roderick,” he said as they stepped onto the dance floor.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Avery,” she said, smiling up at him. “My name is Peyton.”

Peyton. It
was
her. Trixie had done the impossible and found his dream woman. He looked upon her face and couldn’t for the life of him stop smiling. Not that he wanted to. He pulled Peyton closer, holding her tight, taking in the sweet smell of vanilla. Oh how he loved the smell of her. She was more intoxicating than he could have imagined. The longer they danced, the more she smiled, the more free she seemed to become.

“What do you do for a living, Avery?” she asked sweetly.

“I’m a criminal attorney,” he said, not really liking to talk about his work. Most people didn’t appreciate lawyers that helped criminals. But somebody had to do it. Everyone deserved legal representation. Even the bad guys.