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“Fine, order the clothing. At least then I won’t have to do the walk of shame in my dress from last night.”
I grab my phone and text the concierge. “Done. They will send up a few things shortly. That way, you can have some outfits left here for next time. Want to go upstairs to the rooftop terrace? It’s a nice day. They usually have some sort of breakfast buffet. We can lay by the pool.”
“That sounds amazing. Except I don’t have clothes, in case you forgot.” She points to the T-shirt she is wearing. “Besides, I probably need to get going soon. I don’t want to be late for my first day back.”
I laugh, “You’re right, of course. I don’t want anyone ogling your legs except for me.”
An hour later, the concierge delivers the clothing. I have them bring up enough clothing that she could stay more than a week if she wanted to. She tries to get me to return some of it to the store, claiming it’s too much. Buying things for her makes me happy. I get the feeling that she isn’t used to this much attention, which makes me want to spoil her more.
Eventually, it is time for her to head to work. I try to talk her into staying with me, but she won’t ignore her commitment. I admire that about her.
I walk Lana outside to the front of my building while the valet goes to retrieve her car.
I wrap my arms around her in a hug. “I wish you could stay with me for a few more hours.”
“Me too. But I’ve already committed to this,” she reminds me.
“Don’t work next Saturday, okay? I want you with me. I will plan something special.”
She smiles and nuzzles my nose with hers. “I don’t need anything special. I just want to be with you. We can talk about it Monday, okay?”
Just then, I hear the sick sounds of a car pulling up to the curb, sputtering and, squeaking, and the smell of smoke rends the air. I look over to Lana and notice her face has pinkened.
“Please tell me that this is not your car?”
“Yep, this is Bessy!” she says, a tinge of embarrassment in her voice.
“You named this thing?” I ask, exasperation creeping into my voice.
“Well, not until just now. I just realized the old girl needs a name if she’s going to be parked outside of this fancy place.”
“Why is it squeaking?” I ask hesitantly, not sure I want to know the answer.
“Oh, I think it just needs the brakes replaced or something. I haven’t had a chance to take it in for service.”
First, I find out that she has a second job. Now I see this horrible excuse for a car. I get a sinking feeling in my stomach.
“Lana, I didn’t know I was paying you so little. Liz assured me it was a competitive salary. I will fix this immediately.”
“I am paid very well. And I like my car. You’re hurting Bessy’s feelings,” she says chidingly.
I shake my head at her and pull out my phone. “What’s your favorite color?”
“Why?”
“Because I’m going to get you a car.”
“You most definitely are not buying me a car!” she says in the most haughty and offended tone I’ve ever heard from her.
I choose to ignore both her words and her tone. No woman of mine is going to drive that scary-looking vehicle. “Again, what’s your favorite color? Red? I think you’d look nice in red.”
“Do not buy me a car, Jake. I won’t accept it.”
“I think a little SUV would be good.”
“This is very insulting. I’m not your little paid hooker.”
“You’re right. I wouldn’t pay a hooker this much. Now, be quiet. You’re getting the car. I want you to be safe, and that’s all I have to say about that.”
