“Thank you so much for visiting Elite San Antonio, and I hope your experience with us was pleasurable. Good night Mr. and Mrs. Porter,” Arianna said with a tight smile on her face.
She had worked a double that day, and her dogs were barking, courtesy of her Chanel patent leather pumps. Normally, Arianna wouldn’t have dreamed of purchasing something so expensive, but a coworker put her on a luxury consignment website with reasonable prices on luxury name-brand clothing and shoes. The plus side was that Arianna could pay in monthly installments, saving her from pinching pennies at the end of the month.
Elite San Antonio was a state-of-the-art country club new to the city, and everyone fortunate enough to be a member had deep pockets, power, and an ego the size of the state of Texas. Coincidentally, the owner expected the staff to look the part as well.
“Thank you, Arianna. As usual, your service was wonderful,” Mr. Porter grinned, offering his hand.
“You’re very welcome. Will I see you and Mrs. Porter next week, same time?” Arianna asked, accepting his hand.
“Of course, dear, at our usual time. Take care, Arianna.”
“Good night, Mrs. Porter. Please don’t forget about yoga tomorrow at 9:00 AM with Mrs. Hendricks and Mrs. Murphy,” Arianna reminded her.
“Thank you so much for the reminder. I’ll be here!”
Arianna finished saying her polite farewells and collapsed in her chair as soon as the couple exited through the rustically crafted arched double doors. Arianna looked into the palm of her hand and was thrilled at the sight of the crisp but folded $50.00 bill that Mr. Porter blessed
her with. Her nose wrinkled in disgust when she noticed he also left a little note inside the folded bill to call him.
Fielding the ongoing advances of their members was the only downfall of Arianna’s job as a receptionist. She was also sometimes expected to act as a personal concierge even though it wasn’t in her job description. Arianna was hit on from the time she arrived in the morning until she called it a day and was safely in her vehicle. There was only one case where a member went too far. He was drunk, overly vulgar, and groped her before being escorted out. A part of Arianna felt disgusted and violated by his behavior, but he apologized the next day and gave her a check for $5,000.00 to show he was “sincere.”
Arianna was quick to accept the check and informed him all was forgiven. Arianna didn’t mind accepting his payoff as long as her lights remained on and she still had a place to rest her head at night. The money also made an excellent contribution to her college fund. If Arianna was candid, she hoped it would happen again so that she could get another check. Arianna wasn’t a whore, but she also wouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
Arianna wished she could say it was only the men in love with the cocoa, but she was approached by many women who wanted to engage in a dalliance or desired to have a threesome with her and their husbands. Arianna, of course, turned them down; however, she couldn’t turn
down Mrs. Klein, who requested a massage. That massage came with a $1,000.00 tip, and Arianna wasn’t required to scissor or eat her pussy. That was a win in her book.
Arianna recently graduated from high school and had plans to attend college. She relied on the college fund her deceased grandparents left to get her through the next four years. She was accepted to a decent school and was assigned a roommate. Arianna purchased a new laptop and
other supplies and couldn’t wait until she started the next chapter of her life.
It wasn’t until the week before school started that her parents called her into the living room and confessed they spent her entire college fund on trips to Louisiana for expensive gambling excursions. There were no words to express how betrayed Arianna felt by the two people that were supposed to love and care for her. If she couldn’t trust her own parents to have her back, then who could she trust?
Arianna cried that night as she logged into the school’s website, dropped all her classes, and unenrolled herself. She emailed her roommate to let her know that something had come up and she wouldn’t be joining her for the year. Arianna was at least grateful she had decided to hold off on purchasing her textbooks just in case she found them in the school’s library. One less thing she had to worry about.
Arianna was disgusted by her parents’ selfishness and refused to stay under their roof another day. The next day, she scraped up the last bit of her funds she had saved from a part-time job and found a lovely studio apartment to rent at a reasonable price, all bills included. The only issue was that her part-time job at the local bookstore wouldn’t pay the rent. Arianna had a month to find a job, or she would be out on her ass.
It didn’t take Arianna long to stumble upon the online ad for the receptionist position at Elite SA. Arianna immediately beefed up her resume and submitted the application. She was surprised to receive a call back that very day requesting she come in for a job interview the following day.
Arianna accepted and then gasped in horror once she realized she didn’t know what to wear for her interview. Arianna had never been to a country club before, but she’d heard enough to know that something sleek, stylish, and professional would be preferred.
Arianna dressed in a black sheath dress with long mesh sleeves that cuffed at the wrist for her interview. She paired her outfit with a pair of black pumps and diamond studs. Arianna arrived for her interview twenty minutes early and was floored by the rows of expensive luxury cars parked in the compound.
Arianna’s parents were bastards for spending her college fund, but at least she had a decent car. Her 2017 Honda Civic was still a hoopty compared to the Bentley she parked by, but it could’ve been worse.
***
“Good morning, ma’am. First time here?” the doorman asked.
“How could you tell?”
“I know almost everyone,” he bragged. “My name is Jesse, and you are?”
“Arianna. I’m here for the receptionist interview.”
Jesse’s eyes widened in recognition. “Well, if that’s the case, let me escort you to the office.”
“Don’t you have to watch the door?”
“Eh, fuck ’em. They have two hands. They can open their own doors.”
“Don’t come crying to me when you lose your job.”
“Never,” Jesse chuckled. “The boss and I are tight.”
“How tight?”
“He’s my grandfather.”
“And you’re opening doors? Sounds like he doesn’t love you that much.”
“He despises nepotism.”
“In that case, he sounds like a fair and honorable man.”
“He’s all that and then some,” Jesse replied, offering Arianna his arm.
Arianna looped her arm through his and allowed him to lead her through the main building. “Elite” perfectly described the club. The cream-colored marble floors were clean enough that you could eat off of them.
The multiple Swarovski crystal chandeliers were almost blinding in the sunlight. The hand-painted oil paintings that donned the walls were most likely originals by some famous Renaissance painters Arianna knew she couldn’t pronounce the names of.
Everyone they passed had smiles on their faces, and as far as Arianna could tell, the smiles were all genuine.
“Everyone looks so happy,” Arianna commented as Jesse continued to drag her deeper through the building.
“Elite SA is like Disney World for the rich. There are a host of activities to participate in. There’s golf, tennis, yoga, you can get a massage, and there’s a casino where we host slot, poker, and Blackjack tournaments. What else? There’s a movie theater, a basketball and racquetball court, cricket, horses, an indoor Olympic swimming pool, and a tropical-style swimming pool and hot tub outside. There is a world-class Michelin star chef on staff, and he’ll make anything your little heart desires. If we don’t have it, then we’ll fly it in. You want oysters, sweetheart? Not a problem. We’ll fly you in some fresh from the Delta de l’Ebre.”
“Sounds fancy...and expensive.”
“Yes, to both, but you pay for quality. What else do we have? A full salon where our female guests love to get their nails and toes done as well as get their assholes waxed and bleached.”
“I could’ve gone without that,” Arianna giggled.
“My bad. I just wanted to make you laugh.”
“Mission accomplished.”
“Well, we’re here. My lunch break is coming up soon, so you can celebrate your employment with me in the dining room if you want. What are you feeling?”
“Hmmmmmm. I think I’m feeling oysters.”
“If I didn’t know any better, Arianna, I would think you’re trying to get me into bed,” Jesse said with a sly grin on his face.
“You couldn’t be further from the truth. You’re nice and all, but I’m looking for someone a little bit on the older side. What are you, 21 or 22?”
“21, and how old are you?”
“18.”
“Well, how old are we talking here?” Jesse inquisitively asked.
“Older than 21, I can tell you that.”
“I feel like you just friend-zoned me.”
“You have great intuition,” Arianna teased.
“You say that now, but I bet I could have you changing your mind.”
“I doubt it, but I’ll find you after my interview, yeah?”
“Sure thing, Ari.”
“Only my closest friends call me Ari.”
“Wonderful. I’m glad we see eye-to-eye. Good luck, but I don’t think you’ll need it for some reason.”
Arianna watched Jesse as he walked down the hallway. He was nice enough, but Arianna wasn’t one for playing games, and she didn’t want to mess around and fall for fuck boy.
Arianna only had one boyfriend in her life, and that relationship was very short-lived. She was ten days in when she found out he had another girlfriend at a rival high school. Arianna quickly ended what they had and swore off boys until she was out of school. As a result, Arianna was still a virgin and was happy to remain one until she felt ready. Now that Arianna no longer had anything to focus on, she was legal and open to the idea of being sexually and romantically involved with someone, preferably someone older. Arianna wanted her first time to be with someone who had some experience under his belt.
Perhaps someone at the club will catch her eye? It is teeming with older gentlemen.
Three months later, Arianna quickly realized the club offered slim pickings to suit her needs and tastes. All of the men were married or in a relationship, and hardly any of them cared. Arianna had completely given up when she found out from Jesse that some of the members had a running bet to see who could bed her first.
“You did great today, as usual, Miss Carter,” her boss, Mr. Bruce, complimented, laying it on a little too thick. Arianna rolled her eyes, knowing if Mr. Bruce was paying her a compliment that he wanted something. Mr. Bruce wasn’t a bad boss or cruel by any means, but he could be strict, and genuine compliments were challenging to come by. Arianna noticed that his tone became lighter than usual whenever he wanted a favor. Not to mention he never smiled except when he wanted something.
“Let’s cut to the chase, Mr. Bruce. Tomorrow is my day off, but you’re going to ask me to come in, aren’t you?”
“Wow, you know me so well, Miss Carter. We have a couple of last-minute tours that need to be given, and unfortunately, we’re going to be short-staffed tomorrow. Would you be willing to give the tours? Remember, if they become members, you’ll get a sign-on bonus of $1,000.00.”
“How many tours?”
“Three.”
“Do you have their profiles?” Arianna sighed.
“Here you are,” Mr. Bruce beamed, shoving three portfolio books toward her. “Sorry, there aren’t any photos. Like I said, last minute.”
“No worries. When is the first tour?”
“10:00 AM.”
“That’s not bad. I’ll be here. Make sure you have my $3,000.00 check waiting for me at the end of the day.”
“Miss Carter, you are so cheeky and quite full of yourself, aren’t you?”
“It’s a gift,” she sighed, grabbing her purse out of the locked bottom drawer of her desk. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night, Mr. Bruce.”
“Good night, Miss Carter.”
***
Arianna arrived home ten minutes later and was immediately bombarded by her munchkin cat. “How’s it going, Legs? Did you miss Mama?” she cooed as he tangled himself between her feet.
Arianna brushed Legs aside with her heel because the last thing she wanted was to impale her furry friend with her spiked heel.
She tossed the profiles onto her bed and fed Legs before he meowed the apartment down.
Another positive thing about working at the club was that she barely had to purchase groceries because breakfast, lunch, and dinner were served at the club and were an employee perk, along with free use of all of the facilities, including the gym.
Arianna leisurely showered and thoroughly moisturized her skin with her body oil. She threw on an oversized t-shirt and didn’t bother with panties because she knew she would touch herself before falling asleep.
“Let’s see who we got here, Legs,” Arianna sighed, bouncing onto the bed. “Mr. London, Mr. Jameson, and Mr. White. Hopefully, they’re more impressive than their names.”
Pierce was temporarily rendered speechless by Arianna’s words. He expected her to lay into him, but he hadn’t expected her to be so blunt. Pierce received Arianna’s message loud and clear, and now it was his turn to reassure her that he could be the partner she needed. Pierce cleared his throat before he addressed her.“Thank you...for telling me how you feel. I’ve gained some much-needed perspective while you were away. It sucked. I missed every single second you weren’t here, but I needed it, and most of all, you needed it. I’ll admit...I rushed it. I told you I loved you before I was 100% sure, which wasn’t fair to you. I haven’t been in love for so long that I forgot what it felt like. Despite the fact there is a psycho obsessed with getting his hands on my partner and won’t think twice about ending me in the process, being with you is...easy. I wasn’t thinking rationally when I drove to Patrick’s place and confronted you about the text. I just felt like history was repeating itse
Arianna felt mixed feelings as she packed the remainder of her belongings. A part of her wanted to stay because she hadn’t remembered a time when she was so stress-free. She also wanted to stay because she didn’t know what mayhem awaited her when she returned home. Arianna had no idea what to expect upon seeing Pierce again. She missed him tremendously and found herself trying to shove out thoughts of him multiple times a day. All Arianna knew was that she would have to have a stern talk with Pierce when she returned about her personal boundaries, limits, and expectations regarding their relationship.Arianna wished that she was in the Bahamas under different circumstances. She had a great time doing the touristy things like shopping in the markets, swimming with the dolphins, going to the beach, and participating in other excursions, but the nights were lonely, and her bed was cold.Arianna realized during her respite that both she and Pierce brought their healthy share of emotional
“What’s bugging you, Ari?”“Nothing.”“It has to be something for you to beg me to use the family jet for a spur-of-the-moment trip to the Bahamas.”“Let me reiterate...nothing I want to discuss.”“Did that old man break your heart?” Jesse teased.“I’d have to be in love with him for that to happen.”“So, you’re saying I have a chance.”“Let me see your phone,” Arianna demanded.“Never mind,” Jesse mumbled, stealthily sliding his phone into his back pocket. Jesse, as well as Arianna, knew he was still receiving nonstop DMs.“That’s what I thought,” Arianna drawled before focusing her attention out the window.They had only been in the air an hour, and Arianna was already missing Pierce. She wanted to cry but wouldn’t dare do it in front of Jesse. He would try to double his efforts to make her “happy” and insist on staying while she was in the Bahamas and use the week to attempt to coerce her into being the future Mrs. Vanderbilt. No, Arianna would hold back her tears until she was beh
Pierce took several deep breaths outside the guestroom that Arianna currently occupied. Arianna may not take him back, but he at least owed her an apology. He tried the door, but it was locked.“Ari, sweetheart. Open the door.”“Why are you still here?”“We need to talk.”“Everything that needed to be said was said.”“If we separate, that means that Harry wins. We shouldn’t let him divide us like this.”“Fuck you and Harry. Harry didn’t make you do shit. You did that all on your own,” Arianna snapped. Pierce was high and couldn’t help but chuckle. “Are you seriously laughing right now?” Arianna asked in disbelief.“I can’t help it. I’m high,” Pierce admitted. “I’m not going to go until you open the door.”“Don’t matter to me. I got sheets and a window.”“Arianna Rose...I’m sorry. I didn’t handle last night or today well at all. I should’ve known better than to believe that you would break up with me via text. From what I know about your character and personality, if you wanted to end
Patrick groaned and tried to smother himself with the nearest pillow. Couldn’t a man suffer through a hangover in peace in his own home? Patrick decided to leave the couple to their toxicity until things began heating up. No way in hell was Patrick about to miss this Jerry Springer action.Patrick rolled out of bed with a heavy sigh and tiptoed down the stairs. He sat on the bottom stairs and watched the fireworks fly. Patrick wished he could press pause and fix himself a bag of popcorn, but this was too good to miss.“Arianna, let’s just talk about this like the mature, reasonable adults we are.”“We can’t because I’m the only reasonable adult in this relationship!”“Don’t be like that. What was I supposed to think after the conversation that we had last night?!”“Again! There was no conversation last night! I tried to discuss things with you before your big, overgrown ass decided to storm off!”“My feelings were fucking hurt. Why can’t you understand that? I just told you that I lov
Pierce woke around 10:00 AM but didn’t make a move to get out of bed. He stared at the ceiling and replayed how things went down last night after he confessed to Arianna. Pierce would be a lying son of a bitch if he said he wasn’t expecting a different reaction from Arianna. Honestly, he thought she might have said it back. Instead, she looked at Pierce as if he had six heads. Pierce knew that Arianna probably thought he was coming on too strong and too fast, but he couldn’t help how the young woman wormed her way into his heart. Shit, she better recognize because he wouldn’t be doing everything he does for her if he didn’t love her. Hell, a psycho enforcer was looking to end his life because of Arianna, over $500,000 that he was willing to pay without hesitation. Pierce ultimately felt embarrassed and lashed out at her, which wasn’t right.Pierce got ready for the day before leaving his bedroom.“Ari?” Pierce called out. He didn’t hear anything and made his way to her room, only to f