Chapter 3 - A Crazy Agreement

Kwinnie?

Mich’s ex-girlfriend from high school? 

And why was she staring at me?

She was on heavy makeup, and in a glittery strapless mini gown that clung tightly to her skin, outlining her curves. She was still as pretty as I recall, no doubt. She approached me, looking worried.

“Please, can you help me?” She looked desperate.

I was flummoxed at first, then realized she couldn’t recognize me.

“Can we switch clothes please?”

No way. It was enough I had followed Shirley here like a fool. No way I was going to agree to another opprobrious request. 

“Please, you really have to help me or I will die. There is a guy after me. No matter how hard I try to avoid him, he is definitely going to get me. Please, let’s just switch.”

I looked around and behind her to see if the guy was in sight. Well, I don’t care. I shook my head absentmindedly and looked away.

“You know what? You can actually sell it off at a very good price. The gown and heels are limited editions.”

Okay, she got me here.

I didn’t need to take a closer look at her to confirm her statement. 

We made our way to the restroom and didn’t waste time with the switch. Of course, I made sure my face was hidden from her the entire time, and she didn’t seem to mind, till I was about to leave.

“The mask too, please.”

I stood frozen. Without looking back, I slipped off the mask and handed it to her, then walked out hurriedly. 

Damn, I wasn’t sure I would ever sell the shoes. They were so elegant and classy. A glass-heeled stiletto with transparent straps. 

This was gold. 

Now, time to leave. I wished we could leave right now before I ran into anyone that would recognize me. I really wasn’t used to this kind of dressing, from my highschool days till date.

I returned to the spot Shirley had allocated to me, and glanced around for her, only to find her on stage. I gasped in shock and surprise. 

Lord have mercy. Her moves were so lit and dirty. Dressed in a tiny bra that barely covered her full breasts, and tight bum shorts with high-knee boots, I could barely recognize Shirley.

If I wasn’t so sure of her wig, I would have been freaking confused. I was so lost watching her performance that I didn't notice several guys walking up to me. I looked behind me because I needed to be sure if they had come for me or not.

“Follow me.” Their leader glared hard at me, but I didn’t budge.

“Don’t make me repeat myself.”

Oh no. I suddenly remembered I had switched clothes with Kwinnie. So I literally switched troubles, right? I guessed these were the guys who were after her. But we don’t look alike, and it’s not like I had the mask on either.

As I followed them, I glanced back at Shirley who was still on stage, regretting my stupid decision to be here in the first place.

They led me out a back exit and outside to their waiting boss.

His car was damn exotic. A shiny black Porsche which I couldn’t tell its model due to the poor lighting. But I could swear it was the latest model. My fear diminished when I realized they were leading me to their boss. At least, he would see they got the wrong person, and I would go sell the flimsy gown in peace. 

“We have her, boss.” One of the guys said.

However, the moment their boss stepped out of the car, my heart equally stepped out of my body.

Mich again? What the hell!

He narrowed his gaze at me as his eyes raked me. I wished I could disappear into thin air. I had always been an advocate of decent dressing ever since high school, and even formed a Decent Glow Girls Club to push the motion of purity and decency.

Now, here I am.

“Bonnie?”

If there was anything I hated at the moment, it was the way he suddenly ogled me, and it made me feel naked, because the clothes exposed my thighs and cleavage. 

“Is she the one?” One of the boys asked.

“Of course, she is.” Mich smirked.

Oh, Lord… this guy was crazy.

“You’re kidding, right?” I flared.

He took a step forward to me, and held my face in his hands. I suddenly felt butterflies floating in my tummy. For some reason, his proximity seemed to seize my breath. He looked damn hotter than I thought he was in the afternoon.

My eyes met his, and we held each other’s gaze for a moment. I watched his eyes trace my lips.

“Can you resume tonight?” his voice was suddenly husky.

I pushed him off, so hard that he staggered back and hit his back against his car. 

“Are you crazy? Does this place look like your office?”

He regained his balance and charged at me, then lifted his hands to slap me, but it hung midway in the air, because someone caught it.

Shirley. She was still in her stripper outfit. Oh, the impression it made.

“Don’t you dare touch her, bastard.” She shoved him off before his men could even rush forward. Unfortunately, Mich really fell to the ground this time.

His men charged at us immediately, but Shirley got out a pepper spray from her bag and used it on them. We managed to escape in one piece and flagged down a cab at once.

I was out of breath till we got home. As expected, no one was home. 

I threw myself on the bed in total exasperation.

“What the hell happened?” Shirley demanded. “This is the fifth time I’m asking. Why and how did you change your clothes? And this is damn expensive.”

“Hell, yeah, it is. And I intend to make a fortune from it.” I replied, sitting up. “The owner pleaded with me to switch with her because some guys were after her life. I agreed for the quality.”

Shirley suddenly gave me puppy dog eyes. “Please, don’t sell it. Give it to me, and I will cover the balance for your rent and feeding till the money worth is complete.”

I stared at her in amusement. “And how do you intend to do that?”

She gave me a sheepish smile. “I made over two hundred bucks tonight, plus another amazing contract.”

I shook my head in total disapproval. “There is nothing amazing about your work, Shirley.”

She rolled her eyes. “At least, I am not jobless like you.”

“Yeah, thanks. But I told you I just got a job.”

“Oh, yeah?” She muttered with indifference, taking off her earrings.

“But you just ruined it, because that guy we encountered is supposed to be my boss.”

She stiffened then. “No way." 

I stood up from the bed sluggishly and began to undress. Shirley watched me.

"Look, I'm really sorry about that, Bonnie. I didn't mean to ruin your chances.” She was so sober. "If you don't mind I could go with you in the morning to tender an apology.”

"Forget it.” I said, putting on my nightie. It was past 2am. "How about your uncle? He showed up?”

She shook her head, staring absently at the gown which I hung on a hanger, the heels by the corner of my bed.

"I wouldn't leave that there.” She shook her head in disapproval.

I wished I had listened to her.

But the only thoughts that occupied my mind was Michael Monte and what my fate will be by daybreak.