Panic always seemed to produce clumsiness in Effie. Since she’d dropped her phone on her dorm room floor and cracked the cover, tripped over a book, and banged her shin against her desk chair, all in the last five minutes, she figured she qualified as panicked. She knew, as a paid escort, she couldn’t really dictate what she and Zander did on dates, or when they occurred for that matter.
But, hiking? At the river? I’d rather be strangled by dental floss.
Her roommate, Sarah, a pre-med student and as much of a geek as Effie, was seldom here, so she would be no help in advising Effie on outdoor attire.
Effie opened the door to her tiny closet and stared, helplessly, at her clothes. Not much for hiking attire. She plucked a pair of sweatpants from a hanger. Will these do? She glanced at the cracked screen of her phone, which sat on the desk. I need help. She picked up the phone and tapped Haley’s number.
“Hey, girl,” Haley said.
“Help!” Effie blurted. “Zander’s going to be here in about ten minutes, and I have nothing to wear.”
“Where are you going?” Haley said.
“The river! I don’t even know what to do at a river, except watch it roll along. Sure, I might amuse my mind for a few minutes pondering the minute organisms at play in the water or the diverse eco-system, but that’s hardly an activity a billionaire would like.” Effie backed toward her bed and sat down. She slumped over her knees.
“Hmm. He’ll probably want to hike.”
Effie let out a groan. “Hike? As in struggle up a hill?”
Haley sniffed. “You’re going to have to do better than that if you want to be a good sugar baby. When he says jump, you say, ‘how high?’ For a hike, you’ll need sturdy shoes and a good jacket. Do you have those?”
Effie glanced at the open door of her closet. “I’ve got a raincoat. And Vans. Will that work?”
“Give me two secs, and I’ll be right over.”
“Okay, thanks, Haley.” Effie disconnected the phone. She stared at the clock on her screen. Eight minutes. He’ll be here in eight minutes.
Thirty seconds later, Haley bustled into the room, clothes and boots in hand, leaving the door ajar. She dropped the clothing and boots onto the bed next to Effie and said, “Here, start with these.” She held up a pair of Levi’s. “We’re pretty much the same size. Go, go, go. Get these on. You don’t want to keep your sugar daddy waiting, got it?”
“Got it.” Effie stood, removed her slacks, and tugged the Levi’s over her hips.
“Where’s your brush?” Haley said.
Effie pointed toward her dresser. “There, on top.” She glanced through the crack in the door at the empty hallway. He’s going to be here. At my door. In less than six minutes.
Haley traipsed across the room and picked up the black plastic brush. “Okay, you dress, and I’ll fix your hair.”
Effie shrugged into a long-sleeve, dark-green top, made by a company called ArcTix One, leaving her The Big Bang Theory t-shirt underneath. Then, she hefted the lightweight hiking boots off the bed.
“These look like something a Trekkie might wear.” She chuckled.
“So, don them already. Don’t analyze. You need to move your ass. If Zander is like most billionaires, he’s punctual.” Haley seized a handful of Effie’s hair and began brushing.
Effie, with her hair in Haley’s grasp, did her best to lift each foot and slip into the shoes. She propped her feet at the edge of the bed, one at a time, and tied the laces, while Haley brushed and fussed with her long locks. “Do your contracts have revoke status such that you’d lose every dime the guy gives you?”
“What?” Haley’s eyebrows drew together. “No. Did yours?”
Effie tried to nod but Haley had a death grip on her hair. “Yes.”
Haley paused, holding a lock of Effie’s hair in a tight grasp. “Effie. The sugar baby always gets negotiation rights. You could have amended that. Do you think you’ll want to revoke?”
Effie’s eyes stung. She told herself it was because Haley was pulling her hair. “I didn’t know. I let greed for my education get the best of me.”
Haley’s death-pull softened. She continued fussing and brushing. “You’ll be fine. He seems nice enough.”
Not so sure about that. Effie nibbled at her lower lip.
Haley finished her work with a couple of hair ties. “Finished,” Haley said. “Go look.”
Effie stood and darted toward the small mirror at the back of her closet door. “Wow. A braid. I don’t look half bad.”
“Not bad? You look pretty and perfectly attired for a day in the outdoors.” Haley stood and grabbed a light blue jacket from the bed. “Here,” she said, extending the jacket. “It’s a warm day, but it might be cool, later.” She glanced at Effie’s cracked phone. “What happened to your Droid?”
Effie shrugged. “I dropped it. You know how I get when I’m in a panic.”
“Girl, you’re going to have to do better. If Zander sees you tripping all over yourself, it won’t be good for either of you.”
“I know,” Effie said, glumly. She took a couple of steps and retrieved the phone. “I’ve got one minute.”
“Time’s up,” said a smooth, familiar voice from the hallway.
Effie’s heart launched into her throat.
“Yipes,” she whispered to Haley. “He’s here.”
Her nerves frizzed into “high-alert” mode.
“Go,” Haley whispered. She pointed toward the door.
“I’m going,” Effie whisper-hissed. She stumbled toward the door and opened it wide.
Zander stood in the hall, wearing jeans and another Henley. In his hand, he clutched several long-stem roses. Bearing a serious, stony expression, he looked like someone ready to walk to his execution, yet oh-so-handsome.
Effie’s tongue tied into knots. “Mr. King. I mean, Zander. You’re right on time.”
“I’m apparently one minute early,” he said, cocking an eyebrow.
One of her dorm mates, Jennifer, who lived two doors down, sauntered past. When she passed behind Zander, she mouthed, “Wow, he’s hot.”
Effie nodded. She swallowed, her mouth suddenly entering the desert zone.
“These are for you,” he said, thrusting the roses in her direction. “You’ll accept flowers, right?”
She glared at him. “Yes, I’ll accept flowers.” Asshole. “Thank you. They’re beautiful.”
The only time she’d ever received flowers was on her eighteenth birthday. She knew where those had come from—across the street at the cemetery. Buying flowers was an indulgence her family couldn’t afford. Her mom had snatched some lilies and Baby’s Breath from some dead guy’s grave.
Effie had been mortified to get flowers meant for a dead man, but her mom said they’d just go to waste in the cemetery so why not make good use of them?
“Remember Haley?” she said, stepping aside.
“Of course,” Zander said, leaning against the door jamb. “You like mojitos, I hear, Haley.” A slight smile crossed his face.
Haley straightened her posture, pushing out her boobs, something she did without thinking when she spoke with guys. “I do. I love them, actually. Well, not love love them. More like an extreme like.” She clapped her hand over her mouth. “Going now. Catch you later, Effie. Good to meet you, Zander.” She scurried toward the door.
Zander moved out of the way for her to exit.
When Haley had disappeared down the hall, Zander said, “Ready?”
“I suppose so. Am I dressed for the river?”
Zander smiled. He had a dazzling smile, complete with dimples. “You look lovely. You’re dressed perfectly.”
“Thanks. You look good, too.” Effie paused, unsure what to say next. “Well…I’m at your service.”
The smile vanished, and this other guy, a serious, somber glaring fellow, emerged.
What did I say?
“I need to put these away first. They’re so pretty. Thank you.” She sniffed the fragrant roses and crossed the room to find a container for them. Like I keep vases in my room. Hoping Zander didn’t notice, she snagged a to-go teacup from the trash, filled it with water from the bathroom sink, and placed the roses inside.
“Next time I’ll bring a vase, too,” he said. He leaned against the wall, arms crossed loosely over his chest, apparently tracking Effie’s every move.
She stiffened. Shit. He noticed.
A weird smile flitted across her face.
“It’s the best I could do. Okay, ready,” she said, every nerve in her body pricked in fearful anticipation.
Zander opened the door and stepped into the hall.
She picked up her keys, purse, and mobile phone from the dresser and exited the room, locking it behind her. She followed Zander along the eggshell painted hall, down the stairs, and through the lobby, toward the main door.
This whole thing is unreal. I’m actually going on a date with a billionaire.
“I take it you don’t spend much time outdoors,” Zander said, holding the door open for her.
She crossed the threshold, entering the warmish Seattle day.
Trees, green with leaves, flanked the sidewalks. Their glorious white and pink blossoms had come and gone a couple of months ago. Green grass covered the area around and between the concrete walkways. Stately buildings bordered the large green lawn.
Zander stepped next to her. He placed a cool, hard hand on the small of her back, guiding her toward the parking lot behind the dorm.
“We’re outdoors now, so I guess I spend time outside,” she said, smirking.
He chuckled. “Good point. I meant more of a wilderness area.”
“No, sir, no wilderness for me.”
He frowned. “Stop with the sir business, if you don’t mind.”
“Yes, sir. I mean, yes, Zander. Sure.” The toe of her boot caught on an uneven crack in the sidewalk, sending her stumbling.
He steadied her with his hand. “Easy. I’ve got you.”
You sure do.
Even though Zander clutched Effie with his prosthesis, she felt somewhat faint from the contact. Her excitement threatened to propel her into the air on gossamer wings. She side-eyed him, noting his chiseled profile. His dark hair had been cut short along the side, while thick waves covered the top of his head. No doubt about it—this guy was a god.
They trekked through the tree-lined path and rounded the corner toward the parking lot. Several yards ahead sat a huge BMW limousine, taking up four parking spots.
A man dressed in jeans, a white collared shirt, and a crisp black jacket leaned against the driver’s side. When he saw Zander, he straightened, took a couple of steps, and opened the back door.
Effie inhaled, sharply. “Is that our ride?” she said, in a squeaky voice. She cleared her throat. “Sorry, something in my throat. Is that what we’re taking to the river?”
“You don’t mind, do you? I’m not in the mood to drive now.” He guided her toward the glossy, Alpine-blue vehicle.
“Mind? No. Not me. Whatever you prefer.” She almost said sir but caught herself.
“Shit, would you look at that?” a male voice said.
Effie glanced over her shoulder.
Todd and Roy, clad in their purple and gold football jerseys, strode a few yards behind her.
She spun around, hoping they didn’t recognize her and tease her for the Saucy Lady video in front of Zander…or, at all, for that matter.
“Who the hell is getting picked up in a limo?” Todd said. “Dang.”
Zander came to a stop next to the car. He gestured for her to enter.
“Mr. King,” the limo driver said. He had a two day’s growth of dark hair covering his jaw. Aviator sunglasses shielded his eyes.
“Antonio. We’re heading to the Skykomish River. You know the place. And this is Effie. You’re to take very good care of her, whether I’m with her or not.”
Antonio nodded, placing his hand out to assist Effie.
Her eyes widened at the “take very good care of her” bit. What, am I a prize pony? She accepted the assist and climbed in the roomy vehicle as Todd said, “Shit. Would you look at that? It’s that geeky chick, Effie, from the library. That dude must be her brother.”
“Right?” said Roy.
“Not her brother,” Zander called. “I’m her date. I prefer intelligent women.”
He does? Effie shivered.
“Fuck,” said Roy.
“No shit,” said Todd.
Effie peeked out the side window of the limo. Her cheeks began to burn. Right. I have no business going anywhere with this Zander guy. She pressed her palms together and started to rub them.
Roy’s mouth dropped open, as he stared at Zander, then at the window where Effie sat.
Effie scrunched down in her seat.
Todd looked stunned if his wide eyes were any indication. “You’re the owner of EXcape, right?”
“Right. Founder and owner.” Zander started to climb in the limo.
“Fuck,” Roy repeated.
“Shit,” Todd said, again.
Todd grabbed the back of Zander’s Henley. “Hey, man, could I get your autograph? I mean, my boy and I are going to the Rocket Fuel Rodeo, and it would be so cool if you could autograph my shirt or something.”
Zander whipped around.
Antonio gripped Todd’s arm.
“No touching,” he said.
“My bad,” Todd said, putting his hands up.
“Sorry, gents, but I’ve got a date with a pretty woman,” Zander said, climbing in the limo.
Effie blinked at the compliment. She’d come to expect dismissal from a guy.
Zander sat next to Effie, as Antonio closed the door behind them. “That guy’s full of himself.”
“He is.” Effie snorted and glanced out the window again.
A small but growing crowd of students circled around Todd.
Todd waved his arms around, pointed at the limo, and waved his arms around some more.
Heads turned to stare at the luxury car.
“Does that happen much?” she asked Zander. “People asking for your signature?”
“Not as much, lately.” His expression darkened. He kept about a yard between them on the bench seat, which flowed along one side of the limo and curved to form a back seat, as well.
The car glided out of the parking lot.
“Did it used to happen a lot?” she said, watching curious students stare at the limo as it passed.
“Yes,” he said.
“I take it you don’t like it?” she said.
“Not at the moment,” he said. “Not lately.” He kept his gaze pinned on the crowd outside the window. His mouth formed a grim slash.
Her stomach formed a hard knot of clay inside her abdomen. Is he angry? Is he angry at Todd and Roy? Is he pissed off at me?
She studied the inside of the BMW. The soft leather seats were a creamy gold color. A mini-bar occupied the wall across from Effie. A small television hung from the ceiling near the driver’s side, and a magazine rack stood to the side of the mini-bar. She cocked her head, trying to make out the names of the magazines in the dimly lit interior. Climbing. Rock and Ice.
She glanced at Zander.
He still stared out the window, his face an unreadable mask.
They pulled out of the parking lot onto the streets of the University district. More people turned their heads to gawk at the luxury vehicle.
An uncomfortable clench seized her belly at being inside a car with a billionaire, being stared at by strangers.
She focused on Zander, trying hard to be a good sugar baby—something she knew nothing about. “Do you like rock climbing?”
“I used to. Very much,” he said. He quickly changed the subject. “Would you like something to drink?” He leaned forward and retrieved a bottle of wine. “This is an excellent Cabernet.”
She shook her head. “Water’s fine.”
He used to like rock climbing. I wonder if this has something to do with his hand?
He handed the wine to her. “Hold this for a sec, would you please?” He pushed aside items in the fridge. They clinked and clattered. “I bought some of that peppermint tea you like. I had it made up for you. I have it chilled.”
“You did? How thoughtful. I’d love some.”
“That’s me. So thoughtful,” Zander said, in a sarcastic-sounding tone.
She clutched the neck of the wine bottle and swallowed, her heart fluttering in her chest.
He retrieved a clear glass bottle full of amber liquid. “I didn’t know if you prefer it sweetened or not, so there’s no added sugar in this one. If you do prefer a sweeter tea, I’ll make sure to have some ready for you next time.”
His words softened some of her edges. “Thank you. That’s so kind. I don’t like it sweet, though.”
“Duly noted,” he said, tapping his temple. “Here.” He handed her the carafe.
“Thanks.” She handed back the wine, twisted off the cap to her tea, and took a swig. “Oh, it’s even better than I remembered. Probably because you made it.” She blushed at her blurted sentiment.
“My staff made it.” He studied her for a few seconds, his face unreadable. Finally, he said, “I’m glad you like it.” Then, he uncorked his wine bottle, retrieved a glass, and poured himself a very full glass.
They retreated into their beverages as the limo glided through the city, hopped on the freeway, and then exited, heading east.
Effie kept sneaking glances at Zander. He seemed to be in a deep brood. She didn’t want to intrude on his mood, so she stayed quiet, steeped in silence as thick as her thighs. She sipped on her tea, while he finished one glass of wine and then another.
An hour later, they turned into a dirt road off Highway 2. The vehicle came to a stop in a copse of trees.
Zander’s face seemed to light up as Antonio opened the door for them.
“Are you ready?” Zander said to Effie, a gorgeous smile in place.
“Here we are,” she said, trying to smile, wishing she could go home.
Antonio helped her out of the vehicle.
Zander stepped out and took her hand with his warm one. “I’m excited to show you one of my favorite places.” He turned to Antonio. “We’ll be back later.”
“Roger that,” Antonio said, with a crisp nod. He handed Zander a backpack. “Here are the supplies you requested. Mia got them ready for you. Have fun.”
“Thanks.” Zander slipped his arms through the straps and tightened them, so they gripped his sculpted chest. “We’re set. We’ve got water, snacks, and some clothing, should we get wet.”
“Wet?” Effie, already baking in the hot sun, stared at her surroundings. Trees, water, grasses and rocks—the outdoors in general—meant bugs, sunburn, itchy legs and insect bites.
It looks so…rustic. Wild. Not very fun.
“In the river? Swimming? You do swim, don’t you?” Zander eyed her with a puzzled expression.
“Oh, sure.” Not really. She sighed.
He must have taken that as some sort of signal, because he started trekking toward the distant sound of the rushing river.
Effie took a huge gulp of air. Her first real, “out in the world” date, or horrible adventure, or whatever she thought to call it, had begun. Her only hope was to stay upright, not fall, and be pleasant enough for him to like being with her.
She could conceivably walk away if he insisted on making her do things outside of her comfort zone. She had a “get out of jail” clause. But, then, she’d lose the money to pay for her tuition.
But, did she have it in her to do such a thing?