Once we were situated at Ivy's loft, I could see that both were awaiting my story. It was all a rushing whirlwind for me as well. I'd never thought in a million years that Callista would have called me that night. I felt she needed something. It turned out that something was me.
We sat on her bed, quietly overlooking the beautiful skyline. It was nice being back in the States. Don't get me wrong; Sydney was beautiful. I didn't go because I like Callista or anything. I did it because of Ivy. Callista knew to use her as a bargaining chip in convincing me to come along.
"So?" Tanya broke the silence, "What the Hell happened?"
I took a chug from my champagne glass. The thick curb chain 10k gold bracelet on my wrist shimmered against the fiery orange setting sun. I have an accompanying 20k gold thick rope chain around my neck that I couldn't help but play with. Callista bought me this. So much money they could sling without a care in the world. I understand why Ivy wanted it all. My outlook on life has changed immensely. You must be bold and willing to make moves to move up in this world. You have to hope it doesn't come back to bite you.
"You know the night she left?" I started.
"Yes," they nodded in unison.
"I got a call from Callista," I sighed, "That's when this entire thing started. Let me take you back a month ago..."
I sat in my car, looking at the blank message to Ivy. I must have written dozens of texts to Ivy and deleted them upon completion. I sounded like a sad guppy—so pathetic. I rubbed my temples in frustration. My phone suddenly began vibrating in my hand. The sudden jolt caused me to drop it between the tight part of the seat and the side compartment that my fingers could never fit through. After a tough battle, I managed to pull my phone free. Without looking, I swiped to answer.
"Eric?"
I was curious to know who the number was. It may have been Tanya or Ivy since they were the only two who called me nowadays.
"This is Callista," she introduced.
"Callista," I faked, "How did you get my number?"
"I'm heading out of town and need a ride to the private airfield. Do you think you could take me there?" she asked.
"You're bold, aren't you?" I tensed.
"Very," she confirmed, "I'm at Le Bernardin. At the bar. Be here in twenty minutes."
I looked up her location. "How is it that I'm right around the corner from you?"
"Coincidence," she giggled.
"Right," I conceded, "Okay. I'll be there in about five minutes."
When I arrived at the fancy restaurant, a valet driver instantly approached my car.
"Reservation?" he asked while opening my door.
"I'm here to pick up Callista Baldwin. She called me and said she'd be waiting at the bar."
He nodded his head in confirmation, "You must be Eric."
"Yes," I extended my hand in greeting, and he shook it in kind. " Right through the doors to the right in the back. Your car will be waiting for you at the south exit."
"Okay?" I replied, but he was already in my car, driving it around back. What the Hell was going on?
I turned to see two more men holding open the doors for me to enter the building. This wasn't strange at all. Try to look natural. Walk like you belong here. Holding my head up high with an authoritative presence, I approached the back of the restaurant. You couldn't miss her. She was stunning, for sure. Her luscious hips and the way her bandage dress hugged them, along with her voluptuous breasts spilling from her plunging neckline. I wonder. Are those real?
She caught sight of me. Her lips curled to a soft smile with a gesture of her finger, beckoning me to join her in such a seductive manner. If I didn't know any better. She wanted more than just a ride to the airfield.
"Points for time," she winked while pushing a glass of champagne towards me.
"I shouldn't be drinking since I'm driving you to the airfield," I stated.
She finished off her champagne, "Fair enough. Let's go."
My eyes followed her in shock as she stood and walked towards the staff area. Was she going to the kitchen? I made haste to catch up to her before the doors could close. Her heels echoed against the walls, accompanying the sizzling sounds from the diligently working chefs.
Callista stood there elegantly, looking back at me, "Coming?"
I replied with a slight nod as I followed her through another set of double doors that led outside. The dark, chilly night let a cold breeze bring up the fallen autumn leaves. Their dry, crisp edges gliding across the pavement echoed in the darkness.
"Wait," I paused, "Where's my car?"
My eyes scoured the entire lot, but nothing was there—only a black stretch limousine. What's going on?
"Planning on kidnapping me?" I halted jokingly with both arms up in surrender.
She stopped and turned back towards me. "I don't think it would take much coercion. Here are the highlights for your entertainment. I'm going to Sydney, Australia, for a month on business. I'm going to need a boy toy. Knowing you're readily available for me, I don't feel like searching. Plus, it'll make Ivy want you."
"How?" I asked.
"Come with me and find out," she pressed.
I stood there, looking back at the restaurant and then towards Callista. Was it worth it? Ivy doesn't need to know my hidden motive to coming along with her. I could just as easily be Calista's glorified fuck boy. There was only one way to find out.
"Okay," I agreed.
Her smile grew evil, almost clown-like, "Get in."