Chapter One
Aubrey Posen was an upright member of community.
She had a steady job, always paid her taxes on time and never got a parking ticket. Everything in Aubrey Posen's life was ordered and neat and always on the right side of of the law. She was certainly not the type to grace this type of establishment. Which was why she was sitting rather stiffly at the edge of this plush sofa, ignoring the flute of champagne on the table in front of her.
She could actually use a drink right now. It was after office hours and technically, she could but Aubrey Posen never drink during a business meeting. This was, after all, a business meeting and only reason she was here. She took a surreptitious glance at the small gold watch on her wrist and her lips stretched into a thin, hard line. Just what she suspected. That man was late.
"Aubrey, will you relax?"
Aubrey glanced to her right at her friend, Stacie Conrad. The tall, brunette was stretching out in seat, definitely more at ease than Aubrey was. And judging by the half empty flute, Stacie had no qualms about drinking the offered champagne.
"I don't think this is a good idea at all, Stacie," Aubrey said almost in a hiss. "I'm not very comfortable with this. Are you sure this... this place fits our needs?"
Stacie smirked at her, sitting up to place the flute back onto the table. "I've told you. This place came highly recommended."
"By whom?" came the swift question.
"My contacts," Stace shrugged. She swallowed a little at Aubrey's hard stare. "Okay. That article I showed you about this place? I did track down the writer and managed to talk to her. The place's legit."
"And?" Aubrey goaded, one eyebrow lifted in question.
"And discreet," Stacie confirmed.
"I'm still not very comfortable with this," Aubrey insisted.
"I know," Stacie said, placing a soothing hand on Aubrey's arm. "We don't have to make up our minds yet. But you have to agree, Aubrey. This place looks pretty amazing."
She swung her arm in an arc to take in the room they were in. They were sitting in a small waiting room, furnished in rich plums and burnished gold. Very luxurious. Very tasteful. There was soft music playing, nothing intrusive and being served cold champagne as soon as they sat down was an added bonus.
The address itself would have been a little hard to find if they had not receive detailed instructions prior to their meeting. For that, Stacie was glad. If the entrance had been full of neon lettering with pictures of scantily dressed men on posters right outside, Stacie was sure Aubrey would have run away screaming. As it was, the place looked classy. A discreet maroon door opened when they knocked. A good looking guy greeted them warmly and politely asked whether they had an appointment. Once their appointment was confirmed, they were ushered into this lovely room.
Aubrey's hand fluttered to her tummy as she tried to quell that nervous, all too familiar clench. To take her mind off, she was now nervously scrolling through the iPad on her lap. Perhaps not the wisest move in the current nervous state she was in. The ipads were covered in maroon leather covers with the distinctive gold T embossed in one corner and had been placed on the coffee table for potential clients to peruse. It contained a brief introduction to the place, which both Aubrey and Stacie had read thoroughly before this meeting. It was also a catalogue of sorts. Aubrey snapped the cover shut and it was only after a few calming breaths, did she managed to fight the impulse to toss the ipad back onto the table.
"This is not one of your better ideas, Stacie," she complained. "She will hate this. We've tried something similar before, remember? That online dating thing? That went SO well."
"That was stupid," Stacie agreed. "Those guys on those sites are pathetic. They didn't understand what we needed, jumping all over her like leeches. That's why we are doing this, Aubrey. We need professionals!"
Aubrey was still looking unconvinced. Stacie checked that impatient sigh and leaned forward towards the uptight blonde. Time to bring in the big guns.
"Look, Bree. I know you have her best interests at heart. I think we should give this a shot," Stacie said softly. "You're her manager. You know how hard she works. She needs this; especially after..."
Aubrey put her hand up, stopping the rest of the sentence. She didn't need to hear it.
"Fine. We'll try it your way," the blonde huffed back. "Only because I've ran out of ideas. If she goes on the way she does, she's going to burn out and we can't have that."
"Trust me, Bree. When have my ideas not work?" Stacie replied smugly.
"Hmm. I can think of a few," Aubrey replied. She shook her head. "I cannot believe I am sitting here. In this...this place, trying to get a..a..." She couldn't quite finish. Because her stomach was clenching again and she could taste the familiar bile coming up. Aubrey spent the next minute, fighting down her urge to toss her lunch on this rather expensive looking sofa. Stacie had come over, quickly rubbing her back.
"Here. Have a drink," she said, swiftly handing over the champagne flute. Aubrey gratefully took a gulp without any hesitation. Stacie hid her smirk. The drink calmed Aubrey down but when she checked her watch again, Aubrey's nerves shot up again. This would not do. That man was more than a little late.
"I think we should go. He's late," Aubrey said, halfway rising out her seat. "What kind of place is this if the owner can't even..."
A knock on the door interrupted Aubrey and a moment later, the door opened.
"Sorry ladies. I was held up."
Both women turned round towards the door and there stood a nondescript looking man with light brown hair. Except for that half irritated, no nonsense look on his face, there was nothing distinctive about him. He was of average looks and average height. Hmm, for someone in charge, he's shorter than I thought – mused Stacie. But her eyes took in the sharp, grey wool suit the man was wearing, the crisp shirt underneath and the shine of the Italian leather shoes on his feet. All designer. All expensive. Business seems to be going well.
The man walked toward the ladies standing by their seats and offered his hand out, not at all bothered that both women towered over him in their skyscraper heels. "Bumper Allen," he introduced himself. He glanced at the drinks on the table. "I hope your wait was pleasant."
Aubrey's nostrils were flaring and Stacie quickly stepped in. "Yes, thank you. The champagne is delicious."
Bumper nodded approvingly. "Please sit. I am aware that your ladies are very busy and will probably like me to get down to business," he said.
Astute. Very astute. Aubrey will like that. - Stacie thought and a quick glance at Aubrey's face confirmed that.
"Yes," Aubrey spoke up, taking her seat. Bumper waited for both ladies to be comfortably seated before taking his. "You were late -"
"- for which I've apologised," Bumper countered back, very adroitly dismissing Aubrey's complaint. Aubrey opened her mouth to protest but closed it back sharply. Stacie felt a little impressed. Bumper continued, "There was small problem which needed my personal attention. Now ladies, what can I do for you?"
Both women looked at each other and Stacie took the lead. "We are in need of a particular kind of service. For a friend. We've read that article about your place and think you might be able to help us."
Bumper nodded, almost a little bored. He knew which article Stacie was referring to. Ever since he did that interview as an owner of a male escort agency, the phone had not stopped ringing. Their website had so many hits that he had to move Mark from doing floorwork to answer all the queries that were coming in thick and fast. It had been manic but Bumper was glad for the publicity. For once, there was an article in the papers which was positive for his line of business.
"Yes. That article," Bumper answered drily, gazing at the two ladies in front of him. He had his measure of them. Brunette was fine. Blondie was the skittish one. "I can tell you now the numbers quoted in that article are a bit conservative. There are many more women nowadays who pay for escorts."
Aubrey could not help that snort. "I'm sorry. I'm finding it very hard that to believe what you are saying."
Bumper leaned forward, ignoring Aubrey's rude snort.
"Why is it so hard to believe?" he said. "Everyone need a bit of company now and again. Most of my clients are busy women with challenging jobs. They might need someone to accompany them to dinners or parties. They might need someone local to show them a good time. Or perhaps make them feel good for a few hours. There is a need. And we are here to fulfill that need. It's purely business."
"Of course," Aubrey replied, with a sardonic tilt of her eyebrow.
Bumper was drumming his fingers and he came to a decision. "I can see that I could sit here all day and you will not be convinced. Perhaps you'll like to take a look?"
Stacie perked up in her seat while Aubrey looked slightly confused.
"Ladies," Bumper drawled as he rose up from his seat. "Let me give you a tour of the Treble House."
Lorraine Jackson patted her hair nervously, unsure what to do next. She was standing at the pavement outside her house, next to the black SUV who, moments ago, had regurgitated three squealing teenagers, one of them was her daughter. They had ran on ahead towards the house and here she was, contemplating the younger man in front of her, dressed in flannel plaid shirt and fitted jeans. He was smiling so sweetly, his dimples showing. That was what sealed the deal when she was scrolling through the Treble's catalogue. That sweet boy-next-door smile. It had reminded her of her college sweetheart.
"I've had a great time." the man was saying. Lorraine blushed red, smiling back a little shyly, making her look much younger. The man leaned forward giving her a quick hug and she nearly erupted into girlish giggles but stopped just in time.
"Mom!" Lorraine turned to look at her daughter yelling from the door. "We're hungry," the teenager hollered. "Can we order pizza?" All three teenagers were by the door and were looking at her expectantly.
"Yeah. OK," Lorraine said in reply. "Go in and order pizza. I just have to..uh.. say goodbye to Clark here." The teenagers were already stumbling through the door and Lorraine made sure they were inside before turning back, smiling sheepishly.
"Teenagers.." she said, a little self consciously.
He shrugged easily. "They are hungry all the time. Especially after screaming out their lungs at Justin Bieber."
"Thank you for getting the tickets and backstage passes. I didn't even know where to start to get those," Lorraine was saying now, nervously tucking her hair behind her ear. "I think I'm Mom of the Year for those tickets alone."
"You're a great mom just for doing this," he said. "And the tickets and passes were part of the service."
She leaned forward for another hug which he obliged and when they parted, she discreetly tuck an envelope into the pocket of his plaid shirt. "Just a little something for you," she said. "For such a great time at the concert."
He just nodded understandingly and with a last smile, he stepped back and moved towards his car. His company car, actually. He got in. Lorraine was still standing in the same spot as he started the car and he waved his goodbye before driving off. She was still standing on the pavement when he took the turn into the main road.
His work phone rang as he was driving. He glanced quickly at the number, noting who it was and with a swift tap, he answered the call. "Yo man. What's up?"
"Clark?"
"No, man. Jesse." he chuckled. "What's up, Don?"
"Oh, you've finished that job?" came the reply through his bluetooth.
Jesse carefully manoeuvred into the next lane before answering. "Yep," he said. "My ears are still ringing from all that screaming but I'm good. Which reminds me, thanks for sorting out those tickets and backstage passes, man. I'll give you your cut when I see you next."
"Anytime. I know you're good for it," Donald said. "Are you coming to the house?"
"Not tonight. I'm worn out."
"Don't blame you," Donald chuckled. "I'll be tired too, trying to be enthusiastic about Justin Bieber."
Jesse laughed in reply. "It's a job."
"Yeah. Yeah." Donald said. "This month's good for you, dude. I'll send the money over once we work out the commission. Not too shabby."
"Good. I've got textbooks to buy for Sam and they ain't cheap."
"You should do this full time, Jesse. Quit those other pissy jobs you're doing. You'll be rollin' in it, man."
Jesse just laughed. This was an old joke between them.
"Nah, man. You know this is a side thing for me," he replied easily. "Listen, I'm driving so I'll catch you later, ok?"
"Yeah. Alright," Donald replied. "Come in tomorrow. Bumper has a newbie he wants you to show the ropes."
"Yeah. Ok."
"Not quite what you were expecting?"
Bumper could not help that smirk on his face as he looked at both Aubrey and Stacie. He also could not help asking that snide question. People were easy to predict. They would think an escort agency will be all sleaze and sex. A male escort agency would have buff men, oiled and half naked, dancing like Magic Mike on podiums. With baying women stuffing dollar bills into their briefs.
Yes, some of his boys will do that.
Only if requested and the right fee negotiated. But not in the main areas. The main areas stayed classy. Bumper was very adamant that it should be that way.
"Here is our members' lounge," Bumper explained. The lounge was furnished in the same, luxurious manner as the waiting room. Low flattering light, soft music, nothing too scary or blatantly screaming sex. Just a room where a woman and her friends could feel comfortable having a cocktail or two, served by good looking men. A place where they can be comfortable striking up a conversation or flirt with the men they requested for. And if they hit it off with their choice, well...there were other spaces for them to take it further.
Stacie looked round appreciatively and she could see Aubrey thawing a little. It all just looked so elegant. They could have been in a swanky club uptown. And it all smelled so nice. No strong smell of alcohol or vomit or anything too gross. They must have pumped some sort of scent in – Stacie mused. It smelled musky, almost with a note of something citrussy and refreshing. Stacie blinked in surprise. The room actually smelled sexy.
"Member's club?" Aubrey spoke up.
"Yes," Bumper replied. "Our clients pay an annual subscription fee to access our premises, which you can see, ladies, are all quite comfortable. Call it a ladies club, if you will. They then get access to our other services, of course."
Very clever – Stacie thought. - The subscription meant that they could cover the operating costs. That made good business sense. Aubrey would love that. Stacie could see Aubrey nodding approvingly and she had to smirk. That blondie was all about the business.
"What if our...client.. does not want to come here?" Aubrey asked tentatively. "She would prefer house calls."
"That is slightly unusual," Bumper replied. "But I am sure we can work something out."
Aubrey turned round one full circle before nodding slowly. "Thank you for the tour, Mr. Allen. Shall we get down to business?" At his nod, the three of them sat at the nearest group of chairs.
"Before we proceed, I would like to know more about your...staff," Aubrey said, taking out a slim moleskin notebook and looking at a few notes. "Firstly, I've browsed through your... ermm.. catalogue. It all seems pretty straightforward. But I need to know; are your staff vetted? Do you do background checks include criminal records and financial situation? How about health checks?"
"I run a respectable business here, madam," Bumper replied easily. "My staff are all professionals and yes, we run thorough background checks."
"How about discretion? Do they sign an NDA not to talk about their clients?" Aubrey continued relentlessly. "We will need them to sign a further NDA before we employ your services."
"Fine. I will need to look at that contract."
"The rates you've quoted seems to be on a high side -" Aubrey frowned, checking through her notes. "- for companionship only."
"The rates are good value for money. There is a reason why my clients return," Bumper replied coolly.
"And for any extras?" Aubrey questioned. "I see some charges here for additional services but not for -" She stopped short, a little flustered now.
"Sex?" Bumper finished her sentence. "Our charges are for escort services only, including expenses. Yes, there are some add ons but any sexual arrangements are private between my staff and their clients. We don't have oversight of that."
"Quite." Aubrey replied, making more notes. "Coming back to the background checks, we would need to run ours; just to be on the safe side."
Bumper was looking increasingly annoyed and before Aubrey spoke up again, Stacie interrupted smoothly, "What Aubrey meant to say is... we need absolute discretion. Our friend and your proespective client is rather well known and if any of this were to leak into the press, it could be disastrous. Especially if there is any sex involved."
Bumper sat back in the chair, templing his fingers together and gazing at both women.
"I see," he said finally. "I can assure you that we are very discreet."
Stacie nodded in response already convinced and Aubrey made a few notes in her book.
"Most of my clients are very happy with the service we offered," Bumper continued. "Partly because we provide what a client actually need. So, if you could tell me what you are looking for, then I may be able to tell you whether we can help."
Aubrey opened her mouth but it was Stacie who spoke first.
"We need a man for someone who is very sure she doesn't need one."