15. Kylie

Chapter fifteen

Kylie

I wish I thought to ask Luca what we’re doing today so I could dress accordingly. I keep waffling between a dress or something more casual.

After showering and doing my hair and makeup, I've only gotten as far as putting on my underwear. Each time I think an outfit will do, I try it on and look at myself in the mirror before deciding it won't work. That started an hour ago.

I've never been that girl. My lip curls in disgust.

"Make a decision, Kylie." I huff.

Putting my hands on my hips, I survey my surroundings. It's a total disaster, with clothes covering every inch of my small bedroom.

Frustrated, I grab my beige plaid dress pants that are flung over my nightstand. Depending on the top, it can tow the line between business and casual. I love these pants. They're comfortable and I wear them to school with a T-shirt probably more times than I should.

My lack of wardrobe never bothered me before, so why does it now?

As I slip them on, I scan the room, looking for the right top, when I find a cream sweater peeking out from under a pile on the floor by the closet.

"That will do." I decide as I button my pants.

As I'm slipping the sweater on, there's a knock at my door.

And just like that, my heart rate picks up.

Luca will not want to wait for sex anymore. A few days ago, I would've been terrified of the thought. Now? I think I might want him just as much.

There's still twinges of guilt for why we're together, but I can admit if he'd approached me that first day and asked me for a date, I would've said yes. I would've been terrified, but still I would've said yes and I'd still be here, trying to decide what to wear while I waited for him to pick me up. It's the reason I've been able to stick my head in the sand about being an actual sugar baby.

Grabbing a pair of small gold earrings and my purse, I head to the door while sticking the purse under my arm. Another knock echoes as I work at putting my earrings on.

"I'm coming!"

As I pick up speed, the purse slips from under my arm, causing me to trip over the darn thing. I stop to focus on latching the second earring while blowing out a breath to push my hair out of my eyes. Once done, I straighten and adjust my sweater before remembering the purse on the floor. I grab it, put the strap over my shoulder, and straighten my sweater again. Then I take a deep breath and plaster a smile on my face before swinging the door open.

"Oh." My smile drops when I find Joanna there instead of Luca.

"Hey, Kylie." She gives me a once over before nodding. "Nice. I approve."

I look down at my outfit, dumbstruck. "Thanks …"

Her lips twitch. "Are you ready?"

"Uh … ready for what?" I tilt my head, brows pinched in confusion.

Her smile drops and now she's frowning. "Wait. Did Luca not tell you?"

"Uh …"

She snorts.

"Men are dumb—but don't tell him I said that." She cringes as soon as the words are out of her mouth, but then continues expressing her frustration, anyway. "Seriously though, why didn't he tell you he set up a shopping day for you? Never mind that it was last minute. They don't understand women need advance notice for things like this." She huffs even as a flush creeps across her cheeks. "He pays me a lot, so no complaints here."

I can't help it, I laugh. She doesn't need to worry about offending me. I'm a little annoyed with Luca myself for not explaining his plans today, so I get it.

She shrugs, flashes me a smile before shaking her hands out to her sides, saying, "Surprise," which makes me laugh harder. "Forget Luca. I've got a fun day planned for us. Not that I'm sure you wouldn't rather spend time with him, but this will be almost as good, I promise."

I admit, I'm disappointed. I was looking forward to spending the day with him and getting to know him better. And not just in the biblical sense. While this isn't what I expected, I can adapt.

"Sounds fun." I close and lock the door as Joanna rambles on about our day. I'm not listening to what she's saying. My mind is on why Luca isn't here. Talia's always off with her sugar daddy. Or at least, I assumed she was. Maybe they do this stuff for her too?

"You're not listening to me, are you?" Joanna's standing in my path when I turn to the stairs, which is the only reason I tuned back in.

"I'm sorry. I—Luca and I are still new. I'm still learning how things work." Pausing, I wrinkle my nose. "That didn't sound right."

"Oh no. You said it right. Isn't that all new relationships? You learn each other's habits and personalities and how you mesh your lives together?" She mimics entwining her fingers before turning and leading the way out of the building.

"Yes. I just didn't want you to think I was complaining."

"Totally. Don't give it another thought." She waves her hand dismissively.

We exit the building to find a black SUV idling at the curb. A man I've never seen before is sitting in the driver's seat while another is holding the back door open. Joanna doesn't hesitate and slides right in. I do hesitate and when I glance at the guy holding the door open, he nods. Not knowing what else to do, I nod back before getting in next to Joanna. "Is this how you treat all your clients?"

Her eyes widen and then she laughs, shaking her head. "I didn't do all this. This is Luca. "

"Oh." My eyebrows raise in surprise. I take another look around the vehicle. We're sitting on plush leather seats and a bottle of champagne, sitting on ice, sticks out of a built-in cooler accompanied by two glasses.

"Yeah. He spared no expense for you." She leans forward to grab the champagne bottle. "Want some?"

"Sure. Why not?" I shrug.

She collects the glasses and pours us both a drink. "Since you were preoccupied and didn't hear the plans for the day, I'll go over them again. Luca gave me strict orders to take you to any department store you want, but he also said if you choose a—how do I say this?" She rolls her top lip between her teeth, eyeing me. "I'm just gonna say it—a discount store. I'm to veto you and take you where I shop for his clothes. He wants you to have all the good quality items that will last. His words, but I have to agree. You do get what you pay for."

Raising my eyebrow, I don't say anything while I take a sip of the champagne. I'm pleasantly surprised by the cool, crisp flavor of raspberries. I inspect the bottle, wanting to note what brand it is.

"It's good, right?"

"It is. I've never had champagne before. And I normally shop at discount stores, so I'll let you guide me today." I'm not insulted. I get it. People with money shop differently.

Joanna claps her hands and bounces in her seat. "Girl, I'm going to open a whole new world for you."

My phone dings. Hoping it's Luca, I dig it out of my purse and check it.

Good morning, Angel. Enjoy your day shopping. Something came up today or I would be with you. Joanna will take good care of you.

I must have frowned at my phone because Joanna asks if everything's ok. "It's Luca. He said he had something come up today. Must be why he scheduled this at the last minute." I flash her a smile before returning to my phone.

Good morning. I hope all is well. Do you have any specific things you want me to purchase today?

Joanna has a list for you. Let her do her thing.

But, if you want something not on her list, buy it.

Ok. Will I see you tonight?

Even if I have to kill someone to make it happen. I'm afraid it might be late, though. Text me when you're home.

Smiling, I give a thumbs up emoji before turning back to Joanna. I'd zoned her out again.

***

"I've got it Miss Davis." Joseph, the man who held my car door and followed us around all day to carry our packages, relieves me of the bags I tried to carry inside. He won't let me lift a thing and it makes me feel lazy. He's been calling me Miss Davis all day and no matter how much I've tried to get him to call me Kylie, he just smiles in response.

I've given up.

Joseph follows me up the stairs to the entrance of my brownstone as my downstairs neighbor walks out of the front door, eyeing me and Joseph. He's staying with a neighbor and not the friendliest. He only ever stares at me when I pass him in the hall, which is rare, but he always looks angry.

I don't even want to contemplate what he's thinking right now.

We arrive at my apartment to find a package leaning against the jamb. I notice the weight and carefully stuff it under my arm before unlocking the door for Joseph. As he steps past me, I look over the package to find it's addressed to me and take it to the kitchen table. Using my key to break through the tape on the box, I open the top and gasp at the contents. Inside, I find a brand new MacBook and iPhone, accompanied by a note .

As I pull the paper out of the box, Joseph asks which room is mine. Distractedly, I answer, "It's straight ahead. Thank you, Joseph." and open the note.

Angel, these are already set up. Your MacBook has everything you need for school and the phone is filled with all your contacts. I had the number switched over while you shopped today, so your current phone is no longer in service. Text me when you arrive home. See you soon. L.

"It's all clear, Miss Davis. Is there anything you need from me before I go?"

When I look up, Joseph stops before me with a set of keys dangling from his fingers. "What's this?" I ask still in shock from the contents of the package.

"Keys to your car."

"Uh, no, they aren't. My keys are right here." I shake them between us, frowning as Joseph looks at me, then glances down at the package and back up at me. It dawns on me then what's happening. Luca replaced my phone, my computer and all my wardrobe today.

I struggle to accept what is happening. Would he really replace my car?

Joseph isn't forthcoming with information, so we're both just staring at each other—his hand still outstretched with the keys.

Resigned, I sigh as I take the keys. "Which one is it?"

"It's the white and black Land Rover, ma'am." Then he turns and walks out of the apartment, shutting the door behind him.

"What the hell is a Land Rover?" I have enough foresight to lock the door on my way to the window to search for a white and black vehicle. I spot it across the street.

"Holy moly," I mutter in shock.

It's sleek. The body of the vehicle is white except for the top and the wheels, which are all black and it has dark tinted windows. It's so fancy, I don't know how I'm going to hide it from my parents.

Joseph catches my eye as he walks down the front steps and rounds the black SUV. I wait until they take off down the street before I punch the unlock button on the fob in my hands. The lights flicker, confirming its my new car. I click the lock button and make sure the lights flicker again before going to the couch and falling onto my back, flinging my arms out.

This has been the craziest day of my existence. Joanna piled on so many clothes while I was in the dressing rooms that I have no idea how much money we spent, but it has to be in the thousands. And that's only the clothes. I'm aware of the name brands Joanna kept picking, but Luca instructed her not to let me see the prices. It made it hard to turn anything down. I'm sure it's why he had that as a stipulation.

Joanna's good at her job. We got a lot accomplished, though I'm sure she would've gone longer if I hadn't pleaded exhaustion.

We dropped her off at home first since she lives downtown. I like her. She's down to earth and fun. We got along great and I'd like to get to know her more. I surprised her by asking her to lunch soon. After she got over her shock, she seemed pleased, but now I'm worried she only agreed because, technically, I'm a client. I'll have to let her know she doesn't have to cater to me because I don't want that kind of friendship.

I've missed hanging out with friends. My friends from college all graduated and moved during my absence last year. Not that I was in the head space to keep our friendships going. My two closest friends from high school went to college out of state and we slowly dwindled contact over the years. We still talk, but it's down to once a year at best and it's all my fault. My life has done a one-eighty since Dad's diagnosis.

Taking a deep breath, I decide it's time to start living again.

Realizing I'm still holding the box with my new phone. I open it and pull the phone out, searching for the power button. My current phone is an older model so I know how to work this one, only it's bigger and with a few new features.

After the screen comes to life, I tap into the contacts to find Luca's and start a text, focusing on the biggest item he bought.

A car? Really? And I hope you brace yourself for the amount of money Joanna spent on me.

I stare at the phone, waiting for a response. When it doesn't come right away, I lay the phone on my chest and stuff my hands under my head as I stare at the ceiling. I requested to stop at the bank before we got distracted with shopping. I never got the chance to pay my parent's mortgage payment and I don't know how long they have before the bank starts foreclosure.

Ms. Wesley handed me a visa gift card with my first week's payment after I signed the contract. She informed me the company takes care of loading the card with the contract payment each week to ensure the girls are paid on time.

Another pinch of guilt hits me. Being a sugar baby isn't exactly legal, so I understand why they are paying us this way.

I can't help but reflect on the banker's reaction this morning. He told me a payment wasn't due and he wouldn't give me details since I'm not on the account, but did reassure me it wasn't because of being foreclosed on.

I don't know if Mom scraped enough to pay the minimum since her last call I overheard. It's the only explanation I can think of. I'll just have to be sneaky and try to find the mortgage letter in their house for next month's payment.

My phone vibrates on my chest, bringing me back to the now. Checking it, my lips tip up and my belly flutters when I see Luca's name displayed on the screen.