Play the Player

Chapter Three - Mystery Woman

“How dare you?” Xavier almost screamed in anger.

“Why would you publish her pictures all over the internet? Do you know how creepy that is?” He was fuming now and pacing the balcony.

“My apologies sir. You mentioned that we should do everything possible to find her and I didn’t want to disappoint you.” David, his right-hand man muttered with head lowered as though he was afraid of making eye contact with the raging Xavier.

“When I say anything, I mean work discreetly but ensure you find her. There’s nothing discreet about plastering her face all over the internet and naming a reward! Heck!”

He rubbed his temples in frustration and settled on the small patio. After a few seconds of silence, he spoke again;

“She probably hates me so much now. And worse, she could think I’m a creep.”

He looked very worried at that last admission and David’s expression continued to show remorse.

“I’ll correct this sir. Just give me a few hours and everything will be wiped out.” He said with the usual confidence that Xavier admired.

“Alright. I trust you. Please get it sorted.” David responded with a firm nod and made to leave but Xavier called him back almost immediately.

“Hi Dave, please note that sorting does not stop you from continuing your search. I just want it done more discreetly.”

“Understood.” He responded and left.

Xavier let out a deep breath and took a sip from the glass he’d been holding all along.

His phone started beeping and he grabbed it by the stand to see the caller ID as Adrian. He picked up and Adrian’s cool voice came on.

“Hey bro, what’s good?” He asked cheerfully.

“All good man.” Xavier answered coolly. He didn’t want to pursue a conversation, and it showed.

“You sure?” He persisted.

“Yeah. Why?” Xavier asked, confused at the exchange.

“Oh nothing… just wanted to confirm because you kinda acted a bit strange the other day.”

“How do you mean strange? Xavier asked, baffled.

“I mean, the whole thing with the mystery woman. It’s just that I’ve never seen you try on any woman talk less of pursuing her.” Adrian drilled further.

Xavier smirked at the question. Adrian has always been that curious guy that somehow cares about him so much.

“It’s nothing man. I was just curious about her. She was… you know… different.” Xavier responded, within him, he knew that it was beyond curiosity. Curiosity never made his heart hollow, nor make it race this wildly against his chest.

“Scratch that brother. You plastered her face all over the internet and put a price on her head. That exceeds curiosity.” Adrian persisted.

Xavier smiled because he was right. This was nothing close to curiosity. He was obsessed with this woman, this stranger that he’ll probably never meet again.

But how could he admit it without looking weak. How could he say that he made a double turn anytime he saw red on a woman.

How could he explain that he was losing himself to a woman he barely knew.

He couldn’t, so he laughed it off and said:

“Trust me man, I got it under control. Can we meet up later this evening for some drinks?”

“Oh sure! What location? Let me guess, the same club where you met this mystery woman.” Adrian teased.

“Yes. Same location.” Xavier responded, ignoring the tease. He sure as hell hoped she’ll be there again tonight.”

-

The girls were flocking around Maddy’s small and cramped up room.

“Spill everything about it.” Nikita asked curiously while sitting crossed leg on the burgundy flowery rug, well placed in the center of Maddy’s room.

“Girls trust me, there’s nothing to tell. I danced with this strange man, left him stranded, and next I’m seeing myself on the television.”

“Sounds like a creep to me.” Nikita chirped in and the other girls echoed their affirmation.

“Or maybe he’s obsessed with her. Oh, I wish I could have a man that is obsessed with me.” Roxie added with a smile on her face.

She had always been the one to want weird things. Maddy shook her head in disapproval.

“So, what now girl? Are you going to find him or do you just love the chase?” Roxie asked and winked suggestively.

“Hell no! Nothing to love about this madness. This is just another rich entitled man thinking he can get any woman he wants out of life. I won’t give in. If anything, I would stay far away instead.”

“Okay. Respect your wishes my love. I hope this does not disrupt our next girl’s night out though…I have been planning for it so bad hahaha.”

“No way! Since all the images and news have somehow been wiped off mysteriously on the internet, I’m sure people will forget in a very short time. There’s always new gossip in the city every day to keep them engaged.” Diane answered almost immediately, earning a laugh from the other girls, including Maddy.

“Yeah, I agree.” Maddy chipped in. “We can't put our lives on hold because of some man.”

“Okay girls, so where are we going tonight?” Roxie chipped in.

“Same club of course. Who knows if we run into our mystery man again.” Diane teased.

“Hell no! We aren’t going back there anymore.” The three girls screamed in unison.

Maddy was the first to laugh, then the other girls followed suit and scurried to get dressed up.

It was going to be one hell of a night!