Appointed by a Billionaire to be his Heir's Girlfriend

Chapter 16

Athena Vanderbilt POV

Looking away awkwardly, I found a seat near the stack of Krispy Kreme donuts and sat. Erik dragged a chair and sat beside me. He held out a box of donuts to me and I got one Original Glazed. I started nibbling it.

“So…” Erik started as he started munching on his donut childishly. I looked up at him. Isn’t he tired of grinning all the time?

“I’m Erik.” He said.

I said, “Yeah I know. Your mom just told us, right? I’m not likely to forget something mentioned a few seconds ago. My short-term memory is good.”

He laughed, “Yes. Your sarcasm is good.”

That is not sarcasm. I raised an eyebrow at him, waiting for him to say more.

“We might as well get to know each other since we’re going to be partners here.” He said as he chewed half of the donut. Wow. What a big mouth. Literally.

I gave him a smile. And I felt like the skin over my cheeks was stretched against their will. It’s been so long since I smiled.

“Well, then gentleman first.” I stated.

He smirked, “Fine. As you’ve said that my mom told us, I’m Erik Carter. I’m a freshman in NYU right now. Tough stuff over there. You might also wonder if my age is just 14 since I’m so youthful-looking – don’t laugh!” he said childishly since I started to laugh.

“Youthful looking?”

“Hey hey! No side-comments please!” he said as he joined me in laughing.

I reduced my laughing to a minimum. He’s not bad after all. He’s one of the guys who are easy to hang out with. And that’s saying something since I’m usually shy around guys. He’s not awkward nor arrogant. He’s just… well…funny.

He continued telling the tale of his life and I listened to him.

Well, he’s not 14 but instead, he’s turning 19 in a week. And he’ll be having a party in their home, which he invited me to attend. I said I’ll think about it.

He also told me how his father wanted him to attend an Ivy , especially Harvard University, because his father himself is a professor there and almost all in his father side of the family graduated from Harvard. He said his father only comes home during the Holidays or whenever there is vacant time. He refused Harvard, which is obvious, because his father disapproved the school in which he really wanted to study in, which is Princeton University. So instead, he remained close to home, here at NYU. He said also said that he’s the oldest in the family. He only have a younger brother which is a freshman in high school right now.

He also told me of his random hobbies which include painting, photography and swimming. This is also the first time he helped his mother in the photoshoot.

“It’s too girly for my taste.” He says while doing some funny facial expressions, which kept me laughing.

Well, to tell you the truth, he doesn’t look so bad. In fact, he is handsome. He has that gorgeous look. The type you saw with Jack Dawson in Titanic. Except for the hair. Yeah I know. Mesmerizing. Especially the smile. And the eyes.

And he’s even friendly. Not the awkward type. He’s very talkative and his smile is very infectious.

“You know, Nana-“ he said and yes, he gave me this weird nickname, “-I had this pet canary when I was 12…”

But whatever about his canary, I did not hear because Venia came out in a second and called us.

“Oh good you’re getting along.” She said warmly as she took a donut.

I smiled at her, “Erik is really nice.”

“See, mom? I told you I’m nice to people.” Erik argued.

Venia laughed,” Fine, son. Go to your dressing room now. Someone will do your hair and make-up.”

She ushered me into a dressing room and let me sat on a comfortable chair.

“So this is your first time modeling?” she asked.

“Um yes. I was actually surprised when Cheska called me to tell that someone picked my Polaroid.” I told her meekly.

“Yes. You’re beauty stood over the rest. You weren’t even wearing any make-up then. I’ve heard about the special circumstance Cheska gave you. She was right in picking you.”

I was too dumb and speechless to say anything intelligent so instead, I beamed at her.

“Wait for him, okay? He’ll be here soon.” Venia said and then walked out of the door.

I looked around the room. The walls were completely white. And the side I was facing was line with crystal clean mirrors with the appropriate lighting. A rack of dresses were in the corner.

My nerves already caught me. How on earth am I supposed to project properly in front of a camera?!

Then the door suddenly opened and a grumpy man with thick eyebrows came in.

“Hello. I’m Athena.” I said nervously as I stood up.

“So I’ve heard. I’m James.” He said and his British accent was certainly distinct.

He walked over to me and started examining me from head to toe. He grabbed a chunk of my hair and scrutinized it closely that his nose was already touching it. But I did not say anything until he was done.

He clucked his tongue in disapproval, “Tut tut. Your hair is dry but good thing it is long. Your skin is fair but dry too. Are you using lotion or any moisturizer? Your eyes have black circles under it. Are you sleeping poorly?”

He did not even let me answer his questions as he led me to sat on a chair and he prepared his make-up kit. He then covered the mirror I was facing with some cloth. I wonder why.

I sighed. Make-up. One of the things I dislike the most. They make your face so icky and everything.

It took him almost three hours to get done. I don’t know or care if I look better now. All I care about is that my hair felt like it had been singed to the roots, my face felt like it was thrown with glue and my eyes felt so violated because he kept on asking me to look on different directions when he was applying some eyeshadow and eyeliner.

When he was finally done, he gave me an overall look and for the first time in three hours, I saw him smile at me.

“There you go, Athena. You look as pretty as the sun.”

I beamed at him, regardless of what he had done to my hair and face.

He pulled out the cloth covering the mirror and there… I saw a girl.

Is that me seriously?!

Her brown eyes are wide in surprise. Well… what can I say? Her face… I mean my face… is… glowing. Weird. I never knew I can look like this. She looks so innocent…so harmless. Maybe that is because everything they applied on me was light in colors. Including the terrifying light pink lipstick.

My hair is in soft curls and swept to the side. I don’t know what kind of twirls and dos did they do to my hair at the back though.

Everything is just amazing.

“Venia told me I should go for the innocent baby-type look. So there you are.” James said at my side, clearly proud of his masterpiece.

“Oh. You made me look younger. It’s wonderful. Thank you.” I said to him.

If the theme is something innocent-like, then I wonder what on earth would Erik look like. Haha!

Venia came in and looked a bit stunned when she saw me. Am I really that majestic right now?

“Oooh James! Good job!” she squealed.

The photoshoot took place until evening. Erik looked so cute! His already childish face turned so much younger that he looks like he can barely hurt a fly! Venial told us it’s her theme to go for the innocent-looking type. Vintage, more like. The several outfits she put me into are so girly. The whole team assured me I look beautiful in them and told me I just have to look naïve and everything. Keeping my face neutral. Easy for me.

Good thing there was barely intimate contact between me and Erik. We’re partners yeah. We did several shots together. But they were mainly composed of looking at each other, standing side by side and such etcetera. The most intimate he did was that when he put my arm over my shoulder and that wasn’t even intimate in the first place. Good thing really that the shoot’s theme was “innocent”. Whatever it was.

By the end of the day, the whole team was tired yet very satisfied, the Krispy Kreme boxes were empty and Erik and I were out of our make-ups.

WE bid our goodbyes to one another.

“Venia, thank you so much for picking me for this shoot. I really had a great time.” I said to her.

“Oh dear. We all had. And you were worth it.” She said. She hugged me briefly. Wow. How very nice of her to tell that to an amateur like me.

“Thank you.” I said again and I mean it. This day was really out of my imagination. Who knew I can have fun in this?

“Do you want to join me and Erik for dinner? We had reservations.” she asked me.

“Oh no, thank you. I couldn’t possib-“ I was cut off when Erik’s voice chided in. He was driving a car. A very handsome car. Its glossy black paint was glinting beneath the city lights.

“You will, Nana. Anyway, it’s mom’s treat.” he said firmly.

Venia laughed and said to me, “Come on in.”

I sat on the backseat while Venia is on the passenger seat.

Erik mostly did the talking while he drove and drove to somewhere, reliving the day and adding some funny snide remarks about the whole thing.

Finally reaching Times Square, we arrived at the front of a very sophisticated-looking restaurant. We got inside and weren’t surprised to see Venia and Erik were all friendly with the waitresses and everyone. They were probably here often.

“Welcome to Ca Va, Nana!” Erik said to me, grinning and I can’t help but to grin back.

We were ushered to a table and given the menu. I gulped, remembering the very awkward moment when I was choosing over the menu during our first formal meeting in Carlyle that Friday night… the night we became officially together…

And I was right. This is a French restaurant. The words are much harder to pronounce. Ugh. I’m going to look stupid. The only thing I know about French cuisine is Ratatouille because of the movie!

Erik handed me the menu and I kept staring at it, figuring how to pronounce the words. And seriously, are these food meant to cost this much?! Ugh. Seriously. Seriously.

Erik nudged me and said, “Let’s go for the Rib Eye for two!”

“W-what?” I stammered and I looked at the line he was pointing in my menu. $105?! IS HE SERIOUS?!

“Oh yes, why not? Erik’s been dying to have someone to try it with. He’s been begging me but I decline. Too much for me.” Venia explained, laughing a bit.

“Okay?” I said, unsure.

“That settles it. Chilled Asparagus salad for appetizer. A rib eye for two and a Côtelettes D'Agneau Porterhouse.”Venia told the waitress.

What was just the last thing she said? It sounded like a tongue twister.

“Okay, ma’am. But you’ll have to wait for 45 minutes for the rib eye.”

“It’s fine. No side dishes please but we’ll be having dessert. Peach cheesecake will do.” Venia said.

I tried to tune out their conversation. Seriously. It sounds so sophisticated and formal and everything. Even the place is so refined. Glass everywhere and to say that we’re at the heart of New York city. But then again, she is Venia Carter and this must be like normal for her.

Sigh. Why do I have to be uncomfortable in grand places like this?

Erik turned to me, “Hey Nana! I did all the talking since nine in the morning. Do you mind if it is your turn now?”

Yes, I do mind. I’m not comfortable in talking.

But of course I didn’t say that. I’m too much shy for that, especially in front of Venia. So instead, I said, “My life’s really boring.”

“Convince me.” Said Erik who was looking at me like a little child waiting for her mom to tell bedtime stories.

I rolled my eyes, “Bore yourself to death then.”

Erik grinned while Venia laughed as she tapped on her Blackberry. I looked at Erik. Okay? What on earth am I supposed to say to a stranger, wait, not stranger but a friend, I’ve met just a few hours ago? I sighed inwardly. Maybe, I’ll just go for the basics.

“I’m Athena Vanderbilt, 17 years of age. I go to Sta. Catalina’s school for girls as a junior. I’m sure you’ve already noticed but my social class doesn’t really belong to that school. I have a little sister named Iris and she’s the cutest thing in the world.”

I stopped talking and looked at Erik, “I’m done.”

He raised an eyebrow at me and shook his head, “Details, Nana. I want details.”

I chuckled, “I told you my life’s boring.”

“Well then, we’ll just have to do Q and As.” He said, grinning wickedly.

I told you, why doesn’t he get tired of grinning?! My muscles would have gone stiff if I did that.

“Fine.” I said, defeated.

Erik was really serious when he said he’ll go for Q and As. He just asked everything. Including about my parents. Venia mentioned she knows my “grandparents”. I just gave her a half-hearted smile because they haven’t really been my “grandparents” but a bunch of people I’m unfortunately connected with by blood. And yes, Erik can be so tenacious at times when he wants to find out the truth. And haven’t I told you, I’m not really a good liar.

He asked about school and everything, including Chloe. But I didn’t give personal details.I don’t see a need to divulge the most heartbreaking part of my life to Erik.

Only one thing remains a secret now. The thing about Nate. I can’t bring myself to talk about him. Yes, I’m quite grateful Erik is there to talk to about some things but still, I don’t have the guts to talk about that.

“So you’ve never dated anyone before?” he asked.

I almost choked on the glass of water I’m drinking. Oh gosh, 45 minutes, why don’t you end now?

“I don’t really think it had been serious.” I said.

He raised an eyebrow again, a gesture that means he knows I’m not entirely being truthful.

“It’s the truth!” I protested, laughing.

He chuckled and added thoughtfully, “I never thought I can find someone with a clean record these days.”

I playfully hit his arm, “What about yours?”

“Oh. Almost as clean as yours. Two.” Erik said, bit lost in his thoughts.

And thankfully, our rib eyes arrived. And the conversation became a bit lighter than before. Venia mostly did the talking here. She talked about her job, her experiences, how other models can be so unprofessional and demanding at times, etc. dinner time had been exactly the opposite of boring.

The clock struck 11 o’clock and the two insisted they drop me home because it’s already late.

We reached home. Erik opened the door for me. I swallowed. I remembered the other person who used to do that for me. I shook my head. You can’t think about him again, Athena. Your mind’s better off without him.

He led me to the door.

“Thanks, Erik for today, for the dinner and everything. I really had a good time with you and your mom.” I said, my hand on the doorknob. I should really invite them inside since it is manners to do so but since it’s already late, I thought against it.

“No problem, Nana. It’s been a pleasure meeting you today. Will you please come to my birthday party this next weekend?” he said, back to his funny childish self again.

I sighed, “Fine.”

He hugged me suddenly that I was so shocked to even protest or say something.

“Thanks, Nana! I’ll fetch you then! Bye!” he said and he ran off to the car where his mother waiting.

Being hugged by a person you know for exactly 15 hours is very mindblowing for me. Seriously.

I was smiling as I went inside. Finding a friend sure feels good.

I went straight to my room and changed into my lilac PJs. Feeling a bit tired after a whole busy day, I jumped into my bed, savoring the warmth of the blankets when I heard someone knocking in the front door.