Chapter 4
1338 Words
As soon as I got back to Ali’s BMW, she was already there waiting with a burger and fries. She was wearing a silver fringed top and a blue skirt. With her perfectly done hair, pink BMW, and burger in hand, she looked like she could be an advertisement.
“Hang on, I have to get a photo of you!” I said, laughing. I pulled out my phone and Ali made a cute pose. After a few more poses and us laughing over the photos, she offered me a fry.
“I can’t believe that host said that to you! Ugh, sounds like an incel.”
“At least he distracted the guy so I could get out.”
“I would still call that company and have him fired. That guy seriously sounds like he was a creep, and the host should have taken it more seriously.”
“Where were you headed tonight?” I asked, changing the subject.
“A party, one with classier people than you’ve seen tonight. You should come with!”
“No thanks, I think I’ve had enough of Dallas singles for one night.”
“Aww come on!” She grabbed my arm. “Let me take you somewhere where you can meet some real men.” I actually did feel better being around Ali, and it sounded better than ending the evening as it was.
“Okay.”
“Great!” She clapped her hands together happily. “First though, you’re going to need a change of clothes.” She walked around to the trunk of the car and popped it open. Inside she had a duffel bag with a strappy maroon velvet bodycon dress and matching heels. She held it out to me.
“Ali, I don’t know if it’s me…”
“Well, there is a dress code for this party, and heels are required,” I sighed.
“Can’t I just wear the shoes?” I asked hopefully.
“No, they don’t match your outfit, and besides, that romper is way too big for you. You need an outfit that fits you properly, and start rockin’ that body!” I reluctantly took the dress and shoes inside the restaurant to change.
As I came out of the bathroom stall and saw myself in the mirror, I was in awe. My body actually looked really good! I couldn’t imagine any time I wore something with straps around my mid-section, much less not feeling like it was the worst thing I’d ever worn. I turned in the mirror, admiring myself. I actually looked pretty good. I reapplied my lipstick which had worn off and tried to fix the few stray hairs that had gotten a bit unruly. I washed my hands and walked out of the restroom and back to Ali’s car.
“Whoo girl! You look HOT!” She yelled. I blushed. We got in her car and we drove for about 20 minutes before Ali pulled up at a really high-end hotel. The valet opened my door, and Ali handed him her key. She walked in confidently as I nervously trailed behind her. We got on the elevator.
“Um, Ali, what kind of party is this?” I asked.
“Well, it’s kind of a party, kind of a meet and greet.”
“A meet and greet with who? I asked.
“POTS.” She said.
“What are POTS?” but I didn’t get more of an explanation as the elevator door opened up to the hotel rooftop. There was a bar, a pool, and a lot of intimate seating arrangements which were primarily taken up by beautiful women and men who were noticeably older than them. I followed Ali as she made herself to the bar. The bartender brought over two drinks.
“Ladies drink free tonight.” He said.
“Oh, actually, do you have water?” I asked. The bartender poured me a glass.
Suddenly, a man who looked to be in his 60s walked over to Ali. She gave him a big hug.
“Frank!” She giggled.
“Misty, I’m so glad you made it.” Misty? Who the hell was Misty?
“Of course, you asked me to come, so here I am.” Frank suddenly looked at me. He eyed me with a smile.
“Who’s your friend?” Ali spoke before I could.
“This is my friend Nicole.” I glanced at Ali, confused. What was going on? Why were we giving this man she clearly knows fake names? Frank reached out his hand for mine, but when I went to shake his, he pulled my hand up to his mouth and kissed it. I suddenly felt myself get warm and blushing.
“Well, she is gorgeous,” Frank gushed.
“And she loves the BMW.” Ali smiled.
“Really, you drove it?” Frank smiled.
“Yeah, it was cool,” I answered. Ali and Frank laughed.
“Well, I’m sure you looked just as hot as Misty here behind the wheel. We might have to get to know each other a little better and you two can match.”
“Oh!” I exclaimed, “Are you one of Misty’s sponsors?” Frank suddenly looked confused.
“Sponsors?” He asked. Ali stepped forward.
“Yes, Frank is a big fan of my modeling and helps support me in my goals.” Frank smiled.
“Oh yes, I’m a very big fan and supporter of Misty’s.”
After that very odd interaction, Frank dismissed himself.
“Ali, what’s going on? Why did you tell that man my name was Nicole, and why does he think your name is Misty?” Ali took a sip of her drink.
“So, confession…Frank is my sugar daddy. At least one of them. He bought me the car.”
I was floored.
“You’re sleeping with that old man?” I shook my head in disbelief, “You’re sleeping with multiple old men?”
“That old man happens to be the vice president of the biggest law firm in Fort Worth.” I didn’t know what to say.
“Why are we meeting your sugar daddy at a meet and greet? What are POTS?”
“POTs are potential sugar daddies.” I could not believe my ears.
“Why did you bring me to a party to meet sugar daddies? I’m not…” I stopped before saying something I knew I’d regret.
“Listen, miss judgy,” Ali lightly scolded, “sugar dating does not need to be some big taboo, scary thing. If you’re smart and hold your boundaries, it can be really fun.”
“It’s sleeping with men for money.” Ali pulled me over to a quiet area.
“Let me ask you a question. You’ve been on the typical swiping dating apps, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Have you slept with any of those men?” I looked away before I could answer.
“...yes,” I said through gritted teeth.
“Uh-huh, and what did you get out of it?” I rolled my eyes.
“Laid.” I laughed, embarrassed.
“Right, and did that man take you on a nice date beforehand? Did he take you on 2 or 3 dates beforehand and buy you a nice dinner, buy you a glass of wine, treat you like the lady you are? Or did he buy you a $3 coffee and make you feel like that coffee was actually paid for the s*x he hoped you’d be having with him after the date?”
Wow.
“Honey, all of the male species use money to try to get laid. Men are just the ones who aren’t afraid to spend more, and as a business owner, you should know, that the people who invest more money in you are the people who respect you more.”
Holy s**t. Why was she making so much sense?
- Writer
