The Bodyguard

Chapter 7 - Incognito

I get home from work on Saturday with a spring in my step. I packed my bag the night before so I shower quickly and change into jeans and a white T-shirt to travel. I pull my wet hair up into a ponytail and slide on my flat sandals.

Amy is waiting downstairs with her bags and she’s on the phone when I arrive to meet her.

“Yes Dex, she’s definitely coming. Of course I’ll drive safely.” She looks at me and rolls her eyes. “Ok, see you soon. Love you.” And she hangs up.

“It’s sweet that he cares so much.” I offer, I don’t know what else to say because I don’t know the guy.

“He is sweet, but his worrying about my driving makes me crazy!” She laughs, "I'm not that bad a driver"  she adds seeing my nervous look.

We head to her car, which is a cute black sports car and I let out a small gasp. How can she afford a car like this when she’s a student? She doesn’t even seem to have a job. She sees my expression and explains, “my parents are wealthy. I attended the best private school in my area and my parents pay all my bills and provide me with a monthly income. I’m just not a fancy person, I really love cars, but I don’t own designer clothes, it’s just not me. I’m a bit of a disappointment in that respect.”

On the drive she explains how she is very different from her parents and they don’t really get on because of it. They are especially disappointed in her choice of boyfriend since Dex not only doesn't come from a ‘good’ eg wealthy family, he’s also 9 years older than her. She’s 21 and he’s 30. She doesn’t care though and from the way she talks it’s almost like she’s using her relationship to rebel against her upbringing.

It’s almost 7pm by the time we arrive so we order some food and start to unpack. Dex isn’t home yet, but Amy has a key so we make ourselves at home. We eat the Chinese food she ordered and she’s right, it’s excellent.

Dex arrives an hour later while we’re clearing up the dishes and he gives Amy a quick peck of the cheek before appraising me with a smile.

“Hi, Kristen right?”

“Yes. Nice to meet you and thanks for inviting me.”

“Not a problem, you girls run upstairs and start getting ready and I’ll finish up in here. I know how you like to take your time. I’ll meet you both down here in an hour.”

We head upstairs to the guest room that holds my bags and I sit on the crisp white sheets. I pull out my dress and shoes, my makeup bag and my hair brush. I showered earlier and my hair is almost dry now. Amy hands me her dryer and I dry the remainder of my long, dark auburn hair, which I have a love hate relationship with. It’s neither curly nor straight, it takes a lot of taming, but when done right earns me lots of compliments. It also works in harmony with my bright green eyes to give me an interesting look. I definitely stand out in a crowd, but I haven’t decided if that’s a good or bad thing yet.

I carefully apply my makeup and it's going well, I can already see this is going to be one of those nights where I look ok. As I’m sweeping my mascara wand up I notice Amy is watching me carefully. She’s already done her hair and makeup but is still in her robe.

“You look great” she flatters. “You’re so good at makeup!”

“I’ve always worn it,” I explain with a shrug. What I don’t tell her is that it’s my mask. The one I put on every day to hide the insecurities that gnaw on me deep inside.

Once we’re finally ready, me in my black dress and silver heels, Amy in smart black trousers and a red strapless top (I discover she just isn’t a dress kind of girl) we head downstairs.

The cab arrives quickly and the drive to the club isn’t long. We pull up outside and I see the blue sign illuminating the night. ‘Incognito'  The place looks enormous and a little intimidating, but I decide to grow a pair since I have an invite and take a deep breath.

The cab driver opens my door while Dex helps Amy out.  We follow Dex to the front of the queue and security nods and lets us straight through.  I’m not used to this!  Who is Dex and why does he get this special treatment?

We head inside and I find out the party is on the top floor.  We walk up the wide, staircase and I hold the large gold bannister so I don't slip.  When we reach the top I look nervously at Amy, I’m suddenly feeling like I don’t belong here and this was a mistake.

She smiles at me and says with a knowing look “you look amazing, relax! Besides there’s someone I really want you to meet.”

“What?! I said no boys!” I protest

“Yes and that’s the last thing you need, I get it. You don’t need a stupid immature boy ruining your mood and messing you around. We agreed no boys, but we didn’t agree to no men.” She winks and walks through the door.

Oh s**t.