Ms Robinson

Chapter two

"That's my girl, positively alluring inside and out. I could cry with happiness, you know I love you more than anything, but I can't spoil my make-up. You are simply delectable - Absolutely fabulous!"  Then she stepped back to Lex and the two exchanged a knowing glance.

"See, I told you, she had s*x appeal, no?" trilled Stefan while fanning himself.  "I need a drink, con rapidez!!"

I didn't say a word, instead, I followed my godmother, Lex, and Stefan to the chaise lounges. My legs felt a bit wonky from all the champagne I have consumed, but that did not stop me from accepting another one. I looked at my godmother and I swore I could see her dabbing at her eyes with that lace handkerchief of hers. The adults started talking and while they were conversing, I found myself in my bubble filled dream world - where I am l gently laughing and tinkling away like some movie star that just received an Oscar!  I still can't believe that that girl in the mirror was the mousy old me! Floating down gently to the real world, I heard Max telling Stefan that she wants to settle the bill and Stefan refusing to take payment and saying something that he owes her more than this and in fact his entire life while throwing his hands up like a flippen ballerina.  Wonder what that was all about.  Snapping out of my haze again, I hear Max saying to me, "Nyxie darling, let's get something to nibble."  I looked at her and replied smilingly, "Of course, Max."  I turned to Stefan and said to him shyly, "Grazie, Stefan."  Instead, he hugged me and said, "This is too precious, look at that coy look she is giving me.  Are you flirting with me?" I just laughed at him.  He took my hand and kissed it, then kissed both my cheeks. 

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 As we left the salon to go to the car, I could feel people staring at me.  It made me so uncomfortable that I wanted to touch my face and pull down this blasted skirt.  But instead, I held my head high and slid into the car whose door was opened for me.  As we are sitting in the car, Max told the driver to go to Tout Fantaisie - I know most of the celebs hang out here in this place.......way beyond my league.  As we entered the owner came out to greet Max and Lex.  An older guy, with salt and pepper hair, who was handsome for his old age, he was not too fat but not skinny either, could've been even handsome in his younger days, a heartthrob for sure.  He greeted them with so much gusto and lifting both his hands in the air as if to praise.

"Jack", Max said.  “Apologies for barging in with no reservation." 

"Oh no, my dear! Not to worry, you fillies do not need an invitation or reservation at any time.", he bellowed.  "And who is this?" he asked.  Gently taking my hand and kissing it but looking at me like I was the newest special at McDonald’s.

"Off-limits!" replied Max and Lex at once.

"Well, ladies and Off limits, let's get you to your favorite table."  Without him even turning around, the maitre'd and waiters came pouring in from all directions.  Eventually being seated at a beautifully decorated circular table, stunning, stunning, and double wow.  As I was being seated, my fingers automatically touched the organza from the backdrops of the chair. I always loved organza and closed my eyes in bliss.  When I opened my eyes after a few seconds I saw my godmother looked at me for a moment, but then she looked away again.  Another waiter came and he whispered in my godmother's ear and she nodded.  I saw Lex elegantly looking discreetly around, with that mysterious half-smile of hers.  Eventually, when we got comfortable, Lex took off her hat, and oh my gosh, this woman is really drop-dead gorgeous.   Her usual long hair was up in an elegant wispy bun.  It looked shorter though.  Anyways, I also started gazing around to see if I can play, I spy with my little eye something that is a celeb. 

"Nyxie dahling, a glass of Chardonnay for you?", snapping out of the spying game of which I saw no celebs - boo freaking hoo! I replied, "Yes, please."  And my glass was filled with the Chardonnay.

I heard Lex whispering to Max, "Wonder what filly Jack is riding these days." They both smirked.  I thought - what does it matter what horse this guy bought or rode, all horses are kind of the same, just different colors, some are like ponies, others big stallions or gentle mares.  Don't get me wrong I love horses too and rode a few times when Max married that guy from South America, who had a ranch two hours away from the city.   

Menus were brought all around and boy oh boy - usually I would just shove my face in a hamburger and slurp some soda to cover the hole in my stomach - BUT this!! Oh, my aunt Fanny in a big granny bloomer, the meals sounded like a disco party for my mouth.   From the French Onion soup, Waldorf Salad, Garden salad with litchi and mango fruit-infused, lobster salad, Lobster Bisque, Oysters to Filet Mignon, Wild mushroom risotto, Coq au vin, some other French name for Lamb shank and slices of roasted leg of lamb and so much more.

The dessert!! OH, my HAT!! I think angels are floating next to me - Petit fours, Chocolate Eclairs, Creme brulee, French Apple pie, Caneles, and French lemon tart - hmmm.  Simply to die for. 

Well, I looked at what the ladies were ordering and before I could make my selection, Max leaned over and whispered to me, " Oysters, Wild mushroom risotto, Caneles."

Gratefully I nodded at her and she just smiled and winked at me.   The waiter came and Max told the waiter to bring a Garden salad with litchi and mango for the table because she doesn't want any other "trimmings" with the food.

Food flowing, me digging in happily but not showing too much enthusiasm, champagne and wine flowing freely even more.  I must admit I was starving, and I couldn't be happier to fill my tummy with so much LOVE food. Sigh….  To think I will be here for another two-three weeks before I go home to my real world.  Better make the best of the food and wine while I still have the chance. 

Finally, I was satiated, and I could've slept right there and then.  Eventually, Jack came over and I could feel his beady eyes looking at me, looking like fisheyes all glazy, maybe I am drunk from all the food and wine.  Anyway, I took no notice of this older man, and he turned his attention and body language more to Max and Lex.  They were talking about something-something which I have no idea of as if I CARE!  I was just too happy in my bubble.  I saw that Max and Lex were getting up to leave so I hastily stood up too.  Jack gently took Max's hand and kissed it, did the same for Lex, and politely kissed my hand too. 

Back in the car, Lex and Max were whispering in eager but hushed tones.  All I remember was Lex getting ready to get out of the car because my mind was back in that bubble-wrapped fantasy world of mine. Hastily, I greeted her and kissed her on the cheek, and she told me, "À bientôt mon ange."  At least I know it meant "See you later my angel".  And with an elegant glide, off she went.

"Nyxie, darling, we are going to have a soiree at home tonight, food will be prepared from the kitchens of Tout Fantaisie."   Sighing, she closed her eyes and I asked her, " Max, are you okay, do you want to do the soiree?"  Her eyes snapped open and she said, "Of course silly, I am just regretting the diamond necklace I didn't buy for my dress tonight."  I smiled and thought, "Really, FFS, the necklace probably cost more than my mother's kitchen, living room, bedroom, and all their equipment added up.  LMFU.  Sigh… guess that is Max for you hey.

Finally arriving at home because the damn driver greeted us in the same business platonic drone voice of his, "Good afternoon madam, good afternoon miss."  He didn't even flinch or react when he saw me, he just looked ahead and dead-on straight. 

"Thank you Alfred", I heard Max saying.  Ah... is that the driver's name?

"Nyxie, dear, come to the tearoom for a digestive drink and I will explain what the plans are for tonight," Max said.

I nodded and replied, "Ok."

Entering the sunny tearoom, we both said down while a maid came in with a trolley filled with tea and little bottles, served us the way we liked the tea and a little bottle each with a petite little crystal shooter glass.

I picked up the little bottle and it was wrapped in brown paper.  I shrugged and followed what Max did.  I gulped it down and I nearly crapped myself because it tasted horrible!! Ew, ew, ew!!! Immediately I gulped the lemon tea almost as if my life depended on it.

Max gazed at me and said, "So, darling, we will be having a soiree tonight and my future husband and some of his acquaintances will be here tonight.  After you take a little rest, the maid will be there to help you dress and to do your hair and makeup.  Food and beverages from Tout Fantaisie will be delivered during the afternoon.  So, I suggest you should get some beauty sleep, my love."

I nodded, frowned, and said, "Ok, will do so.  Max? What about the clothes, I forgot to take them to my room!"

"Silly, darling." she laughed with that rich tinkling voice of hers.  "It has been packed in your room already."    Sheepishly I just smiled back and left to go take that well-deserved nap.

Entering my room, I looked at this large inviting bed, and plonked myself down, set the alarm for 3 hours, threw a blanket over me, and passed out. 

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A buzzing sound woke me up from a very weird dream, and I groggily pat the alarm clock with wayward hands.  Damn, it felt like I slept for only minutes. Sigh... probably time to get up and get done.  Don't know what I am going to wear. s**t! On my way to my bathroom, I took a look at myself in the mirror! Oh, my hat!! I looked like an ex-wife ax murderer...okay-okay not that bad or cray-cray, but definitely like a bird's nest. Hair everywhere, smudged makeup.  "UGH!!", I groaned with my hands covering my face. What the hell am I supposed to do now!

Coming out of the bathroom, two maids were waiting for me ever ready like supercharged batteries.  The older of the two, Jackie, and who I've always liked, approached me and said in her usual boisterous voice, " Nyx, sweetie, come, we are here to help you get done for the dinner. Your godmother gave me something to bring to you." 

The younger maid, Lucy, who is Jackie's niece waved at me, I smiled back and waved back at her.  Lucy is about my age, perhaps a year or two older, very timid and shy.,  I remembered asking her what she wanted to do after completing school, why a maid? Doesn’t she want to study or travel? She told me that she would rather work and pay for beauty school and wanted to work with models, stars, and pop stars. “A maid?”, she said because my godmother was a good employer and was filled with connections of the fashion beauty industry.  She told me that she didn’t want to stay in the mundane town she is from, so she would rather live here in the city as a maid.  I asked her, “Lucy, don’t you want to study?” She told me she is doing a part-time course and my godmother is okay with her working a few days in the week. She told me Max pays her well, very well, and is quite generous because she is living rent and board free.  Also that Max introduced her to Stefan.  “I have learned a lot from that wizard”, she said, “but I really need to complete my degree”. “One day!”, she laughed.  Back in the present, I stare at Lucy, she is quite pretty by the way, her hands are everywhere around my face, she is a witch with a wand when it comes to hair and make-up.  YES! I was in great hands. 

"Go shower.  Chop chop!" Jackie bellowed.  Lucy and I just looked at each other and giggled.

After my lovely shower, I wrapped myself in a fluffy bathrobe and smelling like freshly cut roses, I pretended to glide to the chair where Lucy was waiting for me and I nearly stumbled on my ass! Lucy burst out in laughter and shook her head at me, I just lifted up both my hands and shrugged.  

Within 45 minutes my hair and makeup were done! I told you this girl is a genius! I just looked like I stepped out of Stefan's salon all over again. 

Lucy slid a mother of pearl hair comb in my hair which left all my hair falling to one side, bouncy and light, the other side sleek but soft.  "Perfect!", Lucy said blowing her hairdryer as if she just shot somebody with a gun.  We clapped high five and she said, “Now for the dress and accessories.  I am intrigued by what your godmother gave you."  " I don't know." Looking at her with confused eyes.  We stared at each other and dashed across the room to open the garment bag hanging from the closet door. 

As we "unwrapped" a creamy-ish lace dress, short as hell with a V-plunge neck stared at us.  "Beautiful", Lucy breathed as she stroked the lace material.  A little note was attached to it saying   -   "For you, my darling, with all my love, M". 

I saw 2 boxes and a white package staring at me on my bed, one small and flat, the other medium.  I opened the package and underwear spilled out. Pitch black and scandalous, I could feel my face burning while I am lifting it up to show Lucy.  "Never mind the underwear!" she said impatiently, "Let's look at the boxes."  I opened the medium-sized box and a pair of silver stilettos with a diamante finish winked up at me.  I could feel the air leaving my lungs as I was mesmerized by the beauty of this shoe, at least it had a delicate lacy bow which I could wrap around my ankle for support, I hope my equilibrium will hold for the night.  The last flat-ish box, that I opened, simply gave me a cardiac arrest. A diamond necklace with a long drop in the middle sensually tickled my interest, not to mention the single strap diamond bracelet and its matching friends, the diamond chandelier earrings.  Oh boy, I could love diamonds forever, SIGH and even more SIGH.  " Wow", Lucy gulped.  " I need to work at least 5 years to save up the money for the shoes alone."  "Me too." I replied, "Me too." 

Quickly Lucy helped me get dressed in all the trimmings like a turkey ready to be carved on Christmas morning.  "Nyx,” Lucy said.  "You look absolutely gorgeous, now you are just like your godmother!"  I looked in the long mirror in front of me and I could not believe it.  I was STUNNING even If I had to say it myself.

A soft knock pulled me out of my reverie and Jackie came in to get me.  "Come dear; you need to go downstairs."

I followed her and descended the stairs, holding tightly onto the banister for fear of falling in front of all the people that are staring at me.

I spotted my godmother and she smiled that mysterious smile at me.  She gracefully moved forward and extended her palm to me to take hold of.  My godmother looked absolutely gorgeous.  From her emerald green A-line V-neck long chiffon dress, with the black detail in-between to her makeup and coiffed golden hair.  I must say that the green or should I say emerald green, definitely brings out the sparkling green in her eyes. 

As we socialized around, I spotted Lex talking to a beautiful man, by the way, she tilted her head it looked like she wanted to find a spot to bite in his neck. I shook my head and thought "Ah, Nyx you fool, stop with the vampire stories, already."  But boy oh boy she looked every inch the model in an off the shoulder purple-indigo dress that had a gaping slit to her thigh.  Was that a garter around her thigh?  I shook my head and shrugged it off and her black hair fell like a waterfall around her shoulders and back.

As I moved along and greeted unknown people with Max, I smiled and nodded politely as expected of me, while drinking flutes of champagne that passed me. 

Finally, Max glided to this very, very striking-looking man.  He looked like he could've been Lex's brother!  Smouldering, deep blue eyes and raven's wing colored hair.  He was a dish served warm or cold.  No wonder Max could gobble him through and through.  Reining myself in from wicked thoughts I had to laugh at myself. 

"Bonne soirée mon cher.  Let me introduce myself.  I am Beau Alicio de Blois and you must be Phenyx. Such a pleasure to meet you at last."  he said and he lightly cupped my hand and kissed it. I just smiled shyly and nodded my head. 

"Ah," he said "Let me introduce my cousin, Cian Flinn-MacKeltar.  He graciously accepted my invite, when I finally could track him down."  Just like Beau, Cian charmingly took my godmother's hand, kissed and did the same with me.  As I looked up at him, my mouth dried a bit because as good as chocolate is, this boy-man was strawberries dipped in chocolate.  Dark brown hair styled to perfection, black dinner suit that screamed money, light blue eyes - guess it runs in the family, with the thickest set of eyelashes that put me to shame.  Cupid bow lips that looked innocent but tempting at the same time.  I stood like a freaking statue, blushing like there is no tomorrow.  A gorgeous 6-foot-1 candy bar.  Fidgeting my hands behind my back, I nodded again, smiled shyly, and said, " Lovely to meet you, both."

"Well, now that we all know each other, let us mingle a bit dahling before we sit down for the dinner," Max said.  As Beau extended his arm for Max to hook in, she looked up at him lovingly.  I know that look too many times before.  As they gracefully glided away, Max turned around and winked at me. 

I heard someone gently clearing their throat and I looked up to see Cian extending his arm towards me as to hook it in.  I graciously accepted, also a good thing because my legs felt like scrambled eggs.  This Cian greeted some of the people like old friends and eventually we stopped by Lex.  I could see her eyes narrowing on this boy-man like he is the next meal to be served. Oh my effen hat, this boy-man won't stand a chance against her. 

"Hello, Nyxie dahling, who is your delightful companion?', she asked. 

"Uhm, This is Cian...", I looked at him in confusion because I forgot the mouthful of a surname he had. 

"Cian Flinn-MacKeltar, madame, but I go as Cian Keltar, a pleasure to meet you," he said smilingly, two deep dimples appearing on the sides of his cheeks. I stared at him with my mouth hanging open slightly like a guppy fish. He glanced at me and winked lavishly.  I think Lex saw this because she was staring from one to the other with shrewd eyes.

We heard a little bell as the butler announced that dinner was about to be served. 

As we took our seats, Cian pulled out a chair for me and sat down next to me.  Which was not far off from the head of the table where Max and Beau sat. 

"Aren't you supposed to sit with your cousin?”, I asked.  He pointed to the name cards and I saw his name was seated next to mine.  My mouth formed an OH and I just kept quiet while my face burned with embarrassment. 

"I could say the same for you", he said.  "So, tell me more about yourself, where you from, and what your plans are for the future."

"Well, everyone calls me Nyx, I'm a city girl and have no plans for the future," I replied. "You?"

" I go by the name of Cian Keltar as you have heard, I am 22 years old. Trying to be an entrepreneur and I love airplanes.  And you are about 18-19 right?"

"Yes, I am nineteen and a half," I replied.  I did not know what else to say to this guy.

Delicious Lobster Bisque, Filet Mignon, Roasted lamb with mint sauce, a special fish in foil, Creme brulees, fresh fruit, dipped strawberries and petit fours were served all around with champagne flutes clinking all around me.  I tried to have a minimal conversation with my companion in order not to embarrass myself too much.  Eventually, he dipped his head towards me and said in a low voice, " “Seeing that you don’t have plans for the future, join me for lunch tomorrow”, he said. “Actually, I demand that you have lunch with me tomorrow.  To make me feel welcome and to show me around.  Isn’t what this whole “family” thing is about?”

Stupidly I stared at him with big eyes because my mouth was filled with Pistachio ice cream - hmmm pistachio ice cream and I quickly swallowed it.  I instantly had a brain freeze and all I could do was nod my head.  He smiled and flashed that wicked dimples of his, took a napkin and wiped my mouth with it.  F****cck!! I wanted to die of embarrassment.  Eventually, I answered, “You are no family of mine, and besides what makes you think I want to have lunch with you.”

He looked at me, smirked, and said, “That’s what she said for now.” Winking.

“What a cocky a*s!” I thought, shook my head, and looked the other way pretending to be interested in what the people around me had to say.  I could feel his eyes upon me, and my face lightly reddens. 

After a few hours, it started thinning out people saying goodbye with kisses in the air and complimenting Max and Beau and some even congratulating them.  I moved towards Max and Beau to bade my leave for the night.  But before I could say anything, Cian grabbed my hand and pulled me closer to him.  Bending his head close to my ear, he said, "Here is my card, please text me later.  Never mind what is your number, if you don't give it, I will get it from your godmother, or I will make a scene.  The choice is yours."  I looked at him, thinking if I should slap him now or later but I didn't want to embarrass myself or my godmother.   So, I said, "Just give me your damn phone and I will punch in my number."   He just smirked at me while I furiously punch in the numbers. He bent his head again and grazed his mouth against my ear.  I could feel his tongue gently licking my earlobe.   A shiver ran down my spine and I got goosebumps. 

For a second, I froze, unable to say or do anything. My heart pounded and my core burnt with an unexplainable fever.  I jerked back and the phone dropped on the floor. “Sorry, I am so sorry”, I stammered as I am trying to retrieve the mobile phone from the floor.  With one fluid movement, Cian was lifting me up on my feet, with the mobile in his hand.  “Is it broken?”, I asked.  “What will you give me if it is broken?”, he replied raising his eyebrow.  I looked around and I saw Max looking at us with interest.  What made me suspicious about something is, when she tapped her forefinger on her chin, while looking at me. At us? Or at Cian? Hmmm..  That gaze only lasted a few seconds as her attention was snapped up by Beau.

The source of my embarrassment just smirked lazily at me.  Looking at me, slowly from top to bottom.  My urge was to slap the cocky grin from his face, but I did not want to give him the benefit to know that he is riling me up.  Not only in mind but to the core of my whole being.  My subconscious is like a cat on heat with the exchange between the two of us. It’s like she wants to come out and play.  Mentally, I groaned on the inside and thought to myself, “Woah, girl!! Keep your panties on and shut the hell up.  You aren’t helping.” Stupid subconscious replied back, “Miaow, miaow.” I could literally see her lifting up her hand mimicking clawing motions.  What a cow! 

“Feisty, I see”, he said, “I am starting to like it.”  All of a sudden, I wanted to really slap this boy-man across his smirky face, again.  I need to control myself.  What a jerk! I composed myself and answered, “You bring out the worst in me, just give it a rest okay?”  Before he could answer, Max called me, “Nyxie dahling, please come here, my darling girl.”  Quickly I moved to go to her side and in my peripheral view, I could see Cian moving towards her too. She didn’t call you, you i***t, I thought.  Oh yeah s**t, his cousin is marrying my godmother, who is standing right next to her.  I am an i***t.  I swear this boy-man is really messing with my composure.  Standing next to her, she stroked my cheek and smiled that radiant smile of hers and said, “Nyxie my love, we have guests staying over tonight.” Guests? She said, guests! I can only imagine who the guests are.  “How lovely,” I said, fake smiling.  “Where are they?” I asked, pretending to look around, clearly knowing it is Beau and his nutcase cousin that would be staying over. Obviously! 

“Don’t be silly darling,” Max laughed, “It is Beau and Cian, of course.” “Of course,” I said and smiled back.  I could see the jerk’s mouth twitching with a smirk.  Asshole!! Max looked at me again with a curious stare, then she looked at Cian and back at me again. Damnit!! Am I that obvious, that I hate this jerk!! Her eyes narrowed shrewdly, and she said with a tinkling voice, “Come, my lovelies, off to the parlor or to the library. Let’s rather make it the library.” As she took Beau’s arm, she turned her beautiful blonde head to me and winked lavishly.  I literally could feel my eyes widened and my mouth opening like a guppy fish.  My favorite place, my cursed place - my room of erotic scenes. A tuxedoed arm was extended to me and I gratefully accepted because I was not sure if I could walk.  Even if it was jerk-face’s arm.  

As we entered the huge library, drinks were set on the table from champagne to whiskey, white wine in cold ice buckets, a variety of decanter red wine, you name it, it was there.  A few bowls of strawberries that were dipped in chocolate, Turkish delights, and an assortment of cut off exotic fruits, a velvet box that looked suspicious and some Swiss chocolates also made an appearance. It looked quite inviting and intimate. Hopefully, handsome, i***t jerk-face won’t come and sit next to me, I need my peace and quiet, to shake off the weird emotions that I am feeling every time he is near me. He can not know that his presence is affecting my womb, my legs, my arms, and especially my subconscious who is forever like a cat on hot bricks. Big trouble this one, I tell you!

As if in a daze, I plonked myself onto one of the big, black leather couches and aching to take the beautiful Cinderella shoes off.  Not gracefully, I may say, but I couldn’t care less.  And on the other side, to the left Max was sitting with her new beloved.  I could see them whispering and Max smiling coyly up.  What the hell am I doing here, oh yeah – godmother, new “godfather” and jerk-face who is nothing of me.  Anyhoo, snapping out of my reverie, I saw Beau and Cian moving to the mahogany bar table and Max beckoning me to come to her.