Accidents Happen

Chapter 2 - Desperate Times

    I had no idea what to say or do, so I stared at his hand gripping my forearm. 

    "Please, save me. You are the only one strong enough. You have courage and singing ability. I desperately need you." It was the striking guy. I still can't decide if he is good looking or not, but he is far from ordinary. His thick brows were drawn together, his eyes begging. His entire face was desperate. Desperate for what, I had no idea, but definitely desperate for something.

    "Look, whoever-you-are, grabbing is assault, so Let Me Go," I coldly told him.

    "Oh, sorry, I ... Just let me ... There's a really good reason ... CRAP!"

    I just kept looking at him. My front was dripping margarita, I was already annoyed with his friend, and was in no mood to humor a nutcase. Misogyny was in overabundant supply tonight and I didn't want any. 

    He, miraculously, got the hint and grabbed the rag from earlier to wipe up some of the mess.

    Ann piped up, "Oh no! I have the green top from earlier if you want to change. It is a little small in the cup for you, but it is dry. Do you want to come change?" 

    "Thanks, let's go," I replied, very relieved. I wanted to hear the karaoke results and I had to be present to win. 

    We went to the bathroom to change, and Ann started to tell me about her night.

    "He's really nice. His name is Frank and he is in town from Ft. Collins with his friends Enrique and Jason. Jason  is the klutz who bumped your drink hand." I didn't correct her.

    "He is majoring in French with an emphasis in literature and composition. He just got back from France where he worked on a business deal on shipping lanes for his dad's company. He said he negotiated exclusive safe passage between Italy and Sicily through a VERY tricky contract with the Italian government and some terrorist group called the Daimos by using a French liaison." 

    "Wait." I was so confused. "He used a French person to negotiate with a different government and a terrorist group? What kind of business does his dad run? Drug cartel?"

    "I didn't ask. He's just so fascinating. He's been all over the world. He's nice, well traveled and SOOOOOO handsome. He likes me. We spent most of our time discussing French fairy tales. He said most of the good ones, like 'Beauty and the Beast' were loosely based on real events." 

    "He sounds interesting. He is VERY good looking. What do YOU want, Ann?"

    "I really like talking to him. He is curious and not at all upset when I disagree or know something he doesn't. He's respectful and thinks the right kind of arguments are fun."

    "I think you found your soul-mate." I nodded at her. "Let's go back."

    We returned to the table, and Jason, the striking one, ordered a Patron Platinum margarita for me.

    "I need to apologize and explain. Paul told me what I looked like.  I just got terrible news and completely flipped. 

    "I really need your help though. I am in a completely unbelievable situation, because my dad, who never paid attention to me at all, promised me to marry a total stranger. I need someone smart and beautiful and brave. You sang so well, and totally commanded the attention of everyone in the room. I know you can stand against the... uh, ladies? trying to prevent me from getting out of the arranged marriage. Oh.  Um.  I am rambling, sorry."

    "Wait. We live in the United States of America in the twenty-first century. How can you have an arranged marriage?"

    "My dad isn't from the U.S.A., he's from Greece. My mom signed a legally binding contract saying that he could arrange a 'mutually beneficial' nuptial contract for me when I came 'of age.' Well, I have been of age for six months. So my soul was sold.

    "How can your mom sign a legally binding document that applies to you as an American adult? That can't be possible."

    "Oh, they happen all the time. Mine is called a 'Revocable Living Trust' with 'codicils.' So, my dad, who had no involvement with raising me at all, is stinking rich. This ass hat who left my mom two weeks after I was born, decided to make her sign away my marriage decisions so that I 'could have a better life and fulfill a greater destiny.' In order to get enough to pay off my student loans and start my own business, I have to dance to his piper. My exception is if I can find a human that satisfies my needs better than his choice. What do you think? Will you help me?"

    "I think you have lost your ever-loving mind, that's what I think. How can a complete stranger 'satisfy your needs?' If you think I am here for a one-night stand think again, stalker-perv." I snarked at him.

    "Shit." He looked at his lap.

    I looked at him, then moved over by Paul, who turned to me.

    "He didn't do it right, did he?" Paul said. 

    "He is a crazy creepozoid, Paul! Why is he your friend? I suddenly understand why you don't want any males near Candi, you only know stalkers and womanizers."

    "Jason's not a stalker, I promise. He is terrified of his so-called father destroying his life."

    "So why pick on me?"I was truly baffled. It sounded like Paul, overprotective brother and general hottie, deliberately set me up with a potential serial killer.

    "We aren't picking. Candi was willing to help him, but she can't speak in front of a crowd, and she can't sing. Besides, he didn't find her beautiful." Paul shook his head, "Some people have no taste,"

    "Thanks, Paul. But, seriously, why me? What did I ever do to you to deserve that?" I pointed at Jason, who was pouting into the margarita he ordered for me. "I thought we got along. Why would you inflict that," I pointed again and shuddered, "on me?"

    "What did he do?" Honoré asked.

    "Sugar, he accosted me and asked me to fulfill his needs. Total creeper."

    "I get good tips for that, as long as they don't touch me," she replied, nodding. "Pretty forward of him. Did he touch you?"

    "He grabbed my forearm and dumped my drink down my blouse. He was demanding that I save him," I told Honoré, " Ann took me to change and clean up, then he sounded okay - until he gets to making a lifelong commitment to fulfilling his needs."

    "Damn. It sounds crazy when you tell it," Paul broke in. "But he is out of options. Would you please listen to him? He has to give up everything he knows and move to Greece to marry some unknown woman to guarantee safe passage for Frank's dad's company."

    "Wait. The guy Ann is smitten with sold out his best friend? What special kind of jerk is he?"

    "Well, not sold out, more like called in a favor. His mom has something that Jason's dad needs to keep safe. Frank's mom made a deal for a marriage to the terrorist leader for safe passage for her son's branch of the company's ships if Jason marries her to keep the whatever-it-is safe for Jason's dad. The whole situation is messed up."

    "So Frank's mommy negotiated with terrorists on his behalf? WTF?"

    Paul nodded, " He did it wrong. There's all this weird crap in his life and he needs help." I watched Jason as Paul continued, "The stuff he needs - the singing, the public speaking -  are all part of a list his dad gave him to itemize his 'needs'." Paul's voice started to just sound like a hum inside my head.

    I got it. His world crashed down around him. He was grasping at straws to get his world back. I was a straw.

    "Did you hear anything I said?" Paul asked.

    "Sort of. I lost it after his dad dictated his needs without knowing him at all."

    "Figures, you tuned out when I got to you." Paul sighed, "Candi showed him pictures of you.  Jason looked at all of you girls. Very skeptically. Honoré, too much trouble; Persimmon, too skinny; Julia, too much period; Ann, too shy, Candi, not right. She had ONE picture of you. Jason looked at that one picture and said, 'I need to meet this girl.' Enrique got mad at that. He's always had a crush on you, you know."

    "Dude. Thin Ice. Your brother is a man-whore."

    "Cold, Charity, cold. So Enrique got mad and wouldn't bring them with him. Jason's been wanting to get your help for over a month. Prolly why he went over the top tonight with you."

    "Oh. Well." I stated clearly.

    "So will you?" Paul demanded.

    "Will I what?"

    "Help him, Charity. He needs it. Just look at him." Jason had slouched low on the bar stool, one arm braced on the table and the other propping up his head, his hair blocking part of his face. His mouth was on view, his perfect lips muttering something.

    "You absolute shit." I hit Paul's shoulder. "Fine." I walked over to Jason.

    He looked up at me when I sat down next to him. I had never seen a double-take before, but he executed one perfectly. Then he snapped upright and grabbed my hand.

    "Are you really here again?" He asked.

    "Yes. Paul filled me in. After the winner is announced, come back to my apartment. We can talk about what is going on in your very bizarre world."

    "Really? You will help me? For real?"

    "I will listen to what you want me to do. Once I know what you need, I will decide if I can help. In the meantime, can I have a Patron margarita on the rocks?"

    He flagged a waitress down and ordered my drink. "Thank you," he said, "I am desperate."

    "No desperation now. Just drinks and winnings."