Indecent Proposal (Book 5 of the Forbidden Series)

12

Two weeks with the children went by so quickly, and Vi found herself forced to bring her children back to their father’s home. He was out of jail and unfortunately still held custody for the time being. Ronny had taken Vi by his attorneys’ office to bring them up to speed on the recent assault. Their new plan of action was to argue to a court that Darcy Anderson was an abusive and potentially dangerous man. The children would do better in the custody of their mother.

The attorneys drew up the paperwork and Vi signed where necessary. She was incredibly impressed with how quickly they proceeded with matters. Ronny simply explained it as an incentive. He flashed money, and they had the incentive to work quickly. She didn’t care why they did it she was only pleased that it was happening and quickly. There was hope that perhaps soon her children would be hers, and her ex would be out of her life.

With the kids gone Vi tried to head back to Jan’s apartment. With the children back at their father’s home there was no further reason for her to stay at Ronny’s. However, he would not hear of it. As she tried to leave, he kept diverting her back into his home tempting her to stay. She also returned to work. Vi needed to save up for a proper place of her own. She needed to prove to the courts that she could provide a proper home to accommodate her children’s needs if she hoped to win her case.

But places that were large enough were also quite costly. Vi needed more money. Returning to work, she went to Larry and pleaded for more shifts. If she could pick up more hours, she could save up some more money. “If you need money just go fool around with your boyfriend.” Larry hissed as he went over the schedule for the next two weeks. “Or has he lost interest in you already?”

His cruel quip stung as she stood on the other side of his desk watching him decide who got what shift. “I’m not taking his money.” Vi snipped offended by his remark. “Please, Larry I need to work.”

“I’m sorry I don’t have the shifts to give you. I have to be fair and work the other girls too.” He said handing her the new schedule he had just worked out.

Vi took the schedule and started for the door. She paused as she read the schedule. He had not only refused to give her more shifts, but he had cut her regular shifts in half. Vi turned around and stomped back to his desk throwing the schedule at him. “Why do you hate me?” She snapped.

“Excuse me?” He asked.

“You cut my shifts.” She said.

“I didn’t have enough to go around. I already told you I have to work the other ladies too.” He said dismissively.

“You are deliberately cutting my shifts back. You are trying to make me quit.” She accused.

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Is this because I’m dating your boss? Or because you don’t like me for some reason?” Vi growled. “What exactly do you have against me?”

Larry shot to his feet and slammed his hands on the desk. “It’s because every man in this club has to work ten times as hard to earn his tips. When the women like you merely have to spread their legs and the whole damn world is handed to you on a silver platter.”

Vi stared at him unwilling to turn this matter into a battle over which s*x had it harder than the other. The fact of the matter was she couldn’t live off these hours let alone save up on them. “I can’t make money on these shifts.” She snarled.

“Maybe you need another boyfriend.” He smirked. “Now if you will excuse me I have work to do. Get out.” He said taking his seat once more.

Vi snatched up her schedule and stormed out of the office enraged by his callous behaviour. He was forcing her into an impossible situation. She would have to find a second job to supplement her income. With four children to care for she needed a good paying job. Unfortunately, she was unskilled, which severely limited her career choices.

“What did he say?” Jan asked as Vi stormed past the bar.

“He cut my shifts.” She snapped. “He is upset that I’m dating Ronny, so he cut my shifts.”

Jan’s jaw dropped with shock. “He said that?”

“No, but he implied it.” She said. “He is trying to make me quit.”

“So, complain to Mr. Creek, and he will set Larry right,” Jan suggested. “You will have all the shifts you can handle them.”

She could go running to Ronny as everyone suggested. She could have him fight her battles for her, but then where would her self-respect be. He had already done far too much on her behalf. Besides if she went to Ronny, she would only confirm the horrible things Larry had thought of her. She would handle this problem on her own.

“I’m not going to Ronny, and you’re not going to say anything to him either.” She stressed. “I’ll just have to find another waitressing job.”

“You won't find one that pays as well as here,” Jan said, preparing the taps for opening.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Vi said stacking the clean glasses for the night.

“Well, it’s the truth. The only other places that pay as well as the VIP are the flesh clubs. You’re either dancing or waitressing half naked. This is the only club that pays as well and allows you to keep your clothes on.” Jan said setting up the liquor bottles on the glass shelf behind the bar.

Jan was right; the VIP was the highest paying nightclub with a respectable reputation. A position anywhere else would mean a serious pay cut. She could try getting a job in one of those big retail chains, but they were only minimum wage and part-time anyway. She’d never make enough in a job like that. She was left with little options. “Well it wouldn’t be any worse the waitressing in a bikini I suppose.”

Jan stopped what she was doing and stared at her. “Vi, you can’t be seriously thinking of looking for work in one of those clubs?”

“Why not? It’s just waitressing. I wouldn’t dance. You said so yourself, they pay just as well as here, and I wouldn’t be nude. If I can wear a bikini in public why not one of those skimpy uniforms? The money is good, and I’ll still be making tips.” Vi argued.

“It’s degrading. What will your kids think of you?” Jan argued.

“I won't tell them.” It was a simple enough answer.

“What about your self-respect?”

“It’s good money, besides my children are worth it.”

Jan stared at her a moment and then smiled as if she thought she had the end-all of arguments. “Ok then, what about Ronny? What will he say when he finds out his woman is working in one of those clubs? Eye candy for slobs.”

Jan had a point. Ronny would likely not approve of her choice of employment. However, he would not be around forever, and she could not depend on his kindness for the rest of her life. She had to prepare for her future, and secure her independence regardless of how she went about doing so. One had to capitalize on one’s assets, as much as it pained her to admit it her figure was the only asset she had. If she could make some tips off it, she should do so while she still could.

“Well, I just won't tell him either.” She decided.

“I just want to go on the record as saying this is a bad idea,” Jan said getting back to work.

“Your objection is duly noted.” She had made up her mind come morning Vi would start applying for work. Hopefully, it wouldn’t take too long to find a new job. She only had one problem, how would she explain her occupied time to Ronny without making him suspicious?

***

Ronny came in that night to oversee the running of the club. He spent the first half of the evening in his office going through necessary paperwork and reviewing reports. It was his least favourite part of his business but a necessary part of being an owner. There were a few requests to book the club for future parties. He had to review and either confirm or refuse. Booking his club for functions was no laughing matter. He had a reputation to uphold, and of course, there was the matter of money. Whether or not they could reasonably afford his club. The VIP was a very pricey venue.

A knock at his door drew his attention. Ronny looked up and waited as the door opened and one of the waitresses entered with an older man behind her. “Sir there is someone here to see you.” She said stepping aside to allow the older gentleman to pass by her.

Ronny dismissed the girl and stood up from his desk. He did not know this man. He couldn’t have been older than himself. A man of meagre means judging from the faded, worn jeans and the dark blue button-up shirt he wore over the five-dollar white t-shirt beneath it. He wore the sleeve rolled up to his elbows and dirty work boots that looked decades old. His hair was blonde, short and wavy with streaks of grey. His face was lined with age and covered in a short scruffy growth of a day or two.

Ronny was certain he did not know this man, there was no way they travelled in the same circles. He didn’t seem like the type that would frequent his club either. He was not entirely sure what business he could have with this man. Ronny came around his desk and leisurely leaned against the edge crossing his arms in front of him as he looked at the man standing in his office.

The waitress closed the door behind her as she left and Ronny addressed his unusual guest. “What might I do for you Mr…?”

“Seth Robinson.” He introduced himself. “This is quite an exclusive place you have here. I had to pay the doorman seven hundred dollars to get inside.” He complained.

Ronny had heard that the doormen had been doing that, but he had not cared. Usually, they kept the rift-raft out regardless. As long as they did their job, he didn’t care how they made their tips. “I will look into that.” He lied. “Have we met before?” Ronny asked still wondering just what business he had with this man.

“No.”

“Then what can I do for you?” He asked.

Seth took a step closer. “Well, it would seem that you are dating my little girl.” He said.

Ronny realized what business they had now. Seth was Vi’s father. He had probably learnt of their relationship through the media coverage and sought him out. Either to meet the man that was dating his daughter or to object to his dating his daughter. Clearly whatever his reason the man had paid a lot of money to get past the door and meet Ronny to say his peace. As a concerned father, he should be given the opportunity.

Ronny stood up straight and shook the man’s hand firmly. “A pleasure to meet you. Come on in and sit down.” He said gesturing to the leather chairs in front of his desk. Ronny walked around to his chair. Taking his wallet out, he removed seven hundred dollars and placed it on the desk in front of Seth as Ronny took his seat. “This should reimburse you for my men at the door.”

“Thank you,” Seth said taking the money and stuffing it into his jeans.

Ronny relaxed in his seat and studied Vi’s father trying to deduce his reason for seeking him out. “So, Seth, what might I do for you tonight?”

“You can stop seeing my daughter,” Seth said plainly.

So, it was an objection. He had never met the fathers of the other women in his past, but he could imagine that many of them had objections for various reasons. One of which was likely his age. “I see.” Ronny stood up and walked over to the small personal bar in the corner of his office which was always stocked with his favourites. “Might I interest you in a drink?” He offered, pouring himself a glass of rum over ice.

“Oh yes please.” Seth nodded politely.

Ronny poured a second glass and carried it over handing the glass to Vi’s father. He then opened the cigar box on his desk and offered his guest one. “Next best thing to Cuban.” He smiled.

Seth grinned and accepted one. Ronny took a cigar and clipping the ends. He then removed the lighter from the box and lit his cigar and then his guest’s. “Thank you kindly.” Seth smiled as he exhaled. “I have to confess, I didn’t think you would be friendly once you heard my reason for coming.”

Ronny flashed him a smile and returned to his seat. “Well, I don’t offend easily.” He said. “Perhaps you tell me why it is you wish me to quit seeing Vi. I’m sure there are many valid reasons, but which particular one do you object to?”

Seth took a long drink and placed the glass on the desk. “Wow, that’s very good stuff.” He commented.

“The very best money can buy.” Ronny agreed. “I try not to put that other crap in my body. It’s no better than drinking cleaner if you ask me; but more to the point, your reason for coming?”

Seth sighed. “I want you to understand Mr. Creek-”

“Please call me Ronny.”

Seth grinned with excitement. “Alright then, Ronny. It’s not that I have anything against you in particular. I’m a huge fan. I have every one of your albums, been to your shows, and followed your career until you retired. It’s for this very reason I don’t want you seeing my baby girl. That and the fact that, well to put it frankly, you’re my age.”

“And you take issue with that?” Ronny asked.

“Damn right I take issue with that.” He said firmly as he smoked his cigar. “Now I’m not one to judge. I think if a man wants to chase younger women that’s up to him. Hell, if he can get one than all the power to him.” Seth said with a sly smile. “God knows I wish I could. Been divorced ten years and young women don’t look at me unless they are taking my order.”

Ronny smirked. “So, you got no problem with older men dating younger women?”

“Hell no.”

“So long as it’s not your daughter?”

“Exactly.” Seth nodded.

“And that’s because you think you know what I’m like?” Ronny asked trying to understand her father’s objection.

“Yes.”

“Because of what you have seen and read in the media?”

“Yes.”

“And you think that’s an accurate picture of a person you have never met?” Ronny asked. He always found it funny how total strangers could believe they knew everything about him because they saw him on television or read some interview with him in Mosh Magazine.

“I would assume it is not too far off. You have a reputation as a playboy. A man who uses women as playthings, tossing them aside when you get bored.” Seth leaned forward his dark eyes taking on a harsh seriousness. “My daughter is not a plaything. She has suffered enough in her life at the hands of a man. She does not need to be used by another.”

Ronny finished his drink and placed it on the desk. “I respect your concern, and I respect your moxie for coming to me tonight to tell me so. Now if I may be as frank. I like younger women; I have little, often nothing, in common with women my age. I like your daughter, very much, and I assure you I am treating her with the utmost respect. I promise you I do not view Vi as some mere plaything as you so put it. She is a beautiful, vibrant, intelligent woman.”

Seth eyed Ronny carefully. “What are your intentions?”

Ronny’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry, my what?”

“Your intentions? What are your intentions for my daughter?” Seth demanded, smoking his cigar.

His intentions? He didn’t have any intentions. He intended to have some fun, go to bed tonight wake up tomorrow and see what happens. He wasn’t exactly sure how to answer Seth’s question to satisfactory. He understood the man’s concern he did. He supposed if he had a daughter of his own he wouldn’t want her mixed up with a guy that had his sort of public reputation either; but in the end he wasn’t a father he was, as always, the boyfriend the father objected to, and there was little he could say honestly to set this man’s mind at ease.

“And this is why I want you to stop seeing my daughter,” Seth repeated when Ronny could not give him an answer. “Your intentions may not be sinister, but they are not honourable either. Please leave her alone.”

Ronny shook his head. He had to refuse her father’s plea. He had no intention of leaving Vi alone. He enjoyed her company far too much. Besides he was not about to leave her defenceless against her traitorous ex-husband. If anything, she needed him more than ever now. Darcy was dangerous and out of jail. He was painted into a corner and furious, there was no telling what he might do, and Ronny would be damned if he was going to leave Vi to face that alone.

“I’m sorry Seth, truly I am, but I have made some promises to Vi, and I intend to keep them,” Ronny said with some conviction making it abundantly clear that the matter was closed and he would not be swayed to change his mind.

“I was hoping that you would be reasonable,” Seth grumbled.

“I think I am a very reasonable man.” He countered.

“You don’t have children. You don’t know what it is like to watch your daughter with a man she should not be with. To watch her making a huge mistake and be unable to help her.”

True he had never had children, but he had been there when Kat fell for David and Mike believed she had lost her mind. Or when Layla declared her love for Alexander and David felt his baby girl was throwing her life away. He believed the truth of the matter was that no father was ever satisfied with whomever their daughters chose. No one is ever good enough for their baby girl. Perhaps it is just embedded in their genetics. He could not relate, but he could empathize. However, it was not going to stop him.

“I thank you for coming out, but I am going to continue seeing Vi. Please feel free to stay and enjoy yourself, just let the girls at the bar know your drinks are on me this evening.” He said rising from his seat to escort Seth out. The man protested as he left but Ronny ignored it, he wasn’t going to be pushed around by anyone. What happened between him and Vi was between him and Vi.

***

Vi was taking orders and serving drinks when a familiar face sauntered up to the bar. She could not believe her eyes when her father leaned against the bar and ordered a drink. This was not his typical hang on. He was more of a homebody so to see him inside the VIP was so unexpected she could have very well had been hallucinating. “Daddy, what on earth are you doing here?” She asked.

“I came here to speak to your boss.” He said with a scowl. “Who by the way says my drinks are on the house. Give me a beer.” He said tapping the bar.

Vi took out a glass and poured him a drink. “What do you mean you came to talk to him? About what?” She demanded.

“About you.” He said lowering his voice. “I saw you together all over the tabloids. Creek’s new sugar baby. That’s what they are calling you. I told him to leave you alone.”

Her cheeks flushed with humiliation. She wasn’t sixteen and yet here her father was posturing like some tough guy trying to scare off a boyfriend he didn’t see fit. She was an adult for god sakes and free to see whomever she wanted. Why could he not respect that? “You did not?” She said hoping he had not had the chance to speak with Ronny yet.

“I did too, but he was completely unreasonable. Told me he wasn’t going to quit seeing you.” Her father grumbled lifting his glass to his lips. “Was real polite about it though I’ll give him that.”

Vi smiled, Ronny had a way about him. He certainly knew how to handle people. “I wish you wouldn’t have done that.”

“He is far too old for you baby, and he has a bad reputation. He is going to ruin yours.” He father stressed.

Vi shook her head. “Daddy, I don’t have a reputation.” She reminded him.

“You will when he is done with you,” her father stressed, “and it won't be a good one.”

Vi leaned against the bar so her father could better hear her over the music. “Daddy, Ronny is a very good man, and he treats me with dignity and respect. Far better than Darcy ever had. I’m very happy with him. He is helping me with my custody issues. He is helping to get the kids back. How many men would go out of their way to do that? Just cut him some slack.”

Seth finished his drink and placed in on the bar. “Alright I won’t say anything more about it, but I’m going on record that I don’t approve.” He protested.

Vi smiled. “The kids like him.”

He stared at her with surprise. “You introduced him to the children?” She nodded. “Why would you do that? They will only get attached and be broken hearted when he dumps you.”

“Oh Daddy, you’re cynical.” She said taking his empty glass.

“I’m a realist. You’re going to end up hurt, and so are they. You should end this thing now while your heart is still intact.” He warned. “I’ll see you when you come to your sense.” She watched as her father stormed off in a huff. He never did like it when she refused to listen to him. They had been butting heads since she was seventeen. She loved him and knew he only wanted what he felt was the best for her, but they had a difference of opinion on what that was.

Vi took a few more orders and served a few more drinks. She then tapped Jan on the shoulder. “I’m going to take my break can you handle it?” She asked. She wasn't leaving Jan alone there was another bartender on duty. If there hadn’t been, she wouldn’t have considered leaving Jan. Jan nodded she could handle the crowd and Vi tossed her hand towel under the bar and headed back to Ronny’s office. She had to apologize for her father.

Vi knocked on the door and slowly opened it she slipped inside to find Ronny seated leisurely at his desk smoking a cigar and finishing a drink as he went over some paperwork. He smiled when he saw her and shut the file he was reading. “Come in.” He said leaning back in his seat.

Vi shut the door behind her and leaned against it. “I hear you had a visitor.” She said.

“So, I did.” He admitted.

“I must apologize for my father. I had no idea he would do such a thing.” She said walking toward his desk. “I'm embarrassed, acting like I’m sixteen again. Who does he think he is?” She snipped.

Ronny smiled warmly. “He is merely concerned.”

He was wonderful to be understanding. Vi adored him for it. “Still it was uncalled for.”

“Well now I’ve been warned by your son, and warned by your father; tell me do you have brothers I should be expecting?” He teased.

Vi chuckled. “No.”

“Then I am in the clear.” He smiled holding his hand out to her. “Come here, sweetheart.” Obediently Vi came around the desk and took his hand. Ronny drew her onto his lap and kissed her softly. “What do you say you take the rest of the night off?”

“No.” She protested. “I just got back to work. I need the money.”

“Then I’ll still pay you.” Vi glared at him. “What?”

“I need to work.” She said kissing him. “I’ll call you tomorrow.” She promised standing up.

“Call me?” He asked raising a questioning brow.

“I do have a life outside you.” She smiled. “I have some things I have to do. I will call you when I am done.”

“What must you do? I will tag along?” He offered.

Vi frowned she could not go job hunting if he tagged along. Why could he not accept that she had things in her life he could not be a part of? “No, I’ll do this alone.” She said moving toward the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

Ronny stood up placing his cigar in the ashtray on his desk. He followed her to the door. “What are you doing?” He asked.

“Why must you know?” She snapped annoyed that he was prying.

“Why are you so secretive?” He asked fixing her with a scrutinizing gaze.

“I’m not.”

“Then why won’t you tell me what you’re doing?”

“Because it’s none of your business. You don’t own me.” She snapped storming out of his office and slamming the door behind her.

***

She had been filling out applications and handing out résumés all day long. Going from club to club walking along the strip and taking the subway. She went to over five different clubs before Vi landed an interview with the night manager at the Black Diamond Gentlemen’s club. A man of fifty-something he was short and sleazy with his slicked-back hair and a cheap suit. It made her feel dirty the way he looked at her during the interview, but she supposed she would have to get used to it. If she got the job, countless men would be giving her the very same looks every night.

Vi smiled and batted her eyes, turning on her charm as she tried her best to impress her way into a position at the Black Diamond. Her wiles proved useful in obtaining her a full-time waitressing job. She was free to start that very night if she so wished. She so desperately needed to start making money she agreed to take the shift. The night manager got Vi a uniform, so it was called. A tiny silver string bikini top with a matching wrap around mini skirt that was so short it could have been easily mistaken for a belt. The whole uniform was so skimpy when folded she could fit the whole thing into her purse.

Vi thanked him for the opportunity and promised to return later that night. She was not looking forward to putting on their so-called uniform or being groped by drunks, but she was eager to make some money and hopefully some decent tips. She would head home and take a shower before getting ready for the evening ahead of her. She would call Ronny also as she had promised. She would have to come up with some reason as to why she couldn’t see him this evening. She wasn’t sure what she would tell him. Perhaps Jan would have some ideas.

Vi felt bad lying to Ronny, but he would never understand. He certainly would not approve. She needed to be independent, and this was regrettably her only way to do so. He wasn’t going to take care of her forever. One day he would grow tired of her and move on to another pretty young thing, and she would be left to fend for herself and her children. She would be damned if she was going to be unprepared for it like she had been when Darcy turned her out. This time she would have money set aside. This time she would be ready.

***

“What do you mean I can’t see you?” He asked with annoyance. “You said last night-”

“I know what I said, but something came up,” Vi said from the other end of the line.

“Well, what came up?” Ronny demanded. She blew him off last night. Blew him off this morning and now she was cancelling their plans this evening. He sure as hell had a right to know why.

“I have to work. I picked up a shift.” She said.

Well, now he knew that was a lie. Vi might have called his home line, but Ronny had his home phone forwarded to his cell earlier that day when he had to go out. He was standing in his office that very moment. “Oh really?” Ronny said searching through his papers and pulling up that night’s duty roster. Vi’s name was nowhere on the list. She was not scheduled to work tonight. She had outright lied to him. Ronny tossed the duty roster aside and sat down. “Maybe I’ll come by tonight then, and we will sneak some time on your break.” He offered, trying to catch her in her lie.

“No don’t bother. Thing’s will be busy. Why don’t you go play poker with the guys?” She suggested. “Look I got to go I’ll call you tomorrow,” Vi said hanging up. Ronny sighed and placed his cell on his desk. Why was she lying to him? And just where the hell was she going?