Chapter 5 - Need For Money, A Race
Selena’s POV:
I feel a bit better after the insulin shot and lunch bread. Stress is drying me out. I call the client and after three rings, he answers.
“Hello, Mr. Rippletok. I’m Selena Dutchmond. May I briefly speak with you or I’m calling at a bad time?” I keep my cool.
“Hi! Yes! No bad time! How are you? Back from the Big Apple?” He seems happy to hear from me. That’s strange.
“Fine. Yeah. Briefly. Mr. Rippletok? It seems that the last bill we sent you, hasn’t been paid yet. Can I have a confirmation for when you’ll be able to wire the money? The workers need to be paid.” I have a smiling and warm voice. You never want to offend a client as he might choose not to pay. To file a lawsuit against them is a dragging mess. You don’t want or need that.
“What? I’m sure it has been paid. Wait a minute… I’ll check it right now. I’ll put you on hold, darling.” I hope he doesn’t play me. I can’t keep my cool forever. We are building him a ten-level block of flats. The company has all the money in his ass of a project. If he doesn’t pay, I’m screwed all over again.
“Sure. I’ll wait. Thank you!” I tighten my grip on the wheel to keep control over my attitude.
After about three minutes or so, he comes back. “Selena, I’m sorry. I thought I’ve confirmed the pay as I signed it. We have a new employee and has things all over the place. Freshmen. In ten minutes, the money will be wired. My apologies. Hope you’re not upset for my negligence.”
“Thank you, sir! No worries. I would never do that. It happens. As long as things get solved, we’re good. Wish you a great blessed day!” Asshole… I roll my eyes, but I’m relieved. Well, not completely. Until I’ll see the money in the bank, I can’t be.
“Wait!” He doesn’t want to end the phone call.
“Yes, sir?” I have same smiling voice.
“Can you come to my office tomorrow to speak? Or I can come to yours if it’s more convenient to you. I want some additional contracts for the extension in the back. We should talk about prices and deadline.” He has a sweet voice. I wonder why.
“Tomorrow it’s a bit difficult for me, sir. But I’ll see what I can do. Can I get back to you around 1 pm, tomorrow? Maybe I can find an hour from then on if it’s not too late for you.” I wish he says to leave it till the day after tomorrow.
“That’s perfect. Then it’s settled. I’ll wait for your call. Check the bank today. You’ll have the payment without further delays.” He’s smiling, I can feel that.
“Alright. Thank you. Talk tomorrow then. Bye.” I say fast.
“Bye, Selena. Have a good one!” He says, and I end the damn call.
“So sick and tired of these people! I need a fucking vacation from ten to twenty years! Jesus!” I roll my eyes and puff while driving to an old friend. Well, not friend. He’s… He’s complicated. I hoped I won’t have to see him anytime soon, but with the bank and all, I need to.
I reach near a club area. It’s a big fancy building. One hour from the working site. One of the main clubs in the area. I park my car near the place, stop the engine, take my ID and some money from my purse, put them in my pants’ pocket and get down.
I open my trunk, put my purse in it, and close the car. My keys go into the other pocket. I look at the entrance, take a deep breath and start walking there.
Two handsome gorillas are towering the front door, dressed in black suits, white shirts, no ties, and a piece into their left ears. “Hey, baby! We aren’t opened yet.” I’ve forgotten I don’t have my ugly suits on me. I have the new clothes that reveal my body line, and not making me fatter like the old ones do. I feel like a piece of meat right now with those lustful glares on my person. Get your fucking eyes off me… You don’t want a piece of me, fuckers…
They are new. They don’t know me. “I know. Stop staring.” I give him a bossy look. “Where’s Don? I need to speak to him. Tell him Selena is here. He knows me.” I cross my arms, waiting.
“Don? He’s the owner. It’s pretty hard for you to talk to him.” Same guy speaks, checking me out with his eyes and smirks. Smirk, motherfucker… Smirk… Provoke me…
“Right. I’ll call him then, but when he fires you, don’t come crying.” I take my phone and motion calling him.
“Wait! I’ll tell him.” He seems shaken. The gorilla presses his earpiece and asks for Don. “Boss? One Selena is here asking to meet you. I didn’t let her in.” His face is dropping. “Yes, boss! Sorry, boss! Right now, boss!” He is stressed out with eyes widened. “He’s waiting for you in his office. He says you know where that is.” He opens the door and gets out of the way for me to go in. Fucking assholes… Oh! I’m having a peachy day! My fucking luck…
“Thank you.” I don’t look at him and enter. The club is empty. Only a few people cleaning and preparing for tonight. This is one of those VIP clubs with a trendy décor, expensive lights and animator cages. A big screen for music videos and a DJ booth. I walk upstairs to Don’s office which is at the second floor. First floor is with VIP private rooms. You need about five grands to reserve one of those, and it’s membership only.
I reach Don’s office and stare at the door for a few moments. Shit! Why am I here? Can’t believe I’m doing this… I knock at the door.
“Come in! Selena?” He shouts before I open the door. Not because I wanted to be here, Don… Just life fucking me again as usual…
“Hi… Don…” I keep a straight face while I enter.
“Hey, love! Avoiding my calls for the past three months?” He comes to me with a smirk to give me a hug. Uh-no… Don’t get touchy with me…
“Keep your distance. I haven’t forgotten last time. Don’t make me beat your ass again.” I’m avoiding him and going to sit on the chair in front of his desk, leaving him there with his open arms and a gloomy grimace. The fuck I care you’re disappointed…
“I said I’m sorry. We know each other for the last 20 years since we were kids. I was drunk and you are sexy. When I’m sober, I control myself. When I’m not… I don’t.” He smirks. I roll my eyes and have a mad look. “Talking about sexy. You look way sexier now! What did you do?” He comes to his desk and looks at me with sparkly eyes. I think I’ll walk away. Fucking fuck… I’ll either get my ass out, or beat him again and then get out… Control, Sel…
“Don. Cut the crap. Sit down.” I motion to his chair, crossing my legs. I take a serious stance. Don’t get me wrong, the guy is hot, ripped with muscles, towering. With short wavy chocolate hair, ravishing green-blue eyes and perfect lips. He’s wearing black skinny jeans that embrace those muscled legs, a black belt from Gucci, black V-shaped T-shirt that reveals his muscles, and a dark grey suit jacket. He’s dreamy but I’m not interested. He’s a Mafia guy. Plus, I’m not interested in relationships. Ever. And he’s the last person I would be interested in.
He glares at me and lands on my cleavage. He sits and lays back on his chair with his arms crossed. “Damn! You’re beautiful.” Damn! I would so fuck you right now. All over this office and redecorate it… Not the way you would want though… Motherfucker…
“Whatever.” I roll my eyes and sigh. “Don?”
“Yes, love.” He places his elbows on the desk and waits.
“I need money.” I bluntly say.
“How much?” He grins at me.
“Three million.” I reply.
“OK. I’ll wire it to you now.” He takes his phone out.
“No! Not that!” I yell at him.
“Then?” He spikes a brow at me.
“Are there any races?” I say on a low voice with my head down.
“What?! You’ve got to be kidding me… No, Selena.” He is annoyed.
“Tell me. I’m in.” I have no choice…
“Are you sure about that? You haven’t raced since 12 years ago.” His jawline is contracted and has an opaque glare at me. Not really since 12 years ago… But that doesn’t concern you… I need some car races through you this time…
“I’m sure. I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t. You know that.” I try to appear strong and healthy.
“Selena? Why don’t you accept my money as a loan? You almost died five years ago. Don’t break my heart. I care about you, love. I was drunk last time, but I was sincere with you. I want you. And not for one night. Don’t drive me crazy with all this.” His eyes send me his sincerity. That shit was one thing, this shit is another… Let’s separate them…
“Don. You know me. I’m iced. I don’t want anyone. I appreciate your care. I want the race. Is there one and how much is the prize?” I cut him away from the confession alley. I don’t want or need to hear it.
He sighs, looks at me for a few good moments and bites his lower lip. “Tonight. Midnight. Old road. Five hundred thousand. How’s your car?”
“Rusty for drifting.” I realize.
“Fine. I’ll give you mine. It’s latest model. If you break it, you pay for repairs.” He says, looking aside, avoiding my gaze. He’s pissed.
“How much is your car?” I have to ask.
“Selena!” He screams with a furious look. Don’t fucking scream at me…
“Gotta know if it’s worth the race.” I raise my hands and shoulders to make a point.
“We’ll talk about that later. Police may have info on that. So, it can be dangerous for you. There’s a big crowd and lots of drivers. It’s the biggest race this year. I’ll cover for you though.” He relaxes his shoulders and lays back on his chair. Don’t worry over that… I always cover myself…
“Alright.” I stand up. “I’ll be there 20 minutes earlier. Thanks, Don. See ya’ later then.” I show him my back, going to the exit.
“Don’t tease me, Selena.” He says on a lustful voice. Oh! Fuck you, Don!
“Bite me.” I exit the office and go to the stairs.
The moment I want to go down the stairs, I feel a hand on my ass. “Where are you going, sexy?” That’s it. That’s my self-control limit. You son of a bitch!
I turn to the guy and punch him in the face, sending him on the ground. “Who gave YOU permission to grab MY ass?! You son of a bitch!” My yelling voice makes Don come out.
“What’s happening here?!” His eyes are like a bull seeing red, looking at the man on the floor and then at me. A fucker messing with my already fucked-up nerves…
“You damn bitch!” The guy says to me. YOU MOTHERFUCKER!
“What did you say?” I scream at him ready to trash him.
“Hey! What did you do to her?” Don is losing it.
“I grabbed her ass! She punched me! This is how you tell your girls to act on clients?” The guy says, standing up. WHAT?! OH! I’LL SO FUCK YOU TILL YOU WON’T OWN A FUCKING FACE!
“She’s not a girl! She’s my woman, you fucker!” Fucking Don… I’M NOT YOUR FUCKING WOMAN! This statement makes me roll my eyes at Don. He starts beating the shit out of him, raging. “You don’t come into MY house and hit on MY woman!” He punches him more. The guy spits blood. Shit…
“Don! That’s enough! He’s understood the message!” I know he might kill him. He’s fucking Mafia.
Bodyguards come and take the fucker from his hands, leaving us alone. He doesn’t look at me. He’s so tensed up. Never seen him like this before. Fucking chill, Don…
“Don? Chill. Thank you.” I pause a little. “I haven’t said it in front of that man but I’m not your woman. Never have been. OK? See you later.” I go for the stairs.
“YOU WILL BE!” He growls. Yeah… Drop the shit… I’m no one’s and will never be someone’s…
“Not going to enter that long line of women you have. Bye.” He’s a player. I don’t need or want men. I’m perfectly fine on my own, alone. I have enough shit in my life.
“I swear to God, Selena!” I hear him from upstairs. I ignore him and get to the lobby area. I walk away from the club, the front door gorillas opening it for me to exit.
I must be crazy. I shouldn’t have come here. If it weren’t for those damn debts! My fucking life! I go to my car, get in and start the engine. I need to go away from here and relax for a few hours until the race. I hope I’ll win that shit. I badly need the money.