Heist Honey 8

Chloe sat in the small examination room as he drank water brought to him by Sheffield while they waited for his blood work. The nap and the water made great strides in easing his hangover. Every so often he would glance at Beatrice who sat with a book in hand with her usual poise and grace. “Is there something on your mind?” Beatrice suddenly asked without looking up from her book.

Chloe’s eyes widened and he quickly looked away, “Uh, no.”

“No, ma’am or no, Grandmother.” Beatrice corrected, turning a page in her book.

“Yes, ma’am.” He mumbled.

“That’s a good girl.”

A moment later Dr.Kimball returned with a tablet in hand and a stern look upon his face. “May I speak to Chloe in private please?”

Chloe swallowed hard as a sudden panic set in. What sort of things could you tell from looking at someone’s blood? ‘He can’t tell I’m a man can he?’

“Is there something the matter?” Beatrice stood beside Chloe.

Kimball looked between Beatrice and Chloe before speaking. Chloe looked every bit a frightened young girl in need of some agency of her own. “I just have a few simple questions for Chloe before I can go over the results.”

“If they are simple questions then I do not see why you would need me to leave.”

“They’re of a private nature that your granddaughter may not feel comfortable discussing in front of you.”

“If he says you hav–” Chloe was cut off as Beatrice stepped closer to the doctor.

“I am the one paying you. If there is any discussion of health to be had I have a right to be present.”

“With all due respect Mrs. Pasini; Chloe is my patient, not you, and unless you are her parent or legal guardian you have no right to be in this room.” He would normally mention that if Chloe was comfortable with it, then Beatrice could stay. But judging from the young girl’s worried glances and how…insisting he knew Beatrice could be he chose to forget to mention that.

Beatrice’s nostrils flared as she glared at the young boy playing dress up in his father’s clothes. “Very well.” her words laced with venomous intent, “I have to make a phone call to make.” She spun on her heeled foot in a huff and glided to the door.

“Tell my dad I said hi.” Beatrice paused at the door, briefly glancing over her shoulder before leaving. Sheffield silently stepped forward, eyeing Kimball with his blank expression as he had been the entire time. His face softened as he turned to Chloe and assured her he would be right outside the door. After the two left Kimball pulled up a chair and sat in front of Chloe with a heavy sigh. “I don’t know about you but that was scary.”

“Grandmother can be a bit much.” Chloe laughed nervously.

“Hmm? Oh no. I’ve dealt with patients like her since I took over my father’s practice.” Chloe looked towards the door and wondered if he meant Sheffield. ‘He didn’t say anything.’ he thought to himself and turned back to the doctor. “Anyway, before we begin I will say if you feel more comfortable with your grandmother or your butler–”

“His name’s Sheffield.”

Kimball nodded, “If you’d feel more comfortable with Sheffield in the room we can call either of them back in. But I know people your age do things that they may not want their family knowing about. I remember when I was your age my friends and I would skip school and take my father’s schooner down to Mexico at least once a month.”

“Yeah…totally.” ‘What the hell is a skooner?’

Kimball smiled and looked at the tablet in his hand, “Okay. Well, before we go over your blood work I would just like to ask you some personal questions. Simple things, like, do you eat at least three times a day?

“Yes. Most days.” he admitted, remembering the times he was dressed “inappropriately” or late for a meal and turned away.

Kimball made a note to discuss safe eating habits with her while he forced himself to keep his professionally stoic look on his face. It wasn’t uncommon for young girls to be concerned about their weight. He would have to monitor that, possibly find a therapist that specializes in eating disorders. He made another note for himself to do that later. No need to be an alarmist after all.

“Hmm, Exercise?”

“Does dancing count?” Chloe laughed briefly.

“Anything that gets the heart pumping.”

“Then yeah, I do that a lot.” He shook his head, wincing at the phantom pain in his feet.

“That’s good. Just be sure to stretch. But yeah, ballet. Yoga. Those are good exercises.”

“I didn’t say-wait…yoga?”

“It’s surprisingly good for you.” Kimball shrugged, “Well, I shouldn’t say surprisingly. There’s over a thousand years of evidence to support it benefiting cardiovascular health, muscle and joint health…but western medicine can be a bit slow at times.”

“Isn’t that what old people do in the park?”

“...That’s meditative tai-chi. Also a good exercise but you won’t really need that until you’re an old fart like me.” He chuckled with a wide grin on his face which slowly faded as the girl did not reassure him he wasn’t an old fart like his other patients would have. He tried not to take it personally, most of his patients were at least twenty years older than him and he forgot that to a teenager, especially a teenage girl, a man in his mid thirties was an old fart. “Do you smoke?” He asked, clearing his throat.

“No.” Chloe shook his head, the one and only time he tried was when Jared bought him victory cigars after their first bank heist together and he got cartoonishly sick.

He marked it on his tablet with a nod. That was good news at least, smoking to curb food cravings was a real problem among dancers. “How about drinking?”

“Some times.”

Kimball peered up at the young girl from his tablet, "When was the last time you had a drink?"

"Last night. Probably a bit too much since I woke up with a massive hangover?" Chloe laughed and rubbed his head.

Kimball made a quick note on his tablet before asking, "And before that?"

"A few weeks ago."

"I see.” He made another note on his tablet and paused for a moment, pretending to enter something on the screen to buy himself a moment to think. In med school he was taught a bit about establishing trust in the doctor patient relationship. But not nearly enough. “I get that.” He said, setting the tablet aside, “Like I said, I got up to my own antics in my younger days. I just want to advise you to be careful. Your brain is still developing until you’re about twenty-five. And I know drugs, or in this case alcohol, can seem like a very grown up thing to a sixteen year old–”

“I’m not sixteen.” Chloe laughed.

“You’re not?” Kimball picked up his tablet and checked the patient information so he didn’t see Chloe’s eyes widen or the face he made as he swore at himself.

“I’m….gonna be sixteen in a couple of months.” He frowned and mentally cursed himself for forgetting who he was who he was supposed to be. He had been prepared for some accusation or big reveal from the doc that he knew Chloe was a twenty-four year old man. What he wasn’t prepared for was how boring the reality was.

“Ah, okay.” Kimball nodded slowly, just finding the information to confirm she hadn’t yet reached sixteen, “But do you get what I’m saying?”

“Yeahssir.” He quickly corrected himself out of habit.

“That’s good.” He returned to his tablet, quickly finding her test results. Her hormone levels were not where they should be for a young girl in the midst of puberty, ‘her drinking and not eating properly could be what’s slowing her progress.’ “I tell you what…are you good about remembering to take medicine?”

“I guess I could. Why?”

“Well how about this, if you promise to keep your nose clean and take your meds we’ll keep this our little secret.”

“Yeah?”

He nodded, “That means no more skipping meals, no drinking, and of course taking your medication.”

“Sure, I can try and do that.” He lied.

“Good. Then we’ll schedule you a follow-up for next week. Are you more comfortable here at home or would you be okay with coming into the office?”

“What? Why?"

“I have to monitor your progress. You’re a very nice girl and I wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to you.” Kimball lied. Or fibbed rather. He would be monitoring her progress for health reasons but the full truth is though it was rare he did have the occasional teenage patient who liked to party and ignored the advice of perfectly fine doctors. And judging by her reaction she was one of them. "Alright, I think we can bring your grandmother back in. That is if she's finished complaining to my father." He added with a chuckle as he stood. The girl simply rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "Tough room." He shrugged and went to retrieve Beatrice.

When Beatrice was brought back in, Kimball at least kept his word about not telling the old bat about his drinking. Of course he didn't expect him to right away. No, he would keep it to himself so long as Chloe took whatever medication he was prescribing. All in all it seemed like a small price to pay for his silence. Such as it was. ‘My god,’ Chloe thought as he examined his nails, ‘this guy loves to hear himself talk.’ Kimball listed off names of medicines he could potentially prescribe and if those didn’t work other medications he could prescribe. ‘They really are worse than pushers.’ Chloe, or Sam as he was back then, never went to a doctor. Jared expected him to tough out any illnesses or injuries that came up. Always spiraling into a rant about the fact all they did was throw pills at a problem until it went away. ‘I could just sell whatever he gives me.’ he thought briefly before shooing the idea away. No, the drug scene was way too risky, especially for someone who looked like he did. Even more so now. Besides, “We’re better than that.” Again, Jared’s words echoed in his mind. They didn’t prolong and profit off of the suffering of people who needed help. “Drugs destroy lives, we take from companies and people that can afford it.”

After the doctor left, Chloe and Beatrice returned to their routine while Sheffield went to pick up Chloe’s new prescriptions. Chloe was presented with higher heels before the start of his training. He had only just gotten used to walking in the three inch heels when the old bat swapped them out for four inch heels and forced him to walk the grounds again. “I would’ve thought super high heels would be considered improper.” Chloe remarked with no attempt to hide his frustration as he walked with Beatrice.

“They can be if you are dressed improperly. But if you wish to walk in a more modest heel then practicing with a higher heel makes sense.” Chloe started to say he didn’t want to wear heels at all but Beatrice continued, “That being sad, those are not ‘super’ high heels as you so eloquently put it. There are heels that are twelve inches in length.”

“Holy sh-cow!”

Beatrice frowned, but said nothing. At least the girl was making the effort. “Yes. Very few women can walk in them. Save for ballerinas.” she thought for a moment with a smile, “Although, ballet might do you some good.”

Chloe’s eyes widened in terror as he imagined himself in a tutu and tights. “God no!”

Beatrice frowned again, “Hmm. Yes. I do not believe you are ready for that just yet. Now, no time for dawdling. We have five more laps before we continue your lessons. And we still have to prepare for your date this evening.”

“Don’t remind me.” Chloe muttered under his breath. He didn’t want to go on a date with William but he owed him for helping Spencer and the sooner he paid back that debt the better.

Hours of training passed, and as the sun began its descent over the horizon the doorbell rang throughout the manor. Sheffield opened the front door and was surprised enough to find Zoe standing on the top step that he nearly let his blank facial expression change. “Ms. Belmonte. This is a surprise. Do come in.” He stepped aside, allowing her into the entrance hall, “May I take your coat?” He asked politely.

“Of course.” She turned away, allowing him to remove the long coat for her. Turning her ear to the hall. Soft dulcet tones wafted through the manor, bringing pleasant memories to the forefront of her mind.

“I do hope you will forgive me,” he began, “I was unaware you had business with Madame Pasini this evening.”

Zoe smiled politely. “Not this evening, no. I’m actually here to see Mark. I would have thought he would have told you.”

Sheffield took in a deep breath, continuing curtly, “Madam’s…progeny does not keep me apprised of his schedule.” Sheffield placed Zoe’s coat on a hanger in the small closet beside the door. “If you will follow me into the parlor. I will let your young man know you are here.” He gestured with his hand to the further down the short hall.

“Is that where the music is coming from?” She smiled as she followed him the short distance into the parlor.

“No ma’am. That would be the madam in the solarium.”

“I’m impressed.” The gentle music faded to silence, “She is quite the talent.”

“The madam as you know is well versed in many avenues of life.” He said with an almost proud smile as he guided her to a chair, “Will there be anything else, Miss?”

“That will be all.” She nodded.

“Then I shall return to you shortly.” He bowed slightly before turning on his heels and leaving.

For a moment she sat quietly, staring curiously at the large book on the end table beside her when the sounds of a harp being played once more filled the air. Despite the fact the notes came slower it was clearly the same song being played. After a missed note and a completely wrong note the music stopped entirely.

In the solarium, Beatrice stood behind Chloe as she sat behind a pedal harp that dwarfed the already small girl. “No, no, with the pads of your fingers.” Beatrice grabbed Chloe’s hand, pressing her own finger firmly into the pads and side of Chloe’s fingers. “Here. This is where you must pluck the strings. Pluck. Not pull. This is not archery or whatever it is you were doing to grow these horrid callouses.” She stared bitterly at Chloe’s finger tips. “We will have to rectify that accordingly.”  Seeing the confused look on her granddaughter’s face Beatrice released her hand and stood back up, clenching the small wooden baton in her hand, “Glissando. Again.”

Chloe sighed as she slowly and carefully adjusted his seating to allow the harp between her legs, “but not so much as to give the boys a show, this is not a strip show after all.” Beatrice had warned her at the start of the lesson. Pulling the harp against her shoulder. Chloe placed her first two fingers and thumb of each hand on the strings and slowly pulled back, allowing them to catch against her skin. It was awkward and slow at first but the notes eventually fell out of the harp.

After the brief flourish ended, Zoe applauded the young girl. Surprising both her and Beatrice. “Miss Belmonte.” Beatrice said sharply, quickly glancing at the doors for Sheffield, “I was unaware you had decided to drop by.”

“Apologies for the intrusion.” Zoe said in the same haughty manner she had heard her entire life as she approached the pair, “I heard the wonderful music and I simply could not resist.” Her tone relaxed as she stood over Chloe, smiling down sweetly at the young girl.

Chloe scoffed, “I stink.” he said instead of saying he sucked, the harp sucked, sitting here playing the harp sucked and he would rather be in bed nursing his lingering hangover.

“You do not stink.” Beatrice chided, gently wrapping the baton against Chloe’s shoulder. “You simply require more diligent practice.” Chloe gave the old woman another confused look she didn’t see. Her voice was stern but she was still being nicer than she had been since he arrived. ‘Nice for her, I guess.’ he shrugged.

Zoe raised an eyebrow as she watched the elder Pasini woman before smiling back at the youngest Pasini. “I’m sure your grandmother is right. How long have you been playing?”

“Depends. What time is it?”

Beatrice closed her eyes and took a deep breath, reminding herself what was at stake if she lost her temper, “Chloe has just started practicing the harp this afternoon. It is important that every young woman be well-rounded.” Chloe turned away from the old woman and rolled his eyes.

Zoe had to stifle a laugh as she watched the teenage girl in front of her. It wasn’t so long ago she had a similar reaction at hearing her father tell her the same thing. “See,” she said as she bent down so she was eye to eye with Chloe,  “you can not expect to master something in a single afternoon. It took me years to get even halfway decent.”

Chloe furrowed his brow at the woman. He didn’t want to master any of the things Beatrice was forcing him to do, let alone take years to do so, but he was becoming increasingly frustrated with his repeated failures. He had picked up pickpocketing easily enough as a small child, he could pick a lock as easily as a hot knife through butter! Jared took him in because of how well he could adapt to any obstacle. So he should not be having any trouble plucking at a couple of strings!

“Do you mind if I show you something?” Zoe asked with her ever sweet smile.

Before Chloe could tell her she could keep the damned thing Beatrice spoke for him, “I do not see the harm. Perhaps it will be good to observe someone still in her prime.”

“You’re definitely way better than me.” Chloe mumbled as he eagerly escaped the weird new torture device.

As Zoe replaced Chloe at the harp and began strumming the strings, Beatrice’s lips formed a harsh line as she looked down at the girl. She would have to have a word with Chloe about casting disparagements upon herself.

Zoe began by playing a gentle classical piece which Beatrice recognized as Fur Elise. Chloe had heard the song before in elevators and the occasional fancy restaurant when he and Jared had the money or a good escape route planned. He had never cared to learn the name before, and still didn't feel the need now. But watching the woman only a few years older than his real age play it so easily…it reminded him of living on the streets as he watched the wealthy men in suits get into their BMWs and drive off to their mansions every night to no doubt dine on filet mignon and lobster. Meanwhile he and others were digging out of dumpsters for their scraps. None of them deserved what they had. He and his friends didn’t deserve rotten fruit and week old danishes. And these rich fops didn’t deserve their money. They definitely didn’t deserve their money and their talent. ‘Not even the old woman.’ He thought as he glanced at Beatrice.

"Marvelous." Beatrice applauded with polite excitement. She eyed the girl at her side who seemed lost in thought.

“Why don’t you give it a try?” Zoe asked.

“Yeah, no. I definitely couldn’t do that.”

Beatrice sighed silently, clearly simply reminding the girl of proper grammar was not enough. She would have to change tactics in the future. “It’s not as difficult as you think.” Zoe smiled. “Come here, let me show you.” She said as she patted her lap. Chloe hesitated only for a moment before deciding no guy would pass up the opportunity to be in the lap of a beautiful woman. Even if he had to play the harp to do it.

Sitting in Zoe’s lap she placed her chest against Chloe’s back, “Here, I’ll guide you.” She spoke gently in Chloe’s ear. He smiled nervously as he felt her warm breath on the nape of his neck. “Fingers here.” She continued to whisper instructions as she took his hands in hers and placed them upon the appropriate strings. “Gently.” her arms closed around his own, “Looser in the wrist, sweetheart.” Chloe’s body moved on autopilot. The heavy and rapid beating of his heart and sound of blood rushing through his ears had drowned out more than a few random words. His mind’s only thought at the moment was the feeling of Zoe’s breasts against his back. “That’s it, right there.” She cooed happily. “Faster now.” She giggled, “Excellent!” Zoe cheered as the simple melody came to an end, “You’re amazing!”

Chloe smiled and shook his head, “It was all you.”

“Nonsense.” Zoe scoffed, “If you keep practicing you’ll get the hang of it in no time.”

“Nah.” He blushed, tucking his hair behind his ear. He wasn’t unaccustomed to getting compliments. If you did something right you could afford to eat that night. Nobody cheered you on for it.

“Why would I lie?” She asked in a mock huff.

“You do work at a charity.” Chloe tilted his head at her with a smirk. Zoe burst into a smile as she laughed at Chloe’s joke.

“You wouldn’t be trying to steal my girl would you?” Mark asked half jokingly as he entered the room with Sheffield.

“Don’t tempt me!” Zoe giggled again as she stood, having mistaken tha Mark’s question was meant for he

“I was actually talking about…nevermind.” Mark waved it off with a laugh. He forgot, again, everyone else saw Chloe as a girl. Not just a girl but his daughter. “Are you ready to go? I have quite the evening planned for us.” He smiled proudly.

“Is that so?” She teased.

“Oh yes.” Mark smiled, “Tonight will be a life changing experience.”

“Ooh, how mysterious.” She smiled at him before turning to Beatrice, “Thank you for allowing me to play for you.”

“The pleasure was ours.” Beatrice gave the woman a small nod.

Turning to Chloe, she smiled and placed a hand on the young girl’s shoulder, “Thank you as well, sweetheart. I do hope you continue your practice. Maybe we can play again some time.”

“Heh…maybe.” He shrugged. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Beatrice’s sour disapproving face. Chloe cleared his throat and stood again before dropping into a curtsey, “I would love that.” He lied, hesitating only slightly as he considered his words, “And thank you for the lesson.”

“Anytime.” Zoe winked at Chloe before joining Mark.

“Do drive safe, son.” Beatrice said, her lips pressed into a thin line.

“I will. Good night, mother.” Mark nodded to Beatrice before leaving with Zoe.

“Come along, Chloe.” Beatrice said, placing a hand on Chloe’s back, “Now is as good as a time as any to prepare you for your evening with William.”

“I guess you’re right.” Chloe watched Beatrie out of the corner of his eye as he followed. Her expression never changed, but something in her breathing was different. And not in the usual annoyed and huffy way she usually got when he had screwed up. Whatever it was he was given no time to think about it as the next three hours were spent in a whirlwind of activity.

Later, Chloe waited in the sitting room, he nervously pulled at the string of pearls around his neck while Beatrice sipped her tea between reading a book. He couldn’t believe he was sitting around, waiting for his date to show up. Worse was how he was dressed for the blasted date! He had worn girlier dresses up until this point but…none had exposed him this much before. And this was the lesser of two evils.

After Mark left Chloe had been taken to a nearby salon where five different women had practically assaulted him with femininity. His hair was washed, trimmed,  and styled in an updo. His casual everyday makeup was removed and his brows were plucked, along with any stray hairs in unseemly places. Afterwards his face was cleansed and exfoliated while his nails were given a similar treatment. Cleaned, painted, and buffed to a sparkling shine. One woman worked on his hands while another worked on his feet, only to then have a third woman reapply makeup to his face once more. Lastly and most painfully of all, even more so than having individual hairs yanked out of his face was having his ears pierced.

The five women neglected to warn him about his ears or he would have objected…or maybe they had. While he had his face massaged with various creams and his hands and feet carefully tended too he had accidentally fallen asleep. From boredom obviously. He certainly wouldn’t admit to finding the experience relaxing. So he was suddenly awoken to a sharp needle stabbing into his earlobe.

Returning to his new temporary home sporting pearl studs wasn’t any better. He hadn’t even taken two steps inside the door when Beatrice whisked him up to his room. Thankfully she didn’t insist on helping him dress to save time. But now he wore a sleeveless white high-low tea length cocktail dress with a sweetheart neckline. Which added a new hell for Chloe. A strapless push-up bra. The dress left his arms, legs, and part of his back exposed. He would have been less exposed if he had just worn a towel around his chest! At least he was allowed to cover his upper half with a black bolero cardigan. After dressing Beatrice gave him something called princess heels to wear.

The heels were probably the oddest of all that he hadn’t expected. They weren’t outrageously tall with their three inch block heels. What surprised him the most about the little white platform heels was the little flower embroideries along the straps and the surface of the heel itself. They simply screamed girly innocence. If it wasn’t for the black cardigan he would feel more like a bride preparing to walk down the aisle than a girl going on her first date.

Finally there was a knock on the door and Chloe darted to his feet. “Sit down, dear.” Beatrice said calmly as she sipped her tea. “Men are fickle creatures. If you appear too eager he will flee like a terrified rabbit.”

“I’m not eager.” He lied. Sort of. He wasn’t eager to go out with William, he was eager for the night to end and put whatever tortuous task William had planned behind him.

“Clearly not.” Beatrice took another sip of her tea before setting it down and picking up her book once more. “Nevertheless, remain seated until Sheffield announces the boy.” Chloe sat back down and silently mocked the old woman. “I saw that.” Beatrice added, her eyes never leaving the pages of her book.

A few minutes later, Sheffield finally walked into the room with a strange look on his face. ‘Is he smiling?’ Chloe wondered as he stood, ‘Why does everyone get a kick out of tormenting me?’ “Master William Fulbrette here to see Miss Chloe Pasini.”

“It’s about time.” Chloe muttered to himself as he smoothed the wrinkles out of his dress. The mansion was huge but it shouldn’t take that long to walk from the front door to the parlor, or sitting room, whatever it was his grandmother had called one of the eight rooms she had just for sitting. ‘Maybe they got lost.’ He thought with a silent chuckle.

“You may show him in.” Hearing the young girl’s impatience, while improper of course, was still enough to give her cause to smile as she stood beside her granddaughter. ‘Is she smiling too?!’ Chloe’s mind reeled. In the time he had known her he could count on one hand the number of times she smiled.

A moment later William walked in with a charming smile on his face and a small square box in his hands. At least Chloe knew what he was smiling about. “Chloe.” William gasped as he took her in, “You look absolutely beautiful.”

Chloe tucked a strand of hair behind his ear only for it to fall back into place. “Thank you.” He smiled awkwardly, instead of telling William to shove it up his ass, “You clean up good too.” He chuckled. ‘This is just so weird.’

Beatrice silently kicked herself, she had gone over basic manners with Chloe for weeks now but never discussed what to do when a gentleman caller visited. She would have to rectify that as well seeing as events were transpiring sooner than she had anticipated. “Good evening, William. How is your grandmother?”

“She’s doing fine, Mrs. Pasini. She sends her regards.”

“That’s good. Would you like some tea? I can have Sheffield or one of the staff make a fresh cup.” She turned and started towards one of the intercom buttons but William stopped her.

“Thank you but I’m afraid we can’t stay. We have reservations and you know how important punctuality is.”

“Too true.” She took a position behind Chloe, placing her hands on the young girl’s shoulders, “Where do you plan on taking my granddaughter this evening, William?” Chloe once again tried to tuck the strand of hair behind his ear as his face reddened with embarrassment. ‘Is this what kids with parents had to deal with?’ He wondered silently before forcing a smile when he noticed William was looking.

The boy didn’t respond right away. First he had to tear his attention away from Chloe’s captivating eyes, accented as they were by her smokey eyeshadow. “I, uh, yes. I thought we would start the evening dining at Che ‘Enri.”

“I was unaware Chef ‘Enri had returned early from his latest venture in Paris.”

“He hadn’t planned on it but…I made a phone call.” William winked at Chloe.

Even Beatrice had to fight to keep from rolling her eyes at the young man’s exaggeration. Most likely his father made a phone call, checkbook in hand. Not that she could fault the boy for wanting to impress her granddaughter. “Marvelous.” she smiled, “I see you come with many surprises…and gifts.”

William chuckled nervously as he remembered the gift in his hand, “I do…mother says it is impolite to not bring a gift on a special occasion. And I cannot think of an occasion more special than this.” William smiled as he held out the small wood box for Chloe. “I have to apologize of course…seeing you now I realize I should have gotten you something that more closely matched your beauty.”

Chloe took the box, ‘Did he memorize note cards before he came over?’ “Thank you. I’m sure it’s more than enough.” Judging by the weight it was possibly a necklace. ‘At least I can sell this.’ Opening the polished wood box instead of a necklace box he found a leatherbound book, ‘What’s with rich people and books?!’ He looked at William, now thanks to his heels they were nearly eye to eye at least.

“There’s more.” He said, barely containing a smile, “Open it.” Picking up the book Chloe first noticed a framed picture of Rocky and Bullwinkle. “It’s one of the earliest animation cells from the Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoon.” A fraction of a second passed before William nervously cleared his throat and continued, “An original cell goes for about seven, eight hundred dollars or so. A signed one goes for over a thousand dollars.” Another fraction passed before he continued again, “I apologize again I couldn’t get you a signed cell. I had my man bid on one at auction but…well he claims the message didn’t arrive until the bidding had already concluded. Trust that I will make sure to get you a signed copy as soon as possible.”

“Thank you.” Chloe said immediately, seeing the poor little rich kid was about to start up again. “I’ll keep it forever.” He thought to himself, ‘Probably couldn’t get three hundred for this.’ He enjoyed the cartoon on occasion as a kid and he and Spencer had decided to have some fun with the names out of boredom but it wasn’t something near to his heart. But still he smiled and placed the box on the table by Beatrice’s tea.

Opening the leatherbound book he realized it was actually a journal. The first page of which was inscribed with his name, or Chloe’s and the yellow flower given to him by William what seems like ages ago now, pressed into the page under his name. Chloe smirked, he had to admit that was a pretty sweet move that might make any girl’s heart flutter. He wasn’t one unfortunately for him, but he did play one on tv. “Aww.” he cooed, dying inside as he did, “This is…too sweet.”

“I’m glad you think so. I had a heck of a time making it stay on the page without damaging the flower.”

Chloe blinked for a moment, looking between William and the flower. “You did this yourself?”

William smiled nervously, “After the bidding fiasco my grandmother suggested…well she thought a gift from the heart would be better. Apparently that means homemade.” A third of a second passed before he cleared his throat again and checked his Rolex. “We really should be going if we’re going to make our reservation.”

Chloe cocked an eyebrow as he took in the boy’s expensive timepiece. “I could eat.” He chuckled.

Turning his attention back to Beatrice, “I hope you’ll understand we have to leave so soon.”

“Of course. We’ll have that tea another time.”

“Absolutely.” William nodded, offering his arm to Chloe.

“You two have a wonderful night.” She thought for a second before adding, “Be careful. And remember your curfew, Chloe.”

“You too,” Chloe called as he hurried out of the room with William.

A moment later, Chloe came back into the room, the journal still in hand. “I probably shouldn’t bring this.” He laughed as he handed it to Beatrice.

“That is probably best.” Beatrice chuckled, seeing only a young girl excited for her first date. “Chloe,” She held onto the young girl’s hand after she had already taken the book. Unfortunately she had too much to say and not enough time to explain. “Mind your manners this evening.” She said simply and released her hand.

Chloe slowly nodded, “I will. You guys don’t have too much fun without me. I won’t be gone long.” And with that Beatrice was left alone once more with a strange new feeling that wasn’t there before.

One forty-five minute ride in a town car later and the young couple on their first date entered Che ‘Enri. A brief handshake between William and the maitre d’ concealing three-hundred dollars and they were escorted to their table ahead of the line of patrons.

“Allow me.” He offered with a smile, gesturing slightly to Chloe’s black half coat. Turning on his heel he let William take the shrug cardigan off of his shoulders. Exposing them to the warmth of the restaurant. William smiled as he placed the coat onto the chair before pulling it out for Chloe. "Thank you. If the whole being rich thing doesn’t work out you’ll make a fine waiter."

“You’re very much welcome.” He smiled politely, taking his own seat. “You’ve found me out. My true passion is waiting tables.” He chuckled. When Chloe rolled her eyes he continued, “What does something like that pay?”

“It depends on where you’re at but…probably around two, two twenty-five.”

“Hmm. Is that annually or monthly?”

“Pretty sure that’s hourly.”

“Two million an hour?!” He gasped loudly, “Maybe I should consider being a waiter after all.”

Chloe stared at William in disbelief for a moment before coming to the conclusion he was either that out of touch or he was fucking with him. Either way it was too much and he finally laughed at the boy. “Don’t throw away your trust fund just yet.”

“Right.” He tapped his nose and pointed at Chloe, “Gotta have a fall back in case this waiter thing doesn’t work out. With pay like that I imagine it is quite the competitive field indeed.”

“Oh, it’s highly competitive.” Chloe nodded, “Not everyone is cut out to be a waiter.” As if on cue a waiter approached the table carrying two plates of food and setting them in front of William and Chloe, “Excuse me?” Chloe asked in confusion, “I think…I think this is someone else’s dinner.” He said as he searched the restaurant for an angry starving patron, “We didn’t order this. We just sat down.”

“I took the liberty of ordering ahead for us.”

“You did, huh? That’s pretty risky for a first date.” Chloe eyed William, then the meal in front of him.

“My father once told me if I saw something I wanted I should seize it. Not sit around and wait.”

“My dad said something similar.” Chloe chuckled, “But what if I was a vegan?” He smirked, hoping to see the rich boy squirm.

“You’re not.” William smirked as the waiter held up the bottle of 2014 Château Haut Brion he had also ordered.

“How do you know?” Chloe jumped when the waiter popped the cork on the bottle.

William glanced around the restaurant before leaning forward, motioning for Chloe to do the same and whispered, “I heard about the shrimp cocktail.”

Chloe looked at the boy in confusion for a moment before it dawned on him he was referring to the Easter gala. “Oh god.” He hid his face in his hands, “Why is that even news?”

“If it makes you feel better you were going to be the topic of discussion for at least a month no matter what you did that night.”

“What? Why?” He pleaded, lifting his head out of his hands.

“You’re Beatrice Pasini’s granddaughter. You’re a new face. You’re extremely gorgeous. Any one of these reasons really.” He said matter of factly as he sipped at his glass. “That’ll play.”

Chloe blushed, he really wanted to tell William to stop calling him beautiful or gorgeous. But he couldn’t risk reneging on his debt. Instead he doubled down, “Well…either way I just became a vegan.”

“When?” He asked as the waiter poured more wine into his glass before doing the same for Chloe.

“About five minutes ago.”

“Ah.” William nodded slowly, “Do you think you could postpone it for five more minutes?”

“Hmm, I don’t think I can.” He knew from the smell wafting off of the food he was potentially shooting himself in the foot. But it may be worth it just to screw with richy rich.

William pouted, nodding slowly, “I understand. You’re a woman of conviction.” Chloe couldn’t help but feel bad for the kid as he watched much more of his ego deflate than he expected, “I’ll make you a deal.” He started again, his voice was less cocky than it had sounded just moments ago, “Try one bite and if you still decide to be a vegan tonight I’ll get you whatever fancy salad you wish.”

Chloe’s mind screamed at him to stop playing games and eat the meal that probably cost more than a car. “Just one bite?”

“Just one and if you don’t like it…we’ll pack it up and donate it to a homeless shelter.”

Chloe rolled his eyes but said nothing. His stomach was roaring at him and he was tired of resisting. Taking his fork he speared one of the raviolis and took a bite. The instant the taste of lobster hit his taste buds he was transported to an otherworldly plane of pure pleasure. “Hmmgod.” He moaned. Even when he and Jared hit their biggest score of their careers he had never eaten something as truly wonderful as he had in this moment.

“Still want that salad?” William asked with a smile.

“Screw that!” Chloe said. Or tried to at least. With his mouth full of another ravioli all that came out was “Frroodat!”

“I’m glad you like it.” Briefly William’s arrogant facade had vanished, once again glad he could impress her with how much he knew her. As quickly as it had vanished it returned however as he sat taller in his seat, “I ordered you a hand pulled artisan tomato and mascarpone marinated lobster ravioli in a white wine black truffle inlaid cacio e pepe paired.”

Finally taking a momentary pause from eating the delectable dinner, Chloe gave William a smile. Yes the brat was obviously bragging…but Chloe decided to ignore that, “That…is the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth.”

“Just wait until later.”

Chloe shuddered, realizing the double meaning of his own words. Clearing his throat he dabbed a napkin at his red lips. “I don’t know…” he said skeptically, “hand rolled lobster’s gonna be tough to beat.” His smile broadened seeing William’s eye twitch as he purposefully said it wrong.

William placed his hand on top of Chloe’s with a mischievous grin. “If you’re…feeling naughty we could always skip straight to dessert.”