Monkey Business -15- by Melanie Brown

Monkey Business Part 15

By

Melanie Brown
Copyright © 2024

“Where are you going this morning?” asked Mom as she set a cereal bowl on the table in front of me.

I poured the cereal into the bowl. “What makes you think I’m going anywhere?”

Mom chuckled. “You’re up a little earlier than usual and you’re already dressed.”

I laughed. “Nothing gets past you, Mom. I have a photo shoot today.”

Mom’s eyes focused on the wall behind me. “More girls’ clothes?”

I nodded. “Yeah. It’s for ‘Teen Sensations’. I think girls’ clothes is all they sell.”

Mom shook her head. “Yeah, they have cute outfits. But does Mr. Adams ever get you boys’ clothes to model?”

I set my spoon down in the bowl and just stared at it for a moment. “Mr. Adams thinks I’m a girl. In fact, you and Dad and Nick seem to be the only ones who know I’m a boy. Even at school a lot of the other students think I’m a girl or at least a tom boy. I mean, look at my face, Mom. What do you see?”

Mom grunted a laugh. “I see me when I was seventeen. And your slight build, it’s an easy mistake to make.”

“So what do I do about it? Do I work out and try to bulk up and get manly? That would end my modeling. Mr. Adams already has several buff guys he uses. And honestly, even if I could get them, I don’t want all those bulky muscles.” I sat down on the arm of the couch and pouted.

Mom walked over to me and ran her fingers through my long hair. She smiled at me. “Not that I want you to, but there are small things you can do to change your appearance. Like get a boy’s haircut.” She laughed. “Or maybe stop wearing pink leathers!”

I shook my head. “But I love my hair. And pink leathers is my signature look at the track.”

Mom shrugged. “You’re going to have to make a choice in your life, honey. If you want people to think you’re a boy, get a haircut and don’t model girls’ clothes.”

I looked up at Mom. “I know. I like those things though. I think it fits who I am.”

Mom sat on the couch next to me as I continued to sit on the arm of the couch. She usually scolds me about that. “You’re seventeen, honey. You have to make choices on who you want to be.”

I nodded. Looking up at the wall clock, I said, “Speaking of choices, I need to get to my photoshoot.”

Rubbing my back, Mom said, “Since you’ll most like leave the shoot looking beautiful, would you like to join me for lunch? Maybe go to Mandalay again. You enjoyed it last time.”

“I would, except…”

“Except what, honey?” asked Mom.

“There might be a man…”

Mom looked at me curiously. “A man?”

I frowned at Mom. “If you’d let finish. You know… that man who fixed my bike at the track that time. He promised to take me to lunch and he might be at the photoshoot.”

Mom suddenly looked concerned. “Isn’t he too old for you?”

I frowned at Mom again. “It’s not a date or anything. Well, maybe kinda sorta. He just wanted to reward my efforts to get second place overall last weekend. It’s nothing romantic. He is very good-looking though.”

Mom furrowed her brows. “You know your father and I have accepted the fact that you like boys. But you seeing a man is a whole different can of worms. You should stay with people your own age.”

I folded my arms and scowled. “Everyone keeps telling me what an awful person Alex is. He’s never tried to put any moves on me. He just wants to buy me lunch. Is that so awful?”

“His intentions may change. He thinks you’re a pretty young girl. Sadly, there are men who prey on innocent young girls.”

I chuckled. “I really don’t think Alex is like that. He seems so nice. He’s got a business and all that. But I’ll be careful. He might not even show up. If that’s the case, we can go to lunch together.” I stood up to leave.

Mom looked worried. “Just be careful, honey. You’re far too trusting.”

I grinned. “I’ll be okay.” Mom didn’t look convinced so I as I opened the front door, I said, “I’ll be careful. I promise.”

A few minutes later I was parking my truck in a parking spot for the photo studio. Mr. Adams jumped up from his seat when I entered.

“Good morning, Randi! Just on time!” He pointed to a woman who stood when I entered. “This is Ms. Sweeny. She owns Sweeny’s Teen Sensations. With school not far away, she’s looking for some great advertising photos.”

Ms. Sweeny extended her hand to me. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, miss. Mr. Adams was not exaggerating about your beauty. Here’s a card. My husband Todd runs a salon if you ever need to get your hair cut.”

I took the card. “Thanks.”  Was this an omen that I should get my hair cut?

Smiling at me, Mr. Adams said, “You know the drill, Randi. Let’s get started.”

I went down the hall to find the room with Suzie in it.

“Have a seat, Randi and we’ll get started. When I’m done, you’ll find the clothes to change into in the back room. I think someone from Teen Sensations will be there to assist you.” Suzie pointed at the chair and smiled.

Suzie professionally applied my make-up while her assistant did my nails. I love being pampered like that.

A half hour after getting my hair and make-up done. I found my way to the back room to get into my first outfit. It was a beautiful mini-homecoming dress. The dress was quite short and I doubt my dad would ever let me leave the house in it.

When I walked back into the studio. Mr. Adams was setting up some props for the shoot. There was also a very cute boy in a tux. Mr. Adams turned towards me and exclaimed, “You are always so gorgeous, Randi! And meet Sam, the male model for this shoot.”

Sam grinned at me. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Randi.”

I smiled back at him. He was really cute. “Nice to meet you.”

The shoot went really well. We had shots of us holding hands and shots of us dancing and even a shot of Sam kissing my cheek. I was certainly having a great time.

I was returning to the studio after my third change of outfit, when I stopped dead in my tracks. Alex was in the studio and conversing with Mr. Adams and Ms. Sweeny.

“Randi!” exclaimed Alex when he noticed me entering the studio. “You are breathtakingly gorgeous!”

“Thank you, Alex,” I said meekly as I took my place next to Sam.

Mr. Adams grinned. “Yep. She’s the sweetest little model we’ve ever had.”

Ms. Sweeny said, “She’s looked amazing in every outfit she’s worn.” I felt my cheeks getting warm.

*  *  *

“And that’s a wrap,” said Mr. Adams just a bit before noon. “Thank you so much Randi and Sam. Your pay should be deposited in your bank accounts by this evening. I think we had a good session today.”

Ms. Sweeny smiled at me. “Randi, thanks for being such good model. You can keep the outfit you’re wearing now with my compliments.”

I grinned up at her. “Thank you Ms. Sweeny! This is such a beautiful dress!”

Alex said, “It’s beautiful because of who is wearing it. So, are you ready for lunch?”

Mr. Adams asked, “Lunch?”

Alex was quick to say, “Yeah. I promised to buy her lunch if she finished 2nd overall last Saturday.”

Ms. Sweeny furrowed her brows. “2nd overall? Like in a race?”

Mr. Adams said, “Yes. She races motocross on weekends at my track. My other business. She’s very good.”

Shaking her head, Ms. Sweeney said, “I can’t believe you’d let your top model risk life and limb racing dangerous contraptions like motorcycles!”

Laughing an embarrassed laugh, Mr. Adams said, “Well that’s actually how we discovered her. She wears these bright, pink leathers, making an odd mix of motorcycles and femininity.”

Ms. Sweeney said, “Honey, I’d suggest you drop this racing nonsense and focus on modeling. You could easily become a top fashion model.”

Embarrassed, I said, “I’ll think about it.” I couldn’t imagine being a fashion model being as fun or as exciting as racing.

Alex turned to me and asked, “Well, are you done?”

I nodded. “Yes. At least I think so.”

Mr. Adams said, “All done. Thanks again Randi.”

Alex took my hand. “Let’s go then.” He led me out to is car. I actually gasped when I saw the fire engine red Dodge Challenger Hell Cat.

“Nice car!” I said sincerely.

Opening the passenger door for me, Alex grinned. “I’m glad you like it.”

I got in and snuggled into the leather seats. I love the smell of real leather.

After climbing into driver’s seat and firing up the seven hundred horses, Alex said, “I know a great little place for lunch.”

I giggled, “The Dew Drop Inn?”

Alex gave me a disgusted look. “Oh please! That dive is only fit for hayseeds and drunks. I’m thinking of a classy place for a classy lady.” I have to say I can’t really argue about the Dew Drop.

We drove for a few minutes and he laughed when we ran a couple of red lights.

Terrified, I said, “Alex! What the hell are you doing? Slow down!”

Alex looked over at me and shook his head. “Don’t worry, babe. I’ve timed these lights. No cars are ever ready to go when their light turns green.”

“I don’t care,” I said angrily. “I want to arrive in one piece.”

Alex sighed. “Typical chick. Okay. I’ll slow down.”

I took a deep breath. “Thank you.”

Alex said, “I figured as a racer, you’d find that exciting.”

I frowned. “Race tracks don’t have traffic lights.”

Alex chuckled. “You got me there.”

A few minutes later we pull up to a restaurant I’d never heard of. It was located on a very secluded road and draped in trees. The sign didn’t make sense to me. It was called The Bouchy. There were several cars in the parking lot. Alex put his Challenger in Park and turned off the ignition. He turned towards me and smiled. “Here we are. This is the most exclusive restaurant in town with the absolute best food.”

“Do they have chicken fried steak?” I asked seriously.

Alex frowned. “Don’t be a peasant.”

I frowned back. “Sorry. I just don’t know what to expect from a place called Bookie.”

Alex sighed. “It’s not Bookie. It’s a hipper way of spelling Boujee. It means bourgeois.  Sorta. Anyway. Hop out and let’s go eat.”

As we walked to the entrance, Alex once again took my hand. I have to admit it felt weird having a guy hold my hand. The interior of the restaurant was dimly lit. In a way it reminded me of the Dew Drop, but a lot fancier. In fact, the restaurant’s décor screamed “Expensive!”

A waitress stepped up to us and smiled at Alex. “Your usual table, sir?”

Alex nodded. “Yes.”

The waitress led over to a very excluded booth. She set menus on table and asked, “Any appetizers, sir?” Oddly, he sat on the same side of the booth as me. After we were seated, he put his arm around my shoulder.

Alex looked at me and said, “The caviar and egg on toast is excellent here. How does that sound?”

I screwed up my face at hearing caviar. I said, “Do they have tater skins?”

Alex shook his head. “Soup of the day will be fine.”

The waitress smiled and said, “Right away. I’ll be back for your order.”

Alex chuckled. “Honey, you really need to expand your horizons. Especially if you’re going to be a top fashion model. This isn’t Bob’s Roadhouse. What do you normally get for lunch?’

I shrugged. “I don’t know. A Whataburger?”

Shaking his head, Alex said, “I’m going to order you Wagyu Beef. I’m sure you’ll love it.”

I looked at the menu and scanned it for that item. “Are you sure? That’s a lot of money!”

Alex smiled at me. “Nothing is too expensive for a woman as beautiful as you.”

I love getting the royal treatment, but alarm bells started going off in my head. If he’s putting out this much cash, is he going to expect me to put out as well? I hope not.

I smiled weakly. “Whatever you suggest, Alex. I don’t recognize anything on the menu.” The fanciest I was expecting was a couple of sliders at Fat Boy’s Burgers & Fries.

He held my hand. “I love having the opportunity to expand your world.” This guy has way too expensive tastes for a motorcycle mechanic. He’s trying way too hard to impress me. Why do guys think they need to impress me?

Despite my misgivings, I enjoyed lunch quite a bit. Alex was charming and funny and to me, phony as hell. He wanted to make me think he was sophisticated. Colin tries to play the same game, but he’s not as good at it.

I put my fork down and turned to Alex and said, “That was really very good! Thank you so much for bringing me here!”

For the billionth time, he slid his arm around my shoulders, but also leaned in closer. “You are so very welcome! I knew you’d be delighted by this establishment.”

I tried to scooch a bit away from Alex. “Everything is so expensive. And I’ve never even heard of this place before. You have to admit, the name isn’t exactly catchy.”

Alex shook his head as he counter-scooched and got closer. “The food is well worth the expense and they do cater to clients with a more sophisticated palette.”

I was out of scooching space as he draped his hand over my shoulder. “Alex, you can stop trying to impress me. You really don’t have to treat me special.”

Shaking his head, Alex said, “A beautiful lady such as you deserves to be treated special.”

Okay, I’m getting uncomfortable with the way he’s acting. He held my hand and softly stroked my cheek with the hand dangling over my shoulder.

“I appreciate what you’re saying and all. But you know, it’s still just me. I probably should be going.”

He lifted my hand and gently kissed my fingers. “You are lovely in every way. And that perfume you’re wearing is intoxicating. Your lips are so inviting.”

I’ll have to let Mom know her perfume is intoxicating.

His lips were suddenly pressing into mine. His hand held my head so I couldn’t escape his kiss. He held me tight so scooching was out of the question.

After kissing me again by pressing his lips hard against mine, he said, “I find your beauty irresistible. Let’s go back to my place.” Holy shit! It pissed me of that all the food and flowery language was just trying to soften me up for the kill. And if it wasn’t for my fear of him discovering what was actually between my legs, he damn near had me too.

He kept pressing against me until I finally had to stand up from the booth. He put  his arms around me and drew me close. Oh my God! I felt his hardness press against me. This is insane. I need to get away.

But his kisses made me melt. I couldn’t pull away. In the darkened, secluded area of the restaurant, no one could see him slide his hand into my top. I may be flat, but I still have nipples which he found and started playing with.

I pulled my lips away and staid, “Alex, please stop. I’m not comfortable with this. Let me go.”

Alex grinned. “Nonsense. Don’t you find making love in a public place exhilarating?”

I tried to pull his hand out of my blouse. “No I don’t. Please stop. I want to leave.” I pulled on his hand to get it away from me.

Kissing my neck, Alex said in a breathy voice, “We need to go back to my place. I want to make wild love to you.”

I finally pushed him away. “Let go of me! Do you want me to scream?” He tried to grab my nipple again and managed to tear my blouse. I was surprised he’d do this in a public restaurant, but our booth was well hidden.

Alex said, “Let’s go to my place. It’s much more private. I can tell you’re a wildcat in bed.

I finally managed to get good separation between us. I slapped him hard. The palm of my hand stung. I shouted, “I want to go home! I’m only seventeen, you asshole!” I’m sure that was heard all over the restaurant.

Several wait staff came running up to us. Alex was gripping my arms and I was crying. A manager walked up to us and asked, “What’s going on here? We heard a shout.”

Alex took my hand. “We were just leaving. I need the bill.”

The manager said, “Sir, if you’ll just have a seat, we’ll bring it right out to you. And miss, if you’d like to freshen up, Maria will direct you to the restroom.” Maria started nodding vigorously.

I said, “Thank you. Sounds like a good idea.” Alex frowned at me, but released my hand anyway.

When we got around the corner, Maria asked, “Would you like us to call you an Uber or a friend to pick you up?”

I nodded. “That would be great. Please.” I gave them Colin’s phone number. I didn’t want me or the restaurant to face a charge for the ride, and I wanted to see a friendly face.

The manager said, “You may wait in my office. I’ll inform the gentleman that you have left. You are welcome to wait s long as you need. I apologize for your discomfort.”

I sat in the manager’s office for at least fifteen minutes feeling numb. What the hell just happened? Alex seemed so nice. And he wasn’t a boy. He was a man. I thought he would be different. I guess I’m just stupid.

The manager stuck his head in the door and said, “Miss? The gentleman has left and your ride is here.”

Nodding, I said, “Thank you.”

I walked out of the restaurant and saw a very nervous looking Colin standing by his truck. His smile dissolved to a look of concern when he saw me. He grabbed me in a hug. “Oh Randi! What happened? Your blouse is torn. Are you alright?”

I held him tight for a moment and cried. Why am I crying? Guys don’t cry, right? I sniffled. “I’ll explain later. Please take me home.”

“Of course,” said Colin as he took my hand and led me to the passenger door of his truck. I got into his truck and we silently drove to my house. Have I learned my lesson?

*  *  *

End of Part 15