The Golden Collection Read online

  "Then my mother would hate me." He grabbed my hand and brought it slowly up to his mouth. "Come, let's go and get pissed for free." He gave my hand a kiss. I laughed; it was really funny when Blake swore with his proper posh English accent.

  We entered the grand hall. It was filled with all the finest lords and ladies; all dressed to impress with their ball gowns, diamonds and tux's. A little violin group was playing a song I didn't know in the corner. Waiters and waitresses were handing out champagne from silver trays. It was very high society and I felt very awkward, nothing new there then.

  Blake grabbed two glasses and handed one to me. "See everyone has come under dressed as usual." I gave a little grin, and then took a large sip of my drink. At least it tasted good. "Georgina, did I tell you how hot you look tonight?" He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me into him.

  "No, you didn't Lord Waterman" I put on my posh voice.

  "You do. A little too hot to be hanging around with these old prunes." He kissed my cheek. I felt his breath move to my ear. "Let's find somewhere quiet,” he whispered. I gazed up. He was giving me his horny come-to-bed eyes and I couldn't resist. That urging feeling started down below.

  "Darling,"

  The moment was spoilt by the witch. Blake shrugged his shoulders as to say sorry. We both turned in the direction of his mother. She was dressed in her vintage Chanel suit and pearls. She looked like she had just walked out of finishing school. This time I took an even larger gulp of my drink. The witch grabbed Blake’s face, planting a kiss on both cheeks.

  "Oh Darling, you look handsome. You're such a fine looking man." She beamed as she stood back to admire her property and then her eyes fell onto me. Her whole appearance instantly changed. She stood tall and straightened out her shoulders. The familiar cold stare replaced the loving look she had seconds ago.

  "Georgina," the witch hissed my name as if it was a dirty word. "What a pleasant look." Her cold eyes moving up and down the length of my dress.

  Out of the blue there was a loud ear hurting laugh. My whole body shuddered just by the sound of it. What was she doing here? She was the vilest person I've ever met.

  Veronica Hart.

  And she was strutting over to us. Her dress was barely there, it looked like a scrap piece of material. Her fake huge boobs were almost falling out. Everything about her was fake and over the top. Her bright red hair was falling around her.

  "Veronica," the witch gushed.

  "Mrs Waterman" she gushed back, wrapping her arms around the witch.

  "Oh darling, you look stunning".

  No she doesn't! I looked much better than she did. At least my dress could withhold my body. It was always like this. Veronica could do no wrong and I was seen as a whore. Apparently, Veronica and Blake's mum's were best friends. They grew up together, attended each others weddings and had babies near enough the same time. Maybe that's why she hated me?

  I bet secretly the two women had planned that their children would be together. As the scarlet woman, I had come along and damaged the whole thing. Thankfully, I knew Blake had taste. A woman who went around naked, falling out of clubs and photographed with a new man every week was no competition for me.

  "Blakie," she hugged him. "Georgie," she hugged me as I went stiff. "I must say you are a gorgeous couple" She didn't look at me. Her eyes were stuck on Blake. "Don't you think Mrs Waterman?" She added.

  "I guess so,” she muttered and looked away.

  Bitch!

  "Did you attend alone, Veronica?" Blake asked, no doubt witnessing his mother's reaction.

  "No, " she giggled, blinking through her large fake eyelashes.” I have a date, “she started to scan the room.” There he is." She pointed and gave a perfect white smile. All our eyes focused on who she was pointing to. She waved and the man waved back.

  Everything went into slow motion and I felt the colour evaporate from my face. We were all looking over at a tall, muscular man with spiky reddish hair. He was dressed in a black tux, a crisp white shirt and a perfect black bow tie. His blue eyes penetrated me. My eyes fell on his perfect mouth. This could only happen to you!

  Now not only did I have to spend a whole night with the witch and vile Veronica. Now HIM!

  "Dinner is served" a voice cried out and we all hurried into the dinning room.

  I took my seat next to Blake on the perfectly set out table. My eyes fell upon the others coming over. Vile Veronica with HIM, an older couple I had seen once before and Blake's parents. I needed more drink... A hell of a lot more drink.

  I really wanted a big hole to appear and leap into it. This really was not turning out to be a good weekend. I shifted my eyes over to Blake. He was handsome – too good looking to be with someone like me. Blake was such a caring and loving person. He wouldn't even kill a fly because he didn't have the heart to cause it pain.

  "So," Blake grabbed my hand, he was very much in too public affection. "Ronnie, you aren't going to acquaint us with your date's name?"

  Veronica blushed and clapped her hands with delight. She loved being the centre of attention. I felt a little embarrassed for him. "This is Maxwell Thomas,” she draped her arm over him as if she had won a prize and was claiming it. Maxwell shifted in his seat, our eyes locked and I quickly turned away.

  "Hi," Blake lent over and the men shook hands. "I'm Blake Waterman and this is my girl Georgina Dawson."

  "Actually, we met yesterday" I blurted out. Blake looked at me bewildered. I grabbed my wine and took a sip. "Maxwell interviewed me" I coughed and looked at Maxwell. A smug smirk appeared on his face.

  "I see,” Blake smiled. "Well, Mr Thomas, were you impressed with my girl?"

  "Very much so,” he said, slowly and seductively.

  Just those three words sounded delicious. Snap out of it woman! A voice screamed at me. Here I was sitting at my boyfriends parents house and opposite me sat the man who took advantage of me. Wait.... Did he? I quickly went over the event in my mind. It was all you! The voice in my head laughed.

  Dinner was served and the wine was flowing a little too well. Every time my glass ran dry a very nice waiter would refill it without asking. The conversation was flowing well too. Blake was in a long discussion with the old man. He was telling him about his photography and his hopes for the future. Veronica was entertaining the table with her society celebrity fame- name dropping mainly. The only two people not making a sound were me and Maxwell.

  I was now too nervous to look in his direction. I thought the wine would make me brave, but it had done the exact opposite. Half way through dessert I could no longer bare the pain from my bladder. I excused myself and headed off to the bathroom. When I was fully relieved I headed back to the party.

  "Georgina?"

  I stopped in my tracks. He was leaning up against the wall opposite the bathroom. He had followed me. He looked dark and sexy. His hair made him look like he was on fire. My pulse raced, was it illegal to look that good?

  "We should talk,” he demanded. He started to look around, putting me on edge. "Not here," he pointed to the bathroom behind me.

  What was he playing at? Did he actually think I was that kind of girl? Then the laughing started in my head. You had sex with this bloke after thirty minutes of meeting him. He did think I was that kind of girl. The terror began to set in.

  "I don't think that's a good idea,” I hesitated. "What if Blake comes looking for me?"

  “Blake won't. He's too busy talking to Veronica." He grabbed my arm. I tried to free myself, but was not very successful. Within seconds we stood in a bathroom only centimetres apart.

  "I'm really sorry about yesterday,” he said softly.

  It took me off guard. I wasn't expecting this. I actually thought he wanted a replay and an urge of disappointment swirled in my stomach. Was I craving the heat and passion from yesterday?

  I looked up in disbelief. "I don't do that. That is not how I normally conduct my interviews."

  "How do you conduct them, Mr Thoma
s?" I teased. A little smile came to my lips as I remembered the interview. He gave an amused smile and laughed. Instantly the uneasy tension between us vanished and I felt comfortable in his presence.

  "Not like that,” he raised an eyebrow and we both laughed this time. "I want you to start Monday. Not because we fucked, but because you're the only decent person I spoke to." I held my breath. "I would actually like us to be friends."

  I let out the breath I had been holding in. "Wouldn't it get in the way?"

  "Would what get in the way?" He looked confused.

  "Us. . . You know. . . . “I shook my head. Surely he had some idea what I was talking about. I had to put it in terms he understood. "We fucked!"

  "Why should it?" he asked, he placed his hand on my shoulder and I froze. I felt electric pulses moving through me. I had never had this feeling before. "We forget about it. I never mix business with pleasure, Georgina."

  I had to take this job after what I had just felt I couldn't walk away.

  "I have no hidden agenda. You want the job?"

  "Yes, please" I beamed. Then I realized what had happened and joy filled me. I started jumping on the spot. I wrapped my arms around his strong neck and hugged him. "Oh, thank you. . . Thank you so much." He whirled me around and we both laughed. The smile dropped off my face as reality kicked in. "I've just realized I'm hugging my boss in my boyfriend's parents' bathroom."

  He pulled away and grinned. "That's a fucked up situation! One more thing," He stopped and blushed slightly. Maxwell Thomas blushing – Wow, that was sexy. "We didn't use anything.... Are you?"

  I held my hand up realizing what he was referring to. "I am fully protected" I lent forward and took in the scent of his aftershave. It was heavenly. "I have the implant."

  We both rejoined the party and straight away, I told everyone I was going to work for Maxwell. For the rest of the night I could relax. We watched Blake's Dad get embarrassed when it was time to cut the cake. Blake's Mum gave a speech about how she loved her husband and her son.

  The whole time I had a smile fixed permanently on my face and my perfect blonde god by my side. I could finally put a line under what had happened and move on. However, the disappointed feeling from earlier was still there. I might have liked a hidden agenda. Obviously Maxwell was a decent bloke and had realized it was a mistake. I had to move on. Not like the man was in love with me! That's why he used the word fuck not made love.

  I had to start living my perfect life I had built with my perfect man.

  ***

  Ow! My head was hurting and my mouth felt like there had been a draught overnight. I opened my eyes, but the sun shining through the window made them close immediately.

  "Morning," I half opened my eyes and saw Blake standing in the doorway. He looked flushed and drenched in sweat. He had just come back from his morning run. He was such a morning person, it was sicking.

  I glanced over at the alarm clock. 10.30 AM. I groaned and closed my eyes. My head felt better when I did that.

  "Come on,” he laughed, sitting down next to me. He placed something down on the bedside table. "I made you a strong coffee."

  "And a cigarette," I snarled while opening one eye.

  "George, you don't smoke any more." He tilted his head to one side and narrowed his eyes at me. Whoops, I had done something wrong. "And don't think I didn't see you last night because I DID!"

  "Huh?" I had no idea what he was talking about. I was pretty sure it wasn't good.

  "I saw you...." His eyes opened wide. Shit, what had I done? "That Maxwell bloke gave you a cigarette."

  There it was. "Oh, yeah" I remembered, my voice low and a sheepish look on my face.

  "Oh, yeah," He snapped.

  Blake was a health freak. He made me give up three months ago. It was the hardest thing I had ever done. I didn't actually think at the time I could do it. I liked being a non smoker and I had extra money to spend on clothes. Every now and again temptation did grab hold of me. That's why I've not told Blake about my secret stash.

  "Why are you waking me up?" I whined.

  Blake tutted, "Lunch?" I shook my head. "With your Dad." I rolled my eyes and nodded. "Drink your coffee, shower and make yourself pretty. Don't want your Father thinking I'm leading you astray." He leaned over and kissed my cheek.

  "You stink of body odour" I added.

  "And you have morning breath," he kissed my nose and headed off to the bathroom. I poked my tongue out at him as he left.

  "We could leave" I whispered seductively into Blake's ear. I began to stroke the back of his neck with my nails. "They're not here yet..... And I can think of a thousand ways to spend our afternoon." I kissed his cheek and his eyes slowly turned to mine. I winked and blew him a kiss.

  "No,” he said sternly, the moment was gone. In fact, all the moments this weekend had gone. I removed my hand, sighed and slumped back into my chair. "Your Father wants to see you."

  "My Dad never wants to see me. All he cares about is his business." I looked around the restaurant. It was Dad's favourite. Of course – it was one of the cheapest!

  My Dad was such a tight fisted man who never knew when to keep his mouth shut. He was never happy. That was a lie. He was only happy when it involved moaning and bitching about people. How Caitlyn put up with him was beyond me, me and Dee couldn't wait to leave home.

  "George," said a male voice. I looked up and smiled. Even though he was a grumpy old fart I loved him very much.

  "Dad," I stood up and wrapped my arms round him. "You're late . . . . Caitlyn" I greeted her with the same affectionate hug. Caitlyn was my Dads second wife, the 1st was my mother.

  Caitlyn had brought me and sister up since I was 10 and Dee was 12. My mother left us a year before. Her excuse was she didn't want to conform to society's pressure any more. She wasn't made to be a mother or a wife. She had a free spirit and needed to explore the world. She got as far as London, married a pot head and now that pot head was in prison for dealing and supplying cannabis. HA!

  Caitlyn was a naturally slim woman, very pretty and sassy. She dressed much younger than her age and always had incredible hair cuts. At the moment she had it cut into a cute black bob.

  "Ritchie," my Dad said in Blake's direction.

  "Blake" he corrected and shook my Dads hand.

  "You sure" Dad looked puzzled. Why did he always do this? I cringed. I knew exactly why, he constantly made fun out of Blake. He kept saying he was the boy out of that movie "Ritchie Rich". All because Blake was blonde, an only child and had rich parents. My Dad could be such an arse.

  "Come on. . . SIT" he commanded. "I'm starving," with the click of his fingers we all grabbed our seats and sat down. A waiter came over with menus. Dad held his hand up. "No, we don't need them. Four steaks and chips with two bottles of your best house white." The waiter looked stunned, he wrote it down and strolled off. "Any news," His attention now focused on me.

  This is what I had been dreading. It was going to end up with him yelling. He yelled about everything. I took in a deep breath and looked at my hands. I felt like a child.

  "Well. . . Err. . . See. ." I stopped and looked up. Just do it! "I have a job".

  There was no reaction from him, he wasn't even blinking. "With whom?"

  "I'm going to be a PA for Maxwell Thomas. He's a celebrity agent and runs an agency" my voice sounded quiet and was shaking in places.

  Dad narrowed his eyes and then did the lip twitching thing. That was a bad sign. "A PA" I nodded. "A PA" Why did he keep repeating it? He slammed his fist into the table and we all jumped. "I spent all that money on your education for what? So you can be some bastard’s tea maker?" Everyone in the restaurant was now looking at us and I could feel my cheeks turning bright red.

  "Mr Dawson," Blake began while grabbing my hand tightly. I wasn't sure if it was to show me support or he wanted protection from my Dad. "Pa’s are well paid. They have quite a good job description and besides, I think Georgina will excel at it."
r />   "Shut it, Ritchie" Dad yelled again. Blake bit his lip and looked down. "I offered you a decent job."

  "I know, Daddy" I wept. "And I was very grateful. I just don't want to work for you. I want to be independent and make my own living."

  He shook his head and tutted. "What is wrong with you girls?"

  I rolled my eyes. Great here we go, how many times have I heard this?

  "Your sister ran off and married that old tree hugging freak. She spends all her time talking a load of shit that cunt has brainwashed her with." His eyes blazed into me. "YOU, a clever girl wasting her life."

  "I'm not wasting my life. I just don't want to sell cars" I snapped.

  "Selling cars is what made me my money, young lady. You had no problem pouring it down your neck at university" he growled. "You girls will be the death of me."

  "Ron," Caitlyn said softly as she rested her hand on top of his. "Please, your blood pressure. I think you're taking it a little too personal. Georgina is happy." They looked at me and a smile appeared on my face. "See, you should be proud of her. She has gone out on her own and made a life."

  He looked over at me, and then looked at Caitlyn and back at me. I grabbed Blake’s hand tighter. "You're a stubborn little thing" his voice had changed. "If you're happy, I'm happy." I smiled and finally I felt relief. "The job is always available if you need it."

  "Thank you, Daddy." The waiter began to bring the food over. How could something simple cause a drama?

  After Lunch with my Dad, we went home. I started to get all my stuff ready for my first day at work tomorrow. I was just contemplating which shoes to wear when my phone rang.

  "Hello?" I answered, still trying to figure out what shoes went best.

  "Georgina Dawson. . . . Exactly when were you going to fucking tell me?" It was my best friend Amy. We had met at University and now she was running her own agency company. "Why are you fraternizing with the enemy?"

  I laughed. She was such a drama queen. "Excuse me?"