The limousine dropped them off at the entrance of a posh tower in Midtown Manhattan where a young butler escorted them to the penthouse home of Valerie Wang.
When they came out of the lift, a garden of bonsais around a pond welcomed them. They marveled at the steps alit with lights like fireflies on the topiaries that lined their walk to the main door.
Amanda and Jo couldn't stop gasping as they admired the chic outdoor ambience on the way to Val's apartment.
"Wow, this is a fantasy, yet we haven't seen the rest of it..." Jo said.
"Val is quite the patroness of beauty— her home truly speaks for her." Amanda said. "I wish I could be more of a homebody and do the same for my apartment."
"Hey, your apartment isn't bad at all. I like your minimalist style and clutter-free place. It actually speaks of you too." Jo smiled at her.
The butler opened the door and gestured for them to come in. "Miss Wang will be with you in a minute, please make yourselves comfortable at the salon."
They sat speechless opposite each other on arm chairs with colors and print that didn't match but carried the same art deco style. Amanda scanned the room and noticed the eclectic collection of furnishings, like every object had its own identity and character— perhaps they have names too.
"I hope I didn't make you wait too long, ladies." Valerie came out in a simple mauve gown that flowed like water around her body. She moved like a swan on a placid lake towards them and kissed them.
"No, not at all, Val, we can't stop feasting our eyes on your lovely home. It's quite stunning." Amanda said.
"Thank you, I like surrounding myself with beautiful objects and people— like you." She beamed.
"Thank you for inviting me, Val." Jo said.
"This evening is for family— and I consider you both a part of my family." Val smiled. "Shall we sit and have some wine while we wait for Bruno?"
They strode to the large wooden table laid with a cornucopia of fruits and flowers as centerpiece, candelabras on each side, and plate settings for eight people.
"Do you have other guests coming?" Amanda asked, her gut suddenly recoiled.
"Yes, I also invited Morris, Hans, and Edward, Justin and... Alex." Val beamed at Amanda.
"Oh... I thought..." she looked down on the pretty fabric mat on the table.
"Don't worry, darling. Alex and Justin will be coming in a bit later."
"Justin didn't tell me he was coming, although I told him I was." Jo said, confused. "And is he coming with Alex? Are they that close now?"
"Yes, they're just busy at the moment." Val said, and poured red wine from a crystal decanter, and raised her glass. "Let's drink, ladies."
Jo and Amanda sipped their glasses of wine with mystified looks on their faces.
"I know you're both wondering what's been going on. I wish I could say, but it would be better if Bruno did that."
"Alex is with Agatha now, did you know that, Val?" Amanda said.
"I did... I'm sorry, but I was not in a position to say anything about it." Val said.
The butler marched in and announced, "Mister Bruno has arrived."
Bruno walked in and smiled at everyone on the table.
YOU ARE READING
Dominating Iris
Roman d'amourAmanda Fox thought a successful career was all she wanted, until she embarks on a five-day trip aboard The Pleasure Cruise, and explores her sexuality in a way that blew her mind. According to her butler, "The Pleasure Cruise is a safe place that ca...
