If That Is What You Want✔

19

Lyra marveled at the beautiful architecture of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. She listened in awe as Vincent explained it's history as one of the world's oldest malls.

She followed him into Excelsior then turned around after seeing the price tag for a single skirt. Vincent laughed and grabbed her hand. He got the attention of a sales rep and pulled out his wallet.

"No, Vincent. Don't," Lyra tried to stop him from handing the woman his credit card. Vincent smiled at the sales representative and asked her for a moment.

"I am not trying to buy you, Lyra." He growled.
"What would you call it? Because I would probably have to sell several organs in order to pay you back." She whispered.
"That is insulting! You don't pay back gifts!" He spat then softened his voice after she stepped away from him. "I want to do something nice and you are making me feel bad." He stuck out his bottom lip.
"I am not trying to make you feel bad but I'm not comfortable with any male spending this type of money on me." Lyra replied.
"Okay," He smiled. "If I were your husband, would you let me buy you nice things?"
"I don't know. Maybe, if it were a special occasion." She answered tentatively.
"How about a birthday gift from your boyfriend?" He asked stepping closer.
"I guess but... wait boyfriend?" She slowly frowned at him.
"That's good enough, go with her." He turned her towards the sales representative who was waiting a few feet away.

Lyra turned back to argue with Vincent.

"Too late! You agreed, now go." Vincent smiled triumphantly as he took the glass of wine being offered and sat down.

Lyra smiled politely at the sales representative as she showed her to the dressing area.

~~~

"Ansari! How've you b...That's not funny, Vicki assured me that everything was on schedule just 2 days ago." Ashlie whispered looking over her shoulder at her guests having a good time.

She walked through her kitchen, into her office, quietly closing the door.

"Yes, I'm still here. No you will not. Yeah I know. Give me the list." Ashlie ran her fingers through her hair. "No she doesn't like a lot of rap music." Ashlie replied putting the phone on speaker pulling up her talent list.
"How about a singer?" Ansari asked.
"Not unless you can get Jill Scott." Ashlie replied.
"Well we can hire a DJ." He sighed.
"We will have live entertainment if I have to get up there and sing myself!"
"We didn't budget for ear plugs." He said flatly.
"Not funny." Ashlie replied.
"I'm not joking. Anyway, I've been trying to reach Vicki since yesterday but she's avoiding my calls."
"I will deal with her, thanks for letting me know." Ashlie replied and Ansari hung up.

~~~

Lyra still wasn't comfortable with Vincent doting on her and catering to her, now he's buying her expensive clothes. She wasn't sure this was something she could get used or if she should even try.

He asked her which clothes she liked. Lyra choose a skirt and blouse and the sales rep put it along with everything else he thought looked good on her aside.

~~~

"Unbelievable! This is a mess. No, we have a contract-! Yes, I understand. Mr. Avocat will be in touch- Oh? You can refund the retainer cost after all, Merci! Yes, today would be appreciated. Au revoir!"
Ashlie sat her phone down and grabbed her tablet. "I should call my lawyer anyway." She said to no one.

"Hello Vicki. Yes my family is fine, thank you for asking. This isn't a social call. Yes this is about the entertainment for the party- of course I'm holding you responsible! No, I've handled that part and that - Look, if I can't count on you to handle these things before they reach me, you are of no use to me." Ashlie looked up as Larry peeked into her office. "Hired you based on what talent?! You had your mother beg on your behalf. I told you in the beginning this is a high profile job with no room for error. Why should I continue to pay you if I'm doing your job?! Then fix it! If this party is a disaster so will be your future job prospects. And don't think mommy or daddy will save you. I'm glad we understand each other. Give your parents my regards." Ashlie sat the phone on the cradle.

Larry smiled placing his hands on her shoulders.

"Us can do you party."
"No offense but this isn't like a workshop or club appearance. It a high profile private party and I have a half hour block to fill." Ashlie replied.
"It pay?" Larry asked.
Ashlie sighed, "Of course, I can offer your rate times seven. Talk it over with your brother or whomever, let me know by the end of the night. If he says no I need to know right away."
"Ten and I drag Lau there by his hair." He kissed her her cheek.
Ashlie smiled, "Nice try. I can go as high as eight. All transportation to and from, food and lodging included. Go talk it over." She pushed him out of her office before closing her door.

Laurent arrived at Ashlie's house around nine at night. Larry wasted no time trying to convince his brother to do the job. He said it was easy money. It was a little different but he knew they could do it. He bargained if Laurent agreed they could cancel one or two of the jobs he didn't want to do.

Laurent asked questions about the job but Larry could only tell him that it was Ashlie's party. Laurent rolled his eyes at Larry then looked for Ashlie to answer his questions.

Ashlie told Laurent it was a private birthday party on a boat. Before she could say any more, her phone rang. Laurent told Ashlie would be waiting in the kitchen, but stood just outside the door when he found out who called.

"Ash? Come sei stato?" Lyra asked how she's been in Italian.
"I'm sorry Ly, could you repeat that in English?" Ashlie teased. Lyra just laughed.

Ashlie told her they had to visit the new cuban salsa club that opened when she came back in town. Lyra said she's looking forward to it. They talked about Lyra redecorating her place, her trip around Italy, and Vincent currently waiting for her outside the dressing room.

"How is everything over there?" Lyra asked.

Ashlie told her the party is going well, and Laurent seemed to be fine, since Lyra wouldn't ask but Ashlie knew Lyra wanted to know. Lyra remained silent, she could hear the party sounds in Ashlie's background.

"So Ly what else is new with you?" Ashlie moved around the office putting the phone on speaker as she ran through her list of entertainers.
"Not much, I've gained 12 lbs." She sighed.
"I'm sure you look great." Ashlie reassured her, "Also Larry and Laurent may be..." Lyra cut her off.
"No Ash. I don't want to hear about them. Larry had his reasons for wanting me out of their lives. I've accepted that." Lyra's voice was gentle and pleading.
"But Laurent-"
"Ash! I love you and I know you mean well but I mean it! Leave it alone! Please?" Lyra couldn't hide the pain in her voice.
"I don't think he's moved on, love you. Bye!" Ashlie spoke quickly then ended the call grinning from ear to ear. Until she looked up and saw Laurent staring at her from the doorway.

"What her mean Larry want her out?" Laurent demanded when Ashlie looked away.
"It is rude to eavesdrop. Are you here to tell me you will do the party?" Ashlie inquired still scrolling through her list.
"Tell me. I know you know." Laurent insisted.
"I will give you an extra incentive. Agree to do the party and after you perform I will sit down with you and tell you anything you want to know, okay?"
"Okay." Laurent nodded at her.
"Thank you." Ashlie said picking up her phone to call Ansari.

Laurent found Larry and listed the jobs he wanted to cancel. His brother quickly agreed and hugged him. Laurent pushed him off then added that Larry had to answer why he thought Lyra was not for him before he agreed.

"She dangerous and violent, it not good for be friends with her." Larry replied.
"How she dangerous?" Laurent laughed. "You mean you scared of her?"
Larry sneered.
"She know she not belong in us life."
"You life or my life?" He asked.
"Us life." Larry repeated.
"Us share a lot but my life not always you life. I told Ash us do party. See you Saturday." Laurent walked away.