The Millionaire Myth (4 page)

             
I listened to Slick brag about his paid off condo and his very broken-in passport.  I smiled and nodded, all the while willing the blood to travel to my foot which now felt like it was destined for amputation.

             
An eternity (or thirty minutes) later, Slick signed the check and looked over at me.  “Ready to go?”

             
You have no idea.
I nodded and carefully got off the floor.  Once I was standing with my weight on my left foot I opened my purse.  My plan was to pretend to search for something long enough for my foot to regain consciousness.

             
From behind me I heard a deep male voice, “Excuse me, ma'am.”

             
The man who'd been sitting behind me was trying to get up, and I was blocking him.  Imagine how excited I was to see that his face was right at my butt cheek level.  Out of reflex I stepped forward, remembering too late that my foot was out of commission.  I stepped down on my foot, and as though it was made of play-doh, my ankle bent and I was a goner.

             
I saw Slick's look of alarm as I fell forward.  It seemed to happen in slow motion. I saw the horrified faces of the other diners as I stumbled forward and reached out for anything to break my fall.  With my hands out, I hit our table, tilting it off it's little square base.  Our dishes crashed to the floor just as I did; loudly.

             
I was sprawled on the floor, afraid to move because my hands were in the middle of the broken glass.  The entire room was silent, staring at me, obviously wondering who let this wildebeest out of her cage.

             
After a few moments, I looked up at Slick, frozen above me.  “Mick, I can't move- my hands are in the glass...”

             
Ever the statue, he didn't move an inch.  Suddenly I felt hands move under my arms, lifting me-somewhat effortlessly-to my feet. That's something. At least whoever was lifting me didn't add to my humiliation by grunting with effort. As I was moved, I heard pieces of food that had been stuck to me, fall to the floor.  I turned to see the man who'd been sitting behind me.  He held me at the waist and looked at my hands.  “Are you alright?”

             
I examined my hands and other than a few small cuts, they were fine.  “Yeah...thanks for the help.” 
And for being the one person in the room with a soul.

             
I looked back at Slick.  “Would you mind getting my purse?”  I held up my hands.  “I can't exactly...”

             
He snapped back to reality.  “Sure.”  He took my purse and made tracks toward the exit while I slowly and shakily followed.  I was horrified. My clothes were soaked and covered in the uneaten food that I'd landed in.  My hair felt heavy, and though I didn't touch it, I suspected from the smell that it was covered in the barbecue sauce from my chicken.  I kept my head down, trying to avoid the stares.  That didn't really work though, since everyone was sitting on the floor, and therefore in my direct eye line.

             
Once we finally got outside the restaurant, I thought the worst of my humiliation was behind me. I was wrong. After a couple minutes of standing on the curb the valet finally brought Slick's car around. I walked halfway to the car door before Slick stopped me with a raised hand. He addressed the valet, “Would you mind getting us a few towels from the kitchen?”

             
The valet scurried off, as most people tend to do after being given orders by Slick. He looked at me with absolutely no sympathy. “I don't want any of that food on my leather.”

Chapter 6

              As you can imagine, after our very successful dinner, Slick kept his distance for awhile.  You might wonder how he could resist spending time with someone so graceful.

             
Work was still improving.  It had been a few weeks since my “family tragedy” and I'd stopped getting the concerned looks from everyone.  They had all switched over to sheer friendliness.

             
I had just finished faxing something for one of the agents when I noticed the little huddle taking place across the room.  Conferring about something important-to them at least-were the two most enviable agents at Lawson & Stone.  Gina and Tess.  They were both very successful-and not just because they were both stunning.  They were also very sharp and well connected.  They knew anyone who was anyone, as it were.  Naturally, neither one had ever spoken to me. Even after my inheritance rumor, they had only warmed slightly, giving me polite smiles and nods.

             
I pretended not to notice as they ended their little meeting and approached my desk.  Gina set her black, Epi leather, Louis Vuitton briefcase on my desk (it was my favorite thing about her) and smiled down at me.  “Estelle, we were hoping you'd join us for lunch.  Plans?”

             
Was she making fun of me?  I'd always hoped that no one noticed me eating in my car everyday, but it was easily possible that someone had seen me.  I checked my watch automatically, stalling for an answer.  “Well, I don't have any specific plans, no...”

             
Tess reached across the counter and turned off my computer monitor.  “It's settled, you're going out to lunch with us.  Just us girls, let's go.”

             
I looked around, automatically feeling guilty.  It was barely eleven, and if I wasn't there answering the phones one of the agents might complain.  Even though I could pretend to be in mourning, it wouldn't save me if someone missed an important call.

             
“If you're worried about the phones, forget it.” Gina waved her hand at me.  “If they can't get through, they'll call back.  Besides, we all have our cell numbers on the listings anyway.  Come on, I'm starving.”

             
I decided to go for it.  Wasn't this the whole reason I'd pretended to come into money?  If I didn't take advantage now, I'd never get another chance.  I set the phone straight to voice mail, grabbed my purse and we were off.

             
Sitting across from Tess and Gina I felt completely out of place.  Again.  At least the table we were sitting at was designed for adults.  As awkward as I felt, I could only hope this co-worker dining experience would end better than my previous one.

             
We were at a trendy little cafe down the block from the office.  The floor was polished concrete and the walls were covered with bright Pollock-esque paintings.  Our table was coated in clear shellac, just like you'd see on a bar top, but instead of wood under the clear coating, it was a rusted sheet of metal.  It was interesting, but I thought it belonged on a wall, not under my food.

             
Our waiter had just set down our food when I heard Prince's song, “Kiss”.  Gina grabbed her phone, glanced at the caller ID, then exhaled loudly into it, “What?”

             
I watched with curiosity as Tess leaned closer to Gina and mouthed, “Is it him?”

             
Gina nodded and made a strangling motion at her own neck.  I found it so interesting that she had her own personal life.  It felt just like when I was a kid and I saw one of my teachers, Mr. Blake at the grocery store.  He was pushing a basket while his wife walked beside him holding their baby.  When he saw me he said hi and that he'd see me on Monday.  It was bizarre to me that my teacher had any life outside of the classroom.  Ludicrous as it was, I'd never pictured Gina any other place than the office.  Until now.

             
She was still talking on the phone, her voice filled with warning, “Damn It, Steven!  We've been over this and I'm sick of it.  You want out, right?  That's what you've been telling me for months!  So, for Christ's sake, get out!  Get into your
ridiculous
lime green Hummer-that we couldn't afford if we had kids-and leave!”

             
She punched at her iphone with fury, ending the call, (you know, the high tech version of slamming the phone down) and turned instantly to Tess.  “I am so tired of this!  What else am I supposed to do?”

             
Tess soothed, “Nothing else.  This has been going on for too long already.  You don't want kids.  He knew that from the beginning.” I was blown away as I watched Tess softly rub Gina's back and whisper, “I know you love him, Hon, but there's no happy ending here.”

             
I knew this wasn't something I was supposed to see.  I didn't know what to say, so I looked at my menu as if I hadn't heard anything.  Gina took a deep breath and looked up at me with a weak smile.  “I'm sorry to drag you into my drama.”

             
“Please, don't be sorry.”  Cautiously I added, “Is everything alright?”

             
Gina shrugged.  “No, not really.  It looks like I'm going to be divorced.”  She took a sip of her iced tea and elaborated, “Steven and I have been married for four years.  He knew when we met that I didn't want to have kids, and he felt the same way. But over the last year he's changed his tune.  Now all we do is fight about it-”

             
Tess jumped in, “Which is crazy.  He's known all along how you feel.”  She shook her head, disgusted.  “I don't understand why everything has changed so suddenly.”

             
Gina sat up straight and waved her hand, dismissing the topic.  “Let's talk about something else.”  She looked at me.  “Like you, Estelle.  Tess and I have been meaning to ask you to lunch, but we're always so busy.  How do you like Lawson & Stone so far?”

             
So far?
  Had it escaped her attention that I'd been working there for over a year?  I looked at the two women sitting across from me.  I knew they'd only asked me to lunch because now I had something of value to them, but after seeing Gina upset about her marriage, and Tess being so supportive, I was having a hard time hating them.  I missed the good old days.

             
“I'm enjoying my work, it was hard to get acclimated, but it's been over a year now, so I think I've got the hang of things.”

             
Completely missing the point of my comment, Tess asked, “What do you do when you're not working?  Are you married?  Kids?”

             
I shook my head.  “Neither.  No boyfriend either, before you ask.  Just me and my apartment.”  I know, I was baiting them, but I couldn't help it.

             
Tess leaned back as though I'd insulted her and inhaled sharply, “Really?  You're still renting?”  She shook her head, disapproval blatant in her tone, “That is
such
a waste of money.  You should let me show you some places, now's the time to buy.”

             
And there it was.
Just when I was doubting my first instinct, out came the fangs.  I pretended to consider her advice before responding, “I know, I hear that so often, but buying a house is such an intimidating idea for me.  I-”

             
Tess let out a tinkling little laugh. “That's what agents are for, Estelle.  I can show you the ropes.  Besides, you know you can trust me, we're friends.”

             
I nodded, taking in her “from the heart” advice.  I stole a glance at Gina who was turning her head back and forth, tennis-match style.  I could have been mistaken, but I swore that I saw resentment in her eyes.

             
“Tess, I have to say, I really appreciate your advice, and it really means a lot to me that you'd go out of your way to help me.”  I smiled at her like we were matching diary, slumber-party best friends.  “I don't know if you guys heard or not, it's been a few weeks...but my grandfather passed away...”  I looked up to see Gina looking slightly ashamed, while Tess looked triumphant.  “He left me some money, and I've been toying with the idea of buying something...”  Because it was too good to pass up, I added, “Especially since I've been spending time with Mick.”

             
As if she'd been slapped, Tess jerked back.  “Oh my God, Mick the Prick!”

             
Well what do you know, a variation on a theme.

             
She ranted, “I can't believe how
slimy
he is!”  She leaned over the table.  “Estelle, I'm going to be honest with you, I did hear about your...tragedy, and I'm
so
sorry.  I haven't said anything because I wanted to give you some time to grieve.”  She looked down and shook her head.  “But I've seen Mick talking to you, and I hate that he's trying to take advantage of you.”

             
With as much innocence as possible, I asked, “What do you mean, take advantage of me?”

             
Tess rolled her eyes.  “Estelle, you know how Mick operates, don't you?  He will do anything to make a commission.  I usually let people be, but you're a friend, and I don't want him talking you into a home that isn't right for you.”

             
Finally getting her voice back, Gina interjected, “You know what?  We've got to get back to the office, I've got an appointment at one.” She flagged down the waiter and gave him her credit card. He must have been used to the women and their busy schedule, because he was back with the receipt in no time.

             
Tess got out of the booth quickly, mainly because Gina was prodding her in the side.  After glaring at Gina, Tess smiled at me.  “Let's get together later, okay?”

             
I shrugged. “Okay, sure. Maybe we can talk more later.”

             
Tess urged, “Absolutely.  You've made the right choice, Estelle.”

             
Walking back into the office, I wasn't even able to make it to my desk before Slick descended upon me.  “Hey, Estelle.  I came by to see if you were hungry...” His voice trailed off as he watched Gina and a gloating Tess walk in after me.

             
Tess smirked at Slick as she answered for me, “Not to worry, Mick.”  She put her arm around my shoulders, which made me hugely uncomfortable.  “I took good care of Estelle, we had a fantastic time at lunch.”

             
I smiled at them both and moved away from Tess as smoothly and quickly as I could.  I knew there was about to be a showdown, and I wanted a good view.  I grabbed my coffee mug and headed toward the back room.  Once out of sight, I leaned against the wall and pretended to drink my coffee.  From my vantage point, I could just see the three of them.

             
Gina apparently didn't want a front row seat like I did, because she quickly excused herself and rushed down the hall.  I watched her impossibly tiny waist disappear into her office and wondered why she wasn't interested in the commission tug-of-war.  Maybe she was pretending to be sensitive to my feelings, hoping the other two sharks would kill each other in the water?  Crafty.

             
My thoughts were disrupted when I heard Tess lecture, “Mick, Mick, Mick...you really shouldn't underestimate the bond between women.”  Pulling her cell from her purse, she read a text while rattling on, “We really are the more sensitive gender.  I know you like to think you've got a knack for pleasing the ladies.”  Her eyes moved from the cell phone and ran slowly up his body.  “And perhaps,
in some ways,
you do.  But sweetie, we're talking about entire homes here, not just bedrooms.”

             
Slick leaned in and hissed, “Tess I swear to God, you'd better stay the hell away from her.  We both know that I've been working on her for weeks!”  I saw Tess shrug and smile while Slick fumed.  He leaned in closer and threatened, “You think you've got the upper hand, but we both know I can
bury you
any time I choose.”

             
Tess's back stiffened and her grin vanished.  “Mick, take it easy, I'm just trying to make a living, same as you.  It's not personal.”

             
It was Slick's turn to grin.  “Well, if you don't want it to get personal, you better stay the hell out of my way.”  He started to walk away, but turned back.  “You're a sharp girl, Tess.  For the most part.  Use that pretty little head of yours from now on, okay?  We both know there are some things that are more important than money.”

             
Seeing Slick head my direction, I hustled around the corner, seemingly oblivious to their confrontation.  He was so intimidating with Tess that I wasn't able to make eye contact.  I sat down at my desk and turned on my computer.