I knew about the contract, but the bonus was a pleasant surprise. Only adding a cherry on top of losing my cherry. To my idol. And my boss. The idea made my head spin, but I was practically buzzing with excitement.
I struggled to find the right words and finally just settled for: “Okay.”
“I’ll send the doctor tomorrow for the tests. Need to be careful.”
“Of course,” I agreed, my cheeks reddening.
I assumed he meant a virus test, though didn’t actually know that. Even if the examination turned out to be a bit more invasive, I was more than willing to go through it, just as long as the end result was two weeks alone with that beautiful man.
Chapter Six - Vega
The knocks were measured and light. A professional who knew how to be gentle. It was the morning after my little webcam adventure with Hugo. This close to the crack of dawn, there was only one person it could be.
“Coming,” I called, hopping into my sweat pants on the way to the door.
Statuesque was the first word that came to mind. Tall and lean, all sharp angles and smoothed down blond hair, she really did look like a marble statue granted the gift of life. Were it not for the white coat and name-tag, Dr. Nina Harlow, she could have easily been mistaken for a model.
“Vega Alejo?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She wasn’t that much older than me. Maybe 30 but even so, she commanded an instant respect. “I am Dr. Nina Harlow. I’ve been tasked by Hugo Boucher to conduct some tests. Do you consent to this?”
“Ye-yeah, sure.”
“Sign here, please.”
At the end of her slim arm, held in a well-manicured hand, was a clipboard, a pen hanging from the clasp.
A quick skim of the document revealed it to be a basic consent form. There was nothing about insurance, which struck me as slightly odd. Until I remembered how rich Hugo was. He must have been paying her amazingly well for Dr. Harlow to make a house-call.
“Very good,” she took the clipboard from me as I passed it back
Keeping her legs primly crossed, Dr. Harlow conducted the expected tests, from a kitchen chair placed in front of the couch. There was a throat swab, as well as blood samples. I had my guesses what each were for and couldn’t really blame him. He had no way of knowing I was a virgin.
“Lie down, please,” Dr. Harlow said, getting out a pair of rubber gloves.
I was expecting a pelvic, which in a way it was. Only less invasive. I didn’t even have to take my pants off and the whole thing was over so fast, I didn’t even have time to get embarrassed.
I couldn’t help but wonder if Hugo had asked her to do that or if it was down to Dr. Harlow’s prerogative. Either way, it felt like she was mostly just checking for any obvious, physical issues.
“Very good,” she said, snapping off the gloves.
“That’s it?
“That’s it,” she said pleasantly gathering up all of her things, “I should have the results in a day or two.”
The next twenty-four hours felt like the world had stopped. Even food had lost its inherent appeal. I would cook like usual, but then just end up moving things around the plate. My mind was always elsewhere entirely. Unable to muster even the focus to chew and swallow. Drinks were a life-saver. Possibly in the literal sense. At least they took the chewing out of the equation.
I tried to function normally, I really did., trying to put all the questions and anticipation out of my mind. Like trying to resist the last cookies on the plate, it didn’t go very well. Every time I tried to do something else, even essential things like sleeping and eating, my mind went back to the tests. It had been a day, and there could be another to come.
The bell of my cell’s ringtone tinkled like fairy laughter. My glass falling into the sink as I reached for it, hoping for good news.
“Hello?
“Hi, am I speaking with Vega Alejo?
“Yes,” I said, my heart pounding, “This is she.
“Great. My name is Cassidy. Mr. Boucher sent me to pick you up.”
“Wh-wait, you mean, like, now?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I’d been chosen. This was real, and I was going to be Hugo Boucher’s “valentine.”
This was insane, but the excitement flooding my veins was more intense than the most powerful caffeine buzz. I’d never packed so fast in my entire life. The single suitcase was still revealing new and interesting surprises days later.
“Packing light?” Cassidy asked.
Short but powerful, she leaned against the classic Coup Deville. Resplendent in a sleek black suit with crisp white shirt. Her copper hair was artfully cropped into a pixie cut that flattered a pretty face.
“I like to keep things simple,” I replied breathlessly
“Me too.
She opened the back door with a flourish, even throwing in a little bow that made me laugh. The soft leather creaked under me as Cassidy closed the door, sealing my fate and resigning me to the future.