He smiled. “That’s because they were all custom made. I have designers who design dresses, negligees, everyday clothing to coordinate with the jewelry line so buyers can truly envision the jewels on the women they buy them for. I have a men’s line as well, male models included.”
“That’s impressive. I truly appreciate the opportunity to work for you. I should probably get going. You must be exhausted,” she said and he smiled.
“Before you go, I would like to offer you another opportunity. You mentioned being an artist. I’d like you to gather about five of your best pieces and bring them with you Friday night to the LaTargere. I’m showcasing a very exquisite piece of jewelry and would like you to wear it for the evening. It would be similar to tonight’s event but on a much larger scale. There will be jewelers, artisans, collectors, and business people from all over the place.”
“Why do you want me to bring my paintings?”
“I have a feeling that your hidden talent may be in need of exposure. You have an eye for beauty, as do I. Monique will give you the address of the boutique where she’ll have your gown, and will have Daisy do makeup and hair. Bring the paintings there and one of my people will get those to me. Make sure they are signed,” he said and winked.
She stood up.
“Are you sure that you don’t want to use one of the more experienced models for this event?” she asked.
“The pay is five thousand for the night. I am certain you will be a better model, a more talkative and social promoter, too.”
“Five thousand dollars? Just to model a piece of jewelry and nothing more?” she asked.
He chuckled and placed his hand on her shoulder as he stood up next to her.
“Just modeling. Not to frighten you, but the piece you will be wearing is worth five million dollars.”
She felt lightheaded and he slid his arm to her hip, chuckling.
“You’ll be fine.”
“I’ll be a nervous wreck someone might rip it off my neck.”
“Not going to happen. The coordinator hired the best security company in the business. You’ll be safe, and I will most likely be by your side for most of the evening to ensure it and your safety. Now go rest up and gather those paintings. Oh, and I put a little extra in the envelope for your pay. You did fantastic.”
“Thank you, Mr. Lenotz.”
“Mulgoff. Please, you’ll be wearing a five million dollar piece of jewelry, we should be on a first name basis.” He smiled and she chuckled.
“Okay, thank you, Mulgoff. Have a nice night,” she said, even though it was dinner time and she was super starving.
She placed the envelope into her purse, the curiosity of the amount making her itch to open it but she wouldn’t do that until she was home.
She held on to her bags, smoothed out her skirt, and took the elevator to the lobby.
* * * *
Rylan was standing next to Daxton.
“Those men are lingering outside,” Rylan said, standing by the doors to the building. One of the Egyptian’s men stood by the limo, arms crossed and in a dead stare at Rylan.
“You make a fucking enemy up there?” Daxton asked him.
“If I did then he should be worried. His boss had his eyes on one of the models the entire party. He’s up to something.”
“They all left except for Rose,” Daxton said and then squinted at Rylan.
“Holy shit. You’re waiting for Rose,” Daxton said and chuckled.
“I’m making sure this asshole doesn’t try anything. You weren’t upstairs. You don’t know what she was wearing and how these men were acting.”
“Sounds like you were jealous. Oh, by the way, we all saw what she was wearing. One of the guards up there was posting out to security. They all thought Rose was a ten plus.”
Rylan looked at him just as Rose came out from the side of the building instead of the front door like everyone else. As she turned and headed to the left, the limo window rolled down and the Egyptian guy yelled to his guard and pointed. The guard headed after Rose.
“Shit,” Daxton said and Rylan followed.
* * * *
Rose was walking toward the bus station when she heard her name.
“Rose.” It sounded like someone with an accent and when she turned around she saw a man in a suit and recognized him as one of the guys in the party. She stopped and squinted.