Chapter 14: Set Up
The phone rang in Lily's ear, each tone stretching into an eternity. She clutched the fabric of her cheap dress, her mind racing through a script of what to say. She would be cool, a little mysterious, and very flirty.
***
In a spacious, modern penthouse, the low thrum of electronic music pulsed through the air. A shirtless Zack stood before a floor-to-ceiling window, the city lights sprawled out below him like a scattered jewel box. A curl of smoke drifted from the cigarette between his fingers. The buzz of his phone was an intrusion. He picked it up from the glass table, put it to his ear, and said nothing, a predator waiting to see what stumbled into his trap.
"Hey…" a female voice came through, trying to sound casual. "You came to my restaurant this afternoon to pick up my colleague. Do you remember?"
A smirk tugged at Zack's lips. "Yes, I did. So, you called first? Doesn't that mean you got bored, then?"
There was a little forced laughter on the other end. "You could say that. I miss your face, that's all."
"You do?" Zack asked, his tone dripping with amused skepticism.
"Why? I shouldn't?"
"What you do is entirely up to you, Miss," Zack replied, his voice a low purr.
Silence. Then, she took the plunge. "I want to see you. Now."
Zack's smile widened; he liked the boldness. But then he glanced back at his king-sized bed. Two naked women were tangled in the sheets, their bodies glistening in the dim light. One of them caught his eye and crooked a finger, her expression a clear invitation. He ran a hand through his stark white hair, the internal calculation brief.
"Let's make that tomorrow. I have to go now," he said into the phone. He ended the call without waiting for a response, tossing the phone back onto the table. He walked toward the bed, where one of the women rose to meet him, draping her arms over his shoulders. He grabbed her breast roughly, and as the other woman moved to help him out of his pants, he pushed the first one down onto the mattress, delivering a sharp smack to her ass before turning his attention to the other, his own desires his only priority.
***
Lily stared at her phone, the screen dark. Annoyance flared hot in her chest. The conversation had been heading in the right direction, and he just… ended it. She sighed in frustration and walked out of her room. The apartment was quieter now; her mother was busy in the kitchen, and her brother and his friends had vanished. She changed into lounging clothes, her mind already shifting to a new plan. If she was going to see him tomorrow, she needed to look the part.
She picked up her phone again and dialed a number saved as "Alice." It rang and rang, eventually going to voicemail. After a few more tries yielded the same result, she gave up, tossing her phone onto the couch with a grunt. Fine. She would have to figure something else out. She headed into the kitchen to get her food, the dream of a glamorous escape feeling further away than ever.
***
The morning sun streamed brightly through the windows of the Walker mansion. Isadora was already up, having forced herself into a routine. She took a quick shower, brushed her teeth, and changed out of her pajamas into a comfortable, baggy pair of jeans and a simple black sleeveless top. She pulled her hair into a high, sleek ponytail. It was Saturday no work, no school. The empty stretch of time felt daunting.
Seeking purpose, she made her way down to the kitchen. The room was a warm, fragrant hive of activity. Mrs. Luna was directing operations, Jane was at the coffee machine, and other staff members were prepping various ingredients.
Jane saw her and immediately poured a cup of coffee, handing it to her with a smile. "Good morning, Isa."
"Thank you, Jane," Isadora said, the warmth of the mug comforting in her hands. She then turned to Mrs. Luna. "What can I help you guys with?"
The gentle clatter in the kitchen paused. All eyes turned to her, surprised. Jane was the first to find her voice. "Isa, you don't have to help with anything. We're all good here, really."
Isadora's face fell into a frown. "What? No, I can do something. I used to work and help out back at… at home. I promise I won't make a mess." She put her free hand on her chest, her expression utterly sincere.
Mrs. Luna observed her for a moment, then a kind, knowing smile spread across her face. She recognized the look of someone feeling out of place, someone needing to be useful. "Alright then," the chef said. "You can take the young master his morning tea."
Isadora's face lit up. "Oh, thank you, Mrs. Luna! And please, just call me Isa."
"You're welcome, Isa."
A maid handed her a polished silver tray bearing a small teapot, a delicate china cup, and a saucer. Isadora took it carefully, the weight feeling significant. Then, the reality of the task dawned on her. "Wait… where am I taking it?"
Mrs. Luna's smile widened, her eyes twinkling. "Upstairs. To the last room on your right. It's the young master's room."
The blood drained from Isadora's face. Sebastian's room. Her hands tightened on the tray. She just wanted to cry. A strangled squeak was the only sound she could manage.
All around her, the kitchen staff, including Jane, quickly returned to their tasks, their shoulders shaking with silent, suppressed laughter.