Chapter 6

8 PM SELENA'S APARTMENT

Selena stood looking at the mirror admiring how she was looking tonight. Maria was trying to adjust the hem of the red off-shoulder dress.

"You know what I like about you, Selena? That's that you always look beautiful even when you're doing something stupid." Maria smiled brightly.

"Well, don't keep telling me that!" She snapped back and turned away from Maria, "I think you are pretty beautiful too, Maria."

"Yes," Maria laughed a little, "but not as beautiful as my own reflection."

Selena turned around to face Maria and smiled slightly. She knew that Maria was just teasing her but it made her happy. Maria is doing a lot for her not to think much about tonight.

“I still can’t get it right, Selena. This dress needs a bit of adjustment, or you’ll look like a fish out of water,” Maria said with a serious expression.

Selena sighed and faced her friend, "it's not so bad. it looks perfect on me. I don't think any man will resist me tonight."

"I know right? I don't even know why I am nervous. Let me text the cab man already, we need to leave as soon as possible in order not to miss a potential client."

Maria was panicking as she texted the cab driver. The way her fingers were running through the numbers on the screen of the phone showed how nervous she really is. It doesn't look normal. It's not like she is the one sleeping with anyone tonight. Selena was the one supposed to be worrying and panicking but the reverse is the case here.

Selena pulled her to herself and whispered to her ears, "you don't have to be worried about me. I am a big girl, remember? What's the worst that can happen to me, nothing? I am doing this for Andrew."

"Yeah, well, this isn't about Andrew, this is about you too. I am just worried that things might not go as planned. I just wish there was a way we could get the money," She squeezed Selena's hands tightly before adding, "you are so strong, Selena, and I admire you very much. I suggested this but the truth is, I can't even do this if I am to be in your shoes."

"It's okay Maria. You don't have to worry about me, I will be fine. Just to sleep with the man, eyes closed and that's it," Selena jokes. Maria laughed quietly and hugged her tightly. It was time to leave.

The cab driver was waiting in front of the apartment building when they walked out. He looked over at the two girls with a smile and opened the door for them. They got in quickly thanking him and he shut the door after them.

Maria gave the cab driver the address of the hotel and the man nodded and started driving. Silence filled the cab for a while

"Are you sure you feel comfortable doing this?" Maria asked, breaking the silence, "I mean you could cancel it if you want..."

"No, it's fine. Just trust me I'll be okay," Selena replied and chuckled, "this is like the tenth time you are saying this. Are you not supposed to be helping me forget about the whole thing?"

"Right. I am sorry I am being this way."

"Stop apologizing! Everything will be alright, I promise," Selina reassured her friend.

The cab driver drove slowly on the road and Selena kept fidgeting on her seat until he turned into an unfamiliar street. He then stopped in front of the hotel fifteen minutes later and looked over the two young women before him.

"Here we are!" The cab driver announced in a low voice and looked at Selena.

Selena smiled at him and thanked him and got out, followed by Maria.

The cab driver, making sure the ladies were standing on the safe side, drove away after wishing them good evening.

"What can be good about the evening?" Selena thought sadly.

Standing in front of one of the five-star hotels in town, Maria and Selena sighed before walking in. Maria had chosen Elite because she knows that's where Selena can get someone to spend the night without much trouble.

They passed the pools which were lit by dim lights and beautiful decorations. Some people were dancing, some couples were kissing passionately. A group of three men was sitting at a table drinking beer. They were laughing and smiling. Ladies in bikinis danced seductively around half-naked men beside the pool, smoking and drinking. The colorful bulbs were adding color and spice to the night. It was Friday night and as such is expected, only that two innocent people are not supposed to be here but they are and as much as the night holds pleasure in their eyes, it's not going to be pleasant.

Selena saw the activities going around the pool and felt uneasy inside. It didn't help her mood. It brought back memories, the ones she had fought so hard to forget.

"Are you okay?" Maria asked with concern in her voice.

Selena forced a smile and said: "Of course Maria! Why would you think otherwise?" She was playing it cool and acting normally.

"Let's find the clubhouse," she said and took Maria's hand.

The two walked towards the entrance of the clubhouse. They almost made it to the entrance when some noise were heard behind them, it looked more like commotion. People were clearing the way and Maria and Selena had to step aside to see what was going on as well.

Moments later, the ladies started cheering and giggling.

"Wow, he looks so cool. One of the hottest in town. I can kill to have him for one night," one of the ladies in the crowd said. Crowds had gathered there, the people inside the clubhouse had come out to see what was going on outside and the efforts of the men in uniform to stop the commotion proved abortive.

"What do you think it's going on?" Selena asked Maria, almost whispering.

"I think a non-regular customer is around, a handsome one at that," Maria replied, still having her eyes on the lookout to see when the dude causing the roar will come out.

Selena huffed, "that's not bad. He must really be handsome to be causing so much harm here. Soon enough, someone will be stomped upon and that will be the end of that person."

Maria chuckled then nudged her on the shoulders, "I am not sure such will happen. I say let's go into the clubhouse, the earlier we get that man for tonight the faster we leave here."

Selena nodded and followed her inside the clubhouse blocking every unwanted noise coming from outside. She was here for business not for pleasure.