Kenya never ceased to be amazed by Ashford’s penthouse. His kitchen alone was the size of Kenya’s living room, possibly larger. The panorama view of the Seattle skyline could be seen through wall to wall windows, and he even had a lap pool outside.
“I certainly am going to miss this.” Kenya thought as she entered Ashford’s “living room”. It was almost as big as her entire house, and infinitely more grand. Like her, Ashford kept everything pretty impersonal. She’d never seen one photo of anything other than generic landscapes, or a painting by someone she’d never heard of.
“Master Ashford will be with you momentarily Ms. Smythe.” Alfred said before disappearing into another room. Kenya sat on the black leather couch, and patiently waited. She noticed that there was a series of discarded letters that obviously missed the trash can.
She didn’t dare look at them, but that didn’t stop Kenya from wondering what be in them. From the way they were wadded up, she could tell the contents made Ashford angry.
“Sorry for keeping you waiting.” Ashford strides in his brow somewhat furrowed. Kenya stands to greet him. Jack’s dark brown, almost black, hair is in a mess on his head, and it looks like he hasn’t slept well in a while. Beneath his brown eyes are slight purple shadows.
“No problem. It’s nice to see you again.” Kenya leaned forward to kiss his cheek. Jack smiled and offered Kenya a drink. She’d already had that champagne in the limo, but it would be rude to decline.
“So, I hear you’re retiring from the arena.” Jack went to the bar on the far side of the room. Kenya followed, then sitting on a stool while he poured her usual drink, a Manhattan.
“Word travels fast.” Kenya said, watching Jack mix the cocktail.
“Any particular reason, if you don’t mind my asking.”
“No, it’s fine. I’ve just decided to pursue some other interests.” Close enough to the truth. Kenya would have been happy to continue this job if Nate had been comfortable with it. But since he wasn’t, and she loved him, she was more than happy to give it up.
“Mmm, I envy you. Must be easy to make a change in your life. Meanwhile I can’t so much as change my tie without someone threatening to chop my head off.” Jack handed Kenya her drink, and then poured himself one.
“Is that so?” she asked, dipping on finger into the cocktail, and then licking the liquid from it. Normally that’s at least get the metaphorical ball rolling. But tonight it would appear Jack is more interested in her company than her body. A nice change of pace, however unexpected.
“Sorry, don’t want to make it seem like I’m dumping on you…”
“That’s what I’m here for. Some recreational fun, and someone to talk to.” Kenya was typically only hired for the first part. But she and Jack knew each other well enough that they could talk like friends. In a way, they were.
“Thanks. Alfred’s not much of a talker. And truth be told, I think he agrees with my father.” Jack said. He’d poured himself a shot, and had no trouble downing it, pouring another, and downing that one as well.
“You probably just hit a rough patch with him.” Kenya offered. She didn’t bother to ask what this argument was about. From the look on Jack’s face, it wasn’t anything worth bringing up.
“Doubtful, but thanks all the same. So, who’s the lucky guy in your life?”
You just assume because I’m leaving the ‘business’ I’ve fallen hopelessly in love with someone?” Kenya sipping her drink and stares at Jack with a mischievous look.
“You said it, not me. But you do smell very wolfy, and honestly, I can’t imagine anything else that would bring you to this decision. You’ve been doing this for upwards of ten years, right? Rather like leaving a company you’ve built solid relations with. Why not ride it out a few more years, see if something comes of it? Because you’ve got something better to go home to.” Jack said almost envious.
“Well, yes I’m seeing someone.” Kenya confirmed.
“And I take it he wasn’t thrilled when he found out what you did for a living?” Jack asked.
“What makes you think he doesn’t already know what I do.”
“You’ll find I don’t just sleep with anyone. Not to sound like some kind of paranoid nut, but I run extensive background checks on my female companions. Kenya.” Jack smirks at Kenya as she realizes he’s just used her real name.
“Don’t worry, haven’t told a soul. Figured if you’d gone to so much trouble you wouldn’t want the information out there. But back to the original question, this guy give you some sort of ultimatum? Or is this your choice?”
“I… no this is a mutual decision. I don’t want to live two lives. And he’s… different. I care about him, and I don’t want to do anything to make him uncomfortable.”
“You’re here. That couldn’t have gone over well.” Jack points out.
“Not exactly.”
“You didn’t tell him, did you?” Jack grins at Kenya’s blushing face.
“If you’re not up to it, we don’t have to…”
“It’s what you’re paying me for. And I do want you to get your money’s worth. Besides, I really DO enjoy your company as much as I suspect you enjoy mine.” Kenya said. It was only after the words left her mouth did she realize how they must have sounded.
Jack walks around from behind the bar and pulls Kenya into a kiss. She’s initially reluctant to return it, worried she might have put ideas in his head. But after he slides his tongue inside her mouth, Kenya stops worrying.