Nancy’s
voice box reverted back to its former non-responsive state. What was she
supposed to say to this? Stupidly, she took his hand. Leon’s palm engulfed hers
in a warm, bear-like clasp. His skin felt warm and dry and he did not shake. He
held hers, still and firm, his eyes never leaving hers.
He
released her hand in a relaxed fashion before speaking again. ‘Mr. Jonas is
leaving for London tonight. As you may know, word always gets out to the big
p.’
Nancy
coughed once again. ‘The big p?’
‘The
paparazzi. You may have noticed them waiting outside.’
Nancy’s
thought processes had plummeted into a deep shaft. In the space of half a
minute, she had met Mr. Jonas’ personal assistant, he had mentioned his client
by name and had referred to the paparazzi, all to Nancy.
Leon
had clearly detected Nancy’s inner tumult. ‘I’m sorry. I haven’t fully
explained myself. What I meant was, that I would like you to accompany Mr.
Jonas on his way out of the building for the shoot.’
The
full implication of what he was saying came back and hit her fully in the face.
‘M…me?’
Leon
chuckled, yet the twinkle in his eyes had become a steady beam. He was
measuring her. ‘Who would print a picture of Mr. Jonas leaving the club alone?
No. The big p will only publish if he is seen incognito with a pleasant young
lady…a mysterious young lady.’
Mysterious? Pleasant?
Nancy had considered herself as more prosaic, ordinary. Was this a prank? Nancy
had encountered more than her share of wind-up merchants in her life. This
aberration seemed to have positively interwoven itself into the gene fabric of
her neighbourhood. But Leon wasn’t of the same ilk. He was courteous,
well-spoken. And she had seen him speaking to Mr. Jonas only moments earlier.
‘But…’
she found herself arguing, ‘there are plenty of other girls here, much
prettier, more intelligent…’
‘That
is hardly for you to judge,’ Leon returned. ‘Besides, they don’t have your
spirit. I noticed your table. You certainly know how to have a good time.’
Nancy
felt abashed more than flattered. Her attempt at carefree laughter emerged
stilted. ‘Yes…I suppose we do…’ she knit her lip. ‘Look, I’ve ordered a taxi.
It’s probably waiting outside and, well…’
Leon’s
eyes still possessed that steady gleam. ‘It can be taken care of…if you will
permit me. Of course, you will be provided with a free ride home in a more,
accommodating environment.’
Could
this be really happening? Nancy tried to take caution, but a flaky side to her
she never knew existed wasn’t having it. Excitement bulldozed through the barricade
of her more reserved self. Blood surged to her cheeks and she felt a little
giddy. ‘Wow…Well, I don’t know what to say to this. I mean, yes, yes, of
course. I’d love to do the shoot.’
Leon’s
half-grin burst open to expose neat, square teeth. ‘Excellent. I will show you
to a private room where you may freshen yourself up, after which I will escort
you to Mr. Jonas’ dressing room. Your name is…’
The
foyer seemed to have tilted sideways without actually moving. She was smiling a
stupid childish smile that felt too big for her face. ‘Nancy. My name is
Nancy.’ She emitted a trembling gasp. ‘Oh, my God, I can’t believe this is
happening.’
Leon
nodded soberly. ‘Believe it, Nancy. This is all happenin’. Now, if you will
follow me.’
Leon
led her though a frosted glass door at the back of the reception and up a
carpeted stairwell. The plush red pile hugged at her stilettos. She feared the
fibres would snag at her heel and send her reeling. A working class girl in a
cocktail dress off the rack from Kelly’s next to the fish shop perhaps deserved
to stumble. Leon would realise his mistake. He would see her fake leather
handbag and plastic strappy shoes for the first time. Worse, he would see the
person who wore them and call the whole thing off.
But
she didn’t stumble. She followed Leon to an oak panelled door near the apex of
the corridor. He opened it for her. ‘You may freshen up in here. It’s a little
more private than the restrooms downstairs.’
Nancy
stepped inside. She found herself in a large chintzy bathroom with marble tops
and coral tiles. Rosewater scented the air. Leon was watching her with a small smile.
‘You’ll be fine, Nancy,’ he attempted to assure. ‘Get yourself fixed up and
I’ll come collect you shortly.’ He then turned and closed the door behind him.
