The Arrangement (unenhanced Edition) by AnnaRCase (books to read now .txt) 📖

Courtney giggled again as she made her way off the path and over to the edge of the pond. She eyed Amberleigh from head to toe, and she could just guess the internal dialogue going on in the other woman’s head regarding her appearance, spilt ends, cheap perfume, sweater dress from Walmart, gold digging whore.

“I thought that was you!” she said as she leaned in and kissed Leo on the cheek, “Long time no see Leo. Not since your Father’s Labor Day mixer as I recall. And who is your new friend here Leo, I don’t think we’ve met.”

Her fake ass thin smile wasn’t fooling Amberleigh. Her eyes said go back to the trailer park where you belong skank. But Leo threw an arm around Amberleigh’s shoulder and pulled her close into his delicious abs.

“Courtney, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend Amber Dubious.”

“It’s a pleasure,” said Amberleigh extending her hand towards Courtney. Courtney eyed her hand like it was a personal offense, before she giggled to mask her hesitantion and gave it a quick shake.

“Dubois? Doesn’t sound familiar. Are you French?” asked Courtney.

Courtney dug into the leather pouch cinched around her waist and removed a bottle of hand sanitizer. She used a generous amount of the sickly sweet smelling  stuff and Amberleigh held in her snort. Why didn’t the bitch just come out and ask her if she came from money? Not that hard of a question.

“Actually, I’m Italian. I love your fanny pack by the way. Not everyone can pull that off, but it looks great on you. Is that real leather?”

Courtney cackled overdramatically, “Yes, it’s Louis Vitton. Now that you mention it, I think I’ve heard of the Dubois…Leo your girlfriend is absolutely darling, wherever did you two meet?”

Amberleigh placed her hand on Leo’s arm and smiled at him brightly, “Yes, tell her the story Leo darling.”

He laughed, “Not a whole lot to it really. I met Amber abroad last month when I flew to Italy to study under Chef Milanesi. She was visiting her relatives in Napels and came to eat dinner at the restaurant one night. And the rest as they say is history.”

Leo gave her a quick kiss on the lips. Oh he was good alright. But it didn’t seem Courtney was entirely convinced. Seriously, did Amberleigh really give off the gutter rat vibe? She narrowed her light, perfectly micro-bladed brows.

“That sounds lovely. I really must visit Napels on my next trip abroad. You must say something in Italian for me Amber dear!”

Fuck, oh this bitch was good. Leo glanced down at his smart watch, before he linked his elbow around Amberleigh’s and gave an apologetic smile.

“Another time perhaps Courtney, Amber and I really must run. We have dinner plans tonight. Wouldn’t want to lose that reservation after all. Give your family my best. I expect to see you at Grayson’s Halloween Party no doubt.”

Back out came her feline grin, “Pity. But of course, I’ll be there. My gown was made by Vera Wang. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I look forward to seeing your gown Miss Dubois. Send Grayson my love.”

Leo nodded and gave her another peck on the cheek, “I certainly will. Have a nice evening.”

This time Cortney decided to gift Amberleigh with a goodbye hug. Oh how fuckin thoughtful of her. She would no doubt soak herself in alcohol and essential oils as soon as she got home.

“Arrivederci cagna ricca. Buona note vai a scopare una capra,” said Amberleigh.

Courtney giggled again, “Oh how lovely. What did you say?”

Amberleigh smiled pleasantly, “Goodbye dear and have a wonderful night.”

“Isn’t that nice.”

Leo gave Amberleigh another smile, “We really should go. I’m sure the meter is expired as well. Wouldn’t want another ticket.”

He chuckled and Amberleigh followed him back to the path. She resisted the urge to turn back around, but she could feel Courtney’s eyes on her back. She understood why Leo had done what he did, but a bit of warning or heads up would have been fuckin nice. When they were far away from Courtney and her group of probably equally annoying as fuck friends, Leo burst out into laughter. He had to hold himself upright against a lamp post.

“Goodbye rich bitch, have a nice night and go fuck a goat?” he said when he gathered enough air from his laughing fit.

Amberleigh laughed guilty, “So you speak Italian.  My aren’t you full of surprises Mr. Cleomonte.”

“As are you Miss Dubois. As are you…”