A Business Proposition

[missyerin]

Tagged; For Caleb
[W] for minor language

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Amber hadn’t paid much notice to the letter that she’d received in the mail earlier that day. The only real words that had intrigued her we’re ‘business proposition. There we’re more pressing matter on her mind. And really, if she thought to hard on it all day then nothing would get accomplished. First thing was first, she needed to call Nathan, her grandfather. Because the last bit of money he had given her was spent in one shopping trip, she needed more. Walking around the house she grabbed the cordless phone and headed into the kitchen. As she entered the numbers and the phone made tiny beeping sounds then gave a ring, she grabbed a bottle of water and took a seat. The house she was living in was quite nice, but it could have been bigger in her opinion. She was selfish and spoiled, only wanting more and more. There was enough room for all of her things and even if there we’re three other people in the house to they could easily fit all of there things in the place too. But Amber knew sooner or latter she’d fill the entire place up herself. She supposed that seemed a little drastic but before she could think any further Nathan answered the phone. “Hello Popa, how are you?” she said, her voice sounding to eager to rush through the common courtesy of conversation, but it dragged on anyway. “I’m fine dear, how are you?” her asked, happy to hear the sound of his granddaughters voice.

Amber cringed here and there when certain topics we’re brought up. Like ‘Have you met any new friends’ or ‘I plan on coming for a visit soon’. Not that she didn’t want to see him, it was just she was comfortable with her life here. No, she wasn’t miss popularity, mainly because her ego was too expansive and didn’t allow much room for friend’s. Either they weren’t appreciative enough of their gifts or too soft on others. “Say Popa, I was wondering if I could get some more money from you…” she said, her voice was softer then it was before, she held her breath waiting for an answer. “How much this time?” he asked, not sounding as pleased as before. “I don’t know… like a hundred thousand or something?” she said sweetly. It wasn’t like he didn’t have the money, he just didn’t like giving it all away. “You can’t be serious, have I thought you nothing about saving your money, about making wise decisions with it? What happened to the last 60 000 I sent you?” he asked, obviously upset. “Things came up that required financial services. And yes, you taught me very well about business, but you never even offered me a job, remember?” yes, she was still bitter about that. Nathan was the only family she had in the world and she couldn’t even work with him like she’d wanted to for so long when she was younger. “I’ll send you 50 000. That’s it though.” He said, Amber gasped in horror that wasn’t nearly as much as she’d hoped for. She figured they would at least settle around 80 000. “Fine.” She said through clenched teeth, she knew better then to hassle with her Popa when he was being serious. “I’ll talk to you later, you know when I’m homeless and all. I’ll call you from a motel somewhere in Rio. Bye!” she said hanging up, she was sure she could hear him laughing to himself when she slammed the phone down.

Emma went back into her living room, still upset. While she played with the cap on her water thoughts of the letter slowly drifted back into her memory. The note said to be at his place at 6 o‘clock and it was already four. Well no sense in just sitting around then. Right away she went and got the phone, ordering a maid in the tidy up the already spotless house. At least now she could boss someone around a bit while she got ready. Taking a shower she heard the doorbell ring. Wrapping a towel around herself she answered the door. “Hello, please come in.” she said, not really smiling or even looking at the girl on her doorstep. While the maid cleaned up downstairs Amber would call things down to her like. ‘Make sure it’s clean around the sink’ ‘Don’t forget to vacuum the rugs’ and her favorite ‘I know where everything is so don’t try to steal anything!’ But she was in a foul mood and needed to take it out on someone before she went to see Caleb. She wasn’t stupid and knew better then to try and be a bitch around him. Amber debated what to wear upstairs, she decided to go with a pair of dark blue jeans and a black shirt that rouged around the front. Her hair she pulled back into a stylish bun and she finished off her make-up. She was ready and it was already 5:30. The maid had finished because there wasn’t all that much to do. After a quick ‘inspection’ to make sure nothing was missing she let the maid leave. Sooner or later people would just stop sending help to her house all together. But then she’d just give them some more money and they’d be back. Everyone had a price.

Grabbing her long jacket, that cut off just above the knee she went out to her car. It was a sleek black Mercedes, nothing to flashy in this small town as she headed towards Caleb’s house. He didn’t live far, but he had way more money then her so his neighborhood was a thousand times flashier than her own and she hated that ever so slightly. She paused at the door, ringing the bell twice.

[caleb]

After spending the whole night not sleeping he was trying so hard in what to do to get what he wanted. How he hated the words no to him especially when he knew the feelings between the two were mutual. Why she was being so difficult with him he did not know, maybe to twist his buttons. Either way after a long thought a smirk went on his face to where he went to his office then began writing away. 'Dear Amber, my dear after a long time of thinking I come to a solution of current problems. So here I offer you a business proposition in return of your services. Come over to my house, you know the location, so we can talk. -Caleb' He wrote in his fancy script handwriting that almost had a calligraphy feel to it. Folding the note in threes he shoved it into an envelope then smiled slowly. He placed a sticker of his own seal on it then wrote her name on the front in fancy letters.

He took it upon himself to just throw on a coat over his pajamas then head out to his car. He drove a fancy dodge magnum he had imported from America. Which of course his car was the color sleek jet black and without a scratch on it since he barely drove. But at this moment he was lazy so he didn't want to walk down to her house, instead drive. He started his car then pulled out of his garage then he drove out of his automatic gate then down the street just a little bit. He drove not even more then 10 minutes which he got out of the car then he dropped the letter into his friends mail. Sure he could of called her but he was odd and knew Anna would more then likely check his phone. Well not check it but play with it and she got a little nosy at times. Also he got some drift that Anna did not like Amber which was completely silly since Caleb was only friends.

Never once has he flirted with his young friend at all in the presence of Anna. So after dropping off the letter he went back to his car then drove home. After parking his car away in his garage he actually went down for a long nap thinking about his plan. It was flawless, also harmless to him, he knew the feelings would not be there. Money bought a lot of things even someone willing to act to play the part just so the purpose of his actions could be met. Course it did require it to look like it was all real so he was just cooping with the fact. No he did not even want to touch Amber in such a way but if he had to to make it look so convincing to Annabelle then he would. Again the plan had to be flawless and it had to be perfectly planned out. Surely she shall agree to the whole deal since he was offering so much more then money in the placement of her role.

He'd buy her anything she would desire and also treat her out to the most classy of the places. If sexual business was wanted then he'd be obliged to do that as well but course that be a very big secret. It's not like he has done it before because he has but only because he is frustrated. He wants to make love to Annabelle so badly which she always denies him everything. So he get frustrated and takes other pathetic women who allow him to do what he wants, just to get off. He was not a sexual pervert but at times he can't help but be a typical male in his sexual peak. More dreams clouded his mind but then he finally woke up which he looked around. Was it already 5:30pm? She did not call him or anything which he doubt checked his phone. No all messages from Anna which he laid there on his back responding.

'No I'm not dead I was just napping since I didn't sleep all night. I love you. See you tomorrow, okay? I have a business meeting with a broker.' He did lie only because he did not want her to come over randomly then think the wrong thing at all. He did not want to have no interruptions as he had this business meeting which was only just strictly business. He rolled out of bed so he can go to his shower to prepare if anyone was to come over tonight at all. No he did not set a time he just told her to call or show up at his door step at some time. So he thought better be prepared and went hopped right into the shower then he jumped out. He washed all his body with his hair too then he dried off rather quickly since he didn't want her to come as he was naked. He dried off then went to his room and grabbed a normal of white long sleeved sweater with normal blue jeans.

He liked to dress upper class when he could especially when important guests were to come over. Putting on black socks then his pampered black boots thats when he heard a ring at the door. He went to his bedroom door then clicked on the intercom button. "Just a minute." He said which she would of heard through the intercom at the front door. He went brushed his hair off to the side but then ended up messing it up letting the curls go wherever they pleased. He rushed down his long staircase that curved then rushed down the main hallway to get to the front door. As it swing open a smile went on his face with some brightness then he went to her right away. Kissed her one cheek then the other cheek then hugged her a little since after all they were friends. He pulled away then he took a deep breath in then out as he looked down at her since he was much taller then she was.

"I see you got my note. Come in and make yourself at home of course. You know how it is living alone in such a big house. My place is your place." He welcomed her inside by taking her hand then drawing her inside the house. He shut the door behind her then he went on thinking about where they should talk and he pursed his lips. "So...are you hungry? I got some left over lasagna from the other night. Or we can just talk over some coffee? Whatever you want but I assume you want me to get to the point?" He asked her then looked at her with his blue eyes and then began to ponder. How much was this going to cost him? Was he complaining, no, he was just wondering if this was all worth it. But his mind went to think about Annabelle and how much he loved her, wanted her, so he thought. Annabelle is worth more then anything he has so whatever the price may be he will do it for it was worth it to him. Also he hoped this was not going to backfire on him. But if planned carefully then he was sure this was not going to backfire at all, if everything ran its course.

[missyerin]

OOC; It’s on the short side, but I’ll make the next one longer =]

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Caleb was a difficult person to figure out. He had a substantial amount of power and wealth at his disposal, he seemed to just strike some fear with him where ever he went. Amber herself wasn’t intimidated by him anymore, at first she’d been on a little better behavior but all the formality soon washed away. She still had respect for him of course, but wasn’t about to hold anything back when it came to what was on her mind. She wondered why he’d wanted to meet her, curiosity of what he’d have to say nothing more. It wasn’t like the two got together everyday and went for tea or something, so this had to be important. Why else would she be dragged over all this way?

Her mind had to much time to think about these types of things as she waited at his door. Caleb’s voice soon broke out over the intercom, she didn’t say anything in reply. It was a little odd to be talking to a tiny metal box. Soon after he was at the door welcoming her in. His face was already smiling so it had to be good whatever it was that brought her there. Her smile matched his own. “Hello Caleb.” She said stepping inside his house, her hand in his own. The place never ceased to amaze her in some ways. It was so large and big, she envied it there was no doubt about that. “You might not want to tell me that, I might just make a nuisance of myself coming over all the time.” She said teasing. Looking at Caleb he noticed his hair was wet, he’d probably had a shower, it explained why he smelled so sweet. Taking her coat of slowly she folded it over her arm and held it at her waist.

A few strands of hair had managed to fall out of place from the bun it was tied back into. Using her free hand she swiftly moved it back into place. Looking at Caleb she smiled once more. There we’re very few people Amber ever felt willing to socialize with, and one of them just happened to be him. Mainly, because they we’re very alike and very similar. There weren’t many things they didn’t agree on. Amber was starting to grow a little to eager now, wanting to know exactly why it was Caleb had invited her over. No, she wasn’t hungry but coffee did sound good, but that could wait till after. “You know me too well my dear. So, what was it that you wanted to talk with me about?” there was an eager edge to her tone, she hadn’t meant for it to sound so eager it just sort of came out that way. Straightening up a little she tried to not be as excited. For all she knew it could have been something terribly un fascinating like another one of the bloody untainted persons trying to cause more problems. That same old story was getting to the point of being completely intolerable.

Amber’s mind had pondered all the possibilities that this meeting, or whatever it was called, could possibly be about. Her mind had to much spare time on its hand and could think up strange little things. This is why she’d put of the whole thinking about the letter until she came here, otherwise her day would have been completely pointless with only being able to think about the words in the letter. So this is why the drive over allowed possibly to much time to consider things. Perhaps he wanted to discuss issues with certain citizens of the town, but this meeting seemed to important for something like that. Either way she’d find out sooner or latter.

Her mind was getting off track, and she knew better than that. Looking back at Caleb she flashed him a genuine warm smile. She shifted her jacket in her arms a little, standing awkwardly. She pulled her lips together more into a little pout, only looking down at the floor below briefly before glancing up again.

[caleb]

Ushering her into the house so they can get straight to business since Caleb came up with this whole brilliant scheme. He shut the door after her then he smiled to her greeting right back then he locked his door. "Oh please your welcome to come over anytime since you know I do enjoy your company. Here let me take that." He remarked about her coat then he took it from her then went over to his closet to put it on a coat hook. Proper gentleman he was to the ladies and a down right asshole to those he did not like or males. Amber never had to experience his asshole side since he did enjoy her company. After putting her coat away properly he ruffled his wet curls again so they would dry loose not lumped together. He did not care his looks really but he did want to look decent for her and such.

With a smile he waved her into the house more so they could get straight to the point. He offered some food but she did not seem like she wanted it so he thought, find coffee then. Making the motion to follow him he walked into the kitchen of his home. He had a kitchen bar with the three black bar stools so they can sit there at the counter and drink coffee. Pulling the seat out for her to sit in he made the speechless words for her to sit down then went to make the coffee. "Right well I have an idea." He remarked as he searched for the coffee beans and went to pour some tablespoons into the non-paper filter. After he poured the water he switched the flip so the coffee can brew. Then he walked around to sit down at one of the bar stools then smiled off.

"You know my love life is a pathetic shame. Annabelle, she loves me and I know it but she doesn't know it herself which I thought about something brillant. I need to show her how much she does love me. So I thought maybe the best thing would be to make her jealous." He remarked flat out then he cleared his throat then looked down at the counter like it was doing something interesting. His eyes then went over to her and solid smirk came on his face. "That is where you come in..." He remarked slowly then he patted his pockets but he did not find his check book so he grumbled. He would get it later, no problem, he needed to talk about the details. He knew that he was offering a hell of a lot so he was sure the answer was not going to be a no, but hell he wasn't sure her reaction would be.

"I shall pay you as much money as you tell me for you to act for me. You have to play the role perfect too to make it all convincing. I want you to pretend that you are my fiancee and trust me I will pay any price you want. This would mean you would have to hold hands, kiss and just act all loving to me. We do not have to have sex......but if you want to then I'm fine with it. Also you will live here for a little while which, hell, I doubt you wouldn't mind that at all. I will buy you meals, jewelry, clothing and anything or everything you desire. I trust you." He remarked slowly at the last part then he cleared his throat and sat up better in his chair. "I trust you whole heartedly which is why I am asking you for this huge favor. Please, help me out." He begged on the last part then he put his hands together in the begging fasion. His blue eyes looked at her pleading as well since he was acting such a huge and abnormal favor. But hell he was offering her basically anything she wanted in this world for his favor which he did have the money to pay for it.

[missyerin]

This was abnormal to say the least, the conversation had taken a rather strange turn. Well not so much a conversation really as Amber didn’t get even a word in during the whole unloading of information, how could she? She was stunned and barely could form words on her mouth that would make sense. The words Caleb had just spoken to her sent wave after wave of thoughts reeling into her mind. But the main word she caught onto was Fiancée. Amber was well aware of the exact position Caleb was in when it came to his beloved Annabelle, he talked about her endlessly. The thought of her reaction if Amber went through with this was almost to odd to think of at all. But would she go through with this? Certainly there was a substantial amount of benefits if she were to go through with this plan of his, but for some reason she was in a debate.

“Wow Caleb, I mean- just let me think about this for a minute, please.” She didn’t want to be rude or anything at all, but this was sort of a lot to think about. He had more money than he would ever need or use in his life, and there he was offering her a share of it, and Amber knew he could be easily taken advantage of in this situation, any other time no, but this was different, his heart was involved in this one. No, is she did decide to do this she wouldn’t completely rip him off or anything of the sort, but then she was very much a business woman and enjoyed her money. So this could work out very well. Thinking about all the things involved in pulling this plan off would be a lot, but Caleb was her friend, a person that knew almost every gory detail about her whether she liked it or not, so there was no way she would say no. “I’ll do it.” She said after about 40 seconds.

This would certainly please Caleb she figured. Amber felt bad for him, yes he was powerful and could have anything he wanted- except for one thing. And that one thing happened to be the most important thing to him. Annabelle had denied him countless times and it was obvious he was fed up. So maybe this crazy plan of his might just work. How did he ever think of this she wondered. But before she could spent another moment obsessing over his life and his difficulties some of the things he had mentioned started to kick in. Money- now she would never have to ask her Grandfather for money, and he would have to offer her a job working with him finally, there was no way with the kind of money Caleb was offering that her grandfather couldn’t make her a partner. And this was all she ever wanted, all she ever asked for- because her grandfather was her only father. The thought flooded her with happy memories and excitement.

Amber reached her hand out and touched Caleb’s, she didn’t want to see him beg like that, when he didn’t need to. “Don’t worry Caleb, I trust you to. I won’t let you down.” She said with a small smile, trying to sound as re assuring as possible. Amber had this small theory going in her mind, a what if scenario, of Caleb’s life and what it would be like without the presence of women in it. By now he would have taken over the world easily. “But, when we do this, we’re going to need to have a plan down to the wire, we can’t have any slip ups, this has to go perfectly.” She said, the business side of her coming out. If they we’re going to do this and commit to it then she wanted to do it right, besides she doubted she would ever actually get married, the whole thought of marriage made her sick honestly, but if she could only be ‘engaged’ once they could at least make it big. “But wait how are you going to break the news to Annabelle. I mean let’s face it she’s not a huge fan of me now, she’ll bloody want me dead in the end. And how exactly are you going to go about making sure we never actually have to go through with a whole wedding? Or are you going to plan an actual wedding?” Amber knew she was asking way to many questions but this was a big deal for her, and undeniably a huge deal for Caleb to. She wanted this to work out for him, she really did. But if it didn’t then that could mean he might take his anger out on her afterwards, she would have brought it up if she wasn’t so scared to know the truth of what he could do to her.

[caleb]

As she wished he laid it down on her exactly how she wanted it too, straight down to the point and no hesitations. He did not give her a time to let her say a thing as he was going on about the whole deal. Simple facial expressions already showed him she was overwhelmed with what he was asking of her. After he told her everything that was part of the deal he then stopped then looked at her for something. There was not much of a reaction for now since she was so over taken with the information. In fact she told him to hold on a minute to let her think. He nodded slowly but he did go on into the whole begging mode of it and put his hands together, begged. Pleading as well with his eyes too which he was being calm and gentle at this point. "Think about it but think about it fully." He remarked since he wanted her to see all the advantages he was giving to her. He sat there on the barstool till he heard the coffee go off that it was all brewed. So he went to fetch them two cups filled with the dark liquid then came back to where they were sitting.

He grabbed the condiments like sugar and non-diary creme the went to the fridge to get the normal french vanilla and hazelnut flavored coffee cremes. He settled the things down hen he sat down again then he went looked at her again as she made her answer. She agreed to it which he was so happy he did go over to her happily. Hugged his arms around her and even settled a couple kisses on her cheek. When he was done squeezing her he looked down at her with a grin on his face. "Thank you so much! You have no idea how much you are helping me out. I'm so grateful." He remarked to her then he smiled widely turned away since he was just so happy. This plan would be in motion and he would not need much force to get Anna to see how much she does care. How can she not be hurt by this? Then see her hurting pain of him with someone else be the realization she did love him. He loved her so much and he knew she loved him but was too proud to show it.

He did not understand why she had to be like that neither but hell he was going to make this work. He was distracted from the coffee at the moment but really it was too hot to drink anyways without losing taste on your tongue. She said not to worry, comforting him and touching his hand, which he smiled slowly then looked at her again. She truly was beautiful so he couldn't really help but feel the mild attraction too. Not really to emotion, more physical, since his emotions were meant for someone else. But not like he was dating Anna so not like he was faithful with his body to her. What she didn't know wouldn't hurt her since he knew she was out driving her tongue down some boys mouth just to spite Caleb. A tilt to his head to the side then he wondered really how much this was going to cost. But she had not named a price at all. Instead she was going into the details of their fake relationship which he nodded slowly.

His hands went took her hands in his to hold just since he was in such a great mood. "Exactly. Not many shall grill us on our relationship. Maybe only Anna when I choose to tell her the news and such. My family shall be be involved for they are put away for some time and not coming out. To make this as realistic as possible maybe we should have some announcement party. Invite your family whom you feel is necessary and I shall invite my friends." He remarked slowly then looked down finally and ran his tongue across his lips slowly, thinking. "Whatever you need to know I shall tell you and what ever you need to know you shall tell me so we know one another. Simple stuff like favorites, history and what you like or dislike." He remarked slowly then he looked up at her again then he smiled slowly which he sat up straight in the chair he was sitting in now. She began to grill him more about the wedding details and about Anna.

"I'll take care of Anna so don't worry about it and she won't harm you, please. Girl can't even control her powers well enough to do nothing and besides you can block her from your mind." He shrugged slowly then he smiled looked down thinking about the other part. "Can plan the wedding but we won't follow through. I'm not forcing you to do nothing other then of course the basics. You will wear the ring, you will have to be affectionate, you will have to live here and you will have to sleep in my bed." He remarked laying out the basics of what she has to do regardless but hell she was getting the benefit. Literally he was giving her his money, his gifts, his food, his house and even if she wanted his body to her for really not much in return. "Tell me what you want and I shall give it to you for all you are doing for me." He smiled slowly after he told her to name her price of what she wanted from him. He did let go of her hands at this point to calmly and casually turn to his coffee to prepare it the way he liked.

[missyerin]

Well, this is what friendship was all about. Playing make believe fiancée for your friends so they can trick the love of their lives into falling for them, was there really any doubt that one strange favor would inevitably be called upon in each friendship? No, not in Amber’s world there wasn’t. But she was glad to be the one involved in this scheme, because it meant a lot to her to prove to Caleb exactly how much she does like him. And plus it showed just how much he did trust her, so it was all good. Amber had thought about this enough in the time she took to go over just what it would mean. But then whatever way she spun it there wasn’t really a downside. It was like a perfect offer and she would be plain stupid to say no.

Amber hugged Caleb tightly, she knew how much this did mean to him, he loved Anna more than anything in this world and knew nothing would change that. She’ll admit that at first it confused her over why he cared for her so, but then Caleb was a powerful man and wanted what he wanted, who was she to disagree? But he never knew of these hidden thoughts she held towards his love for Anna. And oh boy did Anna dislike her, because even if she wasn’t dating Caleb she was just as possessive over him as he was to her, so when she got the news there wasn’t a doubt in her mind that she would be pissed off and seeing red. Amber smiled at Caleb, only in front of him and other close friends did she ever genuinely smile really, because the rest of the world was just to un important to try for at all. That might sound bad but it was true. The majority of the outside world that did not understand her power, that did not want to accept them we’re just plain inferior in her mind. Why should she bother with people who hold so much hate?

Sitting with one hand on her lap and the other placed gently on the table she listened to Caleb explain what would happen. A party sounded like a lot of fun. And it would bring the whole engagement thing together quite nicely. Her mind instantly started making plans for things they’d need to do, places they would have to go. She pictured her and Caleb choosing out flower for the party and wanted to laugh but bit her lip with a smirk on her face. No, he didn’t exactly fit the submissive tag along dog of a fiancée. Most of the work would be on her shoulders, but it didn’t matter since she wasn’t actually going through with it so if things we’re imperfect who cared? But family coming, that wasn’t a chance of that happening. She had no family ,her grandfather and that was it, which was perfectly fine with her. “Caleb wait. The only thing I ask really is that, my grandfather isn’t made aware of this, at any cost.” She said solemnly. There was no way she was willing to put him through a fake wedding. She knew he had hopes of walking her down the isle and there just was to many lies to bring up around him for that to happen. He seemed to be the only one she couldn’t bring herself to lie to. And if she did it would always turn out hurting her in the end. Amber doubted Caleb would object but she felt the need to stress the point and make it very clear, “Please.” She said, begging just like he had been, placing intertwining her fingers with his own that held her hand. She had a feeling there was going to be a lot more of this hand holding thing now, but luckily it wasn’t awkward, it felt normal for her, maybe because she and Caleb we’re so close. And now that they we’re officially in this together, nothing could be weird between them, or it would give it away.

“I know I can block her, it’s Anna coming at me with a crow bar is what I’m more worried about.” Amber said with a small laugh. She was strong but so was Anna, and if it was a surprise hit on the back of the head well, that could very well be bad news. She understood what she had to do, all the fiancée type things, and yet he was willing to offer her so many things and it really didn’t seem like a lot she was doing for him. But then Amber also knew how much Caleb loved Anna and would do just about anything, no, everything, to be with her. So she was in a very good position. “So-” she smiled mischievously, “Now that you are my fiancée, does that mean you’ll be making my coffees for me now?” she asked in a sweet voice, trying not to laugh as she stood up and walked quietly over to his side. Placing one hand on his upper arm and using her other to come in a take the glass of coffee he had just made for himself. “Thanks.” She said smirking, teasing him just a bit, after all, stealing someone’s coffee wasn’t that big of a crime, right?