Predator
There were few better places than Times Square on a Friday evening, bright with neon at the crossroads of the world, close to 4:30 and nearly dark. April looked around and spotted The Naked Cowboy and closed on this iconic fixture with his cowboy hat, cowboy boots and white briefs, and his extraordinary physique while he played his guitar and sang When It Comes to a decent-sized crowd, despite it being only about 50 degrees.
"He's hot," Sara said.
"I'd fuck him in a heartbeat."
"He could serenade you for an encore!"
April placed two dollars into his upturned hat, and at the end of the song, that was it as he took his money, packed up and left. No mind, there were other sights. "Let's go to the Grier Future Store."
April and Sara approached a crosswalk for mostly yellow taxis to stop and allow access to Broadway, where just along was the new Grier store, opened last Friday, and despite the fanfare their stuff was reasonably priced. It wasn't possible to miss blue neon and a picture of the founder, Paul Grier, with crossed muscular arms and his shock of blonde hair not hiding he was past middle-aged and trying desperately hard to look younger than his years. Inside, the Grier Future Store was all about videos, including Pamela Anderson with Paul Grier on a huge screen, other screens with fashion shows and several smaller screens explaining their various brands and styles. Not only screens everywhere but continuously rotating chrome mannequins and a waterfall in the centre of the big store, while April looked for inspiration and then she saw a softly chequered mid-length dress, mostly dark red with black and other colours in a style that would suit her. The model on the screen wearing this dress was about April's build while she checked the rack for her size, found it and took it to a change room only to sense someone closing to turn her head and see Paul Grier closing with a bright smile.
"That's a Bianca Grier dress that we're proud of," he said in accented but precise English.
"I'm going to check if it fits."
"I'm sure that size will fit you."
April nodded her head while wondering if he was going to follow her into a cubicle, but fortunately he didn't where she changed and then decided she had to do the right thing and emerge to a brighter smile.
"That suits you!"
"I think so, yes. I'm going to buy it."
"This is an excellent choice!"
April returned to the change room to slip on her jeans, blouse, pullover and boots, to emerge and find Paul Grier waiting.
"I can deal with this," he said.
April handed the dress across which he took to the cashier station, blue neon and small screens to keep customers amused while they paid for their purchases, where Mr Grier spoke to a sales clerk who scanned the dress, put it in a paper bag and gave it to Mr Grier and he gave it to April.
"Our compliments to a beautiful young woman who has the potential to be a model. Have you thought about modelling?"
"I have, yes."
"I'm Paul Grier," as he went to shake hands.
"I'm April Davis," as she shook his hand.
"How tall are you?"
"I'm five foot nine."
"And the rest?"
"34, 25, 34, 32C."
"April; with my help and my contacts, I'm sure you will go far as a model. Are you doing anything after this?"
"I don't have plans."
"Do you want to accompany me for this evening?"
April wasn't going to hand herself over for sex in his office or something like this. "I have to go home later."
"How about my private jet to LA for a party on Sunday?'
While April knew this meant sex with Paul Grier, spending a few days with a billionaire might give her an opportunity or might just be fun. "I can go to LA on Sunday."
"I guarantee our party will be fun, and if you pack your passport, you never know where this might lead!"
"I'll do this. So, how does Sunday work?"
"We will pick you up on the way to JFK."
"I live at 3536 Cambridge Avenue, The Bronx."
"We will pick you up around nine." He took out an IPhone and typed details. "It's in here so this is guaranteed, as long as you're ready."
"I'll be ready."
"Can I have your cell number?"
April took out her flip Motorola, unlocked it, selected her profile and gave it to Mr Grier who typed into his IPhone, and then handed the Motorola back. April put the phone into her front pocket and remembered. "Thank you, Mr Grier, for the dress."
"You must call me Paul!"
April smiled. "Thank you Paul."
"That's better."
"I must go home."
"Are you sure you can't stay?"
"I'm sure Sunday will be great."
"Enjoy your evening."
"Thank you Paul."
April looked around to spot Sara over there. April crossed to her friend.
"You got a free dress."
"And an invite to a party in LA on Sunday."
"You know what this means."
"I do, but he's rich and who knows where it might lead?"
"Yes, you're right. Now it's getting late and we should go home."
April followed Sara out of the Grier Future Store to walk to 42nd Street-Times Square Station while wondering what to tell Mom and Dad – the truth she supposed, at least in theory. April smiled – imagine being picked up by a billionaire? That was unexpected.
