Oliver Cooper pov
I can't stop her as I watch her approach the stage.
"Boo..." Someone yells.
Irritated I turn to see the source.
"Boo..." Another one, and turn to see Gina booing at her and soon the crowd follow her lead.
Gina feigns surprise at my obvious irk.
With a small smile Jessie looks around, seemingly unfazed by the hostility in the crowd.
I keep a close eye on her, trying to discern her intentions. I don't want her on that stage, yet I find myself silently rooting for whatever plan she has to win over the audience.
"I'm really enjoying this," Gina says.
"You sure are," I say sarcastically.
Jessie legs wobble slightly as she awkwardly tries to hoist herself up. I pat my pockets, for any loose change to spare her from the current embarrassment.
When i look up she has already found her footing a a huge grin on her face.
She firmly plants one foot on the first table, and then quickly shifts her weight to the second. And soon enough she is floating on the air with a perfect 180- degree split.
There is collective sharp gasp as the atmosphere falls silent, intrigued by her. eager to see what more she can deliver.
It is a breathtaking display of flexibility, balance, and control.
A smile naturally curves on my lips.
I shift my gaze to Gina, who wears a quizzical expression while observing me.
"You should not make a habit of making deals," I state.
"She is no price," She says in distaste.
Jessie is now hanging upside down on the pole, effortlessly swinging as though she's a seasoned pro, yet her innocent demeanor leaves me utterly perplexed. Who is this girl?
And soon the tips and money start coming to her. She is impressive but i start to doubt if this crowd of drunkards can collectively raise enough to meet the deal she's made.
"They may love whatever she is doing but are their pockets enough to give her a win?" Gina reads my mind.
What can i do to help win? I badly want her to win such that i don't realize for her to win Gina will lose.
Jessie glides along the pole, i can't take my eyes off. All of a sudden, an overwhelming urge surges within meâ And suddenly i want to carry her away from this madness.
I am relieved when Jessie finishes her dance and comes back with a smile.
"Do tell me the total," She says to Gina over the cheering crowd.
"Eww... get it that dirty money away from me," Gina disdainfully tosses it aside
"If you can't count just say so, no need being dramatic." Jessie takes the money and she starts to count.
As the money piles up in a bundle, Gina is already in a foul mood. Realizing she lost and now will be working.
In a way i am glad of the end result. But lord help me of what will come out of them working together. They are too similar. They share the same stubbornness and daring nature.
With a satisfied smirk she lifts her head to Gina, "Hope you love the smell of bleach."
"Yeah. After i have hidden you body." Gina rolls her eyes.
I look around, already tired of being in here and everything in it.
"Can we go now?" I ask Gina.
"Whatever," she grumbles, standing up in annoyance, and Sebastian follows suit.
Jessie and I trail behind them, and I instruct my driver to come pick them up as I make my way back to the office to complete my work. That is one less problem handled and ninety nine others i just created. Well done Oliver!
******
Jessie's Pov
I shift uncomfortably as Gina and her boyfriend, SebâI think that's his nameâcontinue to kiss and get all touchy. Their lovey-dovey display arouses some bitterness in me, reminding me of what's missing in my life. My mind drifts back to Grey and what I should do next. As we near our house, I dread facing him again, especially when my mind is so confused.
Gina turns to me, her eyes peeking outside. "You live here?"
"Mmh.." I nod.
"This is quite a good neighborhood for a housekeeper," she comments.
It is a nice neighborhood, Grey does have an expensive taste.
"How can you afford it?" She asks with genuine curiosity.
"I don't have to answer to that," I say.
Gina's eyes wander again to the outside.
"This area is popular with those big finance people, probably she works as a cleaner here too" Seb chimes in, and I simply listen to their conversation.
"Probably." Gina says as the car stops at the address I gave.
"See you tomorrow Gina," I say.
"My cousin is not that easy to fool, so stop whatever you are plotting while you are still ahead," Gina's words catch me off-guard.
"I don't know what you mean,"
"That entire strip tease wasn't for you to win the deal but for you to win my cousin,"
"It was your idea,"
"Whatever, i am just warning you." She rolls her eyes.
I sigh annoyed and step out . I wave at the driver as he drives away.
Once I'm on my own, I stare at the house before me. All the rooms are dark even the security light is off. I sigh and walk towards it. I unlock the door and step in.
"Grey?" I call out, walking to our bedroom.
I walk, switching on the lights of the rooms i walk past.
"Grey," I call again as the silence and darkness around me starts to seem amiss. Grey never sleeps in a dark house. I get into our bedroom, and when I switch the light on. Grey is not sleeping or even around, and I immediately assume that maybe he is out with his friends.
I decide to take a quick shower. As I do, it is when things start to fall into place. All of Grey's shampoos, conditioners, his fancy shower gel... there is nothing of his left in the bathroom. I quickly turn off the shower and, still covered in soap, rush back to our bedroom.
"uggh!" i scream when the soap gets into my eyes. I find the nearest cloth and wipe my face. My hair, body is dripping but i don't care as I rush to the walk-in closet, and all his clothes and things are gone.
My world starts to spin, and panic sets in. Despite the answer being right in front of me, I can't help but continue looking. He left. Grey left.
Chapter 34 is now available at inkitt.