Dmitry smiled. “That is sign of hard worker,” he said pointing at her. “You’ve never been given anything. And so, you know how to work hard to get it or take it.”
“If I need to, dah.” She smiled.
Dmitry’s eye twitched. She was quick and spunky, and he was completely paralyzed by her natural beauty. He had been struck since the moment he opened his eyes, and she was standing in front of him while he played the violin.
She had appeared like a dream, standing there like she had just fallen out of the sky. He had to blink when he saw her. He blinked hard to make sure that she was real and not some figment of his imagination, some illusion due to his aching loneliness. He knew that she was real when he saw the sweat glistening from her body. It was the only sign that God had given him to let him know his angel was human.
Her long, shapely figure was concealed under her baggy clothes. Her gaze spoke of trust, not deceit. She was refreshingly innocent. Her bright eyes told her entire story. She was what he was playing for and praying for…a sign.
“So what do you think?” she askedfinally.
“You’ve done good work,” he said, realizing that he had zoned out far too long. “I’d like to make you a proposal.” He smirked at how fluid that statement was for him.
“Okay,” Royal said, putting down her knife and fork. She listened on attentively.
“I’m opening new business not far from here. Really just couple blocks over. I need someone who is willing to give it their all. It’s a new clothing store. I call it Dmitry’s Closet. It’s full of nicest clothes for women. However, I need young shop keeper for this one. Do you have kids, husband, something like this?”
“No,” Royal said, clearly seeing that this guy knew nothing about HR. One was never supposed to ask those types of personal questions on an interview, but she didn’t care, as long as he gave her the job.
“Good. This is just what I want to hear,” he said, slyly. “The person that runs my shop will have nice apartment just above the store. You see, I own entire building. You have the degree, the professionalism, the drive I need to make Dmitry’s Closet into Memphis’ next big boutique.”
“So, you want me to manage your store and in ex-change you’ll give me an apartment?” She was suddenly unimpressed. It was only half of what she needed.
“No…I want to offer you much more,” Dmitry said, excited about her ability to bargain.
“How much more?” Royal asked, leaning into him in anticipation.
“As long you work for me, you have this and to start off sixty grand. You have to hire part-time staff, do inventory, and keepbooks. But I see from your resume that you have experience with this.” He knew in this economy, he was offering her a lot more than he had to, but he wanted to keep her, even though her experience was actually very limited.
“$60,000?” Royal sucked in her own breath.
“Are you starting to be interested now, Royal Stone?” he smiled.
“Of course. Since it is close, can we go there and see it?” Suddenly, the duck was not at the top of her list. She could eat later, after she had secured this job.
Dmitry smiled a little smile of success. She had taken the bait. He would have easily paid her $80,000 to take the job, to keep her near. Now, he was simply saving twenty grand.
“Yes. After you finish your meal, I’ll take you over.”
Dmitry smiled at her. He could see the passion in her eyes. She was a young businesswoman. Her ambition would drive his newest investment, and if she wasn’t careful she would drive him to give her much more.
“Anatoly, get my car to the front. I want to take Ms. Stone to my new shop,” he ordered, absently. His eyes were still fixed on hers.
Chapter 2
When Royal finished her late lunch with Dmitry, he escorted her back out to the front of the restaurant, where his silver SRL McLaren Mercedes-Benz was parked waiting for them. He opened the door for her and waited as she hesitantly loaded herself and her little bag inside. He slid on his shades as he closed the door behind her and made his way to the driver’s seat.
Royal watched him carefully. She was young, barely 23, but she knew money when she saw it. And if his car was any indication, Dmitry was very wealthy.
Dmitry drove calmly through the streets, not caring for theatrics. He did not have to prove himself. And his confidence was apparent, probably because he was driving a four-hundred thousand dollar car and wearing a suit that cost more than her tuition. His long body fit perfectly into the gray leather chairs. His curly blonde hair shined like spun gold in the sunshine.
He looks perfect, Royal thought to herself as she glimpsed over at him.
Dmitry looked over and smiled softly at her.
As quickly as they had pulled onto the streets of down-town Memphis, they were pulling off into the back alley of a renovated building. Dmitry parked and helped Royal out of the car.
“I want you to get full effect,” he said, taking her hand. “So, we must go around to front.”
The building sat across from the fire department and the National Civil Rights Museum only entries away from the popular boutique Muse. His place was swank and modern. A real attention getter. The architect had paid extra close attention to the detail of the brick masonry and custom limestone design. The boutique screamed money, even before she saw the inside.
“You believe in facing the competition head on,” Royal observed, looking at the customers pile into the neighboring store.
“This is healthy, yes? The customers now have true variety.” He took the keys and opened the huge wooden double doors that mildly reminded her of his restaurant.
“These doors
