Taking Zoey shopping for clothes is the most fun I’ve had in ages. I’ve never done that before to the best of my recollection. I mean, taking a woman shopping. By this time, the experience would have triggered a memory. My memory’s coming back to me at the speed of an avalanche, though I’m constantly thrown off course by things I can’t remember. One thing’s for sure, I’ve never taken my fiancée Katrina on a shopping spree. She’s perfectly capable of doing that herself. I banish the thought of her before she spoils all the fun.
Zoey’s so f*ck
ing sexy as she models one seductive outfit after another. Halfway through her—or should I say my—fashion show, inhibition gives way to exhibition. She’s practically a Gloria’s Secret supermodel as she struts out of the dressing room in a sparkly body-hugging violet gown with a thigh-high slit that accentuates every curve of her sensuous body. It’s definitely what I want her to wear to the Kurt Kussler season finale premiere at MIP…and then I will rip it off of her curvy little body as soon as I can. Yup, that’s the plan. My cock couldn’t agree more and applauds her as she does her spin.
Zoey changes back into her jeans. While she’s in the dressing room, I remember one more thing she’ll need for Cannes.
“Chaz-man, do you by chance have a woman’s leather jacket lying around?”
Chaz grins. “You’re in luck. Hang on.”
My eyes follow him as he scuttles over to one of the racks filled with heavy woolen clothes made for colder weather. In no time, he’s back, holding up a hanger with a snazzy brown leather jacket draped on it.
“This is my Jazzy-Chazzy motorcycle jacket. It’s a sample from my Fall line.”
I smile. “It’s perfect. We’ll take it. How much do I owe you?”
“Forget it,” he says. “The publicity I’ll get with Zoey wearing my designs is priceless.”
“Are you sure?”
“Totally.”
“What about a charity I can contribute to?”
Chaz’s eyes light up. “That would be awesome. How ’bout my friend, Gloria Zander’s organization—Girls Like Us? It’s a non-profit that helps neglected and abused girls find a positive course in life.”
While Zoey’s never been neglected, the senseless murder of her mother to me was abusive. So, this charity makes sense.
I write out a $25,000 check while Chaz organizes the garments I’ve selected. The best money I ever spent. And an added surprise. Gloria Zander, the founder and CEO of Gloria’s Secret, will undoubtedly send over a boxful of sexy lingerie and shoes to match all the sexy dresses as her own special thank you. The skimpier the better I tell Chaz. I also tell him to keep the delivery anonymous. He shoots me a conspiratorial wink.
Cannes awaits us. I have a week to spend away from Katrina. To figure out who and what I want in life. My heart gallops. I think I already know. Despite my amnesia, my mind’s never been clearer. Should I tell her before we leave?
Zoey
Pinch me. I’ve been living a dream from the minute the Conquest stretch limo picked Brandon and me up at his house and transported us to LAX to meet our private jet. Wait! I take that back. Don’t pinch me. I don’t want this dream to end.
I’ve only been on a plane a few times before. A crammed Southwest flight to Vegas and another to San Fran. The economy cabin stunk of sweat and beer, and I was sandwiched between my tray table and chair like a slab of raw meat. Efficient. Yes. Luxurious. No.
The Conquest corporate jet is the most luxurious vessel I’ve ever traveled on. Yes, I’ve seen private planes in countless TV shows and movies, but nothing has prepared me for the experience of flying on one. The interior is all soft beiges and rich woods, with spread out plush leather chairs that can fold back into sumptuous beds. There’s even a dining cabin and a complete bar with the finest crystal and silverware. Champagne flows and we’re served gourmet meals on monogrammed Conquest china.
I recognize everyone on board from having met them on the set of Kurt Kussler. Brandon, nonetheless, re-introduces me. Go-to-Zo, his personal assistant. While the reality of my subservient position drives a screw into my gut—that’s all I am—everyone treats me with respect. They couldn’t be nicer.