Page 12 of Forbidden Desires

Letting out a heavy sigh, I try to remember the speech I had planned for this exact moment. “Auditions aren’t for months, Dad. I can read the script from here if you send it to me. That’s all I can do to prepare.”

“Gisele.” He says my name like a warning. “You have until sundown today to be home or I’m cutting you off.”

Pausing, I take a deep breath and collect my thoughts. His overreaction is exactly what I expected; threats and manipulation are the only way he knows how to communicate,so I came prepared with all the savings I have in the world. “If that’s what you need to do, but I’m not coming home today. You said I had three months to prepare, and I’m taking them. I need this, and as my father, you should understand.”

“All I understand is you’re an ungrateful spoiled brat. Do you know how many girls would kill to be in your position? And you take off like your life is so awful.”

I feel uncomfortable, sick even, his words unsettling me. I don’t want him to be angry with me, but can’t he see how much I need this? “I’m grateful for all the opportunities you have given me. I just need a break, please, Dad, you have to understand. I need to find out who I am. I’m not Mom, no matter how much you want me to be.” A tear slips down my cheek, and I swipe it away, angry that it’s only my first day here and he’s already ruining it for me.

“You want to see what it’s really like out there, then fine. You’re on your own, Gisele. Get a good dose of reality without my money cushioning your terrible life. You have three months. Then I expect to see you here for the audition.” He disconnects the call, not giving me a chance to respond.

Three months. I have three months. I don’t care that he’s cutting me off. I have a job and a little savings, I can do this alone. As long as the job goes well, I’m sure I can. And why wouldn’t it?

Hopping out of bed, I grab my robe and go in search of something strong to wake me up.

“Morning.” I greet my new roommate Dorothy-Mae, trying to sound chirpy as I make my way into the kitchen. I’m excited to be here. I’m not going to let my father ruin this for me. Pulling my robe tighter around my middle, I reach for a coffee mug on the top shelf.

“Coffee’s in the pot.” She points toward a tall glass jug containing a tar-colored liquid. “Did you sleep okay in your new bed?” she asks, sipping from a mug of her own.

I pour myself a mug and pull up a seat next to her. “I probably would’ve if I wasn’t so nervous about starting my new job today.” I take a sip, hoping it will settle my nerves. It’s different from what I’m used to but drinkable—just barely.

“You’re going to be amazing, darlin’, stop your stressing. The Alexander is so desperate for staff, you would really have to mess up to get fired, so what could go wrong?”

I nod along, agreeing with her. “I’ve never done anything like this before.”

“That’s the whole point, isn’t it?” She smiles reassuringly. “I’ll keep a lookout for you today, but trust me, you’re going to be just fine. Front of the house is easy-peasy. And with a showstopping smile like yours, I’m sure the guests will be more than happy to see you standing behind the desk helping them check in.”

“Thanks.” I smile at my new friend. She has this fun energy about her that I adore, and I’m grateful she’s also going to be working at the same hotel. She’s a trainee chef in the restaurant. And luckily for me, she’s doing day shift today.

She stands and goes to the sink, washing her mug. “I’ll be ready in half an hour if you want to ride in with me?”

“That would be great.” The hotel we’re working at is situated along the beach, just a short drive from our townhouse in the main part of town. And until I sort out an alternative, it’s going to be walking or the bus for me.

“I brought home a uniform for you as well. I’ll leave it on your door.”

“Thank you.” This girl is an absolute godsend.

She wanders off to get herself ready. I finish my drink quickly, already running late after talking to my father, and take the stairs to my bedroom. It’s a three-bedroom townhouse with ashared bathroom upstairs and a kitchen, dining, and living room downstairs, and a cute little patio out back. The place is so full of Southern charm, I feel like I’ve stepped straight onto a Steel Magnolias set. I haven’t met the third girl who lives here yet. All I know is her name is Paisley, and she has lived here as long as Mae. Hopefully, I will get to meet her tonight.

I find my uniform hanging on the door handle. It’s made up of a navy knee-length pencil skirt and a cream blouse with a gold-and-cream neckerchief like a flight attendant would wear. Very understated compared to my usual attire, but that’s okay. I pull it on and fix my hair into a neat French braid that runs down my back and pop on some minimal makeup—foundation, mascara, and lip gloss. I rustle around in my suitcase for the navy-blue pumps I picked up when I found out what the dress code was and slip them on. I grab my handbag and walk out into the hall.

“Y’all, I’m done with the lot of ‘em. Cheating lying assholes!” I hear a female scream from downstairs. The front door slams, and I stand back while a girl with wild caramel curls storms up the stairs and down the hall with a murderous look in her bright blue eyes. Karma, her ball-of-fluff cat, runs along behind her. She goes right by me like I don’t exist, opening a door farther down the hall and slamming it hard enough the picture frame on the wall shakes. The little cat runs into the door and stops, looking up at it. The girl then proceeds to make just as much noise in her room, calling curses as she smashes stuff about.

Mae pops her head out of her room, glancing at me for some idea of what’s going on. I just shrug, having no clue what that was. But if she’s our roommate, I’m scared. Mae closes her door and walks over to Paisley’s room, tapping gently on her door.

“Fuck off, Mae. I’m not in the mood to talk,” she calls to her.

Mae doesn’t listen to her, and instead, she pushes open the door. She’s braver than me. “Darlin’, I will leave you alone when I know you’re okay,” she says in a cheery voice.

“Well, I’m not okay. I’m madder than a cut snake. I let him convince me to stay the weekend at his holiday home. And this morning bright and early, the rest of his family arrived.” Sarcasm drips off her every word. She’s mighty pissed.

“What do you mean?” Mae says, looking at me, her eyes wide. “Like his kids?”

“Like his kids, his wife, and the grandma. It was humiliating,” Paisley cries.

Mae pulls a face, and I can tell she is disgusted by the idea. “So, you were his mistress?”

“Don’t say it like that. He assured me he was single. I knew it was all too good to be true, rich bastard.” She screams, and something else smashes. She appears in the hallway again, and her eyes meet mine. I haven’t moved from my place in front of my door. She freezes on the spot then appears to remember herself. “Hi, um, I’m sorry. You must be our new roomie, Gisele.” She holds out her hand to shake mine, with a labored smile.

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