A/N: New character pictures on the side. Meet the two best friends. On the left is Paige, and on the right is Jade.
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Two
"So, what is this emergency about?" Jade asked before she reached a foot from our table.
"Would you seat down first and not shout?" I hissed in annoyance as she sat down comfortably, placing her white Fendi purse on the empty chair beside her.
"Paige is seating there. We'll start when she is here." I stated as she signaled for the waiter.
As she told the waiter her order, I let out a sigh of relief as I watched Paige ghosted her way back to our table.
I called them after I left the hotel to meet at our favorite restaurant. These two are what I mentally call my support group, and introduce to strangers as my evil girlfriends, who I personally call my best friends.
Paige and I have been friends since middle school when I moved here from Europe. She is British. We've become friends since I was the only person that was brave enough to talk to the new girl who talks weird. And, as for my other friend, Jade, we met in college. She was my roommate since Paige and I were unlucky to get rooms together. It was instantaneous when we became friends, and I introduce Paige to her, which is a given.
Between the two, differentiating them is easy. Paige is someone who has innocent face and very timid way of speaking. The angelic side of that friendship. Plus, her petite frame and pixie hair cut just make it more convincing. I always felt the need to protect her from all those vicious wolves in this jungle-like modern world. But, in truth, she helped me more that I help her.
As for Jade, she is the complete opposite of Paige. Her raven hair and creamy white skin, plus the way she walks like the ground is made out of carpet that was rolled out for her, she has a different point of view on how the world works. But, I can't ever say that she is 'the incarnation of evil', only when she gets really mad and bitchy.
"So, why are we here in the middle of the day?" Jade asked after Paige sat down on her seat.
"Are you in trouble, Mitch?" Paige added as she took a small sip from her drink.
I glance between my two best friends wearily. "Yes, I think I can describe this as trouble, and to answer your question Jade, I'm here because I need both your help."
"Did you finally have a one night stand?" Jade gasped in shock, her tone teasing.
I turned toward her sternly, a little annoyed at the comment. "No. You know I don't do that... This is something more permanent – well, depends if we can get along or not..." I mumbled dejectedly and sighed.
"Then cut the suspense and get to your point, Mitch." Jade said, rolling her eyes in exasperation.
With another defeated sigh, I lightly slammed the envelope on the table and eyed it with distaste. "My family had turned against me. We met today and well... I just found out some lame family tradition that requires me married before taking over the company..." I explained wearily, all my energy is draining as I think back to what happened.
"What do you mean married? Are these...?" Jade asked in confusion, and then realization hit her as she grabbed the envelope off the table.
"Your parent's aren't that serious, Mitch. They might be bluffing. It's known that your dad bluffs a lot." Paige caresses my arm in comfort as I covered my face with both of my hands.
"Or, maybe they aren't... These guys are real. I know this one, and this one... And, all I can say, you won't be disappointed with them when it comes to performance." Jade interjected with a sly smirk as she placed the photos on the table.
"I'm so screwed." I said in defeat as I glance at the photos placed in front of me. "My mother couldn't be thorough enough to check that these men weren't womanizers." I added in distaste.
"What does that supposed to mean?" Jade asked in defense.
"It's really not that obvious how you sleep around, Jade. It's not like we've known each other for years." I replied sarcastically.
She flipped her hair, looking unaffected by my words. Well, there wasn't much that can affect a thickheaded, stubborn person like Jade. "Well, at least I've done some research for you already. If not, you should thank me for being so active in the dating scene." She countered.
"You don't date, Jade." Paige interjected, eying Jade wearily.
"Okay, fine. If you want me to admit it... Then, okay. I sleep around. A lot. Are you two happy now?" She asked in annoyance.
"Never been happier." I smirked in reply.
"Oh, take that smile off your face. If you want my help, you shouldn't be bullying me." She shook her head in amusement but kept her voice stern.
"Right. Sorry." I replied curtly and shook my head in disbelief. I turned towards Paige, who now has the envelope. "So, is there anyone here who is decent enough to meet?" I asked in slight interest.
"Well... I can say that these men are mostly professionals, but two of them are already on Jade's 'already slept with' list... So, it's quiet bleak right now." She replied in defeat.
"I'm really screwed. So, screwed."
"Well, how about we do this tomorrow, since it's a weekend. We'll help you start finding a man by then. I need some time to prepare." Jade interjected, doing another hair flip.
"If you're already thinking about going anywhere for this, or even plan about gathering people for a party or something..." I started but was cut off by Jade's glare.
"Mitch, you asked me to help you. You can't just give out restrictions." She stated deadly.
"How about we put guys who are available on file first before doing all those things that Jade wants..." Paige pointed out, giving her our full attention.
"I agree. I think we should make a list first." I nodded and got the bio papers from Paige that my mother had filed for me to choose.
"Well, before you go through that, we need basis since this is you we are talking about, Mitch." Jade said, and grabs the papers from my hand.
"What do you mean basis? And, what's with me anyway?" I asked, a little offended for some unknown reason.
"Okay, for starters..." Jade rolled her eyes at me and pointed at one of the men in the list. "Do prefer men with a graduate degree or anything?" She asked pointedly.
"Well, I don't prefer it, but I think it's a plus if they've graduated with anything." I mumbled in reply.
"That's the kind of thing I'm talking about... So, a list..." Jade said as she ruffled something from her purse, which is a paper and pen. "I shall start with step one." She gave me a sly smile before writing it down.
I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her. I knew she would have more fun on this fall out than anyone else. And, beside me, Paige looked as excited as she absent-mindedly though of something to write.
After a few minutes, this is what we had written.
Step 1: Gather information on all bachelor's in the city and neighboring states who is in the age range of 27- 32 years old, that isn't once married or engaged three times.
Step 2: Check if they are rich and an asshole or rich and a philanthropist.
Step 3: Step 2 is not realistic but necessary under circumstances.
Step 4: Past boyfriends aren't prospects.
Step 5: These steps are plain stupid and my best friends forced me to do it.
Well, step 5 was my doing. In truth, it was the only thing I wrote from the stupid list. After talking a little bit more and planning to meet up at my place tomorrow, we decided to end the talk here. We separated ways after that and went back to work. But, I, on the other hand, only came by to my office to check on my schedule and reschedule some things. I didn't feel like being in this place.
So for the rest of the day, I treat myself to a much needed relaxing time at the spa. I told my father about it before leaving. He looked so guilty and sympathetic about it. I'll take that as my bait for now. He knows he owed it to me.
The next day, I woke up and sighed in contentment as something feathery and light brushed my exposed arm, from the tip of my finger and up towards the top of my shoulder. I let out a little shiver as the pattern repeated itself for the second time. I pressed my face deeper on my soft, fluffy pillow as the feeling grew more tickle-ish.
"I think she is dreaming about having her dear dreamy, sizzling hot ex-boyfriend again." A familiar voice whispered by the foot of my bed, making one of my eyes shot wide open.
I felt the left side of my bed sunk deeper and bounces on someone's weight. I rolled over to my back and blink twice as my eyes adjusted to the bright room.
"How the hell did you two get in?!" I shouted my voice was still horse from sleep.
"Why do you still wonder after all the times we both got into your room? You know Marie likes us, and we are nice mistresses." Jade stated arrogantly, who was seated on my left side, as she fanned herself like she was holding a hundred dollar bills.
"For sure, I mean, I think Marie like us more than you. She even gave us this orange juice as welcome drinks." Paige interjected while she held up the drink in her hands as she stood at the foot of my bed.
"Get off my bed." I hissed in annoyance and playfully swatted Jade thigh, which was the closes thing to my left hand.
"No, you get your sassy ass up! Because today is the day we go to Vegas!" Jade answered with a high-pitched voice, making me and Paige flinched.
"And, why Vegas?" I countered with disinterest as I rolled my eyes at her.
"Don't give me that eye roll." She raised her eyebrow at me in warning, but otherwise ignored it. "We are going to Vegas to celebrate your promotion. And, Vegas is the best choice on where to go since one, you own a hotel there; and two, all rich bachelors are going to be gathered in one place for the weekend! And, I'm sure those hot, money makers can be a candidate for the title of marrying..." Jade replied giddily but trailed off when I eyed her with my eyebrow raised.
"You aren't seriously suggesting..." I interjected with a strained sigh.
"Oh! I'm dead serious about this, Michelle Newman. Paige and I are here to help you find your future husband in less than 100 days. No doubt, he is out there." She stated with much conviction, which somehow uplifts my spirit at least five percent since I had this talk with my parents.
"Hooray!" I cheered bleakly, eying Jade with disinterest.
On the foot of my bed, Paige chuckled to herself as she finally sat down. "How about you get yourself out of bed and change for breakfast? Marie cooked us some scrambled eggs and sandwiches." She stated standing up again.
"Yes! Get your ass off this comfy bed now! You'll only get more time in here if only you'll sleep with someone already." Jade jumped out of my bed and straightens out her black chiffon mini dress that had a web pattern string around her shoulder and neckline.
I eyed her outfit for the first time. "What's with the dress?" I asked with thick curiosity.
"I went to a party last night and stayed at my man's place." She replied nonchalantly, like it wasn't something serious.
"Are you seeing someone?" I asked in interest, which is genuine. Knowing Jade, she doesn't stick to a man at least a week or so. And, the longest 'relationship' she had was three weeks.
"No. This one is man of the week." She replied in disbelief, like I was talking nonsense.
With a deep sigh, I shook my head in understanding and dropped the topic. I turned to Paige, who was already by the door, watching us with an amused expression. When she saw that I was looking at her, she gave me a cheeky grin and winked. I chuckled at our silence conversation, knowing full well what she was thinking at the moment. Jade has her own code to follow in life. And, if we ever follow that code, we wouldn't be here mentally talking about it innocently.
After taking a shower and dressed up in a casual white summer dress and navy blazer, I quickly made my way to the dining room to rejoin my nosy friends. As I got out of my room, I could easy guess that the two of them haven't gone home at all. Jade's voice ringed at my penthouse, which isn't something new around here.
"Jade, shut the pie hole and eat your cereal." I stated sarcastically as I got to the dining room.
"Get your ass here, and eat already so we can catch our flight." Jade countered, stopping whatever she was going to say to Paige.
"You aren't seriously going through with that idea."
"Oh, but I am dead serious. We need to be there. Well, you need it more than I am, but I need to be there too since he's going to be there..." Jade started and mumbled out some nonsense.
"I thought we are going there to find me a husband, and who is going to be there?" I asked, eying Jade in question.
"No one you should problematize. Your job tonight is to find a man. And, we are only there to guide and advice you. Well, I'll be the one to advice you and Paige here will guide you away from the weirdoes." She stated, rephrasing the last part.
Paige eyed Jade blankly and rolled her eyes without saying a word. I sighed heavily at Jade's strategic plan, already knowing what is going to happen next.
And so, with a heavy heart, I finished eating and got ready for our weekend flight to Vegas. I called my secretary about my schedule, informing her about my whereabouts. Since I'm currently practicing my future role as the president of the company, I should at least be professional about my time. Well, there isn't professional about what I'm about to do.
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A/N: Hey fellas! Thank you so much for reading the story. The first week was mind boggling. I shocked that it got this many reads already. So, thank you for that.
Please comment and vote if you like the story or chapter. I would like to hear from you.
Anyways, Have an awesome day and Happy reading! Until next week..:D