Chapter 22 Champagne
Another server arrived, bringing their pizzas. After chatting with him politely, Emily tried to take a bite of the steaming melted cheese, but she did not let the delicate flavors distract her too much.
“You wanted to make it up to me... What do you have in mind?” she asked.
“It’s a surprise,” Byron said, “I’d like to show you something. We can go there after lunch, if you’re not busy.”
“I’m not busy at all,” she said.
Fortunately she didn’t have to teach any classes this day, and it would have been otherwise another boring, rainy afternoon. But as they left the restaurant the rain cleared up, and a shy ray of sunshine peeked through the low, grey blanket of clouds.
They walked along the busy downtown street, and Emily couldn’t help noticing all the women checking out her fake boyfriend. It provided a certain superficial enjoyment, even if it wasn’t a real relationship. In a way, she liked being friends with him better than a love relationship. Friendship had a certain stability, and fewer obligations.
“Right this way,” Byron said, turning towards an old-fashioned red brick building about five stories tall. It was one of the few historic houses in this area, dating from the early 20th century. If the surprise was to take place in there, Emily liked it already.
Inside, the elevator was something she had only seen in films. The doors weren’t automatic, and she had to pull them closed, but they were beautifully crafted.
“Where are we going?” Emily finally asked, looking over at Byron as the elevator began to ascend at an unhurried pace, but his face gave nothing away.
“We’re almost there,” he said.
The elevator slowly came to a halt, and they emerged into a brightly lit space on the top floor.
The big windows allowed a lot of light to enter the room, especially on a slightly sunny day like this. But the whole space was empty. Her footsteps echoed across the wooden floor as she went over to one of the windows to take in a view of downtown buildings and the mountains in the background.
“You told me how much you enjoyed teaching art,” Byron said, “so why not have your own studio? I could get this redecorated in whatever way you like. You’d have your own school.”
Emily was speechless. He had put so much thought into helping her, and it was an amazing space, something she would have chosen herself.
“I can’t accept this,” she said, “this is prime real estate. The rent must be ridiculous!”
“Good thing I already own the building,” Byron said. He looked a bit tense, hugging his arms close to his body. “Do you like it?”
“I love it,” Emily said, “but I can’t afford it.”
“I know you probably won’t accept a free offering, but what if I rented it to you at a steep discount?”
“How much?” she couldn’t help asking.
“You might not have much capital starting out,” he said, “so how about you just pay me ten percent of what you make from your classes?”
“But that might be... not very much.”
He shrugged. “That’s okay. Look, I know you’re worried that this is too extravagant, but the cost of this building is a fraction of one percent of my yearly budget. And I want to do this for you, as a friend. Would you not accept a favor from a friend?”
Emily could see how much this meant to him. He was eager, almost anxious to help her. And her mind was already churning with the possibilities of what could be done with this studio.
“You did say you wanted some space,” he added, his eyes crinkling up with mischievous humor.
“Byron,” she finally said, “You are impossible. You knew I’d have no choice but to take it. This is... too beautiful.”
“You’ll take it then?” He looked so vulnerable, hardly daring to believe that she would accept.
“Yes,” Emily said, “This is so inspiring. One day, I may be able to pay the real rent on this place.”
A smile of genuine happiness lit up Byron’s face, and Emily was glad she agreed just to be able to see that.
“Then let’s go celebrate,” he said. “I know a great place!”
They walked another couple of blocks to a cafe and bar that boasted classic cocktails and fine wines.
Emily was already drunk with happiness, but then Byron ended up ordering champagne. It seemed right for the occasion.
After the bubbly nectar was poured by an expert waiter and Emily clinked glasses with the handsome and generous man sitting across from her, she realized her life was irrevocably changing.
“So this is the billionaire lifestyle,” she said, “wandering around from place to place, eating and drinking all day?”
“Yeah,” Byron said, smiling conspirationally with just a corner of his mouth, “this is what it’s like.”
“How do you stay looking so fit?” she asked.
“Exercise,” he replied, giving her an eloquent look, “lots and lots of exercise.”
How did everything that came out of his mouth sound so sexy? It seemed no woman could ever be bored in his company.
Then she remembered something. She was supposed to help Pam with her relationship situation. Suddenly, she had an idea.
“This day is already magnificent,” she said, “but if I can ask you for just one other small favor, then I would definitely say you’ve made it up to me.”
Byron sighed dramatically. “It’s hard work making a woman happy, but I don’t mind doing it. So, what does your heart desire?”
“I need this favor for a friend...” she began.
