The Hire
It was when Ron saw her, he fell in love.
Her sleek beautiful body could make anyone turn his head. She was subtle, oh she was subtle. In the streets of Business Lane, she was just a passing figure. Almost bankers and lawyers had something similar to her, but to Ron, she was special.
Ron was already 21. It was a monumental time for a man. He had taken control of most of his Bueno Nacho's royalties. This time he was going to be smart with his money. But at least, he let himself have one last treat.
He was riding his battered scooter thinking on what to do. He wanted something. Something sensible and reliable. That's when he went to the ads. Kim would have a field day if she knew what he was about to do. She would have a field day if she hadn't bothered to leave him. That wasn't fair, all she asked was a little time.
It took Ron weeks for him to get over it. His father knew that he was hurting, and strangely enough the Possibles were giving him their support. He knew he needed something to occupy himself. And with caution out the window it was like he was free.
Free. Ron could only smirk at that. How could he be free? He never had any tough decisions before. Well, tough decisions that he spent time thinking about. He decided that a ride might give him some perspective.
Cruising around, crawling in his case, he reached someplace he rarely went: Upperton.
Actually, Business Lane connects Upperton and Middleton and most white collar employees frequent the place. He felt out of place. With his jeans and jersey, he knew he was like a spot on a blank piece of paper. He never knew that this place was so dull. Black, white and grey were the predominant colors. An occasional red and yellow could be seen but it was only those who didn't want to be conformed to the stereotypic.
But that's fine with Ron. If they knew how much he was worth these days, he might not get to his destination unscathed. Aimlessly walking through the streets, he tried to get a hold of something, something that could possible changed his life.
At one of the shops, he suddenly stopped. Something made him stop. Something had caught his eye. Turning his head, he looked at the shop through the large window and through the rest of the ladies, he saw her. She wasn't that visible. Obscured by the other ladies, it was a miracle that he saw her.
Despite the exotica that filled the shop, she was the only one he focused on.
He was drawn to her. Insert your favorite cliché. Like a moth to a flame, a kid to a candy, like Eve to the forbidden fruit. He had to see her up close.
He entered the shop and immediately was stopped by a man in a suit. He was not scary nor was he kind. Inquisitive was the term. He wanted to know, politely, what Ron wanted. Ron's eyes immediately went to her and the man's face lightened admiring his taste.
The man showed Ron around, introducing him to the other ladies. Most were Italian and some were British but Ron's eyes were glued to her. He didn't want any others. Just her. The man merely chuckled and introduced him to her. And when Ron saw her, she took her breath away. Gleaming in silver, she was truly magnificent.
The man suggested that Ron took her out, show her around was his term. Ron was eager but she looked delicate, he might break her. The man assured him that she was tougher than she looked.
She was German, he explained. Despite her beautiful looks, she was stronger that the other ladies, which Ron noticed were Italian. Much faster as well. She was not as temperamental as the rest but of course she was a bit older than them. She was reliable and almost discreet, and that suited him well. Though he was a high maintenance lady, it was worth it. The man assured him that she would take care of him just as well as he would take care of her.
With that assurance, Ron took her out.
It was a quiet day and neither said a word. It didn't matter. It was just the two of them cruising along.
He took her to his favorite places and then showed her around town. He even took her at lookout point, the most romantic place in all of Middleton. Ron knew that they had made a connection, a bond like no other.
Sadly it was time to bring her back.
Ron reluctantly turned around and headed towards the shop. Agonizingly, he placed her where he got her and looked at the man.
He asked how their outing was. Mere words could not describe the joy, the raw emotion deep inside him. The only answer he could give was taking out his checkbook and filled it with the required amount, and then some for the man. The man said that he could take her home with him. This surprised Ron. Normally it took a few days before a check could be cleared but the man explained that he had asked around and knew that Ron's money was good.
This was a problem for Ron. He couldn't take her home wearing what he had. Explaining his predicament, the man nodded and pointed to the shop across the street.
Ron almost smiled when he saw the shop's name. Armani. Perfect.
Two hours later, decked in a fashionable three piece light grey suit that almost matched his lady's own, he entered the shop. It was a transformation. Ron was no longer just a boy, he was becoming a handsome man. He now had presence. His innocent demeanor seemed lost within the fine suit that he bought. He did had others made but he bought what he was wearing of the rack. It was something he needed to wear.
The man nodded in appreciation. He told him that everything was being taken care of and he could now bring her home.
It was exciting. And it was scary.
He never did anything like this before. Would his parents approve?
He needed a place for his own. A place where he could keep her safe.
He simple smiled as they left the shop. Whatever comes next, they would face it together.
This was the beginning of their adventure.
IIIM
A/n: If this chapter misled you, then it worked. The story will continue in the next chapter and will explain who the lady is. (If you haven't figured it out yet)