On n’attrape pas les mouches avec le vinaigre

[DeliciousMaiden]

Perhaps Jodi was too young to be so cynical, but she had learned very quickly that men were persistent, irritating and difficult to discourage, much like the proverbial fly when there was something “sweet” on offer. But when life turned sour, they were the first to turn face and run in the opposite direction!

It wasn’t that she was a “has been” it was merely that she was no longer the “face of the moment”. This year the celebrity status had gone to stick thin models with their faces on Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan and such like. She had never been that shape, nor did she have the looks (although that was one confession she would only EVER make to herself!) or patience for such a profession!

Last year she had been unexpectedly thrust into the limelight. She had never expected that the role she played in one of the more obscure films shown at the Cannes Festival would bring her such attention. Even when the film was unexpectedly lauded by the “film buffs” Jodi had thought her role so minor that she had been taken by suprise by the reaction of the press and assembled glitteratti. And yet she had found herself the recipient of an inordinate level of acclaim, wealth and of course the associated male attention.

Wonderful though it had all been, her celebrity status had been short lived.
She had come out of it well enough, if she were to be totally honest.
She had played the publicity, lived the lifestyle, been seen with the right people and even now had a few minor movie roles in the pipeline and yet her short flirtation with fame had taught her how fickle the public and MEN especially could be.
But more than that, Jodi had sampled a lifestyle she knew she could acquire a taste for! …
But how to attain it without the uncertainty and inconvenience of actually having to earn or work your way into it?

And so … here she was in Cannes, just over a year later.

The last of the Film Festival groupies had left the town and given way to an altogether less “glitzy” clientele.
It was amongst this set that the true money was to be had.
Jodi wasn’t looking for glamour necessarily.
Her priority was security … stability …
If she could snare herself a millionaire … then she would have it made … !
She saw this … exercise … as an investment in her future.

Booked into one of the rooms at the select HOTEL GRAY D’ALBION and living the appropriate life style seemed the best way to attract money and class.
All Jodi had to do was dangle the bait … the honey pot … for the bees to swarm around.
She was young, attractive, could give the allusion of extended wealth and THIS time she would use her head and make her decisions wisely.
She had learned her lessons well.
She was NOT going to risk her heart.
She vowed that any liaison she might indulge in THIS time would be a BUSINESS decision.

Yes … this season was going to be very … profitable … she decided.

OOC:

Throwing out this idea to challenge any male writers out there who think their character could take on a mercenary/cynical young lady who is out to wed/bed money.
(I have links to the hotel and Cannes to provide some true local colour and will PM then to interested parties or paste in here.)

In my experience SMALL casts work best so ...

This thread could be a one-on-one
OR
there could be a conflict of interests if Jodi were faced with two male characters – one dashing, young and poor, the other older, steady and rich.

However many players, the possibilities for the male counterpart to Jodi are endless:

The rich guy might turn out to be dashing and debonair and Jodi finds herself falling for him big time – despite her initial intentions just to use him.

Another idea might be that Mr Money turns out to be poor after all – he could be a cad and on the make as much as Jodi.

Of course, these ideas aren’t exclusive … just brainstorming possibilities …

I’m totally open to all ways of exploring this theme.
As usual, I’m just throwing in a background, context and character and inviting YOU to shape it into something that would please YOU to explore.

Please PM any ideas if you wish to “play” with Jodi.
I won’t need to know the full plot, but would appreciate a suggested character bio and a BRIEF outline of how you see the story progressing.

(Might also be useful if you tell me if you prefer one-on-one or a threesome etc thread)

Thank you for reading thus far. PMs and comments always welcome!
I look forward to hearing from any interested parties.
I will post my first when I have cast my co-writer(s)

DM x

Jodi:

http://image.redoute.com/images/REDOUTEUK/AH01/G/KV732B11G.JPG

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

*le bump*

I *knew* giving this such an obscure title wouldn't be as attention catching as say:

GOLD DIGGER GETS WHAT'S CUMMING TO HER !!

Duhhhh!

Man am I too subtle or what!?!?

*ggls*

DM x


(Ohhh yeah ... and it being in French *really* helps huh?)

 

[Graybread]

Re: *le bump* 'deux'

I *knew* giving this such an obscure title wouldn't be as attention catching as say:

GOLD DIGGER GETS WHAT'S CUMMING TO HER !!

Duhhhh!

Man am I too subtle or what!?!?

*ggls*

DM x


(Ohhh yeah ... and it being in French *really* helps huh?)

I knew that.








yeah right I did.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

LOL !!!

Awwww hun!

You can *bump* me up ANYtime!

*ggls*

Merci beaucoup .... je voudrais ....

Well ... I think I'll leave talking dirty "en francais" for PMs.

<wink>

Can I claim to be half asleep this morning as plea of innocence?

<Picks up dictionary to look up word in - inno - innoce ....
Nawwww that won't work, I guess. Guilty as charged!>

{{{huggles}}}
Mari x

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bienvenu, mon cher ...

Ok ... Ok ... I've learned my lesson.

My thanks for Greyknight who - without the aid of a dictionary - has created a wonderful character for Jodi to play with.

I hope those of you who bumped / commented / considered or just plain wondered if I'd finally flipped this time continue to read along and feel free to PM comments.

For those who are of a curious nature, the title means:

"One cannot catch flies with vinegar" .... (Duhhhh!!) ... the point being that Jodi has got to dangle something sweet ... her seemingly prestigious self ... in order to "catch" her man (fly).

See ... simple... well.... maybe not ... and if anyone's wondering ... Grey just ASKED what the hell it meant!

LOL

OMggggg ... anyone get the feeling poor Grey doesn't know quite what he's taken on!?!?
*ggls*

DM x

 

[Greyknight]

Character Bio

Jason J. Matthews
30 year old
6'2" 178lbs
brown hair and eyes

Jason is a self made millionaire. He made his money in the dot com business and sold it off soon like so many other young men and women. He travelled and saw things and experienced life like he had dreamed about for so long. Then on e day he realised that something was missing in his life. He soon realised that companion was what he needed. Someone to share life with and be around.He first started like anyone else would by flaunting his money and staying in the finest hotels. But he soon came to find that that only attracted the 'vultures and leeches' as he calls them. So he decided to try something different this time. He chose Cannes,near the end of the festival. He would stay in a fine hotel to show he had some money just not show how much he had. And try to find that special someone that wanted him for him and not for his money.


Yeah she has me there I didn't have a dictionary handy at the time but at least I knew it was misspelled. And I apologise to all out there for not speaking the language of love. I'm more of the gutteral germanic type. As for getting into something I can't handle that remains to be seen. And as DM said please feel free to PM with thoughts and whatever else crosses your mind.

Hope you all enjoy this.
<G>

GK

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Re: Character Bio

As for getting into something I can't handle that remains to be seen.

*ggls*

I meant ME not the story of course hun!

{{{huggles}}}

Welcome Grey!

Mari x

 

[Greyknight]

Well like I said that remains to be seen.

And thanks for the welcome. Looking forward to a long writing partnership.(hopefully)

GK

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jodi Jameson

Jodi sipped at her dry martini as she sat on the bar terrace and looked out to the private beach beyond. She'd been at the HOTEL GRAY D’ALBION and had taken one of their luxury rooms for an undefined, but extended stay. She tried not to think of the amount of money she was spending in maintaining this aura of financial comfort, but knew that it would be worth it ... once she got her man.

Glancing around lazily, she noted that there was no one of note within socialising distance. The selection of suitable candidates had been disappointingly limited. The most obvious wealth was the elderly "Lord Carmichael" who was reputed to have amassed an unknown wealth throughout his life time. And that was the problem: At the age of 67 even Jodi cold not quite bring herself to "chase" him ... well not yet ... But hopefully things would not get that desperate.

What she had to do was check out just who it was that was staying in the eight "suites" in the hotel, although so far it had been married couples, or more often than not a rich guy who already had "company". Using the cocktail stick to bring an olive to her lips, Jodi bit on it consideringly. It wasn't that she couldn't try to come between these established couples ... but it hadn't been her intention to cause trouble in that way ... besides ... she wanted an easy life: THAT was what all this was about!

Biting back a sigh, she sipped at her drink once more and stretched out her bare legs, and wriggling her painted toes that were clearly visible in the leather sandals. Although she wore a bikini, she had thrown a sleeveless top over the colourful material and tied a matching sarong about her waist to give the semblance of a skirt. Reaching out for the magazine at her side, Jodi crossed her legs, exposing smooth, lightly tanned skin. Donning her sunglasses and turning her attention to the page, she seemed unaware of the fact that the "skirt" allowed a clear view of her leg, from ankle to thigh.

But of course ... as with everything ... even this move was calculated.

 

[Greyknight]

Jason Matthews

Jason stood in his room gazing into the mirror. Not from any sense of his self importance nor was he overly concerned with his appearance. He was wondering what women saw when they looked at him that screamed to them,that this was a man with money. Breathing out a heartfelt sigh, Jason turned and considered his room. It was one of the junior suites in the Gray D'Albion and was below what he usually choose for himself. Well, I guess this is the first step for me starting this journey. To find a woman that can love me for me and not for my money, he thought to himself.

Turning once more to the mirror he looked at his choice for his 'first ' appearance. A white t-shirt covered by a thin blue silk shirt left unbuttoned in the front. His pants were a pair of grey kakhis so faded they were almost white. A pair of tennis shoes completed the outfit. A quick brush of his fingers through his hair and he was ready to go.

As he was leaving his room Jason thought back to his 'arrangement' with the manager of the hotel. They would not defer to him as they usually would and make no comment about his attire at any time. All this had been prearranged for a small paltry sum of fifty thousand.

Descending the stairs, Jason cast his gaze out over the spacious and elegant lobby. There was ' Lord Carmichael ' and his companion for the evening. A few other couples that he knew to glance at but had not been introduced to as of yet. And sitting alone, was a woman he thought he should know but couldn't recall if he had seen her before. She was reading a magazine and had a drink by her side on one of the small tables. He walked over to the bar and ordered an orange juice, picked up a paper, and headed over to the chairs scattered around the lobby.

He took a small sip of his juice and placed it on the small table to his side. He then opened his paper but didn't read it instead watched very carefully over the top at the people coming and going looking for someone to spark his interest. He also kept an eye on the woman wondering where he knew her from. Glancing at her from time to time and remembering to turn the pages of his paper he waited for inspiration to strike.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jodi Jameson

Jodi raised her eyes and gazed out at the crystal blue sea.
There was no denying it, having a private beach just beyond the bar was perfect, although she had to admit to herself that the expanse of sand had been so groomed and organised that it seemed unnatural. For once, unaware of what she did, Jodi put the magazine aside and stared out at the view that met her eyes. Rows of plush sunbeds were arranged with predictable regularity; each had their measured area of space, each had the same uniform sunny yellow cushioning and parasol. The sand was soft and almost silver and yet it was barely visible. Though private, the beach was crammed and lacked any natural beauty. Only the sea, devoid of those speedboats and skiers and such like was not ruined by the petty indulgences of the idle rich. She bit back a sigh, strangely dissatisfied.

During her short lived fame as a "starlet" Jodi had learned that swimming in the sea was almost as bad for the skin and complexion as swimming in a pool, though both had their advantages: the sea was natural and could be beneficial … if one did not have to negotiate the sand and go through the indignity of salt caking the skin afterwards and the pool was a good place to be seen, though the chemicals and the smell were as unflattering as they were destructive to the image.

Jodi laughed at herself and shook her head. She could just imagine how it would seem if she gave way to her urge to pull off the sarong and go skittering down the beach to hurl herself into the cool water … but of course … that would be … undignified.

She turned to pick up her magazine, determined to immerse herself in it again when the glass caught and tipped.

”Ohhh … hell …”

Unthinkingly she sprung to her feet and looked around for something to dab up the mercifully small amount of liquid with.

Bravo Jodi! Great move! She scolded herself.

 

[Greyknight]

Jason

Seeing the young woman jump to her feet caused quite a stir in the otherwise peaceful atmosphere of the lobby. Jason looked for a minute until he realised that she had inadverdently spilled her drink. He waved to the bartender and pointed to the young woman. Receiving a slight nod, Jason stood and walked over to her.
" Excuse me miss," Jason lightly touched her shoulder as he began to speak." Is everything ok here?" Looking down from where he now stood he noticed a small spill. Taking a hankerchief from his pocket he quickly wiped it up. " There everything is taken care of," he said with a slight smile. " By the way, my name is Jason and you are..." He held out his right hand toward her and he left the question open just to hear her speak.
As he waited for her answer he casually studied the woman in front of him. She appeared close to his age but didn't have the wide eyed innocence that the young people seem to have. But on the other hand, she also seemed to have a slightly cynical side for one so young. Perhaps she is looking for something? Or has recently been hurt by something or someone? Jason thought to himself. Well no matter I'm just being friendly. Can never hurt to be friendly. He smiled at her as he waited for her reply.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jodi Jameson

" Excuse me miss,"

The voice combined with the touch on her shoulder made Jodi turn, her eyes widening in surprise the man who had suddenly appeared before her, a look of concern on his face..

" Is everything ok here?"

She nodded dumbly drawn irresistibly to the soft intensity of those brown eyes as he looked down at her.
She stood temporarily transfixed as she watched him mopping up the minor spillage.

" There everything is taken care of,"

His smooth assurance and warm smile brought an answering smile to her face.

" By the way, my name is Jason and you are..."

She slid her hand into his feeling his fingers enclosing hers as he looked down at her expectantly.

”I’m Jodi … Jodi Jameson. Thanks for coming to my rescue … Jason … “

Her eyes moved over the man who still stood before her.
Now she had finally managed to tear her eyes away from that smile, one quick glance had told her that this man was definitely NOT the “type” she was trying to attract.
Just as well, she told herself determinedly suppressing a twinge of disappointment.
At least she hadn’t behaved like at total “klutz” in front of anyone she was trying to impress!

”Would you like to join me …?”

The words slipped from her mouth before she realised.
But ... sharing a drink with him wouldn’t do any harm …
Americans (if she had identified his accent correctly) were supposed to be notoriously friendly weren't they? ...
He wouldn't read anything into her invitation ...
And … if she were honest ( for once ) … she could use the company … at least with HIM she could just be herself.

Jodi indicated the chair beside her as she seated herself again raising her eyes to his actually hoping that he would take her up on her offer…

 

[Greyknight]

Jason

" I would be honored to join you Ms. Jameson. On one condition. You let me buy you dinner as well. What do you say?" Jason thought to ask as it was getting on towards evening and the hotel guest were heading either towards the resturant or going out for a night on the town. "I was wondering what brings a woman here all alone? You certainly wouldn't want for company." Jason's face turns slightly red at the last comment. " Please forgive me. I'm being presumptous. I have no right to ask you such a personal question. But my offer for dinner still stands."
With that said the waiter that is serving from the bar comes over and hands Jodi a new drink. From the gentleman he says with a slight nod towards Jason. A sheepish grin on his face Jason nods." It was the least I could do. Can't have a young woman without a drink now can we?" he says smiling. Standing Jason extends his hand toward her. " So do I enjoy your company for a dinner or do I eat alone...again?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jodi Jameson

" I would be honoured to join you Ms. Jameson. On one condition. You let me buy you dinner as well. What do you say?"

Jodi hesitated, this wasn’t what she’d had in mind at all. She was torn between enjoying his company and the pursuit of her “plan”.

"I was wondering what brings a woman here all alone? You certainly wouldn't want for company."

Questions like that were just what Jodi didn’t need. She was about to make a response to that effect when she saw him blush.

" Please forgive me. I'm being presumptuous. I have no right to ask you such a personal question.”

She was uncertain if her reluctance to respond to his query had shown on her face and turned her head seemingly to look at the sea, but in truth her mind was racing.

”But my offer for dinner still stands."

The action of the waiter placing the drink before her made Jodi glance back.

”From the gentleman … “

His explanation made it clear to Jodi that Jason must have reordered her drink before coming over. She was prepared to be annoyed, sure his motives were merely to ingratiate himself with a woman seemingly more affluent than himself and yet the expression on his face didn’t match that of the many “players” that she had known in the past.

" It was the least I could do. Can't have a young woman without a drink now can we?"

Jodi made no reply, deciding that Jason was either extremely self-effacing and charming … or knew how to pull moves like a pro.
Either way she felt cornered, out manoeuvred somehow …

" So do I enjoy your company for a dinner or do I eat alone...again?"

She considered his outstretched hand, refusing to let her gaze meet those eyes once more.

”That was very kind Mr … “

She frowned at a disadvantage: it was difficult to coolly brush someone off if you only knew their Christian name.

” … but not at all necessary … “

She reached for her magazine and shoulder bag.

”Please … enjoy the drink … I have plans for dinner, I’m afraid … “

Standing smoothly, she eased the bag over her shoulder eager to be on her way and avoid further … distraction …

Perhaps it was the fact that Jason had actually done nothing wrong that she found disconcerting.
After all, he had only tried to buy her a drink and offered her dinner … actions that suggested he was genuine …
But Jodi had promised herself to pursue only those who were “suitable targets” this time.
She had to distance herself from him as quickly as possible, whilst her determination held.

“It was nice meeting you … “

She told him with a nod, refusing to meet his eyes as she moved around him, heading for her room to formulate a new plan of action.

 

[Greyknight]

Jason

" I have plans for dinner, I'm afraid.... It was nice meeting you."

Jodi's reply to his query took a moment to sink in. He wasn't used to being brushed off this lightly and the feeling was new as well as exciting to him. " Please stay, don't let me keep you from enjoying yourself. I'll be happy to leave you alone while you wait for your companion. Enjoy your dinner and the drink." With that last comment Jason turned to walk away. He paused a few steps away before turning back to her. " By the way my last name is Matthews. Goodnight Ms. Jameson." He turned and started back to where he had been sitting before and sat back down. Picking up the paper and opening it he started to read once more.

Well not bad for a first try, he thought to himself. I'll just have to try a little harder next time.

He stood up to leave and cast once last glance toward where Jodi had been moments before when an idea struck him. Jason walked over to the front desk. Raoul, one of the managers, was working this evening. " Evening Raoul," Jason stated as he neared the desk, " I want you to do me a favor. Send a dozen red roses to Ms. Jameson's suite as well as an apology from me. Then thirty minutes later send up a bottle of your finest champagne. No note, no explanation, and no one has any idea what she is talking about if she should ask where it came from. Only say an admirer must have sent it." Raoul looked at Jason for a moment then nodded bruskly. Ah, you have to love Raoul. A man of few words. Jason chuckled to himself as he made his way back up to his suite to change for dinner.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jodi Jameson

" Please stay, don't let me keep you from enjoying yourself.”

His words halted her.

”I'll be happy to leave you alone while you wait for your companion. Enjoy your dinner and the drink."

Jodi watched him turn and walk away, her eyes following him curiously, then starting as she found herself face to face with him as he turned back to her.

" By the way my last name is Matthews. Goodnight Ms. Jameson."

Not for the first time, she stared after him speechlessly, then turned back to the table, mentally shaking herself.
This was crazy! Why should she be so … disconcerted … by his calm confidence. He was so polite, almost infuriatingly so.
Her mouth turned up into a smile.
So … now she was getting annoyed at guys who were well mannered and generous … she really did need a reality check!

Impetuously, she turned and picking up the glass she walked with it down the steps that led onto the sand and the rows of sun beds. Throwing her bag and magazine down onto the nearest one, Jodi kicked off her sandals and strode almost defiantly, glass in hand towards the edge of the water, pausing only to pull her sarong higher, before wading until she stood knee deep in the sea.

She couldn’t help it … she stood sipping a martini and moving her legs around in the warm salty water … laughing at the folly of such an impetuous action.
In one afternoon, she had probably undone over a week’s ground work .. but … damn it … she was bored … bored to tears laying around watching and waiting …
She couldn’t let herself think that perhaps a pampered and privileged life might not be all she had presumed … once she had money … then she would be free to be herself … to have fun … but until then … she had to give the appearance of being an aloof, cultured and moneyed young English lady.

The irony of the situation hit her once more.
But what did it matter anyway?
The only “catch” in the hotel seemed to be Old Lord Carmichael and from what he’d seen of his range of female “companions” thus far, she was not going to try to … accommodate .. his particular predilections!

So … instead … Jodi walked slowly along the length of the beach, pausing now and then to sip at her drink and curl her toes into the once familiar sensation of the sand as it oozed between her toes, her head filled with memories of childhood holidays, paddling, sandcastles, icecream and donkeys …
This evening, she would have some fun, she decided.
Salons … casinos … restaurants … she was bored of them all …
Perhaps she would head into town this evening … yes … she knew just the place …

Realising she had wandered further than intended, Jodi retraced her steps and returned to the sand, slipping her gritty feet into the fine sandals and walking back up to the bar and through to the reception, finally remembering to flick her sarong to fall into a respectable skirt length once more. Pausing at the reception, she booked a taxi to take her to Barracuda Club at 8 pm. She knew she could get a light meal there and find a quiet nook to relax in the piano bar, letting the music wash over her as she took in the view of Cannes waterfront by night … and who knew … if she felt the urge … she could dance ‘til dawn at the nightclub that made up part of the complex …

With a soft smile, she wandered up to her room, feeling happier than she had in a long while.

 

[Greyknight]

Jason

Jason saw her walking outside as he was talking to Raoul. Perfect he thought to himself this will work out splendidly. As soon as she was out of sight he made his way to his suite. He selected his outfit for dinner. A soft dark green shirt, the type with a round collar, and a comfortable pair of black slacks. A black jacket to cover everything and he was ready to go. A quick shower and he was getting dressed.

Twenty minutes later he was down stairs once again. He had given strick orders not to be called for dinner until Ms. Jameson had left for her night out on the town. He sat there in the lobby slowing sipping his scotch and nodding compainionably to the other guests. Ah, our esteemed 'Lord Carmichael' with another lovely drapped over his arm. Jason looked closer. Was that a man or a woman? Seeing a most prominent adam's apple Jason couldn't help but supress a chuckle. Boy, he is going to be surprised tonight. I think. Jason smiled to himself.

A movement near the stairs caught his eye. Jodi was making her way down the stairs. She looks even more beautiful than before. And I wonder where that slightly puzzled frown on her face came from? Jason thought remembering the champagne and the roses.
Just then the waiter came over to him and informed him that his table was ready. Jason stood, retreived his glass and nodded to let the waiter lead the way.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jodi

Jodi let herself into her room and pulled off her sarong throwing it and her bag and magazine carelessly onto the bed. She crossed to the en suite and began to run the water for a bath. What had possessed her to go for a paddle, she was unsure, but it had felt good to be herself for once. Pouring in the oils, she missed the first knock on the door, not hearing it until she wondered back into the bedroom heading for her closet.

”Yes … ?”

Her eyes widened as she was greeted by the sight of the red roses.

”Delivery, Ms Jameson … “

Even though she opened the door further, she shook her head.

”But … you must be mistaken … I … “

The flowers were brought into her room with discrete efficency.

”Here, Miss?”

Jodi watched as a weighty vase filled with the ruby blooms was set upon the vanity unit in the corner, the young man waiting for her approval.

”Oh… yes ... that’s fine.. .thank you ..”

She closed the door behind him and turned to stare at the bouquet.
Moving forward, she looked more closely … a dozen … of course … but …
Seeing the tiny envelope, Jodi opened it carefully and pulled out the note:

To Ms Jodi Jameson,

With sincerest apologies.

Jason Matthews

Shaking her head, Jodi looked back at the roses.
He was … crazy … such an extravagant gesture!
What was he thinking?!?
She smiled and lightly touched one of the delicate petals.
Lowering her face to the blooms she inhaled their heady scent.
How could any girl in her right mind fail to be flattered?
But ... even so ...

Turning away, Jodi quickly scooped up the discarded bag and magazine and laid them on the side table.
Untying her sarong and stripping off her bikini, she moved to lay them over the chair in the bathroom and turned off the taps, slipping gratefully into the hot foamy water.

Easing back, Jodi closed her eyes indulging in the memory of those soft brown eyes holding hers, searching hers, his smile and his soft politeness even as she refused his offer of dinner.
Even without the roses, she knew she had been drawn to him.
And that was the main reason for her refusal!
She was sure that he could not afford such ostentatious gestures and although she would have to tell him how much the flowers had been appreciated, she simply had to continue to discourage him.
She couldn’t take advantage of his foolish generosity; she decided dreamily forgetting that the whole point of being there was to take advantage of wealthy or even not-so-wealthy men.

It was another knock at the door that raised her from her bath. The insistent knocking could not be ignored.
Sighing heavily Jodi rose from the bath, wrapping a robe about her and making her way to the door.

”Yes? What is it?”

She asked, not opening the door.

”Room service, Miss ..”

Jodi sighed slightly irritated.

”I didn’t order anything …

The man on the other side of the door interrupted her insisting.

”The order is definitely to be delivered to this room, Ms Jameson … “

Securing the robe more tightly, Jodi realised it was stupid arguing through a locked door and pulled the door open instead a retort ready on her lips.

”Champagne, Miss… “

She shook her head mutely as the tray carrying an ice bucket containing a bottle of chilled champagne with a single crystal glass was brought in and laid beside the roses.

”Look… I didn’t order this .. I don’t want … “

But the man merely left with deliberate haste.
Once the door was closed, Jodi searched the tray for a card, for any indication of who the champagne was from, or its intended destination.
Giving up she finally called reception, only to be assured that the delivery was correct and had been sent from “an admirer”.

Leaving the bottle where it was place, Jodi moved to let the water out of the bath and pulled a towel to dry herself.
This was getting … out of hand … it couldn’t be Jason … surely …
But … who? …
Had she finally caught the eye of someone in the hotel?
Someone who could actually afford to send champagne?
But why no card?
Perhaps “he” would make himself known at some time … whoever he was …
She just hoped that “he” would be the right type.
It was about time her ground work paid off!

Back in the room, her eyes went to the bottle once, but she was reluctant to open it and somehow it seemed silly to drink alone … especially before a night out!
Instead, Jodi focused on getting ready, selecting an outfit and then tending to her makeup and hair.

Finally she drew back looking in the mirror to admire the silver, short, figure-hugging dress.
(Image for reference - dress style NOT girl)
http://www.exoticdancesupply.com/html/details.php?ItemNum=1986&Category=Dresses
She wasn’t dressed for the elegant and select venues of Cannes, but she was set up for a night out none-the-less.

Regardless of her “admirer”, she would indulge in just ONE night of being herself. She so desperately needed to escape the elaborate persona she had constructed around herself.
After all, if the champagne was any indication, she'd have to be setting "to work" on this mysterious suitor as soon as she could find out his identity!


Crossing the hall of the vast reception area, Jodi made her way to the desk, caring little for any stares her appearance might attract.
A quiet word with the receptionist assured her that her taxi was awaiting.
With a smile she turned towards the exit only to see Lord Carmichael with yet another “companion” on his arm.
She saw him give her a lewd smile and wink as he passed by and hoped to God the champagne wasn’t from him.
No amount of money would make her pursue him, she decided.
Turning back as an after-thought, she gave a quiet instruction to the receptionist, to have the champagne removed as she had no need of it that evening. She was met with assurances that it would be “kept for her”.
Shrugging she turned and began to make her way out.
Only then did she see Jason Matthews moving to go into dinner.

Her step faltered for a moment as their paths crossed and her eyes met his.

”Good evening Mr Matthews … “

She greeted him smoothly knowing all too well that a hot flush was rising in her cheeks.
She glanced into the subdued dining room, where the waiter hovered, almost wishing she had taken Jason up on his offer of dinner … but her taxi was waiting.

” … thank you for your … apology … though … unnecessary it was much appreciated … “

She told him haltingly, wishing that their meeting had happened at any other time and place. For some reason this felt so ... so "public".

”I must go … “

She excused herself hastily, reassured that he too was occupied and about to dine …

” …enjoy your meal … “

She told him softly dragging herself away with inexplicable reluctance.

 

[Greyknight]

Jason

" I must go....enjoy your meal." the last was said almost as an aside as Jodi turned to leave.

Jason called after her, " Ms. Jameson... please don't be in a rush. I was wondering if perhaps I may ask you to dine with me one more time. As for the apology, I didn't want you to think that I was intruding. You had obviously wanted to be alone earlier. But please, come and eat with me."
Jason had to fight the urge not to stare. The silver dress was very flattering to her figure and he wished that perhaps his collar wasn't so tight.
Seeing her heading towards the door Jason walked foward and lightly took hold of her arm." Please Ms. Jamison let me buy you dinner." Seeing her about to refuse once again he lightly placed a finger against her lips. " I won't take no for an answer this time. Please it's been too long since I've had the honor of escorting a beautiful woman to dinner." Jason reluctantly let go of her arm and patiently waited for her answer.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jodi

" Ms. Jameson... please don't be in a rush.
I was wondering if perhaps I may ask you to dine with me one more time.
As for the apology, I didn't want you to think that I was intruding.
You had obviously wanted to be alone earlier. But please, come and eat with me."

Jodi paused knowing that she would enjoy dining with him … perhaps too much … and the taxi was waiting …
She glanced towards the door, her exit, her exit to sanity.

It was his hold on her arm that drew her attention back to him, suddenly finding herself much closer than she had previously been. He was well over 6 ft she calculated and seemed to dwarf her, but by the sheer force of his masculinity rather than any overt strength.

”Please Ms. Jamison let me buy you dinner."

She tried … really tried to refuse him, but the gentle touch of his finger against her lips silenced her and made her catch her breath.

" I won't take no for an answer this time. Please it's been too long since I've had the honor of escorting a beautiful woman to dinner."

He’d released his hold on her and for a moment Jodi had a strange urge to move her body back against his, but instead she looked once more at the door her mind calculating how she could manage this.

”I- I’d have to let the taxi go … he’s been waiting long enough for me already… “

She ventured hesitantly, knowing deep down that a taxi could be easily paid off.

”I .. guess I could go to the club later … “

She saw him smile. They both knew that she was about to consent.
(After all she had allowed herself ONE night of truancy from THE PLAN, she told herself once more!)

”How could I refuse such a … persistent … offer Mr Matthews…?”

She dimpled a mischievous grin, which softened into a smile.

”I’d love to have dinner with you … “

She told him breathlessly.

 

[Greyknight]

Jason

" I'd love to have dinner with you."

Those were the words that Jason had been waiting to hear. Smiling at her, Jason extended his arm in her direction. " If the lady would care to join me?"
As Jodi tucked her arm around Jason's, He motioned towards the cab and then to the waiter. Leading her into the dinning room he noticed several heads turn and look at them. It felt good to have a beautiful young woman on his arm once more. Leaning towards her, he whispered in her ear, " Everyone is looking at us. You are a very beautiful woman. I'm very glad that you choose to have dinner with me. Thank you." He saw her blush slightly at the compliment. The waiter had led then to a small corner table for two near the back of the room.
After taking their order for drinks he handed them two menus. Opening his and pretending to glance at it Jason instead found his gaze going again and again to the raptous vision across from him. Just having her sitting across from him and being there for him was an accomplishment. He never wanted this night to end.
" Jodi... may I call you Jodi? I was wondering if perhaps we could shock the waiter a little bit? What do you say?" He gave her a little impish grin with the last sentence.

 

[Greyknight]

OOC

Double post

 

[Greyknight]

OOC:

Argh triple post. Stupid puter.(kicks it) OWOWOWOWOW

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jodi

" If the lady would care to join me?"

Jodi smiled and took his arm, watching as he attended to the cab with the merest of gestures. He was suave, confident, but unlike other men she had known everything about him was ... understated ... she had gotten so use to people being showy, trying to impress and Jodi had to admit it, even if just to herself, this Man's self possession was impressive.

" Everyone is looking at us. You are a very beautiful woman. I'm very glad that you choose to have dinner with me. Thank you."

His hot breath caressed her ear as he whispered.
Jodi saw that indeed many heads had turned, she suspected due to the unsuitability of her attire. She was relieved to find that the table that had been given to them was in a quiet corner of the restaurant.

Relaxing as she slid into her seat, Jodi opened the menu, considering the choices, looking upwards as he spoke once more:

" Jodi... may I call you Jodi?

She nodded, putting the menu down and looking at him expectantly.

"I was wondering if perhaps we could shock the waiter a little bit? What do you say?"

The words and the grin made Jodi laugh, an unaffected sound that carried to far, causing her to glance around and then continue to giggle.

"Jason ... don't you think I've caused enough shock?"

She gestured at her figure hugging dress.

"I was dressed for the clubs rather than for dinner ... "

Her eyes danced with mischief, somehow being with him gave her a reality check and a sense of proportion. Being slightly ... shocking ... one night was not going to ruin what she had planned ... besides ... this was her night off...

"What did you have in mind anyway...?"

She could not help enquiring, her eyes meeting his, intrigued.