The Billionaire’s Over 40 Love

Faydra could only hope.

“That’s amazing.” She fought the sweat beads that were threatening to break out across her face. Cal was determined and driven and seemed to really know what he wanted from his career. “Actually, we’re branching out as well—we’re working with the bank to get an approval for a second location south of the city. We don’t have it as well thought out as you, but we’re definitely excited about it.”

“That’s great! Going from one store to two is tough, I hear, but after that they seem to multiply. Elite Boutique could be in the Carolinas before you know it!”

Faydra found herself contemplating what he said, never ready to rule out anything. “Maybe! Right now, it’s just Candace and me, she’s the owner and I’m technically the manager so there will be some changes coming towards us in the next few months. But I’m excited to take on the responsibility, definitely a more high-risk, high-reward deal, which I’m excited about.”

“Absolutely, it’s the only way to win in this city, I think. But hey, if you guys want to do some rebranding or advertising, you should give me a call. I’d love to help you out.” She smiled and took the tiny white business card that he dug out of his pocket.

“Thanks,” she said right as Ruby made her way out of the booth wearing a  black leather dress with metal tassels stood. Ruby was grinning but the look on Cal’s face almost ended Faydra with laughter.

“No!” he said “Next!” Ruby retreated at his words. He turned to Faydra with a puzzled look across his face that only stayed for a second before it twisted into a smile. “I’m going to have my hands full with this one.”

As Ruby was trying on her last outfit the door to the shop rang out and this time Faydra was almost shaken by surprise. She smiled at Cal and slid out of her seat, smoothing her dress as she moved towards the door. A woman with wavy brown hair was making her way slowly through the store, seeming to look for something in particular.

“Hi, welcome to Elite Boutique. Can I help you find something in particular?” Faydra asked sweetly.

“Yes, you can. A small child and a tall-dark-and-handsome type? Seen either of those?” the woman asked. Faydra chuckled nervously.

“Ah yes, Cal?” she called over to him, realizing too late that she’d spoken too casually in front of this woman that would be his girlfriend or wife, but she didn’t remember him mentioning a last name.

“Rach!” he said, not moving from his chair. Faydra escorted the woman to the dressing area where Ruby was now dancing in front of Cal in her original outfit, surrounded by piles of the clothes she wanted.

“Oh geez, ya’ll wrecked the place…But can we hurry it up? I’ve got an appointment across town and Ruby’s coming with me.” she said in Cal’s direction, but reached down to plant a kiss on Ruby’s hair.

“Oh, we did some damage that’s for sure, and yeah I think we’re done here.” Cal began picking up the dresses from the floor, clearly not able to remember which ones they had settled on keeping.

“I’ll get those, don’t worry.” Faydra rushed over, only grabbing the ones they were buying, and heading straight for the counter. Ruby and the woman stood a few yards away from the door while Cal pulled out his black and silver credit card and swiped it through the machine. Faydra folded the clothes neatly into the two large white paper bags and ripped off his receipt before pushing everything across the counter towards Cal. “You guys did well today, please come back and see us again soon.” Maybe she was nervous at the newcomer, or afraid to cross some line in front of the woman but Faydra again resumed her formal business mentality which she had ditched for the half an hour Ruby tried on dresses.

“Hey, thank you, Faydra—seriously. For the clothing tips and the conversation, I really enjoyed this, and I know Ruby did as well. We’ll definitely be back,” before he had time to say anything else Ruby had grabbed his hand and the woman’s anxious voiced rush them all out of the store. “Thank you!” was all he was able to say on his way out.

Faydra stood in the empty store for a few moments before registering all that she’d just experienced. She had enjoyed a perfect hour with the cutest six-year-old and the most handsome and kind man she had met in a while. He was intelligent and funny but seemed, only by context clues, to be in some kind of relationship. Even if he wasn’t she knew there was little use in getting excited over a man she’d most likely never see again, so she shook it off and quickly busied herself preparing for the next customers.

She almost hadn’t noticed the quadruple digit number that stayed plastered on the register screen at the counter, reading $1,249.90. She stared at it in the middle of stacking receipts. Had they really racked up that much and he hadn’t blinked an eye? She wondered what it would be like to just swipe a card and pay for items without thinking. A sick feeling washed over her, and it was one she’d felt before but maybe it hurt a little more given how down-to-earth Cal came off as. It was the feeling one got when they helped a customer who spent more in one hour at her store than she would on rent for the entire month, or sometimes even more than she would make in an entire month. But that was living and working in downtown Atlanta, and she knew it. But still, she couldn’t shake the slight unease every time she glanced over at the neon letters.