Mr. Big Shot (Mr. Big 1)

I removed my cell and sent Lexi a message about five minutes before we were supposed to meet.

MrBigShot69: Hey, Lexi, I'm running late. I'll be there in about ten.

While I waited for her response, I ate my California rolls and pondered what I’d say to her, and whether I would tell her my evil plan or let her think I merely needed a date. In my texts and emails, I'd told her that I was dateless because of a recent breakup. I most likely could have gotten a date on short notice if I wanted one, but my goal was to teach Eric a lesson.

I hadn't had a serious relationship since my ex fiancée and I split over a year earlier, but Lexi would probably already know that once she realized who I was. My breakup with Jenna had made the local gossip columns, and was all that was talked about amongst my family and associates for a month after the wedding was cancelled at the last – and I mean last – minute.

Instead, I told her about my more recent breakup with Felicia just to satisfy her curiosity, not wanting to reveal the real reason I was hiring her or who I was until I had her sign the NDA.

Higher class escorts, so John told me, were familiar with them and were used to signing to protect the identities of their wealthier or more famous clients. As the adoptive son of one of Manhattan's most famous business moguls and partner in a deal that would crack over two billion, I would likely be immediately recognizable to Lexi.

I patted the NDA in my jacket pocket and took out my cell, wondering where Lexi was.

She finally responded about five minutes later.

Lexi911: I’m not waiting forever. I have places to go and people to see…

Was she already at the food court? I glanced around but didn't see anyone who fit her description. I responded right away, hoping to catch sight of her responding.

MrBigShot69: Are you there already?

ALEXA: No, but I'm on my way. Be there in five.

MRBIGSHOT69: Be right there. What are you wearing, so I’ll know who you are?

Lexi911: Uh, uh, uh. I get to see you first and then YOU get to see me if I decide to do business with you. Sorry, but those are my rules.

MrBigShot69: Okay, be coy. I’ll see you when you get here.

I watched the entrances for the next five minutes but she must still be on her way and didn't want to admit she was late.

I sat back and waited, wondering what Lexi of 9-1-1 Escorts looked like.

John assured me she was hot.

I hoped he was right…

Chapter 3

Alexa

* * *

My stomach was all butterflies as I considered my approach to the food court at the Columbus Circle Mall, which was far enough away from my apartment that I likely wouldn’t know anyone.

When I arrived, customers had filled almost every table. I got a plate of sushi, and sat at the back of the section so I could watch the entry and exit, as well as the tables outside the sushi joint. There were about twenty customers seated in the section as well as a handful getting sushi at the store.

I blended in with my hoodie and jeans, my hair pulled back into a ponytail. I even wore my Yankees ball cap, pulling it down low so that no one would look twice at me. I was as plain as plain could be.

My eyes darted everywhere, looking for a man in what I expected would be a business suit, with something obviously red on his person to signify who he was. Maybe a red tie, or a red kerchief tucked into his suit jacket breast pocket.

I checked my watch, and ate half-heartedly, my stomach not quite settled for fear he’d know who I was.

How could he know who I was? My cell number was private. All he’d get if he tried to track it down would be a provider and there were millions using the same service. He had no idea what I looked like.

The food court was busy with dozens of customers coming and going and almost every table was full. There were a few potential Mr. Big Shots in the seating area – men of his age dressed in expensive looking business suits, but I could only see the backs of their heads. I took in a deep breath and tried to relax, leaning back, deciding I was going to enjoy myself and stop worrying. This would be one of those stories I could tell my best friends forever.

Remember that jerk of a guy who was trying to hire an escort for a fundraiser? Yeah, what a total jerk!