I Do, Maybe: A Novella Read online

  Fraser scowled. “That coming from someone who’d never been in a plane before today.”

  I smiled and took the bottle of sauce from Mrs. Lewis. “I’ll accept that you’ve most likely experienced more in life than I have. But that’s only because you’re years older than me.”

  “I’m not that much older than you.”

  I squirted sauce onto my pizza. “Yes, but you are older.”

  Fraser narrowed his eyes at me again. I had no idea what he was thinking. But that look, it made me nervous.

  I smiled through my nerves. “But don’t worry Fraser. I’ll keep you young and carefree.”

  I was wrong about one thing. Playing Monopoly with Fraser and Mr. Lewis was bad, very bad. Originally I suggested we play in teams, parents versus kids. But Fraser was quick to put an end to that. “I’m not sharing my wealth with anyone,” was his reply. His comment struck me as abrupt and I wondered if he was referring purely to the game or if he meant life in general.

  Mrs. Lewis refused to play, but instead watched on from a safe distance.

  I looked down at my dwindling cash supply. I probably had about $500, two stations and all the orange properties, one of which I had bought from Fraser for, what I believe, was an excessive amount of money. But Mr. Lewis had told me that sometimes to get ahead, you need to fall behind. Fraser and Mr. Lewis spent a good twenty minutes negotiating a property. I watched and listened as guarantees and proposals were put forth and money was thrown about.

  I rested back in my chair. “Perhaps you should call your lawyers to help to close this deal.”

  They both smiled but continued their negotiations.

  Fraser came out on top. He bought Mayfair from Mr. Lewis for $1400 and immediately put houses on it. On his next roll, Fraser put hotels on Oxford and Regent Streets. My next roll landed me on Regent and I was out of the game.

  Fraser smiled triumphantly as he took my property and cash. “You never had a chance.”

  “Well maybe next time I’ll challenge you to a fifteen hundred meter swim.”

  Fraser shook his head. “I’d drown after fifty.”

  “Well, maybe a run then.”

  “I don’t run either.”

  “An arm wrestle?”

  The Lewis’ laughed. Fraser had the same laugh as his mum.

  I looked up at the clock on the wall. It was getting late and I had to be up early for my school orientation the following day. Mrs. Lewis was accompanying me.

  “I’ve had a really nice evening with you all. Thank you,” I said as I shook hands with Mr. Lewis.

  Mrs. Lewis kissed each of my cheeks again. “You’re very welcome, Emily. You’re a treasure.”

  “Thank you,” I accepted gracefully.

  I turned and looked at Fraser. He was looking at me through narrow eyes again. “Good night, Fraser,” I said.

  “I’ll escort you home.” He stood up from the table.

  After another round of good nights, Fraser and I were in the elevator.

  “So, did you Google me yet?” he asked as the elevator slowly travelled down to the seventeenth floor.

  “No I’ve decided I’m going to get to know all about you the old fashioned way.”

  “And that would be?”

  “By talking to you.”

  A bell chimed and the doors opened.

  “Thanks again,” I said as I exited the elevator. “I guess I’ll see you soon.”

  Fraser shook his head. “I won’t see you again until after your sixteenth birthday, when we start seeing each other socially. You need to read the contract. You need to know what to expect.”

  “Oh, okay,” I said, feeling a wave of disappointment go through me.

  “I mean, we’re both going to be busy with school and I have engagements and work things…” His sentence trailed off.

  “I understand,” I nodded.

  “I mean, you can call me or email me if you need anything in the meantime. We just won’t see each other again for a few years.”

  I nodded that I understood.

  He narrowed his eyes at me again and I looked away from him. “I like you Emily,” he said.

  I smiled and looked up at him. “I like you too, Fraser.”

  “I think we’re going to be good friends.”

  “I think we’re contractually bound to be more than just friends.”

  “I know. But if we can be friends first, it’ll make all the other stuff easier.” Fraser stepped back into the elevator.

  “Good bye Fraser.”

  The elevator doors started to close. “Goodbye Piglet.”

  And before I could return a witty comment, he was gone.

  Chapter Two

  My phone kept ringing and I kept ignoring the call. I was still far too angry to speak to Mum or Dad yet.

  Needless to say, I hadn’t slept well that first lonely night in my new apartment. Just after 1 A.M. I got out of bed and sent Fraser an email.

  To: Fraser Lewis

  From: Emily Watkins

  Sent: Saturday 1st February, 2014 01:12

  RE: Some questions.

  Hi Fraser,

  You did say I could email you if I needed to and I guess I have a few questions I’d like to ask you about our arrangement. I’ve just finished reading through the contract, which I noticed has been signed by both my parents and yours. I’m assuming you and I can’t sign off on it because we’re minors, which makes me wonder whether any of this is legal. Maybe a future in legal studies sounds more appetising now. ;)

  I’m wondering how it is that you get away with only selecting girls for the Lewis Scholarship? Your dad mentioned that you have three older brothers. How has the tax office/media/the countries legal entities not picked up on the fact that the three girls who have won the scholarships have happened to become “Mrs. Lewis’” themselves?

  Which leads me to my next question? Why contractual marriages? Why not go about it in the old fashioned way? Surely there are no tax benefits to being married! And why on earth would you want anything to do with my Dad’s business? He’s a panel beater, for goodness sakes!!

  And lastly, why have you selected a girl so young to be your wife? How do you know I’ll turn out to be the woman you want me to be?

  I’m tired now and I’m going to try to get some sleep. I appreciate your time in replying to my questions. I’m sure a busy business man like your self has far more important things to do than to ease my troubled mind.

  Thanks again,

  Em.

  His reply came through only minutes later, but I didn’t read it until the morning. I sipped at my glass of milk while I read his reply.

  To: Emily Watkins

  From: Fraser Lewis

  Sent: Saturday 1st February, 2014 01:21

  RE: Some answers.

  Emily,

  Perhaps I should forward a copy of your email to my lawyer, he may be interested in answering some of the arguments you make.

  I can assure you, we do not “get away” with anything. If you must know, we do not only offer the scholarship to girls. We offer them equally to males and females. Besides you, I also have a male candidate starting school this year at another private education facility. But I don’t see how that is any of your business.

  In regards to your father’s business, that is between him and me. It has nothing to do with you.

  And lastly, perhaps I have made a mistake in choosing you to be my future wife. Hopefully the etiquette classes you are required to attend will teach you a thing or two about appropriate behaviour, in both social and private situations.

  You’re right about one thing, I am far too busy to ease your mind, but at the same time, I don’t want you to be troubled about any of this. You’re only 13 years old. All you need to worry about now is your education. Focus purely on that. Don’t worry about anything else.

  Fraser.

  I read his reply through at least ten times, each time cold shivers went through my body at his frosty respon
se. It was obvious to me that Fraser had two sides, a light-hearted likeable side and a strictly business side. Strictly business Fraser was horrible.

  As I read his email one final time, it occurred to me that he never addressed my questions as to why he chose a contractual marriage. Maybe he felt the same way I did about this arrangement.

  I decided to let it go. I was stuck here either way.

  And I made a mental note to never email Fraser again.

  *****

  “Good morning Lawrence,” I said as I approached the waiting car.

  Lawrence smiled. “Good morning Emily.” He closed the door once I was settled into the back seat.

  Mrs. Lewis was talking on the phone. “Better you than me, love. Emily’s here so I’ll chat to you tonight…love you too.” She put her phone into her hand bag. “The boys are safely back in Melbourne. They had a terrible flight, bumpy all the way. Hopefully things will smooth out before I fly tonight.” She took in a deep breath. “We have a big day ahead of us. This is so exciting.” She patted my hand, which made me smile. “I went to The Woods boarding school when I was your age. It’s really a lovely school.”

  “The brochure looked nice,” I said because it was all I could say.

  “We’ll make sure we get you signed up to the swimming and running teams and I’ve also enquired about an advanced mathematics class for you.”

  “I don’t need any advanced classes.”

  “Nonsense. You’re advanced at mathematics so you shouldn’t be held behind by your classmates.” She turned to face me. “Although ninety percent of the girls at this school will be rich, it doesn’t mean they’re smart. Most of them are stupid cows who’ll do nothing more than be trophy wives. You, my lovely, will amount to much more than that.”

  “Please don’t hold your breath Mrs. Lewis.”

  “I will hold my breath. And I will wager you that by the time you’re thirty years old, your name will precede a series of initials.”

  “I hope I don’t disappoint you.” My words struck me as strange considering less than 24 hours ago, I was desperately hoping to disappoint, so that I could go home. And although a small part of me felt that if ever the situation presented, I would go home without a second thought, now, a big part of me wanted to succeed, to prove that I could be everything they hoped for. “Can I ask you a question, Mrs. Lewis?”

  “You can ask me anything, Emily.”

  “I was wondering, how did you meet Mr. Lewis?”

  She smiled at me letting me know she knew what I was really asking. “We met much the same way you and Fraser met yesterday, only Trent sat across a boardroom table from me. And I knew before I entered that room I’d be meeting with one of the Lewis boys, I just didn’t know which one. Turns out I was meeting with the eldest. My father and the old Mr. Lewis had been in partnership for years and years, long before I was born. To keep the money in our families, my sister and I each married one of the Lewis boys.”

  “And that has worked out well for you?”

  “It has. We’re very happy. And we pray each of our boys find the same happiness.”

  “Have any of the girls ever…turned out to…” I struggled to find the right words.

  “Disappoint us?”

  I nodded.

  “Two. But it was early on, so we were able to terminate the contract without losing much.” She squeezed my hand. “We will be watching you very closely, Emily. The happiness of a lot of people rests on what sort of person you become.”

  “Mrs. Lewis, I will try my hardest not to disappoint you.”

  “I know you will, I know.”

  The school was beautiful, set in picturesque bush land outside of Sydney. As I sat in the large auditorium listening to a welcome speech by the head mistress I looked around at the other girls. It was obvious they were all wealthy. And I knew it was obvious to them I wasn’t. I don’t know if it was the way I walked or sat or wore my hair, but they all seemed to know and they all looked at me with raised eyebrows and crooked mouths.

  After a lengthy tour of the school grounds, I followed Mrs. Lewis to my dorm room. I was greeted by a young girl, short black hair, wearing a pair of tight black jeans and a red and black checked shirt.

  “Please tell me you’re Emily Watkins,” she said.

  “I’m Emily Watkins,” I replied quickly.

  “Hallelujah and thank god, you’re not from money.” She flopped down on a bed.

  I looked cautiously back at Mrs. Lewis. “What makes you say that?” I asked.

  “I’ve been watching you. Firstly, there is not a pretentious bone in your tiny body. Secondly, the Lewis’ have no daughters,” she winked at Mrs. Lewis. “And thirdly, although you look the part, you don’t look the part. Meaning, you’d be more comfortable in a pair of jeans and converse, am I right?” She put her hand forward to me. “I’m Katie Gold, as in Katherine Gold of the Gold Dynasty,” she said dramatically, lifting the back of her hand to her forehead. “You can call me Kat.”

  “How is your mother, Katherine?” Mrs. Lewis asked.

  “She’s fine, as well as can be expected considering I am sending her to an early grave.”

  “Send her my regards when you next speak.”

  “I will, Mrs. Lewis.” Kat smiled and looked at me. “We are going to be the very best of friends Emily, I just know it.”

  *****

  From: Fraser Lewis

  To: Emily Watkins

  Sent: Friday 7th February, 2014 19:26

  RE: Hi

  Piglet,

  How was your first week at school? Are you at the apartment this weekend or did you stay at your dorm?

  Fraser.

  I had originally panicked when I first saw that I had an email waiting for me when I returned from the swimming pool after my afternoon swim. Swimming helped me to decompress and after my first week at school, I was desperately in need of some release. I wondered which Fraser Lewis I would be meeting. But I was instantly calmed when I read his brief but friendly email.

  From: Emily Watkins

  To: Fraser Lewis

  Sent: Friday 7th February, 2014 20:39

  RE: Hi Yourself

  Dear Eeyore,

  My first week at school was great. Thank you for enquiring. I learned how to properly introduce myself in both social and business settings and most importantly, how to make a great first impression.

  I am at the apartment this weekend. Tomorrow morning I am meeting up with my dorm roommate and we are going to paint the town red. Sigh We’ll probably just end up seeing a movie.

  Piglet.

  From: Fraser Lewis

  To: Emily Watkins

  Sent: Friday 7th February, 2014 21:29

  RE: Hi Yourself Yourself

  Piglet,

  It seems that your first week of school has been a complete waste of time because you already knew how to make a great first impression.

  Enjoy your weekend. ;)

  Eeyore.

  (Why Eeyore?)

  From: Emily Watkins

  To: Fraser Lewis

  Sent: Friday 7th February, 2014 21:33

  RE: Hi Yourself Yourself

  Eeyore,

  Of all the characters of the hundred acre woods, Piglet and Eeyore were the closest friends. I’m hoping that we can be friends, too. Also, you have no resemblance to a donkey, as I am hoping I have no semblance to a pig.

  Piglet.

  *****

  As per my instructions, I was never to leave the apartment without my driver, Greg. Greg had worked for Fraser for a while now, originally as Fraser’s driver and security personnel, but his responsibilities had been transferred to me. I don’t know what Greg did when I was at school all week, but he was there on Friday afternoon to pick Kat and I up from school and he was just a phone call away if I wanted to leave the apartment.

  I thought that having a security guard would be a pain in the neck; that Greg might try to restrict my fun, but he was very discreet. He walked paces b
ehind me and never approached me until it was time to head home.

  Kat and I spent the morning shopping. Kat loved to shop but because I’d never had the money to shop, I hadn’t yet developed a love for it. Kat spent money like there was an endless supply – for her there probably was – and the few times I looked at a dress or skirt I liked, I thought quickly about using the credit card Fraser had left for me to buy it. The credit card was also linked to an account where I could access cash if needed. But then I’d remember I had a wardrobe of designer clothes at the apartment, most of which I’d never wear, and put the card and the item of clothing out of my mind.

  Kat was right. We did become very good friends and we did so very quickly.

  That first night, after we’d seen “The Lego Movie” Greg was driving Kat back to her house in Darling Point. She reached across the back seat and took my hand. “I know about your arrangement with Fraser.”

  I had signed a NDA, although I doubted it held any legal merit considering I was 13 years old. But, I had read the print and it specifically stated that I was not to speak to any person – and then went on to list a long inventory of who any person might include – about our arrangement. I trusted Kat, she came from money and probably had a wealth of secrets about her own family and their business operations.

  But at the same time, I didn’t want to say anything, just in case my instincts about her had been wrong.

  “About him paying for my education?” I said. That was public knowledge.

  She smiled. “Sure, about his paying for your education.” She used her fingers to emphasise the word “education.” She laughed and went back to looking out the window.

  When she had left the car and Greg and I were alone, I asked him a question. “Can I trust Kat, do you think?”

  Greg smiled at me in the rear-view mirror. “In this industry, Emily, I never trust anyone.”

  That was all I needed to hear. As much as I would’ve loved to spill everything to Kat and get her opinion of everything, I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. The last thing I wanted was a run in with Fraser over a breach of NDA.

  *****

  From: Fraser Lewis

  To: Emily Watkins

  Sent: Wednesday 26th February, 2014 11:31

  RE: Bank Card

  Good morning,