A Serendipitous Investment

Author's Notes: This is a tale of two lonely individuals who meet by chance, and despite their age difference, evolve and fall in love. Yes, the story starts with the female lead being underaged. Still, nothing inappropriate, especially sexual, happens while she is a minor. Since some relationships take time to grow before they blossom, relax and enjoy the telling of this unlikely friendship and then romance.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"You know you shouldn't eat dessert before sampling the entrees of the buffet," said a youthfully feminine voice as I reached for my favorite crème brûlée. Turning, I saw a young slip of a girl whose pretty hazel eyes sparkled with self-assurance to the point of being smug.

Giving her an unconcerned glance, I calmly murmured, "Says who?"

Initially taken aback, the girl standing before me gulped, stepped forward, and asserted, "Everyone says that dessert sweets kill the tastebuds..."

"And why the fuck...excuse the French...do I care what everyone else says?" Then after savoring the stunned look on her face at my blunt retort, I slipped in, "And are you so concerned as to what others say and think of you? I don't think so. Right?"

A sly smile graced the delicate lips of this cutie before she leaned forward to whisper, "No, I don't." Then straightening herself, she said, "You must be Anthony Hong, the young investment guru who made his first million before age twenty and has continued to select winning enterprises that none have considered. You are...what...a multi-millionaire at age...twenty-eight...right?"

When she saw my eyebrow rise slightly in surprise, my newfound interest pressed on with an air of cockiness, "How do I know? Well, I habitually studied the guest list and noted that there are only two Asians on it...Chinese at that...and since I am one of them...you must be the other.

This piqued my curiosity, and I looked better at my enquirer. She was just under five feet tall and with a girlish figure. Her midback straight chestnut hair complimented her ivory skin tone. Her eyes, however, had a slight almond shape and there was a hint of high cheekbones. It then dawned on me as to whom I was speaking.

"Ah, you must be Jacqueline Thomas, the daughter of John who invited me to his party hoping I would invest in his latest money venture. I don't normally accept social invitations because I am...ahhh...not socially adept...hey, I'm comfortable with my solitude...and my condo unit which doubles as my office. However, a good opportunity to make money is worth investigating, and having free food and drink to enjoy doesn't hurt either.

"In doing my homework on my host, I found that your father was married to Mary Fong from a well-off and influential Hawaii-based Chinese family and had one daughter... you...which explains why you had access to the party's guest list. As I recall, your mother passed away...my condolences...three years ago when you were ten... which makes you thirteen now...and half-Chinese...but what the heck, we all can't be perfect. How am I doing, Miss Jacqueline?"

With a humorous smirk, the girl before me chuckled softly, "Not bad. However, who says that I want to be perfect? I love being twisted, a bit strange, and independent thinking. Does that bother you?"

"Nope. Welcome to the club, little girl," slipped easily from my lips as I extended my hand. "Call me Tony...or...AH as in my initials...and the sound of your adoration..."

"Ha! Dream on, popcorn! And while we're introducing ourselves, I hate being called Jacquline...it sounds so snobbishly fake. I don't use Jackie either since it's way too familiar...sickening peppy and overly friendly like in the cheerleader type...which definitely ain't me. Call me Jax...which is more Wednesday Addams-like," she said with a slight snicker.

However, the moment Jax shook my hand, a "Why Jacquline! I see you finally made a friend...a male one at that," was mockingly heard. I immediately felt Jax's handshake tighten as her face flashed in annoyance before being forced to regain its relaxed demeanor.

The source of Jax's irritation was a young woman in her early twenties with bleached blond hair and heavy makeup. Her skin-tight dress (if you could call it that) readily displayed her generous boobs and was so short and tight that it made you wonder what her possible profession might be. Absently chewing her gum like a cow chewing a cud, the intruder into our private conversation uttered between smacks of her moving mouth, "And he is one of 'your' kind too..."

"Brianna! What a surprise to see you?" exclaimed Jax in a syrupy-sweet tone of voice laced with not-too-subtle sarcasm. "Did you take a break from your nightly exercise of walking the streets? Or did Daddy hire you to entertain tonight's guests?"

Brianna immediately bristled at Jax's verbal barbs and then sought to use me as her cat's paw. "I don't know who you are, mister, but you had better watch yourself around our 'little' Jacqueline. If you haven't guessed from her "lack" of physical development... how pitiful...Jacqueline is underaged. Still, from what the 'girls' tell me, you Oriental pervs have strange tastes in the feminine gender..."

"Hello, Earth to Brianna!" dissed Jax. "Do you realize you've just insulted the key guest of tonight's party? Tony here is the multi-millionaire Dad hoped to convince into funding his latest high-stakes project..."

Then as if on cue, John Thomas popped up, hugging Brianna to him in a manner that was more than friendly. He reached to include Jax in a group hug, but she slyly dodged his embrace by slipping behind me.

"I see you've attracted my two ladies, you sly dog. Are you enjoying yourself, Tony? You are? Good because we need to talk. But hey, if you don't mind, excuse me and Bri since I want to introduce her to some other investors. What that? Maybe on Tuesday? Shoots, I'll give you a ring." And with that he steered Brianna away, letting his hand slip from her shoulder to her waist, and finally to the curve of her swaying buns,

A shared of relief was exhaled by Jax and me. "I don't know whether to be disgusted or sorry," mumbled Jax. "Since Mom died, Dad has been trying to restart his life and recapture his youth...with airhead bimbos like Bri who only know how to spread their legs. Unfortunately, his redo doesn't include a young daughter, and I'm pretty much on my own. Hey, sorry...didn't mean to air the family's dirty laundry in public...but there are times when I just can't keep it in..."

For some strange reason, I whipped out my business card and hastily inked my private cell phone number on the back of it. Handing it over to Jax, I shared, "Believe me, I've been where you're at right now. If you want to join the 'Only the Lonely Club,' call or text me. I'll send you my bill later.

"But hey, parties really aren't my thing, and I've got to return to my proverbial Bat Cave, Still, It has been interesting meeting you, Jax, and I don't regret coming tonight. Take care." And with that, I left without looking back... thinking I would never talk to Jax again."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I was surprised when a week later my private cell phone rang. "Who's calling me on a late Saturday night? Only a few have my number." Taking a chance, I pressed receive and uttered a hesitant "Hello?"

There was a pause and all I could hear was sobbing on the other end of the call. I was about to ask who was calling when I heard a feeble, "Tony...this is Jax. I need your help. Help me, please..."

"Jax? What happened? Are you okay? Where are you? I'll come and get you."

"Ah, Tony...I'm standing outside of your condo's lobby. But I don't have the entry code for your lobby's front doors, and the security guard is getting suspicious of me hanging around. How do I know where you live? Hello? There are free websites you know that allow me to enter your name or phone number and find out personal information like where you live. But can I explain more later? It's cold out here..."

"Stay where you are, Jax. I'll be down to get you."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Minutes later a distraught Jax sat curled up on my couch. With a little encouragement and a lot of reassurance, she opened up. "Dad and I fought...a nasty one. About what? Bri, of course! To make a long story short, he wants her to live with us...to be my 'older' sister or so he says...but he really means his live-in mistress.

"Dad didn't like it when I objected. After a lot of yelling at each other, he finally told me that if I didn't like it, then get out...like he had done before knowing I had no place to go. But this time I couldn't take it anymore and was out of there before he could say anything.

"It was only after I cooled down that I realized I really had no place to go. I don't have many friends...none of whose parents would let me crash at their place. Dad has called...at first demanding that I stop being childish and come back immediately...and later pleading for me to come home. I've thought about it...but decided not right now... especially if Bri will be around...which she will be...'

"Tony, I know that we just met...and I'm very sorry for asking...but could you put me up for tonight? You are my last...and only...person to whom I can turn to. Please?"

For a while, I didn't say anything as I mulled the situation over and what I was about to get myself into. While there were a lot of unknowns, I at least had a 'good feeling' that Jax was sincere in her plight and request. I finally said to an obviously nervous Jax, "As I mentioned before, in my younger days, I was in your shoes and spent many nights hiding under stairways or behind dumpsters. So, with that said, I can put you up for tonight. However, before you go ape-shit happy on me, my offer is contingent on your dad giving his approval.

"Don't give me that look! Jax, the last thing I need is for your old man to press criminal charges against me for kidnapping you, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and statutory rape! What? You're still a virgin? Good...let's plan on keeping it that way. Now, call your dad, tell him you're okay, that you're with me, and then ask if you can stay here for at least tonight. Come on, girl, if you want to stay here, then do it."

After some heated blaming that was followed by a lot of tears, Jax handed her cell phone over to me, saying that her dad wanted to speak with me. "Hey, man, sorry for my Jackie intruding on and disrupting your night," said John apologetically. "I know I'm asking a lot of you, but could my little girl stay at your place? At least she'll be safe and with someone I know. You see...ahhh...I committed to spending the weekend with Bri... and she and Jackie are like cats and dogs...you know what I mean..."

"Yeah, John, I see you're in a fix...so let me help you out. Your daughter can stay the weekend if she wants (to this, Jax was nodding like crazy); however, she only has the clothes on her back. How about you take Bri for a long leisurely brunch tomorrow? That will give your daughter a chance to get her clothes and school stuff from your place. And if you want, I'll even drop her off at her school on Monday morning. Does that sound like a plan? Good. Remember to text me when you and Bri are about to leave your place tomorrow. Okay, now have a 'good' time with Bri...and I know you will. Bye."

"Okay, little girl," I sighed as I ended the call, "You have 'sanctuary' for this weekend. Don't make me regret helping you out." When Jax nodded, I continued in a matter-of-fact voice, "First of all, I am helping you out because I know what it's like to be lonely and alone. However, my advice to you is instead of pissing and moaning about how unfair life is...make your life better. Do you understand?"

"Secondly my place is not only my home but it's my office. I put in long hours researching online for potential investments, market trends, and future commodities. It takes persistence and focus if I want to remain at the top of my game and achieve my financial goals. This means that I expect you not to disrupt or distract me while I'm working...which is most of the time. I am not here to entertain you."

"God, Tony, you're making yourself sound like you're the most boring workaholic on Earth...which I find hard to believe since I sense there's more under that millionaire shell of yours. However, before I shove my foot further down my throat and get myself kicked out, thank you for taking in a down-and-almost-out mangy-mutt...I promise not to turn into a bitch...like Bri."

"Okay, Jax, let's discuss the living arrangements. Although I have a spare room...that'll be yours...since I work in that corner of the living room next to the exterior glass wall. There is no bed in your room, but there is a futon, quilt, and pillow stashed in the closet...it's a sleeping/space-saving practice I picked up while visiting Japan. Put those sleep things away when you're not using them.

"Are you hungry? You are? Okay, let's go to the kitchen where I will...this time...whip up for us my favorite late-night meal...instant ramen...hey, it's cheap, fast, and tasty. You can use the kitchen and anything food in the refrigerator or pantry although we may have to do some grocery shopping tomorrow...but clean up after yourself. Any questions?"

"Ah, yeah. First, can I jump into your Wi-Fi? I can? Sweet -- and can I use your charger too? Next, I'm pretty icky and beginning to turn rancid. While you're cooking, could I take a shower and brush my teeth? A new toothbrush and towels in the bathroom linen closet? Nice. Lastly, do you have something I could wear after showering? A T-shirt will do...although you are...what...a foot taller than me...what...thirteen inches...that's disgusting...and it will hang on me like a sack. But me running around in my birthday suit will spoil your appetite...or if you're as perverted as Bri says Oriental men are, I might be in deep kimchi..."

"Okay, stop there, Jax! While I am straight and am no stranger to women, I did not take you in to take sexual advantage of you. I wasn't joking about statutory rape charges. And I certainly have no intention of grooming you for future intimate exploitation. Got it? Good!

"Similarly, I am trusting you not to take advantage of my kindness by trying to seduce me like some Lolita. While I do find you to be intriguing in a diamond-in-the-rough kind of way, the thought of prison time is a positive 'erection-deflator.' Do I make myself clear?"

"Ah, you're definitely no fun, Tony," was Jax's sly teasing reply. "But you better tell me where the bathroom is so that I can wash any dirty thoughts out of my horny teenage mind by taking a cold shower."

As I pointed the bathroom to Jax, I found myself thinking, "Oh, my God, what have I gotten myself into?"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Little did I know that Jax's introduction into my apartment and life that weekend would change...if not, disrupted...the harmony in my life that I had worked so hard to establish. Even though she tried her best to subtly blend in, her undeniable presence brought a certain vitality that altered and then reshaped the energy flow of my life, leaving me open to new possibilities.

This became apparent when Jax visited her father's apartment the following day. "Tony, would you mind terribly," Jax meekly asked, "if I stashed some clothing, personal items, and feminine hygiene products in 'my' bedroom at your place? It's just in case I need to seek a safe haven in the future." While this caught me off guard, I found myself acquiescing and enjoying the beaming smile of gratitude and relief on Jax's pretty face.

When I dropped her off at her private girls' school the next morning, Jax turned and whispered softly, "Thanks, Tony, for saving me and letting me share your special place. As you suggested, I'll try to give Dad a break and try to be nice to Bri, that bat out of hell. I hope you don't mind if I keep in touch with you. Thanks again!"

With that said, Jax kissed me lightly on the cheek and exited my Porsche 911, seemingly oblivious to the stares of her classmates at her and her mystery man (me) behind the wheel. As I pulled away from the curb, I found myself repeating my now Jax mantra of "Oh my God, what have I gotten myself into?"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Over the next months, Jax sent short text messages, bemoaning her life's happenings which centered around three topics. The first was how it sucked being a 'late bloomer' due to her Asian genes. "You won't believe the harassment I get from the 'cows" (her nickname for her more physically developed classmates). Can you imagine how humiliating it is to have to be in the shower after P.E. class where can't hide my physical deficiencies?"

My replies reminded Jax that she would bloom one day and have nothing to be ashamed of. I further noted jokingly that not all men like buxom women, espousing the philosophy that anything more than a mouthful is a waste. When I was asked if I was one of those men, I quickly pled my Fifth Amendment right.

Her next subject was of course Bri who had beguiled and seduced her stupid father. "God, can you believe that the Bitch (Jax's nickname for her nemesis) had B-cup boobs and was 'knowledgeable' of men when she was my age? No wonder she is in the line of work that she is, the skanky hooker! Why can't my dad see this?"

I then shared with Jax the unspoken law about the male gender: "The little head always trumps the big head." It took a while for a naive Jax to figure out the analogy, but when she did her comeback was, "Ewww! You're a dirty old Chinaman! Okay, you're not 'that' old...but you're still a sexual deviant!"

The last topic was to ask what I was doing and then tell me how boring I was. To worm her way into my apartment, Jax began inviting herself over on the pretext of being in the area (ah huh); needing help in her studies (get real...the girl was quite bright and caught on to things easily); and then to improve my diet by bringing over food for us to eat (hey, a free meal is always a deal). But when all else failed, Jax didn't hesitate to play her ace up her proverbial sleeve - "I'm so lonely, Tony, can I come over so that I won't be alone?"

Eventually, Jax became a part of my life as I was a part of hers. I now realized that I looked forward to her visits and presence. She brought a refreshing outlook and gradually filled in the voids in my stale life that I was unaware of. I, in turn, provided Jax with a sense of stability, acceptance, and support -- things missing in her life since the passing of her mother.

My market research took on a new perspective when Jax, after a quick orientation on the stocks, trading options, and investment strategies, proved to be extremely adept at picking interesting money-making ventures. When the money I put down on her recommended hunches panned out, Jax became addicted to my world of high finance.

Much to her father's delight, Jax began staying over at my place whenever he and his girlfriend traveled together or had special weekend 'dates.' Given the frequency of such events, Jax's things eventually migrated to my place. When she asked, it made sense to arrange for Jax to have her own security code for the main entrance, the elevator, and my apartment. Having a Eurasian elf in my apartment and world became the new norm as the days quickly became weeks, then months, and finally years.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"What happened to that scrawny precocious little girl? Who is this Eurasian young woman sitting next to me on our couch in our darkened living room and blowing out the eighteen candles on her birthday cake?"

Fresh from the shower, wisps of Jax's damp locks casually escaped her brushed-back chestnut hair, framing and highlighting the alluring features of her mixed heritage. She had grown into a pretty woman with a slender body and curves in the right places. Although not a 'cow' as her bustier classmates, Jax's breasts were just right for her -- enough heft to hang enticingly, firm enough not to sag when braless, and yet soft enough to jiggle provocatively whenever she moved. Tantalizing bumps in the thin fabric of her sleep T-shirt spoke of her seemly always extended and stiff nipples.