Always Belle

"Nice shades, Ken!"

"Thanks Dad!"

"When'd you get those?"

"Last week in Vegas. You like them?"

"My son moves into a mansion and suddenly turns all fancy schmancy on me!"

I was relaxing on a patio recliner in the backyard, catching up with my dad on a video call. Thanks to the generous wad of bills Uncle Artie had gifted me in Vegas, I had treated myself to designer-brand sunglasses at our hotel's shoppes before we returned home.

A female voice reached my ears, "Someone looks a little cozy..."

I tilted my head to see Belle standing over me, without her usual smile, dressed in a purple sports top and yoga pants.

"Is that voice whose I think it is?" my dad asked, his face perking up on the tiny tile on my phone.

Belle squatted down next to me, entering the frame of my front-facing camera. "Oh, hi Rian! Nice to see your friendly face!"

"Yours as well, Belle! You look dressed for a sweaty workout," my dad said, quite observant.

"Good guess!" She giggled. "I'm on my way to a hot Pilates class. Was about to ask your son if he needed a ride to the coffee shop this morning, where he usually does his whole job hunt routine. But come to think of it, he hasn't gone all week. Just been loitering at home this whole time..."

"Kenneth!" my dad said, sternly conjuring my full name. "I hope you aren't taking Belle's and your uncle's hospitality for granted. You should be looking for a job, Son."

"I know... Uh, I'll talk to you later, Dad. Tell Mom I said hi." I hung up the call, a bit surprised that Belle had passive-aggressively singled me out like that.

She then swung around, taking a seat on the foot of my recliner, making me fold my legs to make room for her.

"Ken, have you given any more thought to my suggestion?" Belle pressed me with her question, one that had been lingering for a week now.

Over breakfast in Vegas, Belle had floated the idea of me being her personal assistant. I had punted on responding then, unsure how to convey my unease. In truth, being someone's assistant felt beneath me. I didn't earn a college degree to do menial work.

At the same time, since returning home, it was true that I'd been taking it easy with my job search. Was I getting complacent? Lazy? Perhaps. A healthy ration of my uncle's spending money, still bountifully lining my pockets, probably hadn't helped.

Belle sighed, noting my silence. "So I have an upcoming work trip. And when I travel alone for jobs, it'd just be nice to have an extra hand every now and then, you know?"

I could sense the earnestness in her voice. She was asking for my help without being demanding or entitled, which, in another world, she could've easily been. I'd been residing in her mansion rent-free for weeks now. And what was I doing to earn my keep here? Zilch. I knew Belle's general affection for me wasn't conditional. But now I was starting to feel guilty.

"Alright Ken, well, I'm gonna head out." Belle stood up, looking dispirited.

"Wait Belle," I stopped her. "Um, what would I have to do if I became your assistant?"

She perked up a bit. "Just simple stuff. Emails. Errands. I'd pay you of course. And cover your meals and lodging."

"Can I ask, what's the long-term commitment?"

"Tell you what, for my upcoming trip, what if we just do a trial and see how that goes. I don't want you to feel handcuffed, if that's your worry. What do you think?"

I took a long look at Belle. It felt good to see a budding smile on her face. Felt even better knowing that I could make it bloom with a few simple words... "Okay, I'll do it."

"Really?" Her smile beamed brighter.

"Yeah, sure why not. It sounds like it could be a fun experience."

"Yay! You're the best!" Belle lunged forward to hug me.

I withheld my larger reservations from her. Personally, a trial sounded like the best of both worlds. Earn a few bucks without feeling tied down. Perhaps more importantly though, agreeing to help Belle genuinely warmed my heart. It was the least I could do.

"You mentioned an upcoming trip. Where we going?" I asked.

"Paris!"

***

Days later, Uncle Artie, Belle and I were standing in the airport terminal, saying our farewells.

Uncle Artie kissed Belle. "Okay you two, have a safe flight. Say hi to Vi and Adam for me."

"See ya Uncle Artie! Have fun in Italy."

"Italy won't be a vacation for me, Ken! Viktor and I will be digging our heels in, working on a new deal. Hoping it goes better this time around."

"K bye babe, we're gonna go before boarding closes." Belle gave him one last kiss, before she and I made our way to our gate.

"Wait Belle, did I hear Uncle Artie right, that Adam's in Paris too?" I asked.

"Yup! On Vi's last day at our house, Adam accompanied her to the airport. They decided on a whim that they'd both fly to Paris and live together. Kinda romantic if you think about it."

An hour later, Belle and I were in the air. The perks of flying with her meant that first-class was the standard, which meant premium in-flight service, extended leg room, and more crucially, free wi-fi!

At one point, Belle stood up and walked into the aisle, heading for the restroom. I noticed she'd left her phone on her seat...

A text came in from my own device. The notification preview showed that it was from my friend, Devin. I ignored it and returned my attention back to Belle's phone, unable to resist the temptation. I unlocked her device and opened her Vanishhh app, seeing only Enzo's name listed.

Enzo: "Free?"

Belle: "Currently on a flight to France."

E: "Damn. Your mouth would've been some really good stress relief right now."

B: "What's got poor baby bothered?"

E: "I've been blackmailed! No joke! Some fuckers planted spy cameras inside my penthouse. It's bad..."

B: "OMG! Are you serious?"

E: "They left me a flash drive with footage. It has me holding drugs. There was a letter too, demanding that I stop my operation or they'd leak the video to the media. They don't even want any money. Deranged fucks."

B: "I don't understand how this is even possible."

E: "They must've got into my unit when no one was home. Crazy thing is, I just did a total sweep. The cameras are gone! My guess is it's the cops, trying to fuck with me. I bet I hooked up with one of their daughters after a concert."

B: "Jesus, En... Are you and Lana safe at least?"

E: "She's freaked out. Staying at her friend's place for the time being. I'm okay, but all alone. Would've been nice to have your company..."

B: "Calm your cock, buddy. On a serious note, what are you going to do?"

E: "I already dropped off duffel bags of drugs in a random alley, per their demands. Fuck my life! But shit, there's more... They also got footage of me and Lana fucking. They're threatening to leak it too."

B: "You gotta be kidding me... I can't believe I'm asking this, but... do they have footage of you and me hooking up?"

E: "Not that I know of. I think you're in the clear, Belle."

B: "Thank god... You know, I always told you it was dumb to store that much in the place you sleep."

E: "Thanks for making me feel worse. =("

B: "You're safe, you'll live. We probably shouldn't even be texting about this. Even on Vanishhh."

E: "You're right. Hit me up when you get back. I miss your body."

I put Belle's phone back down on her seat, smiling to myself. It appeared my friend Devin had been successful in getting Enzo to cease his drug-dealing operation.

Belle eventually returned to her aisle seat, not suspecting a thing. I returned to the unread message from Devin on my phone. It contained no words, just a string of emojis: Thumbs up. Camera. Snowflake. Stop sign. Trophy. Confetti.

"Ken, did you hear me?"

I refocused and put my phone down, realizing Belle was speaking to me.

"Vi's going to meet us at the airport," she said. "We're going to be staying at her apartment. I want you to help her if she asks you to."

Welp, I guess I was now on the clock with assistant duties.

***

"Welcome to my humble abode!" Vi swung open the door, showing us into her spacious Parisian apartment.

Top floor of her building, immaculate white walls, simple minimalist decor. I had no clue what Belle's best friend did for a living, but Vi was clearly doing pretty well for herself.

Adam suddenly walked into view. He enthusiastically hugged Belle, then me. "Friends! So happy to see familiar faces!"

Vi clapped her hands together, getting our attention. "Well, you two are probably hungry for some real food. I'll pick up dinner to bring back."

"I can tag along," Adam said.

"No baby, you help Belle get settled in," Vi instructed. "She's got a photoshoot tomorrow she needs to rest for. You two can set our dining table, have it ready for when the food comes."

"Sounds good. May I?" Adam asked Belle, offering to roll her two suitcases to her guest room.

"Such a gentleman." Belle took her hair out of her ponytail, looking like she wanted to relax after our flight.

"Ken, buddy, I'll bring your luggage to your room too."

"No worries Adam, I got it," I said.

"Let him, Ken. You're our guest." Vi made it a point to mention. "Besides, you're coming with me right now to grab dinner. I understand it's your first time in Paris. So I'm gonna show you around my city!"

Vi and I promptly exited her apartment, setting off on foot to some restaurant she presumably had in mind. We traveled along some narrow neighborhood road, where I took in the sights: blocks of cream-colored buildings with dark roofs, cafes and awnings lining the streets.

"So, first impressions?" Vi asked me, minutes into our walk.

"The city's beautiful! So different from back home."

"Anything you're looking forward to doing here?"

"Not sure. Wherever Belle goes and needs help, I'll follow I guess. But since you ask, I am kinda curious what the sports scene is like here. There's actually a big match—"

"Hold on," Vi said, halting us in front of some tiny eatery. "This place is good. Stay here, I'll be back after I place a takeout order."

When Vi entered the cafe, I felt inspired to take a photo of the bustling street life with my phone. However, the device I retrieved from my pants pocket though wasn't mine—it was Belle's. How'd that happen? I checked the multiple pockets of my field jacket, one of which thankfully held my own phone.

With Belle's device in my possession, I (naturally) checked in on her Vanishhh app. To my disappointment, there were no new messages or names. However, a new text suddenly appeared in real-time, on her normal Messages app.

It was from Vi: "In line right now to order food. This place always takes a while. Take your time."

Curious what Vi meant by that last part, I opened up the full thread, scrolling up, seeing that their messages had started hours earlier, while Belle and I were mid-flight.

Vi: "Can't wait til you get here! I'll be at the airport to pick you up."

Belle: "Thanks sis <3."

V: "I need to ask you a favor though. I don't think Adam's adjusted well to Paris yet. Maybe he's homesick. Can you make him feel better in your special way? =)"

B: "Vi babe, are you saying what I think you're saying?"

V: "Belly, I just want to see him back to his normal self. I think maybe he needs a touch and taste of someone familiar. And you and I both know he enjoys sex with you."

B: "Likewise, but are you sure you're cool with this? After the last time, with our dumb little drama in the pool house. I still feel bad about what I did..."

V: "I hear you. It's different this time though. We're all good, I promise! =)"

B: "Kk! What about Adam, is he cool with this too?"

V: "He doesn't know. I thought it'd be a nice surprise coming from you! And if he's hesitant, you can show him these texts. But I doubt he'll need much convincing. He really does love fucking you. We talk about you when we make love. It's kinda hot lol."

B: "LOL! Naughty! Alright Vi, I got you. I'll take care of Adam. But I'll be a bit tired from the flight. I could also use a massage from him. And it'd be nice if he ate me out after."

V: "Absolutely! I'm sure he'd love that."

B: "Perfect. So timing-wise, when are you thinking?"

V: "Right when we get to my apartment from the airport. Then afterward, we'll all relax with a nice dinner and wine."

B: "Got it. There's one thing though. Can you babysit Ken? I've brought him with me. He's my temporary assistant. It's also his first time in Paris."

V: "Adorable! Okay I'll bring him with me to get takeout while you and Adam stay behind. That way, you two won't have to rush."

B: "Sounds good. See you soon!"

I returned Belle's phone back to my pocket, letting the eye-opening exchange sink in...

***

It'd been at least an hour since Vi and I originally left to get takeout.

When we finally returned to her apartment, we had bags of French cuisine in hand. I glanced at the dining room table. It wasn't prepared with any dinnerware, making me wonder if Belle and Adam had simply forgotten to set it. Or maybe they had maximized the most of their session, not having time for anything else.

Vi didn't look bothered. She brought out utensils and plates, and kindly asked me to set the table, transfer the food onto serving bowls.

Meanwhile, Belle walked out looking freshly showered, dressed in a comfortable tee and track shorts. "Oh hey Ken, you're back! Any chance you've seen my phone? I can't find it anywhere." She took a seat at the table.

I gladly handed it back to her. "Somehow it was in my pocket. Maybe we got our things mixed up at the airport?"

"I think we did. I somehow have your sunglasses." Belle handed me the fancy designer shades I'd bought from Vegas. "Take care of those. They look like they cost a lot."

"Oh god, thank you!" I hung them on the inside pocket of my field jacket.

"So Ken, god forbid my phone really goes missing, let me give you access to my work email in case there are any last-minute changes to my schedule. Please make sure everything's still on track for my shoot tomorrow."

"On it!" I said, taking a seat across from her.

Adam then walked out from the hallway, looking like he had just showered as well. He greeted me by patting my shoulder, then combed his wet hair with his fingers, making me wonder if he and Belle had capped off their fun in the bathroom.

Vi returned from the kitchen and began pouring white wine into our glasses. She noticed Adam looking like he was in good spirits. "How are you feeling, baby?" Vi asked.

"Great! And super hungry. Wow, French food has never looked so good. I think I can get used to this."

"Vi!" Belle said. "Tiny confession: Adam and I snacked a bit while you guys were gone. He ate quite a bit. But don't worry, he's still got an appetite." She winked at her friend.

"Lovely to hear!" Vi flashed Belle a grateful grin, picking up on the coded innuendo. "Okay, let's all enjoy this delicious food." She raised her wine glass. "Cheers to good friends!"

***

The next morning, I woke up in my guest room with a work-minded focus. I checked Belle's emails on my laptop and confirmed our pick-up time.

When Belle woke up, she instructed me to pack her small pink duffel bag with select items. I included her tablet and a fiction novel for when there'd be downtime on set.

Belle also handed me a make-up pouch and—to my surprise—a white bra and panties to stuff in there. I thought about my cousin Colin. My joy of handling Belle's underwear was probably a mere fraction of what he felt with his fetish.

Later that morning, Belle and I were promptly picked up outside Vi's apartment by a private driver. When we eventually arrived at the studio, various crew members were already in the process of setting up lights and props on a set.

"Madame, welcome back to Paris." A female set assistant received us. "Let's get you into hair and makeup. Then Rodrigo said he'll stop by to talk about the pieces you'll be wearing."

"Ro's also handling wardrobe?" Belle asked.

"That's what I'm told, madame. Would you like any coffee or tea?"

"Yes thanks, you can coordinate with Ken here. He knows how I take it."

Belle left me to head over to the make-up room, leaving me with the cute French staffer. She looked about my age, with hazel eyes and dark hair. I snuck glances at her backside as she led me to the craft services area.

"Hi, I'm Ken. I like the way your English sounds, with your French accent."

"We have this." She ignored my greeting, simply pointing to a fancy espresso machine. "You can make it how she likes."

"I've never used something like this. Can you help me? You look like you can whip up a mighty good latte."

"Just follow the buttons. Or google it," she said coldly, then left me to my own devices.

Jeez. French hospitality much? Perhaps she was just focused on a busy day ahead. In any case, our one-sided exchange made me wonder why I even bothered trying to flirt. I felt a sudden pang of affection for Eva, who, despite having hurt my feelings, was someone I knew I had a mutual connection with.

A male voice said something in French to me over my shoulder. I turned around to see a black-haired, late twenties man wearing a Paris Saint-Germain jersey, rolling a wardrobe rack with lingerie on it. He spoke to me again, this time in Spanish.

"Sorry, I don't understand," I said, not comprehending a word of either language aimed my way.

"Ah, English! No problem, my friend. I was asking if you could make me a latte too."

"Oh. Well I would, if I knew how to use this hunk of metal."

"It's okay, I'll help you." He began fiddling with handles and buttons on the chrome machine. "So one for me, one for you?" he asked.

"Actually, one for you, one for Belle. I'm Ken, her assistant."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Rodrigo." He shook my hand.

We spent a few minutes chatting, his charisma making for easy conversation. Much nicer than that female set assistant.

"I noticed the jersey you're wearing," I said. "Are you a fan of Paris Saint-Germain?"

"You could say that. I've become a casual PSG supporter since I moved to this country. Definitely gonna watch their match tomorr—ah shit!" Rodrigo's hand recoiled, reacting to the heat of the paper cup. He quickly blew on his fingers to cool them.

"Are you okay? Did you get burned?"

He laughed off the momentary pain. "What good would I be today if I couldn't use my fingers?" Rodrigo smartly stacked additional cups underneath to double them up, then handed me the two lattes. "Carry those, my friend, while I roll the clothes."

We walked toward the room where Belle was in. Rodrigo knocked on the closed door, then opened it without caution. Right when we stepped inside, we were met with a tall accordion divider to our left, blocking our view of Belle.

"Bonjour, hola, hello!" Rodrigo bypassed the partition, ignoring it. He rolled in the lingerie rack and I followed him.

Belle was on the far end of a long and narrow room. She had changed into a cloth robe, and was seated in front of a vanity mirror. Two other females were doing her make-up and hair, respectively.

"We come with gifts," Rodrigo said, gesturing to me. I handed Belle her latte, then gave him his. Rodrigo then spoke French to the two stylists, which got them to leave the room.

Belle sipped her cup. "Yum, tasty! Thanks Ken," she said. "Ro, Ken's my assistant on this trip. Also happens to be my fiancé's nephew."

"Oh that's right, fiancé!" he said. "I heard about your engagement! Congrats Belle, that's wonderful! And well done hiring a brilliant assistant. Ken's a maestro with the espresso machine." Rodrigo winked my way, kindly propping me up for something I didn't do.

Belle looked pleasantly surprised. "And Ken, Rodrigo's one of the most talented photographers in France who's not even French. He did one of my more popular shoots, in Santorini some years back."