Decision Time
Desi never imagined there would come a day when she would have to make such an undignified decision; but, that day had arrived. She shivered in disgust at the ugly man sitting on the patio chair in front of her. If he were telling the truth, it would all be worth it but, there was only one disgusting way to find out.
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The Previous Day
Desi had it all, a beautiful home, a mature, wealthy husband, a body to die for and a beautiful face. It was her twenty-ninth birthday party, and her husband had given her a big surprise, a brand new red Mercedes convertible sports car. Unfortunately, her first wrinkle dampened Desi's happiness.
Her girlfriends all laughed at her and said it was the start of a downward slope and there was nothing she could do about it. Desi was devastated, and in spite of the extravagant party and well-wishes, she couldn't be happy. She mingled with her guests and drank too much champagne as she tried to drown her imaginary woes.
Juan was listening to the pretty white woman celebrating her birthday and moaning of her concern about getting her first wrinkle. As he looked around, this woman had it all; he shook his head and couldn't believe she was so shallow to be so troubled about a fucking wrinkle!
Juan struggled to put aside enough money to send his daughter to college. He had to work almost non-stop, and when his friend asked him to serve at the party tonight, he jumped at the chance to earn easy money. Rich people always amazed him with their 'better than you' attitude, but he would take their money.
Juan was almost invisible as he wandered through the crowd on the large outside grounds. The in-ground pool had a fountain shooting water up in the air, and the view of the city lights was incredible. Juan lived with his family in a four-room apartment that they all shared and his vision was the next door building. He couldn't imagine living in such luxury.
When Desi walked to the edge of the property, Juan was bored and made his way nonchalantly towards her.
"Good evening Miss," said Juan, "would you like a fresh drink?"
Desi had a tear in her eye as replaced her glass. She didn't even say thanks but turned away and looked back out at the valley view. Juan was prepared to ignore her attitude but decided to have some fun with her.
"Miss," Juan said, "I don't mean to interrupt, but I think I can help you out."
Desi turned and looked at the help; he was a short, ugly man with a huge nose and a bald head. If Desi had to guess she would say he was Mexican or South American but he didn't have an accent.
"I don't know what you mean," she huffed, "and I don't appreciate you being personal with me."
"I'm sorry," Juan said, "but I overheard you talking to the other ladies. May I show you a picture of my wife?"
"What on earth for?" said Desi as she got even more annoyed with the waiter.
"I think you will be impressed," said Juan, "only one brief moment but it may change your life."
Desi was perturbed but also intrigued, "Okay," she said, "but make it quick!"
"Please hold the tray for me," said Juan as he held it out to her. Desi let out another huff and reluctantly held the tray as Juan reached into his back pocket and pulled a photo out of his wallet. "Here is a picture of my wife," he said, "she is fifty-seven."
As Juan took the tray back from Desi, he handed her the photo. It wasn't his wife but his twenty-one-year-old daughter, Marie. She was beautiful like her mom, and he thanked God she didn't look like him.
"This is your wife," said Desi as she looked at the photo, "She looks so young. Is she fifty-seven? Impossible!"
Juan knew that Desi had taken his bait, her vain ego wanted to believe it was true. He could see the wheels turning in her head as she looked at him, trying to judge whether he was telling the truth or not.
"Yes," lied Juan, "that is my wife, and we found a secret that keeps her skin smooth and wrinkle-free."
"I don't believe you," said Desi, "you would be rich if that were true."
"You're right I should be, but the researchers keep getting it wrong, it's a long story," said Juan, "too long to discuss with you now. I am sorry, you're right I should never have bothered you. Excuse me."
Juan took the photo back from Desi put it in his shirt pocket and walked away. He hadn't gone three steps before he heard her call out to him.
"Wait!" she said, "Tell me more. I need to know the secret."
Juan could see other guests were looking at them now. "Perhaps we could meet a different time?" he said as he looked around the area, "When it is more private."
"Yes, yes," she said quickly, "can you come here tomorrow? My husband is gone at nine am, and the housekeeper is off tomorrow."
"I am working tomorrow, and it would mean missing my wages," said Juan as he looked into her blue eyes," Maybe it is not such a good idea to be alone with me. What would your husband say?"
"I will pay you," said Desi in a desperate attempt to get him to come over. "Is five hundred dollars enough?"
Juan hesitated, this was going farther than he intended. The picture was a joke and to get back at her for her rudeness. But five hundred dollars was a small fortune in Juan's world.
"Okay," said Juan, "but you must swear to keep our meeting secret."
"Thank you," said Desi, "can your wife come as well?"
"No," said Juan, "she is a housekeeper at a downtown hotel for the last twenty-five years."
"Oh," said Desi as she was giving the whole thing a second thought. If it was true and he did have a secret, then it was worth the risk. "Okay, be here at ten am, and we can talk more."
"Yes Miss," said Juan as he walked away to hand out more drinks. He chuckled under his breath at how naive she was and how easy he had manipulated her. He wondered what he could get her to do tomorrow.
Desi watched the ugly man walk away and thought about the picture. If the photo were real, then she would give anything to keep her skin just like that. Smooth and free of wrinkles. She watched the ugly man talking to her girlfriend Susan as she took a drink from his tray, Susan looked from the server to Desi and smiled strangely at her. Desi rejoined the party with all her friends with a renewed sense of hope.
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The First Meeting