Fairy Tale Or Finance

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CHAPTER ONE

Cameron Nicholson was the stunningly beautiful thirty-two year old owner of Yoga Passion, a chic yoga studio and meditation center. She was incredibly emotional, and passionate. Both characteristics came with the honor of being a Cancer. She had a very quirky sense of humor. A privileged upbringing in the suburbs gave her a high standard of living. From the time she was a little girl, she envisioned her wedding day. She and her lifelong friends, Kristian O’Neil, and Mackenzie Stryker, would pick flowers from her mother’s garden, and pretend to be brides. When she was in high school, she bought bridal magazines. When she was in college, she figured she’d be married soon after she graduated. There was just one problem. Cameron rarely had a serious boyfriend. At a slim five feet-seven inches, with thirty-four Cs, a twenty-six inch waist, and thirty-eight inch hips, she was hard to miss. She couldn’t walk down the street without men staring at her. Men came up to her, told her she was beautiful, and then walked away. It was incredibly frustrating, because most people loved being around Cameron. She told funny jokes. She was kind, and very giving. She didn’t understand why her love life was so empty.

Straight out of college, Kristian became Mrs. Cerullo, and Mackenzie became Mrs. Townsend. They both met their husbands while still in school. Cameron was a loyal bridesmaid at both weddings, even though she didn’t have a date at either event. She never had a date to any event. Year after year, her friends and acquaintances married off one by one while Cameron stayed single. When she turned thirty, she feared she might end up alone. Then, her life changed overnight. She finally met someone, and he was a big fish. Although she was the only unmarried woman in her group of friends, she was in a serious relationship with the incredibly handsome Dr. Byron Alexander, a successful forty year old plastic surgeon. She always lavished him in compliments. She never complained. She always let him have his way, and never disagreed with him. She was determined not to let him get away, and it worked.

She managed to stay in a relationship for two years. Her doubts about her personality had diminished. She knew her looks weren’t the problem in keeping men in the past. Finally she was assured that she was datable and lovable. The status of dating a doctor felt good for a while. Her mother was thrilled. She and the girls always wanted rich and attractive husbands, and Cameron was on her way to having hers. Although her life appeared like a fairy tale on the outside, her relationship was far from perfect.

It was Friday afternoon. She was attending the annual hospital benefit with Byron later that evening. A few of his friends from college were attending physicians, and he always supported them. Meanwhile, she was finishing an invigorating yoga session with Kristian and Mackenzie. The entire class said, Namaste. Cameron, Kristian, and Mackenzie began rolling up their mats.

I can’t believe Ryan wouldn’t let me use his toothbrush this morning, said Mackenzie.

I know. It’s not like his mouth hasn’t been in worse places, Cameron replied.

Like your vagina, said Kristian.

Mackenzie agreed, and explained her perspective. Exactly. Mouth to pussy is much worse than mouth to toothbrush. Although, mouth to pussy is obviously more enjoyable. Mackenzie’s husband, Ryan, was a successful real estate developer. She met him in college when she was interning with an architect. He took one look at her, and was instantly besotted. Mackenzie was gorgeous, and she used her looks to her advantage. She wasn’t very smart or domestic, but she had a kind heart.

The girls laughed, and headed to lunch. Kristian and Mackenzie didn’t work, so they had plenty of time to hangout during the day. They chatted as they walked.

So Cammie, what’s going on with your delicious doctor? asked Mackenzie.

I wouldn’t exactly call him delicious. He’s more like one of those fancy desserts that looks fabulous behind the glass, but it gives you cellulite. He’s like a pair of stilettos. They look good, but they hurt your feet.

Mackenzie wanted more info. She asked Cameron to elaborate.

He’s always at his office, or in surgery, or hanging out with his friends. And when we’re together, all he talks about is himself. He never seems interested in anything about my life.

Who cares? He’s a doctor! Kristian was the cynical one in the group. She had no problem speaking her mind, and telling it like it is.

I know! It’s not like he’s a male nurse, added Mackenzie.

I would like to have some passion in my relationship. He’s so…emotionless. Cameron owned a successful business. She didn’t need a man to take care of her anymore. Mackenzie and Kristian had husbands who provided for them. Dating a doctor was no longer fulfilling her needs.

Kristian tried to rationalize Cameron and Byron’s relationship by saying, "Stop looking for that Notebook style romance. He’s not going to build a yoga room for you in his mansion with blue shutters. He’s sexy, treats you well, and he’s rich. That’s enough… Wait, is the sex good?"

Yes. Cameron had no problems with Byron in the bedroom.

Mackenzie was on the same page as Kristian. Seriously Cam, we’re getting older. You’re the only one in our group who’s still not married. Do you want to be one of those women who waits for Prince Charming, then before you know it, you’re freaking out because you’re wondering how many good eggs you have left? You caught a big fish!

I know, but he hasn’t even proposed. It’s been two years. Cameron was still impatiently waiting for the ring.

He will. Just stop complaining. There are women who would poison you in your sleep to get your man, Kristian said in a rare moment of slight empathy.

The girls headed into their favorite lunch spot, Cornucopia, and ordered their usual salads. After their salads were made, they grabbed bottles of water, and got in line to pay for their meals. They were standing in line behind a slightly obese woman who kept looking back at them. Kristian couldn’t help rolling her eyes. The obese woman spoke to them.

Wow, you guys are so fit. You don’t need to eat salads. You can eat whatever you want! They all moved forward in line. Cameron and Mackenzie knew Kristian was about to be rude to the woman.

No we can’t. You’re not supposed to wait until you’re already fat to start working out, and eating healthy food! Kristian snapped back in a condescending tone.

The woman rolled her eyes at Kristian, and paid for her food. The girls paid for their food, and sat at a table far away from the obese woman.

That was horrible! Cameron exclaimed.

It was the truth, said Kristian as she began to eat her salad.

The truth hurts. Mackenzie agreed with Kristian, although she would never say anything like that outside of their circle. What if we would have said something about her giant bowl of pasta, and that huge cookie?

We wouldn’t have! Cameron felt bad for the woman.

Then she shouldn’t have tried to skinny-shame us. Kristian had no remorse.

I can’t take you guys anywhere! This is why we can’t have nice things! Cameron joked with the girls. They loved being snarky, but she hated when Kristian confronted people.

Meanwhile, in his office, Byron was talking to Ainsley. Ainsley was Byron’s sister-in-law, a nurse at his office, and the fourth friend in Cameron’s clique. Ainsley knew Cameron was waiting for the ring, and did some playful interrogating in an attempt to get some info.

So, will we be adding Cameron to our family anytime soon? Ainsley asked Byron.

Of course. She will make a lovely wife, said Byron as he flashed a sinister smile.

I did very well. I can officially retire as a matchmaker, She said with pride. Don’t you agree?

Matchmaking requires skill, research, and a knack for bullshitting. All you did was set up your handsome and successful brother-in-law with your last single friend. That’s not rocket science!

Well, it’s a good thing I’m a nurse, and not a rocket scientist.

Byron opened his desk drawer, and pulled out a ring box. He opened it, and showed it to Ainsley. It was a three-carat radiant cut engagement ring. It sparkled. Ainsley got excited.

Oh my god. It’s gorgeous! When are you going to propose? She said admiring its beauty.

Tonight…and you better not spoil it! Byron knew Cameron would make a good wife. He also noticed the hints she was dropping. The random magazines, which happened to be opened to an engagement ring ad were laying on the table on more than one occasion. She’d brought up marriage a few times, but he always managed to talk himself out of the conversation. Ainsley promised not to say a word, and felt a sense of accomplishment.

That evening, Cameron got ready for the hospital benefit. She put on her long black gown, and the diamond stud earrings Byron gave her as a birthday gift last year on their trip to Paris. She and Byron weren’t living together. Her mother told her not to move in with a man without a ring, and a wedding date. She loved getting dressed up, but she didn’t enjoy events like this. The people at these events seemed so fake. A part of her felt like Byron loved having her on his arm more than having her in his heart. He lavished her with expensive shoes and handbags. They’d traveled all over the world. They spent time on his parents’ yacht. However, their relationship wasn’t passionate at all. She wanted love notes, and little texts just to know he was thinking about her. Before she met Byron, none of the men she wanted ever reciprocated those feelings. In the rare instances she was actually dating someone, as soon as she disagreed with him one time, he often disappeared. If she had an opinion about something that differed from his opinion, he disappeared. She was beginning to think she was meant to be alone. She couldn’t accept that she was that bad. Besides, Kristian was super cynical and opinionated, and she landed a great guy. She accepted that it wasn’t mean to happen for her.

Her parents and friends insisted she not give up. They couldn’t fathom Cameron being single. To them, your life isn’t complete without a spouse and children. She was determined to figure out what to do with her life without a spouse and children. She opened her yoga studio, and accepted her life as a single business owner. Then, she met Byron. After befriending Ainsley at her yoga studio, she introduced Cameron to her single brother-in-law. Literally overnight, she went from accepting a life of being single, to dating one of the most eligible bachelors in the city. He was perfect on paper. He was attractive and successful.

He had his pick of plenty of women. Mothers were trying to set him up with their daughters. Byron chose her. That meant a lot to her. She was finally the one being chosen, and not just by any man, but by a handsome doctor. However, this wasn’t what she expected. There was no romance. It was just two people, who were physically attracted to each other, and tolerated each other’s company. On top of that, she had to pretend to never have an opinion of her own in order to keep him. They didn’t spend a lot of time together. But she felt like she shouldn’t complain. It was better than being single. He was a doctor after all.

Just as she put on her shoes, Byron rang her doorbell. She opened the door, and saw her handsome physician standing there in his tux. He looked like a store mannequin. He was tall, had a chiseled face, and a body that looked like a Greek god who’d been training his entire life for the Olympics. His deep voice was sexy.

Hello my beautiful princess. Shall we go? Byron always told her she was beautiful.

Of course, Cameron replied. She took his arm, and headed outside.

Byron opened the door of his black BMW, Cameron stepped in, and they drove to the hospital benefit. As they pulled up to the valet, they saw Bryon’s younger brother Teagan, and Ainsley get out of their car. Teagan was five years younger than Byron. The four of them walked in together. They were already late. The girls rushed to the bathroom with the excuse of checking their makeup, but they really just wanted to gossip.

Ainsley couldn’t resist dropping some hints of what was going to happen that night. Cameron, I see you haven’t received a certain piece of left hand, third finger adornment yet. Ainsley failed at being aloof.

No, I haven't. Are you trying to rub it in? snapped Cameron.

Ainsley smiled, and replied. No.

Do you know something I don't know? Cameron was now intrigued. Ainsley went silent again, and powdered her face. Cameron demanded an explanation. Quit the silence!

"Are you one hundred percent sure that you want to marry him?" Ainsley asked.

What?