MONEY IS THE ANTHEM ,

[Deleted]

Teddy's was a harsh reminder of what used to be. The over-stuffed leather furnishing and lavish décor once belonged to him. Penthouse suite with an exquisite view, the car every man dreamed to own and the attractive Hispanic maid. He missed it all and this hideaway evoked his sense of nostalgia to the nth degree. Whoever said money couldn't buy happiness had obviously been a poor man who had not had the experience of being rich and having the world at his fingertips. He missed grabbing lunch in Manhattan, hitting the elitist lounges of New York; with their ever judging gazes and critical thoughts, they had a way of sensing how much you had to your name. There was no way Richard could go back until he claimed what was rightfully his, his pride would suffer greatly at being cast aside and considered a lowly peasant, not good enough for their presence. He cared a lot about appearance, he liked to be on top and being able to brag about it too. And right now there was no appearance, he wasn't on top and he certainly wouldn't be bragging about that. It was the sad truth, he was in ruin and the only way out was his daughter who seemed to grow more impressionable each day, it would only be a matter of time before she started questioning and what then? There was no use thinking what could happen, he just had to work faster to avoid it.

His life in New York may now be a memory, he had still remained in contact with a few associates and co-workers. He had been vague, spinning lies as to what he was doing in LA. He couldn't let them know just how deep he was in financial ruin, they knew that there was trouble and Rick preferred to keep it that way. He kept them at arms length, they weren't friends only business partners. They were the competition, it helped to befriend them but Richard wouldn't hesitate to double cross them if that meant getting ahead in life. Many of them were still blissfully oblivious to his true identity, as with the reason he had gone south. They were yet to find out about his daughter and his escapades since being here. Though he didn't doubt that there were rumors surfacing, it was the industry, it couldn't be helped. He only hoped that they were more involved with their own lives than to pay attention to tabloids.

He took another sip of his whiskey as he contemplated all of this. He had a night to himself and he took this opportunity to scope out the night life that Hollywood had to offer once more. A few women had caught his eye but they weren't anything special, they were the traditional prettiness. Nothing stood out and there wasn't much to the conquest if there were so many like her, where was the fun in that? He was sat around the island bar, his elbow resting against the bar with his tumbler in hand. Quite casual with a hint of melancholy. If he didn't find another suitable bed warmer, he always had Bianca. Naïve but ever dependable Bianca. She would be waiting for his call and would happily welcome him into her room, that was the good thing about her. Aside from the sex of course, she was always waiting in the wings, even if he had blown her off for most of the day. She was like a puppy, yearning for attention but loyal when attention wasn't given and he took advantage of that. He finished the liquor before waving to the bartender for a refill. He used this time to scope the bar once more for any new faces, his gaze locked on a petite frame and though her back was facing him, he knew who it was. He stood and made his way towards her "Miranda Gary" he cooed mockingly "what are you doing here?" he asked, suspicion heavy in his tone, his figure imposing.

tagged; miranda/anna!
outfit; minus waistcoat
location; teddy's bar