Chapter 4
With each button of my jacket that I released, the butler made a quiet choking sound. I raised an eyebrow at his reaction. I knew that everyone was dressing up, so I wasn’t sure why he was so surprised. Maybe he was just a little shocked to see a bunny of my size. I wasn’t going to let that get me down. I held out my coat to him with an equally stern stare.
“That’s right, get a good hard look. Because all bunnies are beautiful—even the big ones.”
“As you say, ma’am.” He stammered out his words.
He took my coat and hurried into the large closet to hang it. I heard further choking sounds, which I believed were an attempt to cover up laughter. I was a little hurt. But then what had I really expected? I did look rather ridiculous dressed up like a bunny.
Once he had disappeared, I stepped further into the flawless penthouse. I’d never been to a place so luxurious before. I was dazzled by the bright lights, the plush furnishings, and the beautiful people that surrounded me. They were downright sparkly with expensive jewelry, perfect white teeth, and pristine dresses.
It took a moment for that reality to sink in. Everyone at the party was dressed in suits and dresses, not bunny costumes.
As I stared with disbelief, I noticed that many of the guests were wearing a headband with tiny bunny ears. Some had a little cotton poof attached to their backsides. But no one had an entire bunny outfit on.
Alarms began ringing in my mind. I was not going to blend in at this party. I was not going to have a great time. In fact, I would be lucky if I didn’t burst into flames from the intensity of my embarrassment.
In the middle of this emotional chaos, a man dressed in a very expensive suit walked toward me. His face had a pinched look to it as if he had just smelled something horrible. As he paused in front of me, I had a sinking feeling that that something was me.
“Can I help you, miss?” he asked.
“I was invited to the party.” I was already on the defensive.
“I’m sure you were, otherwise you wouldn’t be allowed up here.” He narrowed his eyes.
My cell phone beeped in the tiny clutch I’d brought along. I fished my phone out and found a text from Becky.
Sorry I’m not going to be able to make it tonight. If you ask the butler, he’ll give you some ears and a tail. Have fun!
I stared down at that text as my mind raced as to what to do. If only I had received that text before getting on the elevator, I might have avoided all of this. If only I’d asked more questions instead of making assumptions, I wouldn’t have an entire room full of rich model types staring at me with clear amusement.
“Who invited you?” the man asked.
“She’s not coming.”
“One of the models?” He forced a smile.
“Becky.” I cleared my throat.
“Ah Becky, yes. She does tend to invite the uh—well, never mind. I feel you must understand that this party is not what you might be used to. We are people of class.” He lifted an eyebrow as if that should change anything.
Something about his arrogant attitude made me want to whack him with a high heel. But I restrained myself. I had gone past the point of embarrassment into full-on shock.
I was already at the party. I had two choices. I could slink my way out, or I could still try to have a good time.
“Are you asking me to leave?” I met his eyes boldly.
He grimaced. I thought he was going to tell me that he was, in fact, asking me to leave. Instead he shook his head.
“No. But what were you thinking, coming to this party dressed like this?” he asked.
I stared at him with widened eyes. The fact that he would be so straightforward was surprising.
“I like to shake my own tail, not the same one that everyone else is wearing.”
“Okay. It’s not very appropriate for this party.” He narrowed his eyes.
“I wasn’t sent a rule book.”
“You should have been. In fact, if you had been accompanied by the person that was actually invited to this party she might have warned you that you were dressed inappropriately.” He shook his head and passed his gaze over my costume once more. “It may be prove to be very disruptive.”
I wasn’t about to be bunny shamed in front of the entire penthouse full of people. I wasn’t going to let one snooty man with a puffball sticking off his rear ruin the fun I was determined to have.
“I hear what you’re saying, but I don’t hear anyone else complaining. So unless you think you can pick me up and toss me out of here, I think you should find a good distraction. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to look at it.”
With that I turned and made my way over to the bar. Because the high heels I was wearing were beginning to really weaken my ankles, I felt like I was bouncing a bit more than necessary. Or perhaps it was just the subtle sway and smack of the large bunny tail I was wearing.
Chapter 5
I made it across the room to the bar. I expected with every step that I would be seized and tossed out. Instead, the piano player began to play a beautiful tune, and the people at the party started up their conversations again.
I sat down at the bar and stared hard at the counter. I was still contemplating whether it would be better to make a run for it. I felt the presence of someone standing in front of me. When I looked up across the bar, I was greeted by a welcome sight—a handsome man with a drink in his hand.
“You deserve a drink.” The bartender placed a glass of what looked like liquid cotton candy in front of me.
I raised an eyebrow. “What’s in it?”
“Trust me.” He smiled and pushed the glass closer to me.
“Hm, I’ve never heard of those ingredients before.” I eyed him with a little bit more interest.
He had a sexy smile and big brown eyes backed up with what I fantasized were sultry promises.
I was enjoying his attention, when someone sat down beside me. I turned to find a woman in pristine ears and a tailored dress.
“I just want to say that I think you look so adorable.”
Her voice was dripping with a sweetness that made me cautious. I was familiar with that type of voice. It usually led into a full-blown catfight.
“Thank you. You look stunning yourself.”
“Well, like you said, I look like every other woman in here.” She tilted her head with a hint of pride.
I was getting the message. I didn’t belong at the party, not just because of my bunny costume, but because of the way I looked.
I pursed my lips and looked away from her. As I did, I noticed a man standing near the wall who was staring at me. He had three beautiful women clustered around him, but he was staring at me.
“Yes, even Reginald has noticed.” The woman sighed delicately. “Everyone is fighting for his attention, but you’re the only one who has it.”
“He’s just gawking.” I looked away from him to sip my drink.
“Gawking at you. In your adorable costume.”
Again her voice didn’t sound as kind as her words were. I had the distinct feeling that she was angry at me for drawing attention. That was rather thrilling for me. Here she was, gorgeous and flawless. I looked downright ridiculous and she was jealous of me.
I decided to explore that idea.
“Well, let’s just see if you’re right.” I smiled warmly at her.
She looked back at me with some confusion. I gestured to the bartender to get his attention.
“Yes?” he asked.
He sounded genuinely kind when he spoke to me, but I assumed it was a pity kindness.
“I’d like to buy that man a drink.” I pointed to Reginald.
“Would you?” He smiled. “What kind?”
“Whatever he’s drinking.”
“That’s very generous of you. You should know that the bottle of beer he’s drinking costs almost twenty dollars.” He lowered his voice as he spoke.
“Are you implying that I can’t p
ay for it?” I raised an eyebrow and looked into his beautiful brown eyes.
“Not at all. I’m just wondering if you really think he’s worth it.” He winked at me.
I had to suppress a laugh at his words. I couldn’t argue the point. I’d never spent twenty dollars on a drink before.
“Okay, maybe something a bit more thrifty—say not more than ten dollars. If he drinks it, he’s a gentleman. If not, he’s a snob.”
“Alright. I can do that. My choice?”
“Your choice. I’m Samantha, by the way.” I smiled at him.
“Wes.” He reached behind the counter and pulled out a bottle of beer. “Nice to meet you, Samantha.” He smiled back at me before walking over to Reginald.
As he walked over, I wondered what I’d gotten myself into. Surely Reginald wouldn’t want anything to do with a cheap beer or a woman in a bunny costume.
I grew more and more nervous as Wes stopped in front of Reginald and handed him the beer. Wes tipped his head toward me. Reginald met my eyes and smiled. He took a long swig of the beer. I offered my best and brightest smile in return, then began to laugh loudly as if the woman next to me had said something very funny. She looked at me with confusion.
I was so caught up in the act that I gnashed my bottom lip with my teeth and let out a yelp. The woman beside me tried not to laugh. I shook my head and turned back to face the bar. I was just not cut out for flirting.
“He said thank you.” Wes winked as he returned to his position behind the bar.
I was beginning to wonder if he had something in his eye. Or maybe he just wanted to make sure that my full attention was focused on those bedroom brown eyes.
Chapter 6
I glanced over my shoulder in Reginald’s direction. He was engaged in a conversation. Well, at least I’d tried, but this party so far didn’t feel much different than just going out to the bar for a drink. I wanted some real action. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I was sure a little bit of fun could turn everything around.
“Another?” Wes lingered in front of me.
I smiled at him and nodded.
“You know what this party needs?” I smiled.
“What?”
“The bunny hop!”
“Oh, I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.” He picked up another glass and began to fill it. “Why don’t you just have another drink?”
“No way.” I shook my head. “I came here tonight to have fun. I’m not going to hide at the bar all night drinking.” I paused a moment and narrowed my eyes. “You wouldn’t be trying to get me drunk, would you, Wes?”
He smiled at me. There was a gleam in his eyes. I couldn’t quite place what it might be about.
“Samantha, I wouldn’t dream of it. But you have had quite a bit. Maybe you should rethink that bunny hop.”
“This is seriously the most boring party I’ve ever been to.” I sighed heavily. “It’s a tragedy, really, all of these beautiful people in one place and not a shred of fun to be had.”
“It is pretty boring.” He tilted his head toward the piano player. “I think that he’s about to fall asleep.”
“I can take care of that,” I said. Wes eyed me warily.
I could tell that he wasn’t sure what to expect from me. I liked the idea that I was keeping him on his toes.
I stood up and walked over to the piano. I heard a few whispers from people as I walked past. I ignored them. I wasn’t looking for anyone’s approval. I had gone to all of the trouble of squeezing my bottom into my bunny costume and I was not about to let it go to waste. I leaned against the piano and smiled at the musician. He looked at me with mild interest.
“Do you take requests?”
“Requests?” He shook his head. “I play what I’m paid to play.”
“Well, that’s good, because I just happen to have a little cash here that has your name all over it. I only have one request.”
“What is it?”
“The Bunny Hop.”
“The what?” He cracked a half-smile.
“The Bunny Hop. Do you know it?” I dug into my clutch and pulled out some cash. I held up a twenty. “This is all yours for one little song.”
“Alright, I think I can swing that.” He nodded his head toward the glass bowl on the top of his piano. “Payment first—just in case you get thrown out of this swanky party.”
“Ha! Trust me. In a few minutes they’ll be wondering why they didn’t invite me to all of their parties.” I dropped the twenty into the bowl. I’d already blown ten on a drink and now I was spending twenty dollars on a song. Perhaps the luxury mentality of the party was rubbing off on me.
I turned back toward the bar to find Wes watching me. He was cleaning the same spot on the bar over and over again. I realized that he might be both a little intrigued and a little frightened of what might happen next. That made me feel daring—and for once, interesting. I gave him a quick thumbs up.
He shook his head and smiled.
The piano player began to tap away at the keys, creating a peppy tune.
It took a few seconds for people to notice the difference in the music that was playing. Then it took a few more seconds for many people to recognize what the song was.
Before anyone could make their way over to the piano player to ask him to stop, I fluffed up my tail. I kicked off my high heels—which were killing me anyway—and hopped my way to the middle of the floor.
“Who’s ready for the bunny hop?” I demanded.
The man who had been pressuring me to leave since I’d arrived looked at me with horror in his eyes. “This is not the place for that—”
“Bunny hop!” A leggy blonde squealed.
She hopped right over to me and grabbed on to my hips. Together we began hopping across the middle of the floor. The piano player increased the tempo. Legs and I were prancing all around the penthouse.
I did my best not to look directly at anyone. I knew if I saw one judgmental expression, my resolve to have fun might just crumble. The more that I hopped, the funnier I thought the whole situation was. My long fluffy ears and thick walloping tail were bouncing around just as much as my body was.
“Stop the music this instant.” The snobbish man walked toward the piano player.
The piano player, who had only begun to play the song because of my tip, now seemed to want to continue for other reasons.
“Relax. Bunnies got to hop.” He smiled and continued to play.
The man looked horrified as he turned back to look at us.
I was hopping along, having a great time. So were the people that had begun to collect in a line behind me. As the music played, we all held on and hopped. It was probably the least refined thing that we could do.
When I looped the line around in front of him once more, he looked as if he was about to explode.
“You need to stop this right now.” He started to chase us across the room.
The blonde that was hanging on to me threw back her head and laughed. She let go of me long enough to reach behind her and grab the hands of the man chasing us. She placed his hands on her hips and began to hop again.
This brought an uproar of laughter from the rest of the people at the party. Soon people were piling on to the bunny hop line. The man who wanted it all to end was swept right up in the parade.
I couldn’t help myself. I was giggling like a child. I no longer cared at all about how I looked or who might be judging me. I was having a great time, mostly because I had inspired everyone else to have a good time too.
Chapter 7
Just when I thought it couldn’t get better, I felt the hands of the woman behind me slide off my hips. They were replaced by much larger hands with a firmer grasp. I glanced over my shoulder to see Reginald hopping and laughing right behind me. I was sure that this was going to be the best night of my life.
The bunny hop blended into a calmer tune. I thought Reginald might ask me to dance. Instead, he pulled me gently off the dance
floor.
“It’s a little quieter over here.” He smiled. “May I return the favor and buy you a drink?”
“I would like that.” I smiled shyly.
Reginald walked over to the bar and retrieved two drinks for us. While he did I lingered by a small table that was covered in fancy treats.
There were tiny cubes of cheese, strangely shaped crackers, and an assortment of spreads. There were little fruits on little sticks. There was even a bowl of what I hoped was pure chocolate sauce. Underneath, a small flame kept the chocolate in liquid form. I was just about to pick up a strawberry skewer to try it out, when I saw Reginald on his way back with our drinks.
I was so startled that I dropped the entire skewer into the bowl. Chocolate splashed in all directions. I reached for a napkin to clean it up and managed to tip over one of the bowls of dip. It was spilling everywhere.
Reginald would be beside me in seconds. There was no chance of getting the dip back into the bowl, so I did the only thing I thought I could do. I pushed the bowl to the back of the table. Then I slid another bowl into place to hide the remaining dip on the tablecloth. When I finally turned to look at Reginald, I was breathless from the tension of my actions.
“Here you are.” He offered me the drink.
I took a sip to hide my nervousness.
“You seem like a very interesting woman, Samantha. I wonder what your take on the country’s current crisis is?”
I stared at him for a moment. I had no idea what the country’s current crisis was. Sure I knew about the economy, and the ups and downs of the presidency, but I didn’t know what would constitute a crisis. I couldn’t leave him hanging for much longer. He wanted to have an intellectual conversation. I could be intellectual. I was sure of it.
“I think that everything changes. So what we might view as terrible in the moment could become a useful tool to our country in the future.” I cleared my throat. I really had very little idea of what I had just said. But Reginald seemed to approve of it.
A Bunny Tale (Single Wide Female) Page 2