Valentine's Day

by Heather McAlendin

  “Well then I think we should drink up and go see this fantastic new place!”

  Both women finished their drinks, put on their winter coats and waited downstairs for a taxi.

  Valentine was suitably impressed when they arrived. The lay out was like the premier to an award winning movie. A red carpet decorated the front walk while bright spot lights lit up the sky. Men and women dressed in vary style of semi formal and formal wear were being escorted inside. The thumping beat of dance music vibrated the ground as Christine and Valentine found themselves walking up the carpet to the entrance. Christine showed the handsomely dressed doorman their tickets and they walked inside.

  “Incredible!” Valentine's voice betrayed awe as she watched people walk too and fro from the elegantly decorated inner sanctum. Small intimate black marble tables decorated the floor and velvet roped booths, set aside for “celebrity” and “high profile” clients were clothed in red and gold.

  “There's Sasha!” Christine pointed to an attractive African American woman, dressed in long, red strapless dress. “Her brother owns the club,” she whispered.

  Valentine forced a tight smile as the tall, attractive woman waved and walked towards them.

  “Christine! You made it! Is this your friend?” Sasha nodded toward Valentine as she hugged her co worker. “You are in for something special tonight. It's a special show my brother has brought in from the west indies. I think it may shock some of the patrons though.”

  Valentine shook Sasha's hand, intrigued by what type of entertainment could shock anyone these days. “I highly doubt I could be shocked by I am looking forward to the show. This club is gorgeous. I've never seen anything like it before!”

  Sasha looked through dark eyelashes at Valentine and winked. “You may be surprised my dear and that is my brother's whole plan for this place! Unique entertainment for a unique and discriminating clientele. Come this way, we have a private booth. Drinks are waiting!”

  Christine and Valentine followed Sasha to the private booth and sat down. The table was decorated with candles and various tray s of luscious fruit and chocolate Valentine helped her self to a glass of champagne and poured one for Christine.

  “Well I can certainly say that so far this is the most interesting evening I have had in a very long time. Thank you.”

  “You are most welcome Val,” Christine spoke softly between sips of champagne. “It's about time you saw some of life outside your office! All work and no play you know!”

  “Yes, yes,” Valentine sighed. “So I have heard. Can't wait to see how “shocking” this show will be!”

  Sash smiled and trailed her hand softly over Valentine's exposed shoulder. “You are very lovely and with such a name today you will be very popular with some of gentleman I am sure. Enjoy yourself! I have to help my brother prepare the show.”

  “My name is the bane of my existence but I don't let it stop me and I'm not interested in any gentlemen. Who is this mysterious brother of your? Will we get a chance to meet our host?”

  Christine raised an eyebrow at her friend but remained silent an discontinued to sip her champagne. Sasha smiled knowingly and nodded. “You prefer women perhaps? Don't worry my brother will reveal himself after the first performance. I am sure he would love to meet you.”

  Valentine's mouth dropped open in shock at Sasha's comment but before she could for a reply, Sasha walked away through through the crowd and toward the stage door. Christine laughed softly at Valentine's dismay.

  “Oh come on Val, get a sense of humor. How long has it been since you've dated or even had sex anyway?”

  “It's been awhile and none of your business! I am just fine alone thank you.”

  “Uh huh,” Christine answered dryly. “Who are you trying to convince of that? You or me?”

  Just as Valentine attempted to speak, the lights dimmed and the soft pulse of west Indian music began to fill the air. A smattering of polite claps reverberated through the room.

  “Hold that thought...for now.” Valentine murmured as she took another sip of champagne, her eyes trained on the dark stage and anxious for the show to begin.

  A thin layer of mist flowed from beneath the stage curtain and glowing red and yellow lights flashed in beat to the pulsating music. A number of oohs and ahhs emanated from the crowd.

  Valentine reached across the private table and picked out a juicy strawberry. A loud murmur distracted her attention from the fruit and back to the stage. A tall exotic looking woman with silky black, waist length hair was lead blindfolded by anther, more petite blonde woman dressed in a translucent red shift. It was evident to Valentine and to those watching that both woman were naked beneath their loose fitting gowns.

  “Interesting.”

  “Oh wow!” Christine responded as she watched the petite woman remove the silk blindfold from the other and place a kiss on her lips.

  The music suddenly filled the room with it's loud, pulsating rhythm’s. The dancers faced one another and began to rotate their hips and with fluid movements move their arms and hands to the music.

  Valentine was entranced by the fluid movement of the womens bodies. The female dancers were oblivious to the crowd. They would move their bodies like undulating waves on the ocean and with the brief glimpse of a nearly nude breast or buttock it was the most sexually stimulated Valentine felt without actually touching herself.

  The room was quiet as the patrons watched the dancers move with the beat of the music. They were practiced dancers and were surefooted and sensual; the centre of attention and fantasy.

  Valentine's breath caught in her throat as the women stopped very briefly and traced the outlines of one another's hips and cheeks and lips with their finger tips. It was is if they were in a trance and could sense only the two of them. Nothing and no one else mattered. Their backs were arched and with legs turned outward and feet slightly spread apart they continued the dance with breasts buoyant and nipples erect beneath the flimsy dance costumes.

  The dancers hand began furious motions over their bodies. Individually they engaged in auto erotic touching much to the audiences delight. The men watched, unconsciously running hands over their swollen crotches and women were flushed with desire; none turning their eyes away from the sensual scene.

  “Is it hot in here or is it just me?” Christine asked as she twisted uncomfortably in her seat. “I don’t think I was quite prepared for this.”

  “Fascinating isn't? People you see everyday in work and business have a different side too them when the lights go down.” Valentine commented as she watched the crowd but kept one eye on the dancers who were now glistening with thin layers of sweat, causing their frocks to cling to their skin. Her own face was red and her belly burned with lust. She liked the feeling of being a kind of voyeur.

  The music came to an end and the dancers opened their eyes and smiled at the crowd who was clapping enthusiastically. The lovely women bowed deeply at the waist, held hands and walked slowly off the stage. When the lights came back up, couples were chattering nervously, no doubt debating about whether they liked what they had seen. Sophisticated yet sexily clad waitresses stopped at each table to refresh complimentary drinks and food. No one was moved to leave.

  Slow sensual jazz notes filled the sexually charged atmosphere. A few couples joined hands and locked in embraces on the dance floor; bodies grinding together in an attempt to to relieve some of the tension.

  Valentine and Christine sat silently sipping their drinks, avoiding one another's gaze until Sasha came out from the stage door and approached their table.

  “I see from your face you at least got something from the show?” she asked. “My brother will be pleased. What did you both think?”

  Valentine raised her glass in salute and smirked. “Your brother seems to know what lies deep within the dark and has brought it out into the public. Interesting show.”

  “I think we all have voyeuristic tendencies no matter what our age, social standing or sexu
al orientation.”

  “I would agree although from a legal standpoint I don't know what the authorities will think of this.”

  Sasha laughed and quickly waved her hand to the corner of the room. “You didn't see the mayor and chief of police and their wives at the corner table did you? I think the club is safe in that respect.”

  Christine took another sip of champagne and swallowed hard. “I don't know what to think Sasha but it certainly caught everyone's attention. The music was great.”

  Sasha laughed and patted her friends hand. “Enjoy your drinks and the music ladies. Oh, here is my brother now. He's dying to meet you both!”

  Valentine looked up to see a tall, dark skinned, well dressed man striding toward them.

  “Oh no,” she said. “You have got to be kidding!”

  FOUR

  “Good evening ladies! Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Bradley Penner and I am the owner of this establishment.” He nodded his head at both women, his chocolate brown eyes twinkling with delight once he recognized Valentine. “Well, my goodness! It must be my lucky night! Miss Independent has decide to grace my club with her presence!”

  “You can not be serious?” Valentine exclaimed as she stared icily at the man who had insulted her only one night earlier in the grocery store. “How can someone like you own such a place?”

  “Oh, you would be surprised what I am capable of.”

  “So,” mused Sasha. “You two have met?”

  Valentine stood up from the booth and stared directly into the man's eyes. “Oh yes, we've met. We ran into one another the other night in my neighborhood.”

  “Indeed,” said Bradley. “And we had such a delightful but brief conversation.”

  “And I see you used your usual charm brother dear. Brad, this is my friend and coworker Christine and her best friend Valentine Dai, attorney at law.”

  “Valentine? Really now? Such a perfect name for today.” Bradley's face lit up with amusement and watched as anger and frustration spread across the blonde woman's face.

  “Okay, I put up with your insult the other night because I thought you were a passing stranger, never to be seen again. And for your sister;s sake I will ignore your rudeness once again and wish you well. Goodnight!”

  Valentine angrily grabbed her purse and went to gather her coat, leaving Christine and Sasha staring at her as she hurried away.

  “Bradley!” Sasha said in a low, angry voice. “Get off your high horse and go apologies. This is your opening night and you are not supposed to chase patrons out of the club!”

  Brad nodded slowly and reluctantly turned to follow Valentine to the coat room.

  “Women,” he murmured. “Beautiful and smart as hell but stubborn as a mule that one!” “Miss Dai, please slow down. Please wait!”

  Valentine stopped in her tracks and slowly turned to face the handsome entrepreneur. With her arms crossed she was determined not to betray her amusement with the mock sincerity on Bradley's face.

  “What do you want Mr. Penner?”

  “I am humbly asking for your forgiveness for my rude behaviour.”

  “Oh please! I've seen more sincerity out a crooked businessman caught with his hand in the proverbial cookie jar. Enjoy your success. Why does it matter what I think?”

  “It doesn't,” Bradly growled. “But for my sister's sake and your friend Christine I agreed to apologize. You are an arrogant, cold, spoiled brat and I could care less if you leave or stay.”

  Valentine fumed but she pasted on her slickest smile and moved in close to his face. “I will stay and enjoy your wonderful club. I won't disappoint my friend Christine. You and I don't even need to speak the rest of the evening or ever again!”

  “Don't presume to tell me who I will or will not speak to, Miss Dai. If I choose to speak to you I will do so and you will be polite and return that in kind.”

  A look of incredulity filled Valentine's ice blue eyes. This man had spoken to her more than once in a manner that was unacceptable to her.

  “Just who the hell do you think you are dealing with?” she asked.

  “You beauty, just you. Shall I escort you back to my sister's booth? You look like you need a drink.”

  Stone faced, Valentine took the well muscled arm that Bradley offered her and allowed him to guide her back to the table. Both Christine and Sasha were smiling and chatting, Valentine sat heavily in the seat and gratefully took the drink that was offered to her. She refused to look at Bradly as he bade them all a good evening.

  “Don't mind my brother,” Sasha said quietly. “He's harmless really and he spends way too much time alone. I think that's part of the problem with him. Great with a crowd not so great one on one.”

  “Don't worry Sasha. He is not a problem, trust me on that.” Valentine responded with a forced smile. She shifted again in her seat and faced Christine. “So, what do you think of this place?”

  Before Christine could answer, a dapper looking older gentleman crossed the floor and held out his hand, asking her to dance. Christine agreed and placed her glass in front of Valentine.

  “Watch this for a minute. I love this music!” Christine said with enthusiasm.

  Deflated, she nodded and took another mouthful of her drink.

  “Well, I am the hostess here so I better go and make sure everyone is happy and taken care of. It was nice to meet you Valentine. Again, don't mind Bradley. He's actually a good guy.”

  “I bet. Nice to meet you too Sasha. Thank you for an interesting evening.”

  “It's not over yet. Relax and have a few drinks. Maybe we can chat later.”

  Valentine watched Sasha walk away and from the smile on Christine's face, she was not coming back to the booth anytime soon.

  “I'll finish this drink and go home. I've had enough of this for one night.” she thought sourly.

  Just as she was draining the last dregs from her glass, a petite waitress dressed in red and black came to the booth with a silver bucket, inside was a bottle of very expensive champagne and two glasses.

  “I don't think we ordered this?”

  “No Miss, you didn't. It's complimentary.” The waitress smiled, popped the cork and poured Valentine a glass of the bubbly. “Happy Valentine's Day!”

  Valentine had a feeling that Bradley Penner had sent it to further make her uncomfortable but instead, she was determined to enjoy the free champagne and head home.

  “Bradley Penner,” she whispered. “You sir are an ass!”

  Never had she wanted to forget a man so badly in her adult life. He was insulting and infuriating and when she closed her eyes all she could see was that teasing wink and smile.

  “Damn you!”

  “You okay Val?” Christine asked as she moved from the dance floor to the booth. “Ted has asked me to join him for a drink. Do you mind?”

  “Ted?”

  “Yes, my dance partner. Ted. He seems like a nice man. I'll be back in twenty minutes or so.”

  “Don't rush on my part hun. I think may go home soon. You have fun!”

  Christine hugged her friend and head over to the other table, leaving Valentine alone once again. Another drink left Valentine feeling as light as air. She found herself tapping her toes to the music but hated the thought of asking anyone to dance.

  Taking it on herself, she lifted her glass and brought it to the dance floor, allowing her body to sway to the music. Nobody even seemed to notice that she was dancing alone, either that or Valentine figured they were all so drunk or occupied that no one cared.

  She closed her eyes and continued to move her hips to the music until someone's arm snaked it's way around her waist.

  Valentine's eyes flew open and she found herself staring into a set of deep brown, tinkling eyes. “Bradley?”

  “Just call me Brad my beauty. You dance well.” He commented as he pulled her back into his chest and moved his body in unison with her own. The more Valentine struggled to get away, the harder he hung on.

&n
bsp; “Listen, I want your hands off of me now!”

  “Do you really?” He breathed lightly into Valentine's ear, smirking when he felt her body tremble in response. “Your body knows more about what you want than you do my dear Valentine. And I'd love to give that gorgeous body just what it wants.” he thought.

  “I was dancing alone and I'd prefer too keep it that way!” Valentine protested as she felt the warmth of Bradley's body against her. She had not been this close too any man in along time.