by Unknown
When I finally arrived at my room, I slid the key card in the door and wheeled my luggage in front of the mirrored closet door. I tossed my jacket and purse in the chair and collapsed across the bed. Before I got too comfortable, I grabbed the phone and dialed the suite number for Angie and the girls. “Hello.” Amber sang into the receiver.
“Hey, what time do I need to be ready?” I laid there staring at the ceiling, waiting for her reply as she convened with Angie and Feliz.
“We want to do dinner at seven,” Amber said, “and maybe a late show afterwards. So meet us in the lobby at six thirty.”
“Cool.” I hung up the phone and checked the clock. Three thirty. Just then the grumbling sound that came from my stomach let me know there was no way I was going to make it until seven o’clock without eating. I figured I could find something small to tide me over at the bar downstairs so I grudgingly rolled out of bed, grabbed my purse and headed out the door.
I followed the signs until I ended up in Serendipity and planted my weary ass on a bar stool. I wanted to cuss out my stomach for overruling my mind and the rest of my body, but I knew that was pointless. Instead, I ordered some teriyaki wings, a beer and a tequila shot. I fixed my gaze on the bar television where a football game was being played. I wasn’t the biggest sports fan, but I understood the game enough to get into it if I had to. Today it was just something to hold my attention and keep my mind off the fact that if I didn’t eat soon, my small intestines would surely devour my large intestines. I chuckled at the thought as the bartender arrived with my shot and frothy brew. I took a sip of the heady beer then downed my shot before starting in on the wings he sat in front of me. I took a few more swigs of my beer then closed my eyes and let the alcohol take effect. It felt amazing to only be responsible for myself for once. No friends, no boyfriend, no patients, just me. My peaceful moment was interrupted by a group of men who came blustering into the bar. I watched them through the mirror behind the bar and judged the group must have been having some sort of bachelor party. I figured the guy shackled in a ball and chain must have been the groom. I had returned my attention to my beer and wings when a familiar laugh caught my ear. Until that very moment I’d hoped I was imagining things on the plane but as I scanned the group through the mirror I realized my suspicions had been correct. It was Mike!! Shiiiiiit! I slid down slowly from the barstool and left cash on the bar to pay my bill. I took one last glance in the mirror before I made a beeline for the door. As I rounded the corner and walked toward the casino, I heard him call my name. Thankfully I viewed a ladies’ room just a few paces ahead and quickly ducked inside. I sat there on the bathroom sofa for more than five minutes before I talked myself into going back into the casino. To my relief, this time he wasn’t waiting outside for me. Once I was sure the coast was clear I headed in the direction of my hotel room.
I’d walked across the entire casino without running into Mike so I figured I was in the clear to try my luck at the slot machine by the door. I slid a dollar into the machine, pressed the button and it hit. I pulled the lever and it hit again. Who walks away from a winning streak? I slid into the seat and pulled the handle again. Clink, clink, clink went the machine.
It was thirty minutes and three hundred bucks later when a voice behind me said, “Why are you running from me woman?” I didn’t need to turn around to know it was him. The shiver that ran down my spine and radiated between my legs was all the confirmation I needed. I took a deep breath and hit the cash out button before I turned reluctantly.
“Hello Mike,” I said flatly without making eye contact.
“Daaaamn, you can’t even look at me now?” he asked.
I cut him an indifferent, sideward glance and caught him unabashedly ogling my frame. I knew I should have been disgusted but instead I felt a tinge of excitement. His face was covered in shock and genuine disbelief as he we worked hard to fight back the smile spreading across his face. “I can’t believe it,” he said shaking his head. “What are you doing here?”
“A better question is what are you doing here, Mike?!” I didn’t crack a smile. “No wait, let me guess, a bachelor party, right?”
“Ahhh, so you did see me.” Mike said knowingly. “I knew it!!” Fuck! I knew I was caught and there was no point in trying to lie about it so instead I searched for an excuse to make my exit. I looked down at my watch and saw it was a quarter to five.
“I’m supposed to meet my friends for dinner in a little while so I have to go get ready.” I attempted to step past him and he posted his arm against the slot machine, blocking my path.
“Listen,” Mike leaned in toward me. “Do you think we could meet tomorrow morning for breakfast? I’d really like a chance to explain everything to you. I don’t want you walking away from this thinking I’m a bad guy.” Too late!! “I know you have a situation at home but I wanted to lay everything out on the table about what happened between us. I get the feeling you think I played you or something like that. I just want to clear the air. If nothing else, we could still be friends.” I knew I should have decline. I should have walked away and never looked back, but I couldn’t. I wanted to hear what he had to say and settle this once and for all so I could hopefully get him out of my head and my life for good.
Despite my thoughts, I said, “Just to clarify, I have a relationship, not a situation at home. Anyway, if I can break away, I’ll meet you tomorrow for breakfast.”
“Great! I’m staying in room 3204 in case you wanted to call me or leave me a message or something.” Mike flashed me an irresistible grin and before I knew it, I smiled back. I knew he was being a smart-ass. As if he heard my thoughts he said, “No, seriously, I genuinely want to sit down and talk to you about everything face-to-face. No texts. Just you and me one-on-one.” He was too damned close and it stirred me. I snatched my ticket from the slot machine and again tried to walk away but only ended up closer to him because he didn’t budge. Mike’s eyes were fixed on me in a way that held me hostage. I could barely breathe, let alone remember how to operate my legs. “I still can’t believe you’re here.” He said with sincerity. “This is crazy! I really hope you’ll have a chance to meet with me tomorrow.” He gave my shoulder a squeeze before stepping aside and letting me pass.
“Ok. I should really get going.” It came out more nervously than I’d planned. I glanced back over my shoulder once more before I walked away. “Enjoy your trip.” I darted between slot machines to avoid the heat of his gaze. I knew his eyes were still on me. He hadn’t looked at anything else the whole time we’d been standing there. It had revived the same feeling I had the first day I met him in the hospital parking lot. It was an undeniable electric current that drew me to him. I wasn’t sure what would come from our meeting, but I knew one thing, Mike had all the potential in the world to be something dangerous and I would need to keep a fair amount of distance between us tomorrow.
*****
“Vegas baby!!” I exclaimed as I approached my friends in the hotel lobby. We had decided to wear red and gold for our first night on the town. I couldn’t help but be amused by watching Amber attempt to adjust first the top of her red mini dress and then the bottom. It was obvious that Feliz had loaned her a dress for the evening and had also done her hair and makeup. Amber was way too conservative to put that look together. She looked seductive and sultry despite her obvious discomfort in the dress. She was, however, right at home in the four inch gold heels she was wearing and they made her legs look amazing. Feliz had styled Amber’s hair into full-bodied curls that were swept to one side. Her curly blonde locks cascaded beautifully over her bare left shoulder. Amber’s makeup was pretty, but subdued. The pale blush color on her lips, cat-eyed liner on her eyes and bronzer on her cheeks suited her perfectly.
Feliz hadn’t skimped on her outfit stylistically in Amber’s favor. She wore a gold mini dress that looked like it had been painted over each of her perfect curves. Red peep-toed shoes with gold platform heels adorned her feet. Her gold-shimmered
shadow and Cleopatra-styled, black liner made her wide eyes pop even more than usual. Feliz wore her hair swept up into a messy bun atop her head and red and gold earrings dangled from her lobes. She held a small red clutch in her hand that finished off her look.
Angela had chosen red leggings and a shiny gold tank top with a plunging neckline. The only thing that held the fabric together and kept her from giving the lobby a Jubilee-styled show was a delicate gold chain linked across the front of her top. The back of her shirt was just as revealing since there wasn’t much back to speak of. It had a similar dip that matched the front minus the saving grace of the linking gold chain. She wore red stilettos and had curled her hair into ringlets that fell over her left eye and covered all but the tapered right side of her head. Angie wasn’t much for makeup so the simplicity of her glossed lips and lined eyes suited her perfectly.
I felt like I had done my girls proud as I strutted in their direction. My dress was red, backless and fitted and my leopard print shoes had the bottoms to match. It wasn’t often that I let my curls hang loose and untamed, but I figured, what better time and place than tonight in Vegas. I wore large leopard-printed hoops in each ear and I had to admit, I felt sexy as hell in my outfit. I felt wild and cat-like. Between me and those other three, it was safe to say that Vegas was in for a world of trouble!
“Damn girl,” Angela said taking in my outfit. “I guess Vegas won’t stand a chance against you!!”
“I should say the same to all of you,” I replied, giving them all another inspection. “None of you look married with kids to me!!” They all laughed as we headed toward Bacchanal for the dinner buffet. It was one of the newest restaurants in Caesar’s and rumor had it that the food was beyond exceptional. In fact, it usually would cost fifty dollars per person but we got a decent discount for staying in the hotel. As we walked in I took note that there were fifteen serving stations. They had everything from Italian to Mexican to Asian cuisine. Every bit of it was genuinely authentic to the culture. The seafood station was lined with scallops, mussels, shrimp and pre-cracked crab legs. Rack of lamb, brisket, filet mignon and porterhouse steak were laid out in the meat section. There was even more unconventional meat like bison and venison. One look in the direction of what seemed like an endless dessert buffet let me know I would definitely need to fit a couple of workouts in before this trip was over. After our plates were piled high with delicious food and sugary confections, we headed toward our table.
“So, I went ahead and paid for our tickets to see Ka. The late show starts at nine-thirty so that should give us enough time to finish dinner, maybe warm up the casino floor a bit and then head over to the MGM Grand. You all can just pay me back whenever,” Amber said. It was evident that she had designated herself the event coordinator for this trip. I resisted the urge to enlighten her to the fact that some of us might have other things in mind to do during the vacation. I’ll check her if and when it’s necessary. I returned my attention to the slider on my plate.
“I’m good with going to see the show but we definitely have to get in some shopping. I know they have tons of stuff here on the west coast that we can’t get back home!” Angie was putting in her bid for how our time should be spent.
“Shit, I’m here to relax! I’m talking spa treatments, mani/pedi’s and lounging by the pool. I’m cool with all the other stuff too, but I need my down time.” Feliz said matter-of-factly.
“Ok, so who’s going to the club with me? After all, what’s Vegas without a little night life?” My eyes bounced from one face to another as I waited for them to chime in. “Well, don’t all jump at once! I know I’m the only technically single girl here, but we can all still go to the club and dance. Who’s in?” Again I waited.
“What the hell, I’m in!” Angie exclaimed.
“I’ll go too.” Feliz answered. Now the three of us were looking at Amber as she gawked back at us.
“Fine!” She surrendered and Angie, Feliz and I high-fived each other across the table.
“Seriously though, thanks Amber. It wouldn’t be the same without all four of us. I promise not to let you get into any trouble.” I assured.
We made our way to the main exit of Caesar’s Palace with more of a waddle than a strut. I was grateful to be moving after all that food. Apparently Feliz felt the same way. “What were we thinking wearing these tight-assed clothes to a buffet,” she complained. “I can barely suck in long enough to wait for this taxi.” We fell out laughing.
“Girl, I was thinking the same thing,” Angie said. Amber was so busy pulling on the bottom of her dress she wasn’t thinking about being full. She was already uncomfortable. The cab rolled up and we rolled in. “Whew, I’m gonna relax my stomach for the rest of this ride before I have to suck it in again at MGM.” Angie sighed. Again we erupted in laughter.
When we arrived at the entrance to the theater, there were ushers outside dressed in costumes and in full character. A cute young man named Mud checked our tickets and showed us to our seats. “Angie come and take our picture.” I handed her my phone and struck a pose next to him. He was better at throwing his hip and giving a knee-pop than I was and I loved it. I couldn’t contain my laughter as I thanked him for the photo. “I saw the bar on the way in. Who’s coming with me to get a drink?” They didn’t bother to answer my question; instead all three ladies hopped up and we headed out to the bar.
“Look at the size of these cups! They must want you to pass out during the show,” Feliz said. Of course, it didn’t stop her from ordering a giant Long Island Iced Tea. Angie got the same, Amber picked some sort of daiquiri and I ordered a Blue Motorcycle. Mike flashed through my mind briefly. I took a long pull of my drink through the straw and swallowed hard. It took two more large swigs to finally wash his image from my mind. “Let’s get back to our seats while the lights are still on.” I led the way as we walked back down the aisle and got seated.
I settled into my usual pastime of people watching. I couldn’t tell what kind of show we were going to see based on the crowd. There were couples, families and old people. I guess it’s safe to assume it’s a family show. That was fine with me. I wasn’t looking for anything risqué. I had enough temptation looming in my head already. I had busied myself with studying the inside of the program to read more about the show when people started dropping from the sky and running down the aisles. What the hell? I hadn’t prepared for an interactive show and was trying to consider how I would conduct myself if one of these poor unsuspecting characters put their hands on me. My angst diminished some when I noticed the people in cages doing tricks and acrobatics. Angst waned to fascination as the lights dimmed and the show began.
*****
“Now that was amazing!” Angie exclaimed as we exited the theater. “The moving stage and all the special effects and acrobatics were incredible. I would definitely go see that again or another one! Erin, I’m ready to club now! I’m all excited,” Angie chuckled. I could tell from the glassy look in her eyes that she was feeling the effects of her giant cocktail. We all were. Even Amber had loosened up.
“Yeah, let’s go!” Amber giggled as she took down the last bit of alcohol in her cup.
“Amber you almost sound excited too.” I kidded.
“Well, why not? After all, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas and I will probably never wear a dress like this or have a chance like this again so let’s do it!!” That was all the convincing any of us needed. If Amber was in, we were all in because we would hate to miss a chance at seeing her cut loose. We hailed a cab and made our way back to Caesar’s.
Club Pure was free for ladies until midnight and they were serving free vodka until then, as well. That was damn near confirmation that we’d made the right choice. A free club and free liquor? I’m in! The fact that the club was right downstairs in our hotel was an added bonus. We all jumped in line and waited our turn to have our IDs checked by the three men guarding the velvet-roped area. I could feel the pulse of the music and instinctively
began to rock and sway. It was still pretty early so the line was short and before we knew it, we were surrounded by a haze of purple and fuchsia gel lights. We found a spot on the dance floor between a stage enclosed by glass and the DJ booth. The speakers were blaring Daft Punk’s Get Lucky as the sparse crowd bobbed to the beat. Vegas appropriate. I smirked to myself as Angie and I headed toward the bar. When we returned Amber’s body was in full sway as she edged her way further onto the dance floor. “I guess she won’t need this.” I turned to Angie and downed the vodka shot I’d brought for Amber. She shook her head and laughed as she passed me and handed Feliz her drink. I was beginning to feel a buzz from the shot coupled with the cocktail I’d had earlier as the song changed to Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s Players Anthem. That got Feliz and Angie on the floor. I watched my girls circle up, laughing and dancing. It wasn’t until they grabbed my hands and pulled me over that I realized I hadn’t joined the party. Now my hands were up and my head was down, nodding to the beat when I felt someone come up behind me. I went with it and began moving my hips with more intent when I felt the stranger’s hands grip my waist. I looked over at my friends for their reaction. I didn’t want to turn around and be surprised by Uncle Fester. Angie was mouthing, “Girl he is cute!!” That roused my curiosity so I turned to face my dance partner. My breath caught in my throat when I found Mike standing there with a stupid satisfied grin on his face. I smiled politely, leaned in close to his ear and said, “Are you following me? Seriously, tell the truth.” His perfect teeth gleamed in the ultraviolet light as looked down at me and replied, “No ma’am,” between chuckles. “I’m here with my boys.” He nodded in the direction of the VIP section. “We decided to stop through here to start off our night. I won’t crowd your space long. I just came by to say hello. I didn’t want to catch you off guard or anything if you saw me out here killin’ it on the dance floor.” I couldn’t help but laugh.