by J. S. Peck
Worried that he might recognize me, I stuttered a response, “N... nice to meet you, Johnny.”
“Yeah,” he responded, not at all interested in me.
I left them and made my way to the break room. I called Mike to pick me up and wondered again, what the hell are you doing here, Rosie girl?
CHAPTER 24
Mike was happy to see me, but not as much as Sweet Pea. She was bouncing around in the car, always happy with the destination. Not the journey part. I pushed her aside so I could get in and sit down. She immediately sat on my lap and began licking my face. Mike just looked at us and smiled. “How was it?”
“Oh, my God! Have you ever been in there?”
His face turned pink. He said, “Yeah, I scouted out the area the other day with Brian.”
“Then, there isn’t much to say. It’s quite a place, isn’t it?”
“Amazing, actually. Fancier than any of the other ones, for sure.”
“Oh?”
He turned away from me and simply said, “Yep.”
We arrived home in time to see my neighbor, Ken, who was standing outside his house poking at his plants. As soon as he saw us pulling into the driveway, he headed over, hollering at us. When I opened my door and poked my head out, he said, “Hey there, Rosalie! Just wanted to let you know I called the police about those thugs. They promised to be on the watch for them. Said they’d check out our entire neighborhood, too.”
When he realized there was another person in the car that he hadn’t seen due to the shaded windows, he immediately straightened up. He focused his attention on Mike as he got out of the driver’s seat. “And who is this?” he asked in a protective manner.
“Ken, this is Mike.”
“Is he visiting?”
It was my time to blush. “He’s staying with me for a while.”
“Oh, I see,” he said. He looked at me with disappointment. I knew he didn’t believe in cohabitation unless you’re married. He’d said as much when Jeff moved in before our wedding date. Now I wondered what he’d say if he learned I was working at the Purple Passion Lounge.
“I’ll make sure she’s safe,” said Mike as he shook hands with Ken.
“All right, then,” responded Ken with a further glance at Mike’s size. “Just make sure you do.” And off he went.
Mike looked at me with a smile. “Very protective of you, is he?”
“He’s been my neighbor ever since I moved here. I think he feels responsible for me ever since my grandmother died.”
“Nice to know.”
Once inside, I changed my clothes into jeans and a tee shirt. Then I began to look through my clothes. I had some nice dresses and tops, but I had to admit that they were pretty “vanilla” as Cindy had described my dress. It would be interesting to see what Louie would pick out for me tomorrow. Meanwhile, I pulled out a light grey silky dress that had peek-a-boo sleeves. I’d air it out and wear it tomorrow unless Louie had something else that would work better.
Thanks to my parents and my grandmother’s management of my inheritance, I owned my house and had a large amount of money invested. I didn’t have financial worries. However, I’m pretty careful with my money and don’t like flaunting it in any way. Louie might be disappointed with the amount of money I’d be willing to spend there. We’ll see.
Sweet Pea had stuck close to me ever since I’d come home. Then, without a second’s hesitation, she left me and began running down the stairs to the front door before I heard anything. Of course, it was most likely Brian who was standing there.
Mike had dutifully answered it. As I came down the stairs, I watched them shake hands before Mike closed the door and got out of Brian’s way, allowing him to enter. They were an interesting pair all right. Even more interesting was Sweet Pea. She was standing there looking between the two of them wondering who to go to first. She solved her problem by jumping on first one, then the other. Mike patted her once. It was Brian who swooped down and picked her up, laughing as she laid kisses on his face.
They both turned as I came down the last few steps. Each looked up and gave me a wide smile. How handsome they were! My heart fluttered at their attention. This was something I hadn’t allowed from any male since Jeff died. Perhaps Cindy’s nickname of Rosebud was appropriate. I felt myself begin to open to the desire to live a more “normal” life. One that might include a man. To stop further thoughts, I smiled and asked, “Coffee, anyone?”
“Sure thing,” answered Brian. “So, how’d it go today?”
As I waited for Mike to respond, he said, “No, thanks. You fill Brian in. I’m going for a walk, okay?” he asked, looking at Brian.
“Sure, Mike. Scout the area out. See if there are any places where someone could hide and surprise us, okay?”
“Will do.”
I began filling Brian in, leaving out my new nickname. That was something that neither Brian nor Mike needed to know. “Cindy is actually very nice. I like her. I think she possibly can be trusted if need be. She’s the one who will follow my shift. By the way, my shift is from 4 to 10 p. m. I don’t have the days I‘ll be working on a permanent basis, but I’ll be training there tomorrow.”
“Just let me know when you find out.”
“Didn’t you say you had seen the woman they call Mama when you were there before?”
“Is she the one that’s big and fat?”
“Yes, and not very pleasant.”
“That’s David Masterly’s wife! Isn’t she a piece of work?”
“She’s the one who was training me today.”
“No kidding? I bet she wasn’t too happy with you!”
“Why do you say that?”
“Well, just look at the comparison between you two….”
“Ohh,” I sighed, pleased.
I went into my office and grabbed paper and pen. I returned to where we were sitting at the table and drew out what a slip from one of the girls looks like when they hand it to me. I explained everything to him. We each had another cup of coffee and sat quietly looking over what I’d drawn.
Out of the blue, Brian asked, “Have you ever shot a gun before?”
“Not really. Once when I was a kid. My father taught me how to shoot at tin cans in the field behind the house we used to own.”
“Well, I think it’s important you learn how. After all, you never know when it might come in handy. What about tomorrow? Do you have time for an hour or two before you go to work?”
“No, not really. I’ve an appointment at Louie’s.”
“Louie’s on Sahara?”
“I guess. Why? Do you know it?”
“Know of it!”
“He’s a friend of Romano, the chef at the Purple Passion Lounge. He’s going to help me dress more in the style needed there.”
“You’re kidding, aren’t you?”
“No, I’m not. Apparently anyone in that position….
“Hold on, just a minute! You’re not going to have to dress like the girls there are you?”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Cowboy. What if I did?”
“You’re impossible, do you know that?”
“Why do you care, anyway?”
Brian rose from his chair and just stood there looking at me. It was then that Mike entered the kitchen and saw us glaring at each other. He asked, “What’s up?”
“Nothing,” I said. “Cowboy here is trying to boss me around.”
“You?” asked Mike. He turned to Brian and laughed. “Don’t even try!”
Brian’s phone rang and we heard him say, “Oh, shit! I’ll be right there!” He turned to us, “Gotta go. The boss is calling. Keep in touch, okay?”
As Brian was leaving, Mike turned to me with a grin. “Cowboy? You call Brian, Cowboy? He’s got to love that!” he added sarcastically. Then he followed B
rian to the door to lock up after him.
I just smiled.
CHAPTER 25
This morning was different than many others. I could smell fresh coffee brewing. It was a delightful smell that urged me to get up. I noticed Sweet Pea was already gone from the bed and assumed she was with Mike. I rolled over onto my back and luxuriated in the feeling that all was cozy and safe. It’s amazing the difference of having another person in the house can make. In this case, all good.
As I was putting on my robe, I realized I had forgotten to tell Brian that one of the people working the front area at the Purple Passion was the same one I had seen grabbing Sally at the Bellagio. The fact that he’d be working there with me was unsettling. At least until I could be sure he hadn’t recognized me as the one meeting with Sally. At the time, I’d done the best I could to cover myself with my cap and hoodie. But only time would tell whether that had been good enough or not.
As I padded my way to the kitchen, it was nice to be greeted by Mike. He looked up with a big smile. Sweet Pea came forward, wiggling around trying to get my sole attention. “Ready for some of my famous eggs this morning?” asked Mike.
“That sounds wonderful! But first, I have to have a cup of java before I can think about anything else.”
“Understood, madam. The chef will wait.” We smiled at each other.
After a few sips of coffee, I asked. “Has Sweet Pea gone out yet?”
“All taken care of, madam. And fed as well.”
“Gosh! Thanks so much.” Then it came to me, “Good lord! What time is it?”
“Guess you needed the sleep because it’s almost 8 o’clock.”
“Oh, my! I’ve got to hurry! I’ve got to get to Louie’s by 10.”
“You’ve got two hours. Isn’t that enough time?” he asked, completely perplexed.
“You men,” I mumbled, shaking my head. “No lady likes to be rushed.”
We left Sweet Pea home. If she could have stamped her feet in protest, she would have. It was bad enough when I left her behind, but now two people doing so?!
As we neared Louie’s, I looked at Mike. I could tell he was amused at the idea of my going there. As we pulled up to the front of the store, I tried not to show my alarm. In the front window were some sexual outfits indicating some practices I had only read about. I was about to ask Mike to drive us back home when out of the front door rushed Louie. “Welcome, Miss Rosebud! C’mon into my beautiful store!”
I looked at Mike and whispered, “Don’t you dare say a word!”
Mike grinned. “Whatever you say, Rosebud.”
Louie opened my door and held me by my arm as if I were royalty. He led me into the store, calling over his shoulder, “Come back in two hours. She’ll be done by then.”
I wondered what he meant. I dutifully followed along. At my expression of viewing all the weird costumes and other items, he said, “Don’t worry, my little flower. We are going into the back where all the beautiful things are. Do you know that I dress many of the stars?”
His statement made me more worried. Stars of what? Pornography?
As we passed by the counter for check out, we approached an area that was elegant with beautiful soft music playing. The room was spacious and lit with lights that didn’t glare like those in common stores. Off to the side was an intimate setting with a small Victorian couch. In front of it were two parlor chairs done in a gorgeous Chinx rather than the usual velvet. They were stunning. In front of them was a glass coffee table with a beautiful silver tea service resting in the middle. I smelled a delicious mint flavor and knew the tea was brewing just for us. There were dainty little treats on a silver plate and darling little napkins that I held up. They read, “I have enough clothes and shoes. I don’t need to go shopping, said no woman ever.” I had to smile for there certainly was some truth in that.
Louie watched me. “A little humor…. Now, let’s sit and have a cup of tea so I can get to know you. That helps me pick out the right clothes for you.”
We talked for a while with him asking a few questions which seemed a little strange to me: what season did I like best, what types of food, flowers, colors, etc. Louie seemed pleased with my answers. “I thought so,” was all he said.
Then he left me to return with some dresses, pants and tops that he, himself, had designed or picked from other designers. They were stunning! They were simple in designs and quality of fabric. And, of course, they were very sexy but in ways that hinted of sexuality without showing outrageous amounts of skin. Each time I tried on a piece, I felt beautiful in ways I hadn’t before. When it was time to say goodbye to Louie, I had tears in my eyes. And much less in my bank account. I thanked him profusely.
After air kissing me, he whispered. “Remember, Rosebud, you truly are a beautiful flower.” He pushed a piece of paper into my hand and said, “Go see my friend, Richard. He’ll do your hair. Tell him I sent you.”
I was glowing. I hugged Louie again. “Thank you, dear Louie.”
Mike watched us from the rear of the car as he waited to load all the bundles into the trunk. He had a strange look on his face. Instead of hopping into the driver’s seat, he came around and opened the door for me. I pretended that he always did that for me. I said in a regal voice, “Thank you.”
My! I felt great! Thinking you’re beautiful is good. But feeling you are is even better!
CHAPTER 26
I slipped on the dress with the peek-a-boo sleeves that I had set out to wear today for work because according to what I had learned from Louie, it would do. I came down the stairs and called to Mike, “It’s time to go. Are you ready?”
He came around the corner and stopped, just observing me. “You look … very … beautiful.”
“Thanks.” At the expression on his face, I asked, “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah. Why’d you ask?”
“Nothing.” I let it go. I didn’t want to bring up the fact that no man since Jeff had ever looked at me in that special way before now. So this was something new. Hmmm.
“Okay, then,” he said, clearing his throat. “Let’s get moving. C’mon Sweet Pea, you can ride with us.”
When we arrived at the Purple Passion Lounge, there were a number of cars in the parking lot alongside the building. Mike drove past them to the grand entranceway underneath the car port. Immediately, a valet came to open the door for Mike. Then, he came around to open my door. Mike stepped out and came around to kiss me goodbye. This time with a resounding kiss on my cheek and a whisper, “I’ll be back later.”
I walked through the main door into the hallway leading into the reception area. I could see myself in the mirror. My cheeks were flushed and I looked happy.
I found my way into the bar area and could smell something delicious cooking. I peeked into the kitchen. There was Romano in all his glory ordering two other people around. When he looked up and saw me, his smile broadened. “Ah, my little Rosebud!”
“Louie is a genius!” I exclaimed as we gave air kisses to one another. “Romano, you are the best friend a girl could ever have! Thanks so much!”
“Not for everyone, my little flower. But for you, yes.”
I found my way to the back where I loaded my purse into my locker. I wound my way back to the front area where Mama was waiting for me, none too pleased. I wondered if that was the only expression she had. She was wearing a dress today and looked quite pretty in spite of what she had to work with, I thought unkindly. “Mama, you’re looking very pretty today!”
Mama tried to look unaffected by my comment, but I could see she was pleased. “Aw right then,” she said dismissively. “Let me show you what we have here.” She had saved some of the slips that needed to be recorded so that we could do that together. One of the girls stepped forward from the hallway and asked Mama, “Is this the new girl?”
Mama
just nodded her head. “Hi there, my name is Bambi. I work the early shift in the bar area. See you later!”
Bambi was a beautiful looking girl who knew it. She was young, too young to be here, I thought. And too young to be letting anyone touch her in any scandalous way. I was pretty sure she was of legal age, though. Had to be to work here, right? And she acted like it all was just a game. Oh, my!
Time passed quickly in spite of the fact the majority of the clients stayed a lengthy time. For the most part, they weren’t here for a quick drink and be done with it. They were here for more than that. I followed the girls’ directions as far as calling PUP for transportation. A few of the clients had made their own arrangements while still in the bar area and had called a cab themselves. They were then loaded into the cab and off they went, a little lighter in the wallet, I was pretty sure. The alarming thing for me was that Johnny, the guy with the funny hair, waited around in the entrance area between the times of clients leaving. He would simply stare at me and watch me work with no expression on his face. In order to hide my nervousness, I pretended I was busier than I was.
Soon, it was time for my 30 minute break at 7 o’clock. It was Bambi who took my place. She wore a special cover up to hide her skimpy costume which made her look more business-like. As I turned to leave, I noticed Johnny eying her with a lascivious smile. I wondered if Bambi felt the same way toward him. Or would he cause her trouble?
With my eyes glued to the floor, ignoring any of the customers there, I made my way through the bar area into Romano’s kitchen. As soon as he saw me, he called out, “Hi there, Rosebud! What can I do for you?”
“I was wondering if you could make me a sandwich for my dinner break. Cindy told me that we could ask you and if you’re not too busy…”
“For you, Rosebud, anything. Sit right here at the end of the prep table. I’ll fix you something nice. Don’t go to the break room where the rest of the girls are. You come here with me.” He added protectively, “You can come here for all your breaks.”