Liza said, “Dads never do handle it well when their baby girl gets a boyfriend and then moves in with him. My dad was horrified when I moved in with Joe. Mom wasn’t thrilled about it, but she was more understanding. Dad, on the other hand was livid. According to him, it wasn’t enough that I was choosing a black man over all the Latinos that I could’ve had, but then I had to fall in love with him and move in with him. It was really a hot mess for a long time.”
Renee asked, “Yeah, but he did eventually come around. They get along fine now. What made your dad finally come around?”
Liza laughed and said, “When Dad figured out that Joe was going to making a damn good living. I don’t mean to make him sound like material things are more important to him than anything, but it certainly helped when he saw that Joe was very serious about being a good provider. I mean, you’ve known Joe now for a while now, so I don’t have to tell you. He’s a nice man, wicked sense of humor, and he always takes care of the people that he loves. Now, he and Dad get along great. And I don’t even have to tell you how much he spoils EJ and Mariah.”
Renee said, “I just hope that things work out for Kayla and Mik, and I think they will. There is a bit of an age difference, and Kayla told me that once Mik gets settled into his practice, which will be soon, he wants to marry her and start a family. She’s kinda nervous about that right now. She really wants to get her career going, work for a bit, and then maybe get married and have kids”
Liza said, “I’m sure they will be able to come to some sort of compromise that they can live with. I can see that he’s really in love with her.”
“He is, and she’s in love with him, too,” Renee said. “It’s just the whole settling down and starting a family thing that gets her a bit freaked out. I mean she’s very mature for her age, but she still young.”
“Yeah, and Mik needs to understand that and give her some time. I mean, he’s about 10 years older than she is. I can’t imagine that at 21 or 22 he was ready to marry and start a family,” Liza replied.
“Well, like you said, they’ll work it out somehow,” Renee replied.
After their conversation, Renee dozed off for a brief period of time. She was awakened by the captain announcing the plane’s descent to McCarran International Airport. Renee stretched her arms over her head and said, “That was quick or I must’ve fallen asleep really fast.”
Liza chuckled and said, “Well, actually both. Are you going to call Elliott when the plane touches down, or when we get to the room? I can’t wait to see the room.”
It was Renee’s turn to chuckle, “I’ll wait until we get to the room. The hotel is only a couple of miles away.”
After their short taxi ride to the hotel, and after they were checked in, Renee and Liza took the elevator to their room. To say that the room was merely nice would be a huge understatement. Upon entering the room, it was decorated with beautiful artwork. The floors were made of marble and each lady had her own master suite complete with whirlpool tub and separate glass-enclosed shower.
Liza squealed in sheer delight. “This is perfection. I could definitely get used to being here for an extended amount of time. Look at the view.”
Renee said, “Liza, this is magnificent. This place has everything and then some. Absolutely perfect.”
After Renee and Liza finished unpacking their things, they called Elliott and Joe. Renee said to Elliott, “This hotel itself is beautiful. It really exceeds anything I had imagined, and the room that we have is fantastic.”
Elliott said, “I’m glad you like it, baby. What do you two have planned for today and tonight?”
Renee told him that she was going to participate in an evening yoga class and that after that they might do some sightseeing.
He said, “Just take it easy with everything. Call me before you go to sleep tonight, okay?”
She said that she would. After she ended her call with Elliott, Renee went into the living area where Liza was sitting on the couch talking to Joe. She was telling him about the hotel and the room they were staying in. “Yeah, we’re on the 30th floor. Next time we come to California, you and I have to make a trip here.”
After Liza ended her conversation with Joe, she said to Renee, “After you finish with yoga, do you want to walk around for a bit and then get some dinner?”
Renee said, “That sounds good to me. Maybe we can go to the casino, too. I have never been a gambler, but I might make a wager or two.”
“Now you’re talking,” Liza said. “I’ve been a little lucky in Atlantic City. Remember that $600.00 I won? Maybe I can double it here.”
Renee and Liza took the elevator down to the concierge where they parted ways. They agreed to meet back in the room later.
After Renee finished her yoga class and Liza had finished meeting with the concierge and making plans for their short stay, the ladies met back in their suite. Liza said, “How was yoga? Was it a regular class or one of those hot classes?”
Renee said, “It was power class. I feel so much better and limber now. So, what’s the plan for this evening?”
Liza said, “We’re going to have dinner downstairs and then we’re going to see a 10-piece orchestra show.”
“Sounds great,” Renee said. “Wanna go sightseeing tomorrow? Hopefully I’ll be able to get up early enough and get the queasies out of the way.”
“Let’s just see how it goes. We don’t have to rush around doing anything. We can go sightseeing or we could just stick around the hotel, hang out by the pool or something. I did book us for herbal massages and facials on Wednesday.”
Renee said, “That sounds fantastic! What time are we scheduled? I could get in a yoga or Pilates session and then head to the spa. You should join me for a class one day while we’re here.”
“Our body wraps and facials are scheduled to begin at 4:00. I think I will join you for a class tomorrow. After that, I made an appointment at the hair salon to get my hair cut,” Liza replied.
Renee asked, “Are you going to get it cut the same way as last time? That was so pretty.”
Liza replied, “Yeah, very similar, but maybe a little bit shorter even, and with highlights. What do you think?”
“Liza,” Renee said, “Anything you do is going to be beautiful. Be careful, though. Remember last time you said Joe couldn’t keep his hands off you.” Patting her stomach, Renee said, “You could end up like me.”
Liza laughed and said, “Joe’s good, but me, having a baby right now? Nah – I’ll leave that to you young girls.”
“Mkay, we’ll see,” Renee said, eyeing Liza up and down.
After a short nap and shower, the ladies dressed for dinner and the 10-piece orchestra show. When the show was over they walked through the casino. “The show was fabulous and I am still stuffed from dinner,” Renee said. “You feel like placing any bets tonight?”
Liza eyed the room carefully, “Not tonight, but definitely coming back tomorrow night. I might try my luck at the roulette table.”
Once back in their suite, Renee called Elliott. “We had a really good dinner and then went to see a 10-piece orchestra. I am exhausted. I think I’ll sleep in tomorrow.”
Elliott said, “Ok, baby. Get some rest tonight and call me tomorrow after you wake up.”
After their conversation ended, Renee went to Liza’s room. “I’m going to sleep late tomorrow, maybe past noon. How about you?”
“Me too. I’ll probably wake up in the morning though and order breakfast. Can I get anything for you?
Renee said, “No, thanks though. I’ll get something after I wake up.”
Liza said, “You should probably eat something in the morning. Remember, Elliott made me promise to take care of you while we’re here. I’ll order your usual and after we eat, we’ll just go back to sleep.”
“Okay, thanks. You know what to order for me. Sleep tight and I’ll see you in the morning.”
~~~~
The following evening, after a day of sightseeing and shopping, Rene and Li
za went to the casino.
“Now Liza, you know I’m not a gambler by any stretch of the imagination. I’m going to try my luck at the slot machine for $20.00 dollars. After that I’m done.”
Liza laughed and said, “Okay, okay. I’m going to see what I can do over at the roulette table. Wish me luck.”
Just as Renee was getting ready to cross the room, a tall, well-built, chocolate man walked up to her.
“Hi,” he said. “I’m Jonathan Hall. I couldn’t help but overhear you tell your friend that you’re not much of a gambler. I’m the same way. I do, though, like to watch others try to strike it rich.”
Renee gave a friendly smile and said, “Yes, it is interesting to watch. Oh, well, guess it doesn’t hurt to try.”
Liza, though busy playing the roulette table, was watching the man who was chatting up her friend.
As Renee walked over to the first bank of slot machines, Jonathan was right by her side. He was telling her that he was there for business purposes, that he leased spaces to high-end retailers in Los Angeles, and that he would be returning there at the end of the week. He took notice of the impressive ring on Renee’s left ring finger, but decided that he would continue to try to further engage her in conversation, hoping that maybe the ring was just a diversion to keep men at bay. She was, by far, the most gorgeous woman that he had seen in a long time, and in his line of work, he saw a lot of women.
“Please excuse my manners. I followed you over here and have been going on and on about myself. What’s your name?”
She smiled and said, “No worries. I’m Renee.”
“So, Renee, tell me, what brings you to Vegas? Business or pleasure?”
Renee knew that Jonathan was flirting with her, so she just played it cool. “Just a little get away for me and my friend,” she replied.
“This is definitely a place to get away from it all for a bit. How long are you going to be here?”
“Just a couple of days.”
“It seems like I’ve seen you somewhere before, Renee. Please excuse me for being so direct, but I would never forget a face as gorgeous as yours.”
“I probably just have one of those faces that seems familiar. And thank you for the compliment.”
Jonathan studied her for a few more minutes while she unsuccessfully tried her luck with the slot machines. “So, tell me, Renee, what do you do for work?”
Renee explained to him that she was in the skin and hair care business.
“That’s where I’ve seen you. My sister lives in New York City and will only use your products. She even sends it to our sister in San Francisco. So, you’re looking to expand to the West Coast?”
Renee gave a small laugh and said, “Yes, I’m definitely looking to expand.”
Jonathan said, “Renee, would you have dinner with me tomorrow?”
Before Renee could answer, the room erupted into loud commotion and she heard Liza calling her.
Without a second thought, Renee strode quickly up the carpeted casino to find Liza in a state of laughter and excitement. Jonathan was right behind her, curious as to what the excitement was about, but also very much enjoying the view of Renee’s curvy little body as she made her way to the action.
“Renee! Girl, I won, I won. Get over here, hurry,” Liza squealed.
When Renee got to Liza, she saw that she had, indeed, won $11,000 dollars.
“Oh my goodness, Liza, Joe is going to flip! How in the world did you do it?”
Liza told Renee that she didn’t have any strategy and that Lady Luck was definitely with her.
Liza glanced looked up and saw Jonathan standing behind Renee, eyeing her up and down and back up again.
Jonathan quickly recovered when he realized that Liza saw him. He extended his hand to Liza and said, “Congratulations. Renee and I were just talking about how exciting it is to watch people try their luck in casinos. Makes it more fun when you actually know the person who won. My name is Jonathan, by the way.”
Liza smiled and shook Jonathan’s hand. “Thank you, Jonathan.”
Liza turned her attention back to Renee and said, “Come with me to take care of whatever business needs to be taken care of, then I’ve got to call Joe and you have to call Elliott. Oh, it was nice meeting you, Jonathan.”
Jonathan watched as the two ladies walked away. He had to see Renee again before she left.
~~~~
Once Renee and Liza returned to their room and had settled in for the evening, Liza said, “I see you quickly made a new friend. A sexy, tall, dreadlocked new friend, at that. You can’t be left alone for two seconds before men start swarming around.”
Renee rolled her eyes and said, “Please. I was probably the first person that he saw and he just decided to latch on.”
Liza rolled her eyes and said, “Seriously? You saw how crowded that place is and you think you were the first person he saw to latch onto? No, honey, I saw him looking at you. He definitely liked what he saw.”
Renee finished securing her locs into a high ponytail and walked into the living area. “Well, you saw a lot more than I did. You have a really active imagination, you know that, right?”
“I know what I saw,” Liza replied as she slicked moisturizer on her lips. Good thing we leave in a couple of days. Believe me, that man’s eyes were all over you, Renee.”
“Hey, who said I would be interested in him. Besides, he was just making small talk. And you do remember I’m getting married in a few days and having a baby in a few months with a man that I absolutely adore. You really think I’d be interested in every pretty face that comes my way? Besides, there is no one finer than Elliott.”
Liza walked over to the refrigerator and poured a glass of orange juice for the both of them. “Okay, okay. I hear you, honey. Don’t get yourself and baby all worked up. I’m just making an observation is all.”
Renee thanked Liza for the juice and then said, “Well, just know that I’m not interested in other men, and I’m sure there are other far more attractive women out there than me to flirt with. And speaking of fine, good-looking men, I’m going to call Elliott right now and then I’m going to bed. Sleep tight.”
Liza stood to go to her room and said, “You sorely underestimate yourself, St. Claire. Don’t get Elliott too worked up tonight, okay?”
~~~~
Once Renee got to her room, she called Elliott. “How was your day? Did you, Joe and Matt get your suits?”
“Yes,” he replied. “Everything is taken care of, and I finished up at the office, too. Now, all I have to do is think about all the ways I am going to spend pleasuring you on our honeymoon.”
Renee laughed softly and said, “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about that, too. Mmm, the possibilities are endless. No matter what we’re doing, it always seems to come together. You ever notice that?”
He laughed at her double entendre. “Okay, honey, play fair. It’s not nice to get me all worked up while you’re not here.”
Renee replied, “Before I forget, and you may have already talked to Kim about this, but when we come back, Liza and I are going to be staying at the Four Seasons Thursday night and Friday night.”
There was a bit of an extended silence.
“So,” Elliott said, I won’t get to see you until Friday night at the rehearsal? I was hoping to at least . . .”
“No, you and Joe are picking us up at the airport and we are going to spend those days together, just not those two nights.”
“Do you ladies have any other surprises for me? The wedding is still scheduled for Saturday at 6:00, right?”
Renee said soothingly, “Yes, baby, of course it is. And believe me, I can’t wait to be with you. You’re not mad at me, are you?”
“Of course I’m not mad at you. I just miss you. But, as you said, you’ll be back in a couple of days and we can finally do this.”
They talked a bit more before ending their late night chat and going to sleep.
~~~~
The nex
t morning Liza was still on cloud nine over her big win. “See, aren’t you glad we came here? If we had just skipped it, somebody else would’ve had my money.”
Both ladies laughed and Renee said, “You’re right about that. So, what’re you going to do with your newfound riches? Oooo, I know – you and Joe could use it as part of a down payment on a house in LA. Have you talked to him about getting a place here?”
Liza said, “Eh, you heard what he said when Elliott mentioned it to him. He said it was too much to think about right now. It would be nice if he would agree to it, though. California is so nice and different from New York. I could really get used to it.”
Renee said, “Well, I’m sure you could think of something to do to sway his decision.”
Liza smiled and said, “We’ll see. So, what do you feel like doing today since it’s our last day here?”
“I thought we’d just relax today. Sit by the pool, have an early dinner and call it a day,” Renee said.
“Sounds good to me. Are you going to get in a yoga class today before we hit the spa?”
“Yes. Are you joining me,” Renee asked.
“No, I’m just going to sleep in for a bit longer. After you finish, we’ll sit by the pool for a bit and then head over to the spa.”
Renee said, “Sounds good to me. I’m going to get changed for yoga. See you later.”
After her shower in the workout facility, Renee decided to take a quick look in the gift shop. As she was rounding the corner, she almost run over by Jonathan.
“Oh, Renee, I’m so sorry. Are you alright?”
Jonathan’s hands were still around Renee’s waist. He took note of her attire – dark blue yoga pants, white, fitted, cap sleeve T-shirt, and her dreadlocks in a simple ponytail. She was beautiful without even trying. She quickly moved away and said, “That’s okay. I’m fine. I just need to watch where I’m going.”
Jonathan countered, “Nope. That was completely my fault. You sure you’re okay?” He noted that she seemed to be a bit off kilter.
“Yes, I’m fine. Really. No worries.”
“You know, I really would love to have . . . “
Before he could finish his sentence, his cell phone rang. Before he could stop her, Renee had excused herself so that he could answer his call. She disappeared around the corner into the crowd of people.
A Couple of Forevers (This Time Forever Book 2) Page 6