We chose three colors this year, with like designs – in bright orange, turquoise, and iridescent white. After countless email exchanges, and Skype conference meetings, in the end, the design team did an amazing job. There really isn’t much that can create a shock factor at Carnival because each team of people brings it in style, but we can try, right?
Ostrich feather headdresses sitting two feet above our heads, beaded dance bikinis, heeled samba sandals, and Pegasus wings. While competition is not the sole focus of what this is all about, our costumes, in my opinion, are among one of the best – and we do have some of the prettiest girls. Precisely why we continue to make front-page news each year.
As fun as it is, dancing for miles and hours is exhausting! Enough of a workout for the next two weeks. At the end of the procession and time with adoring fans, we are all ready to get back to the resort. While the other girls talk of joining their guests for the evening, another night of shuteye is on the agenda for me. Time in my hot tub is sure to promise sleep through the night.
When I left, Ken and I were on non-speaking terms, so I didn’t plan to see him tonight even though I would be completely open – literally – to the idea of a nice dick down before turning in. No messages from him so I assume he is going to ride this thing all the way out. Oh well, it’s his money being wasted. I hope he doesn’t think there’s a refund. We don’t do those here.
The steamy water relaxes my body, and my muscles begin to loosen. After my shower, I decide to run down and have some of Chef’s black beans, rice, and a fruit plate. Secretly hoping to see Ken, I scan the lounge for him. All I see are couples cozying up to one another. With no sign of him, I take the meal to my suite.
Reaching in the drawer for my purple travelling companion, I self-pleasure to a sweet orgasm. As good as it feels, it’s his touch I’m yearning for. This is bad. I thought I had my feelings in check. Clearly not.
A little past midnight, my head became one with the pillow, and soon after, all thoughts of the previous day were quickly put to rest.
2:30 AM
The sheets softly slide from my bareness.
The surprise is familiar. I’ve been “here” before.
He’s here.
My nipples come alive as a summer breeze blows through my balcony doors, hitting my body in the places left exposed. I’m lying on my side clutching one of the purple satin pillows that adorn my bed. He gently turns me onto my back. I remain quiet, in compliance with his touches. A soft gasp escapes my lips. Eyes closed, but no longer asleep, increased breathing unavoidable.
The breeze becomes a memory, leaving behind the scent of lavender from the tree just outside the window. He’s at my feet and working his way north, kisses, with each movement. He’s taking his time. Something’s different in the way he’s handling me – I like it. This is Ken of old. Careful to make the moment last. I want to yell, “Yes! Apology accepted!” I feel the warmth of his breath as he continues to an awaiting area. She, the awaiting area, has always known when he was near.
Some things never change. Blood rushes to her. Together, they speak a language all their own. His face descends upon her…lips meet. The throbbing is relentless, producing moisture that assures him, I’m eager, ready for all he has to offer. My back arches in anticipation. “Tasty…” he whispers.
His tongue slides in, and out of my juices, sucking like he’s enjoying his favorite popsicle in a race against the sun.
Moans of ecstasy grow louder, intermittent torso spasms. I’m doing all I can to prolong the climax as my clitoris is being held captive between his soft lips, being massaged with slow, steady suckles. His finger masterfully glides across escaping juices, and with short strokes, finds its way into my anus. I relax the muscle. I trust him.
Suddenly, ambushed with sensation from my entire body, “Ahhhh…BABY! Ahhhh!”
I thought I would be spent, yet found myself wanting more. Raising onto all fours, “Fuck me, Ken. Put your dick in me, hard. I want all of you.”
Assuming position, he takes his already erect manhood and pushes into my pussy hole. “Fuck me hard, baby!” Parting my mountain tops with careful hands, he pushes himself in deeper. Skin to skin drives me crazy. Feeling that dick navigate my pussy is amazing. Doggie style was always his favorite. He’s enthralled. Gone are the young boy’s moves of the past. Present are the grown man’s skillful maneuverings.
He has no idea how turned on…turned up, I am by him coming to my room, and laying claim to the pussy. No idea. When I gave him my room key, I was hoping he would use it sooner than later.
His pace quickens. My hips gyrate, grinding my ass against him as close as possible to allow him deep inside. The movement causes a beautiful reaction.
“This…pussy…Is.So.GOOOOOOD!” he manages. I reach between my legs to massage the dangling twins and he loses control, pounding with a painful pleasure. Convulsion is taking over, my muscles contract as my cove vibrates with pleasure, against the nine plus inches resting inside. He explodes, still holding himself in place. As his breath begins to steady, he whispers, “I love you.”
Did he just say that…he loves me? Did he mean to say that? Shit. He withdraws his penis from inside, caresses my back, and begins placing soft kisses along the same trail.
“Lay down for me, Gabriella.”
Not knowing what to say, I oblige, and with a nervous energy, begin talking before he can speak.
“What a nice surprise…a very nice surprise. I didn’t know when I would have the pleasure of you again. Looks like they still have their own, undeniable, relationship.”
XI
“Can we address the two-week old white elephant in the room?” he asks.
Why is he doing this to me now? Mere days before he departs and now he wants to talk. As difficult as it has been at times, I’ve managed to keep it business, and calm because we didn’t revisit anything. Here comes the can of worms…
“I’m open to that. What ya got?”
“Well, let me start by telling you that I stayed away purposely yesterday because I needed to think. Since I got here, I’ve tried to push things to the back of my mind, even with all my curiosities.”
Understandable.
“Please don’t think I’m judging, because I’m not. I would never do that to you. It has just weighed heavily on my mind.” He pauses. “I don’t want you upset with me, but I have to ask. What are you doing here? I mean, as sophisticated as this operation is, it still is what it is – a high priced…for lack of a better word…brothel. Mustang Ranch-ish, you know?”
“Mustang Ranch! Wow. Are you kidding me? Sounds all kinds of ‘judging,’ Ken. Not to mention the fact that I could ask you the same question. Since we do have history, I do feel the need to give validity to your question.”
I sit up in the bed and pull the sheets to my chest suddenly feeling exposed…vulnerable.
“Truthfully, I’m not entirely sure why I continued after the first time, but it began to feel like somewhat of a release from the demands of my every day, regular life, and I liked it. I come here for Carnival, and indulge in what I’ve come to view as extracurricular. I never gave it much thought – until you showed up, that is.”
I got quiet, momentarily as to choose my words carefully.
“I have to admit that the Mustang Ranch reference has me feeling a certain way. We are more than that. Despite the like concept, the price tag alone makes us much more different. Our clientele contrasts greatly in socioeconomic standing. They’re affordable, where only a certain echelon can even afford to request a stay with us.”
He moves closer to where I’m sitting and rubs my back.
“Did I answer to your satisfaction? If not, let me know and I will close any gaps.”
“You answered just fine,” he responds. “Thank you.”
“Tell me about adult Gabrielle. Are you still in the Bay Area? I do remember you and your family’s annual visits when you were younger. It must have left a real impression on you, hu
h?”
“Yes, I’m still in the Bay Area. I have an entire life there – a very demanding life. I have my own company, The Goodie Bagg – ”
“Yummm…Dare I even ask? Sounds in-ter-es-ting,” he jokes.
“Anyway, Silly! It’s an adult toy business. I’ve been in business for five years, and it’s been really good.”
“What about relationships? I know there have to be many men wanting to claim you as their woman.”
“It’s complicated…but, I do have a man in my life that I haven’t quite made a commitment to. Just can’t seem to do that. Haven’t learned how to do that yet.” Then before I had a chance to control the escape, “You hurt me deeply, Ken, and not to guilt trip you, but I feel it is largely why I am incapable of surrendering all to a man. Body? Yes. Mind and soul, not quite. Coming here allows me to engage in unattached, non-committed, relations with people I have absolutely no emotional attachment to and it’s worked for me.”
“I’m so sorry, Gabriella. I never meant to hurt you. I was young. I know that doesn’t make it better. I know that I owed you more than just walking away. I regretted it, and the letters were an attempt to redeem myself, but I can’t say I blamed you for one second for not responding. I figured after the fifth unanswered one, it was time to give it up because clearly you’d left the building.”
“I’m confused. What letters?”
“I sent more than a few apologizing, explaining, begging…” he laughs. “When I came home to visit, I went by your house as a last ditch effort – in person, but there was another family there.”
“Wow. Yeah, my parents sold the Piedmont house. I had no idea. I wish I had because I felt the three years we had together meant nothing to you. That was a hard pill to swallow.”
He’s rubbing my hand now as he holds it in his.
Letters…plural…damn. What happened to them? Shock is all over me. I wonder how different life would have been if he had found me, or if the letters had reached me. Would I have accepted his apology and taken him back? Would we be married with children? Would either of us be as successful as we are now? What would life have had in store for us?
“I live in New York,” he says. “I have a sports management firm that I founded after suffering an injury a few years into playing ball. Rather than be that guy killing himself in rehab for a second chance at the field, I pursued my plan B…love of sports, and management. I love it with everything in me because I get to not only manage these talented athletes, I get to, as their managers, stress the importance of a plan B, without feeling like I’m overstepping.
“As far as family goes…” he continues, “never got married, no children. At this point, I’m barely dating anyone…not even casually…”
His voice trails off.
“When I saw you here, all these emotions came sprinting back. I couldn’t bring myself to show emotion because when I thought you’d gotten those letters and simply ignored me, I had to detach. It was difficult, as you can see now – “
“I love you too, Ken. I never stopped. Too much there. Yes, we were young, but it was intense. There’s been a lot missing in my interactions with other men and I never really tried to hone in on why that was, just accepted it. In an instant, though, it all became clear as I walked up to you that first night. I could barely feel my legs.”
The sun is peering through now. Almost six hour hours later, and we are still talking. Years to catch up on. To think that we missed so much of life on assumptions and regrets. My trips to Brazil have always been about me maintaining a happy in life that no one could take away. I live for happiness because I know that ultimately, it is what we all should strive for. But now knowing that my true love never let me leave his heart, gives life a whole new meaning.
XII
On my last day, Valentina and the girls host a farewell gathering for me. As always, there are many tears. It will be another year before we all meet again. Natalia mentions casually that she is thinking she wants to come back to the States with me, possibly working for my company. I tell her she is welcome anytime, as she is the sister I never had.
Conversation revolves around the good time we all had with our various guests. Valentina has one of the best things going. She and I schedule some time to discuss establishing a sister resort that would provide a similar service for women. I’m sure if we put the feelers out, we would find that more women than not would entertain the idea. Guaranteed.
Valentina accompanies the driver to the airport so that we can have our 1:1 without interruption.
“You do know that I consider you family, right?” she asks.
“Of course, Valentina, and you are mine.”
“Well, then you know that what I’m about to say is from the heart. You allowed Ken to leave and I don’t know where the two of you left off, but he confided in me that he loves you, and I believe him. I know you have a quote-unquote…situation at home, but I also know that your entire heart is not present. Each year that you come to see me, I am delighted and would be hurt beyond belief if you were to cease coming. However, I want to share with you that a great love only comes once in a lifetime. Not that love can’t penetrate, but great, simply once. I had mine in Dionisio, and I believe that Ken is yours. Treat yourself to the good life – the right life. Do not continue to live a convenient life, when you have the opportunity to live one that completes you…that is a fit.”
“Eu amo voce, Valentina.”
“Eu amo voce também, Gabriella.”
We hug for what seems like forever before I depart to my gate. I yell back at her, “O vereino próximo ano!”
She waves in response.
One year later
“Venha, Natalia! The car service is here! We can’t miss this flight!”
Valentina would kill us if we dare get there on a delay; she’s a ball of nerves. Even though Alexio has hired a very capable wedding planner, she still manages to overindulge in details better handled by others. I’m just happy she finally gave in to her feelings for this wonderful man that has been a consistency.
As the driver is loading our bags into the trunk of the car, Natalia comes flying down the stairs. “Coming!” she yells. “I was ending a phone call discussing logistics for the office while I’m gone.
“Look at you getting all acclimated in your new position and all. I knew you would thrive in the business and absolutely love it. Now you see exactly why I do. This has been a long time coming, girl.”
“I know,” she says earnestly, “I’m so glad to be here with you.” She reaches over to hug me. “Now…” she continues, “you can spend as much time jetting back and forth to New York to see Ken as you want to.”
Automatic blushing.
“Speaking of which, when is your next visit?”
“Supposed to be on this trip to Brazil, but he needs to take an expansion meeting and doesn’t know if he will make it. If he doesn’t, we will plan something in the next few weeks, I guess.”
We have been going strong for almost a year now and I can’t remember being so happy. When I attended Sunday dinner at my parent’s home a few weeks after returning, my mother gasped when I told her that I had run into Ken while attending Carnival.
During that conversation, my mother confessed to destroying the letters. My mother witnessed my pain, first hand. She was protecting her baby girl. She did what she thought was best, and I will never be angry at her for that.
My dad was pretty straightforward offering, “As long as you’re happy, I’m happy. If you end up hurt, he’ll end up hurt. Period.”
Alright then! Tell it like it is, Daddy!
XIII
It was difficult telling Robert that I had to end things, but he understood. He’d always sensed there was something. It broke my heart because he is a good guy. I’ve kept in touch via email every now and again, and he shared with me not too long ago, that he’s recently engaged.
“With all we have to do in Valentina’s absence, you may not have had the
time to spend with him.”
She’s right. We have six newcomers this year and haven’t done any of the research on them. They’ve already gone through screening and all, but Natalia and I don’t know their stories. Married, single, “it’s complicated”, we don’t know. So, we have to get in and study the files so that all goes smooth. So she has a point, there may be more work time than free time on this particular trip.
In addition, we have to do 1:1 sessions with the two new girls that Valentina brought in to take our places as regular hostesses during Carnival season. I thought Natalia would continue to come as I did during Carnival, but she decided to leave it all behind when she took over VP for Goodie Bagg.
She prefers to look for her Mr. Right and be his woman, full time. I support her decision, as does Valentina. We all went into this “work,” (for lack of a better word), for our own reasons.
Once Natalia’s work schedule slows, she won’t have even the slightest problem finding her guy. She’s gorgeous and there will be many men vying for her affections, and the chance to slide between those curvy hips.
“Gabriella, can you believe that our Valentina is getting married?”
“I actually can. Alexio loves her so much. I have witnessed the way he looks at her and the way he caters to her every need. There is mutual love and respect there. He will honor her in a way that will make Dionisio smile. I’m sure of that.”
“This has been a long time coming. Everything is now in alignment.”
High above the clouds, as I drift off to sleep, my thoughts are of Ken – him inside me, his lips touching places screaming for attention, and hopes that he will be able to get away in time enough to love me into the night, and beyond…
The Sinner’s Slice
Naughty Gras: Tales of Fat Tuesday Page 9